Repeater Procedures

These procedures are not intended to unreasonably restrict users, but rather to help ensure a pleasant operating environment for everyone. When using the TARRA repeater system all users are expected to follow these practices. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may cause you to be asked to cease operation on this system.

It’s a hobby! Have fun, use common sense, be polite and follow FCC rules including properly identifying at required intervals.

Emergency communications take precedence over all other communications on the repeater – if someone declares an Emergency, allow them to interrupt traffic. Do what you are able to assist with the emergency. ALWAYS allow emergency traffic.

Only the English language is to be used on the repeaters.

Prior to transmitting, monitor the repeater to make sure the repeater is not in use.

If just trying to let someone know you are out there, give your call sign and ask if anyone is around or say "monitoring (on which repeater)". Don't just give your call sign, no one will know why you are doing that.

NO kerchunking!!! (keying up without identifying yourself) If you want to see if you are getting into the repeater, then just give your identification. By FCC Regulations you are required to give identification at the end of ALL transmissions, and this means all.

Identify as required, at least every ten minutes and at the end of your conversation. It is also a good idea to identify near the beginning of your conversation as well. It is a good idea to get in the habit of identifying your station every time the repeater identifies.

Give your call sign as it is issued. Such as W 7 C A T. Your call sign is not a single word so don't give it that way. Give your call sign so it can be understood.

If possible, do not transmit over the repeater identification.

When giving your identification at the end of a conversation, keep it simple for everyone; just give your legal required station identification and no one else’s identification.

Operating in a net does not excuse you from identifying your station. Either identify at the end of your comment or if need be, after the net. If you aren’t able to get your identification in during the net, then after the net, just say something like “W7CAT for ID”.

During a net is NOT the time to be trying out a radio or location. There is plenty of other times to check your radio, during a net is not one of those times. Nets often have several people on and no one appreciates a bad signal.

Identify before sending any DTMF tones, and tell why you are going to be sending tones.

Do not use any DTMF tones other than those approved. A simple, "W7TAR controlling" or "W7CAT accessing" is sufficient. Make sure to ID and clear when you are finished as well. Please do not guess or use access codes or short-cuts from other repeaters on the TARRA Repeater System.

Be wary of well-meaning operators giving advice about the system. Often they are wrong. Instead, refer them to the Control Operator.

This is a voice repeater, only to be used for voice transmissions, other than approved DTMF tones.

Please no discussion of religion, politics, or anything else controversial. We don't need to offend anyone.

Quiet time. Remember that quiet time is from 10:00 PM until 8:00 AM (prefer 9:00 AM). Emergency traffic only during these hours. If you are having a conversation with someone as it gets close to 10:00 PM doesn’t mean you have to just stop. Just try to finish up soon. The same if you need to call someone before 8:00 AM, just keep it short as possible.

Use plain English in speaking to others. Do not use CB radio lingo. Because FM repeaters have an amazingly “clean” sound to them, the use of a lot of verbal shorthand (like that used in CW operations, Q signals and phonetics) is strongly discouraged.

Calling CQ on the repeaters will get you ignored. If you continue to call CQ or use other Q codes you will be asked NOT to use the repeaters.

When having a conversation, periodically allow space if someone else wants to join the conversation or needs to use the repeater. Keep transmissions short and thoughtful. Your transmissions are being heard by many listeners, including non-hams with scanners. Don't give a bad impression of our service.

Don't interrupt an established conversation unless you have something of value to add.

When calling someone, key up for one second, then give their call sign and yours, something like “W7TAR this is W7CAT (on which repeater) ”. Then wait a few seconds and then call the same way again. After a few more seconds, if there is no answer then say something to clear, such as “Nothing heard W7CAT” or “No Contact W7CAT”.

For some of us who scan with our radios, a long call will work better. For example, key up your radio for a few seconds and then call the station you are trying contact. This gives a chance for the radio to lock on the frequency before you call.

No breaking calls! This is something that I have very little tolerance for. For example, if I am calling “W7TAR this is W7CAT” if you are not W7TAR, then DO NOT ANSWER. After I have called twice and haven’t heard anything, then I will say something like “nothing heard W7CAT” or “no contact W7CAT”. After that go ahead and call W7CAT.

NO transmitting on the repeater output frequencies. This is also against the band plan.

Sorry, no cheap Chinese radios that don't meet specifications. If you feel your radio does meet specifications, then the radio must be tested before it is approved by the repeater trustee.

Support your local repeaters, repeater owner and local club. Operating repeaters is an expensive endeavor in terms of money and time. It is through your support and donations that we are able to maintain high quality repeaters. The TARRA system operates thanks to users who contribute funds to help maintain the system and sites. Donations are very much appreciated. If you would like to donate please Email Mick (W7CAT) and he will be glad to provide the necessary information. Thank you for your continued support of the system!

The ARRL says it clearest of all: "A repeater is not a public utility - you don’t have a "right" to use it. When you are using someone else’s repeater you are, in effect, a visitor in the owner’s station. So, you should conduct yourself accordingly. If you use that station in a manner that the owner finds objectionable, that person has every right to revoke your privilege of using it!" (Source: The ARRL’s FCC Rule Book)

Have FUN!