Your Pin is Personal^®

The pinpole at the Pinnacle Street field is the primary means of frequency control in use by the 495th R/C Squadron, Inc. The need for strict frequency control is due to the fact that only one R/C transmitter can be transmitting on a given R/C frequency at any time. Multiple R/C transmitters operating on the same frequency will interfere and cause loss of control of any models being operated on that frequency! This occurrence is commonly referred to as a "shoot-down", and has obvious safety and financial implications for all members of the club. If utilized correctly, the pinpole will eliminate any chance of a shoot-down and the resultant injury or loss of property.

In the United States there are 50 R/C frequencies in the 72 MHz (aircraft) band. These frequencies are represented by discrete channel numbers ranging from Ch. 11 to Ch. 60. There are also 18 R/C frequencies in the 50 MHz band that require an Amateur Radio license to use. Each member of the 495th R/C Squadron, Inc. is required to have a club-issued frequency "pin" showing the channel number for each frequency they operate on. This pin will display the channel number on both sides in large, easily-readable numbers. The owners name, and AMA number, will also be shown on the pin. Magnets or clothes pins are commonly affixed to the frequency pin as a means of attachment to the pinpole. A sample frequency pin is shown below.

The basic operating principle of the pin pole is quite simple - before turning on your R/C transmitter, you must verify that your frequency is not already "in-use" on the pinpole, and then you must place your frequency pin on the appropriate green, yellow or blue areas of the pinpole. Once this has been done, you have placed your channel "in-use", and no other modeler may switch on their transmitter on the same frequency. If this process is followed rigidly by all members, it will prevent any possibility of frequency interference.

The pinpole is divided into multiple color-coded "segments" or "tabs" as described below:

                     Note: The Flying and Glider tabs have priority over the Ground tab except when
                               Ground is in use by an instructor giving instruction.

Recommendations for proper and safe frequency management.

• Remember Your Pin is Personal^®. You should NEVER allow anyone to either put your pin up, or take your pin down. Don't allow anyone to handle your pin except yourself!!
   

• Always use the pinpole whenever you fly at Pinnacle Street. Even if you are alone, get in the habit of using your frequency pin all the time.
   

• Be proactive about frequency control! Make it a point to know who else at the field is using the same channel number as you,  and let them know your channel number as well.
   

• Always verify that no one else is using your channel number before turning on your R/C transmitter! Be sure to check the Glider, Ground and Flying tabs before turning on!
   

• Don't just look at the pole to determine if the frequency is clear, put up your frequency pin first!!

Note: The color-coding on the Pinnacle Street pinpole will be implemented in the Spring of 2008.

Sample 495th R/C Squadron, Inc. Frequency Pins

Submitted by John Morley
Posted: Dec. 28, 2007

Your Pin is Personal^® is a registered trademark of Ron Quattrochi