Get Channel Loading Calculator

The Channel Loading Calculator is a vital tool for 700/800 MHz Regional Planning Committees to effectively determine the number of frequencies needed for specific applications. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to accurately fill out the calculator online, ensuring ease of use for all individuals, regardless of their experience level.

Follow the steps to effectively complete the Channel Loading Calculator.

1. Press the ‘Get Form’ button to access the Channel Loading Calculator and open it in your preferred editor.
2. Locate the section for inputting the number of radios owned by the agency. This is essential information, as it will form the basis for your calculations. Enter the appropriate number based on your agency's records.
3. Find the field for the percentage of radios used per hour. Input the estimated percentage based on your operational data. This value is critical for determining how many of the owned radios are actively utilized.
4. Next, focus on the section for the actual number of radios in use per hour. This will auto-populate once you have entered the previous data. Ensure it reflects accurate usage statistics.
5. Enter the number of push-to-talk (PTT) actions per radio per hour. For this version of the calculator, a common average of 6 PTTs may be implemented unless specific data suggests otherwise.
6. Proceed to the section for total PTT actions per hour, which will automatically compute based on your previous input. This metric helps assess overall communication volume.
7. Input the duration of each PTT action in seconds. A standard duration can be set at 5 seconds for this calculation.
8. Specify the repeater hang-time in seconds. This figure can range from 0 to 2 seconds, depending on system specifications, and impacts overall airtime.
9. Review the calculation of traffic loading in Erlangs, which signifies the total talk time per hour. This should auto-populate, showing the traffic demand based on your inputs.
10. Check cells related to performance objectives such as queue wait times and Grade of Service (GoS). Ensure these values meet the acceptable thresholds for your operational standards.
11. Evaluate the output fields that indicate the number of frequencies needed for both FDMA and TDMA systems. This is key to determining if your agency has sufficient capacity for all communications.
12. After verifying all inputs and ensuring accuracy, save your changes. You may choose to download, print, or share the calculated data as necessary.

Complete your Channel Loading Calculator online today to ensure efficient frequency management for your agency.