SUPER BOWL XXXIX IN JACKSONVILLE
Ten area Amateur Radio operators assisted coordinators from the National Football League (NFL) and Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) at Super Bowl XXXIX to organize frequency (channel) usage by media outlets and others with transmitters in the stadium area.
Estimates indicate that 8,000 transmitters were in use during Super Bowl XXXIX week. If radio frequency (RF) devices, such as transmitters and wireless microphones, are not coordinated; signals are jammed and communications are disrupted.
Media Day was very busy for the frequency coordination crew. Busloads of photographers, radio and television personnel arrived and were very anxious to get into the stadium to produce reports and features for their viewers back home. As they passed through RF check-in, their transmitting gear was tested for proper operation and tagged. Time was limited with some busses arriving only minutes before the first team appeared inside the stadium.
When interference was reported, portable radio direction finding (RDF) units were used to track down the source which usually turned out to be an uncoordinated transmitter or a coordinated unit that had shifted frequency.
The crew assembled on game day, February 6th, around 9AM to check in and tag RF devices. They also watched the gates to the stadium for untagged devices or those with expired tags from Media Day or a previous Super Bowl. Crew members were stationed throughout the stadium and on the field during the game to be able to react quickly if an interference problem arose.
The game went smoothly. Only a few interference conflicts arose which were remedied quickly.
Participating were NFL Frequency Organization Group Manager Jay Gerber, N3AW; NFL Frequency Coordinator Karl Voss; Jacksonville Jaguar Frequency Coordinators Clayton Roney, KI4FWZ and Jim Bedore; Tampa Bay Frequency Coordinator Ralph Beaver and computer consultant Dan Collins.
Among others participating were Frank Ingle, KG4CQK; Dan Weisenberger, KW4T; Billy Williams, N4UF; Ben Bramlett, K7BEN; Wayne Chandler, N4KWC; Rick Oreair, WB4BSP; Rick Oreair III; Billy Gentilman, KD4KHN; Michael O'Rourke, W5MSO; Miller Norton, W4EMN; Paul Locke, KB4PML; Cameron Brubeck; Tobias & Alicia Bullocks (Philadelphia Eagles Coordinators); Joe Clary; Otto Shellin (Pittsburgh Steelers Coordinator representing AFC); John Swisher; Russ Harbaugh.
Read more about RF communications and the role of the frequency coordination crew at the Super Bowl here in Jacksonville in the March-April Balanced Modulator printed newsletter.
RF Check-in positions during Media Day on Tuesday, February 1st. Transmitters are checked for proper operation and tagged. Channel coordinations are confirmed.
Frequency Coordination HQ trailer and crew members. Jay Gerber, N3AW is in the right two photos. Jay is the NFL Frequency Organization Group Manager and crew leader.
Left to Right: Portable Radio Direction Finder Unit used to locate sources of interference and pinpoint uncoordinated transmitters***Cart used to take crew to assignments around stadium***Color coded routing chart****Helmet communications HQ
Fans and camera crews get ready for the game.
PHOTOS FROM THE GAME AND HALFTIME SHOW
