Repeater Operation

Repeater Operation

Recommended Repeater Operating Procedures

• Use simplex wherever possible freeing the repeater for necessary uses.
• Monitor the repeater (listen) or determine if the repeater is in use and if there are any peculiarities in its operation. After listening for a few seconds, identify, un key and listen to see if it was quiet for a reason and to allow someone to let you know if there is a reason not to continue (low audio, low signal strength, etc). Then, if all OK, proceed.
• Don’t break into a contact unless you have something to add. Interrupting is no more polite on the air than it is in person. Interruption without identification constitutes malicious (and illegal) interference.
• Use the minimum power to key up the repeater. To make contact, simply indicate that you are on frequency. For example “VE1ZZZ monitoring”. Do not kerchunk.
• Remember Amateur Radio transmissions are being monitored by many non-hams with scanners. Be mindful of your language and your manners. Please don’t bring disrepute on the Amateur Radio Service.

 

 

• Repeaters are intended to facilitate mobile and portable operation. During rush hours, base stations should relinquish the repeater to commuting mobiles. Some repeater owners have strict rules requiring this.
• Keep transmissions short and thoughtful. Do not monopolize the repeater. Pause between transmissions to allow other Amateurs to identify themselves if they wish to use the repeater. Pausing also allows the timer to reset, avoiding a “time-out”.
• Identify legally. In Canada that means at the beginning and end of a contact and every thirty minutes of operation.
• Repeaters are installed and maintained at considerable expense and inconvenience. Regular users of a repeater should financially support the individual or club owner in their efforts to keep the repeater working properly.

 https://www.rac.ca/repeater-operation/