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RMRL Repeater User Guidelines

The  Rocky  Mountain  Radio  League,  Inc. (RMRL) owns and operates a number of amateur repeater systems near Denver that serve the Front Range.  Since RMRL is a large organization, we  have  this  set  of guidelines for use of the repeaters that reflect the desires of a majority of the members.  These are not intended to unreasonably  restrict  your  operation,  but  rather to help ensure a pleasant operating environment is maintained for all.

1.  During  times  of peak use and inclement weather, please keep transmissions short  on  all  repeaters  and  pause  long  enough  between  them to allow emergency traffic to break in.  If possible, use a simplex frequency rather than one of the repeaters.

2.  Please  be courteous in your use of the repeaters.  Keep conversations to a length that will allow others to enjoy the machines too.  Do not break into a QSO unless you are certain you will be welcomed and you have something to add to the conversation.

3.  Please  use  common sense and good taste during QSOs.  Do not use profanity or  make suggestive or off-color remarks or jokes.  Likewise, conversations of a very trivial, personal, critical, or negative nature are inappropriate.  Remember that many individuals,  including non-hams, may be listening, so please do your part to  leave  a  good impression of the Amateur  Service and RMRL with our audience.

4.  Please keep testing on repeater frequencies to a minimum.  If you must test on the machines, be certain to identify legally.

5.  Exchange  of formal messages on the repeaters is acceptable and encouraged. On the other hand, one-way traffic (ie, repeater to simplex) is discouraged because  it  needlessly  ties  up  the machine.  Remember, one way repeater messages  (from  one station to a non-responding or unlicensed station) are illegal.   Simplex operation on the repeater output frequencies should also be avoided since it prevents others from using the machines.

6.  Visitors  are  welcome on the repeaters and the autopatches.  Please assist any visiting amateur who requests help.

7.  The   repeaters   have   timeout   circuits  that  automatically  shut  the transmitters  down  in  the  event  there  is a steady carrier on the input frequency  for  longer  than  2  minutes.    To reset the timer, it is only necessary to release your microphone button for an instant.  You don't have to let the repeater transmitter drop.

8.  Please  identify  clearly at the beginning and end of each conversation, as well  as  every 10 minutes during the conversation if it exceeds 10 minutes in  length.   If breaks between exchanges exceed a minute in length, please treat  the  next  transmission  as the beginning of a new conversation (ie, identify).   These  guidelines  differ  somewhat  from  FCC  identification requirements, but work well for our large number of users.

9.  The  repeater  transmitters  delay  one half second before coming up when a signal  breaks  the  squelch of the repeater receiver.  This reduces random keyups,  but  may also result in the first syllable or two being cut off of your  transmission  if  you  key your transmitter and talk immediately.  To avoid  this, key up and wait an instant before you talk.  If your radio has subaudible  tone  (CTCSS)  encode  capability,  you can bypass the delay by using  a  frequency of 103.5 Hz.  Using CTCSS will also enable you to put a more reliable signal into the repeater under marginal conditions.

10. The  repeaters may be used for events or other special communication needs. This should be arranged in advance with one of the club's officers.

11. Please  read  the  attached  Repeater Tips excerpt from the ARRL Operating Manual.  It offers other suggestions for proper and courteous repeater operation.

DOs

Do keep all transmissions short.  Emergencies  don't  wait for monologues to be finished.  If you want to hear your own voice, what you want is a tape recorder, not an FM rig.

Do think before you transmit.  If you can't think of anything worth saying, don't say anything.

Do be courteous.  A  repeater  is  like  a telephone party line, and requires the same kind of cooperation in its use.

Do pause a couple of seconds between exchanges.  Someone with a high priority need for the repeater may want to break in.

Do use simplex whenever possible.  Leave the repeaters available for those who need them.

Do support your local repeater club.  Maintaining  a  good machine is an expensive and time-consuming undertaking, and you should do your share.

 

DON'Ts

Don't monopolize a repeater.  The  best  repeater users are the ones who do a lot of listening, and little transmitting.

Don't  forget  that what you say over a repeater can be heard over thousands of square miles - by anyone with an inexpensive scanner or public service band monitor.  These people are potential hams; if they like what they hear on the air, they will want to get licenses and join us.  Don't leave them with a bad impression of our hobby by making thoughtless or off-color remarks.

Don't break into a contact unless  you  have  something  to  add  and  you're  sure you'll be welcomed. Interrupting is no more polite on the air than it is in person.

Don't try to prove what a great operator you are by  criticizing the operating techniques of others on the air.  Instead, set an example that others will be proud to follow.

Don't  forget  that  amateur  radio  is  allocated  frequencies because it is a service, not  just  a  hobby.  Don't neglect the public service aspects of VHF/UHF FM communication, such as accident reporting, emergency preparedness, etc.

Don't abuse autopatch privileges.  Business messages  are not permitted in the Amateur Service.  Don't force a control operator to terminate your call in order to avoid a rules violation.

 

  

Copyright 2007 Rocky Mountain Radio League, Inc. Denver, Colorado  USA