TRI-COUNTY
RADIO ASSOCIATION, INC.
W2LI
Repeater Operating Practices:
- To initiate a
contact, simply indicate that you are on frequency. "KC2ZZZ Listening" is
the usual sort of message if you aren't calling a
specific station. If no one comes back to you, no further
transmission on your part is necessary. Phrases like "negative
contact" or "nothing heard" serve
no purpose and should be avoided. When you're done with
your QSO, sign off with "KC2ZZZ clear and
listening" or just "KC2ZZZ out."
- Identify legally. TCRA requires that you identify
your station at the beginning of each contact, at least
once each 10 minutes during the contact, and at the end
of the contact.
- Pause between
transmissions. Listen
for others who may need to use the repeater.
- Keep your
transmissions short and thoughtful. A long monologue may prevent
someone with emergency traffic from using the repeater.
Remember that repeaters have timers that will cut
your transmission short if you talk too long.
- Don't use a repeater
for LOCAL contacts. If
you can carry on a conversation on simplex, do so, and
leave the repeater open for weak stations and mobiles
that NEED it.
- Don't break into a
QSO unless you have something to add. Interrupting is just as impolite
on the air as it is in person.
- Repeaters are
primarily intended to facilitate mobile communications. ESPECIALLY DURING RUSH
HOURS, base stations should relinquish repeater
use to mobile stations.
- Leave your CB lingo
next to your old 11 Meter rig. You worked hard for your amateur
license. Listen a lot and learn how to sound like the
licensed amateur that you now are.
- Don't be a repeater
hog. The dues
of all TCRA members support the repeaters,
and everyone should have equal access to them. If you
have that much to say, you should use some
other frequencies, too. Remember that even your mother
wouldn't want to hear your voice all day long.
- Support your
repeaters. We
try to keep the 2-meter repeater "open". If a
non-member is a regular user, he or she should be
encouraged to help support the repeater, too. Invite your
friends who use the repeaters regularly to send in a
check and help support our excellent repeaters.
- Don't acknowledge or
encourage any station causing malicious interference. If necessary, telephone a Control
Operator.
- Don't bring up more
than one repeater. We
share our frequencies with other repeaters. If your
transmissions key up more than one repeater, lower
your power. It's inconsiderate to tie up multiple
repeaters at the same time. Nearby repeaters on 2 meters
are in Long Island and Pennsylvania.
- NEVER ARGUE WITH A
CONTROL OPERATOR OVER THE AIR. Control Operators have a
thankless job. They must police the club's repeaters as
they deem necessary in order to protect the club's
callsign. If you disagree with the actions of a Control
Operator, you should write down your grievance and
contact the Officers and/or Trustees.
Special Notes Regarding the 2-Meter Repeater
The 2-meter repeater is the official
repeater for the Union County Office of Emergency Management. In
the event of an emergency, the repeater is to be cleared for the
exclusive use of the Office of Emergency Management.
This repeater is also used preferentially by
the "Skywarn" net in the event of severe weather.
Back