1. You can check on open channels by using the Wireless Bureaus search function found at the old FCC.gov May be best to contact other local engineers as this database is not up to date in many cities. You could also get a cheap scanner (Uniden makes one that will go up to the STL band for around $100, try Universal Radio) and see what's out there.
2. To be licensed, you need to use one of the firms who do the pre-coordination notification mailings. This requires sending notices to everyone on and adjacent to the selected channel within several hundred miles and in several different dimensions.
Gov't requirement to drive business to their buddies. I use Terrestrial RF Licensing in Tulsa, cost is reasonable.
http://www.rflicensing.com/
3. The channel you have to use is based on the division of the bandwidth designator by 25--for STL 10's this is (I recall) 180KF9. So this STL is an "odd" instead of an "even", such as the composite STL's that carry a designator like 300KF9 (typical: PCL-606)
Note for the onlookers: If you have a composite STL save yourself some grief and just use 300--even if the manufacturer calls it something different (e.g.--Armstrong). Gettysburg don't do no stinking ITU designators.
So your 944.375 would be 944.3625--and LJ is right, the other then should be 944.8625.
or a channel next to it. See 74.502.
International crystal can cut new crystals for $12.00 each--(Around $50 for two sets)--there is another crystal in the receiver that may need to be changed. Best bet is to contact Rick Neace at
http://www.rpu-stl.com/--his prices for changing over your STL-10's are also quite reasonable.
4. I realize this is some unanticipated expense. However, once the system is built it will run for years. The STL-10 Martis, though somewhat long-in tooth, are very reliable and in a well-engineered system, will easily beat most digital systems for reliability. Plus once it's built--you own it. No on-going charges going out to some telco.
