Repeater Tips
Repeaters are primarily found in the 10, 6 and 2 metre bands and also on 70Cms. It is important they are used properly, especially in the VHF/UHF bands and this section of my website offers tips and advice to all who wish to use the 2 metre and 70Cms repeater stations. But first a few words about operation in the 10 and 6 metre bands.
These repeaters should be accessed with CTCSS signals where possible and power levels should be as low as is consistent with a clean signal into the repeater. On the 10 metre band Narrow FM is the order of the day whilst FM is used for 6 metre operation
Most repeater operation takes place in the VHF/UHF bands. At the outset it must be remembered repeaters were designed to enhance the range of low power mobile and handheld rigs. Fixed station operators should keep this in mind. If two fixed stations can make a two-way contact without the use of a repeater, they should do so rather than use a repeater for a long winded QSO!
Next, even if it is stating the obvious, ensure the correct repeater shift and tone/toneburst are selected. Never transmit on the repeater output frequency.
Remember that VHF/UHFrepeaters should not normally be used for CQ calls. These should be made on the appropriate calling channels which, in the UK and Ireland, are 145.500MHz and 433.500MHz. Amateurs "listen through" on a repeater so the correct way to call on a repeater takes the form "<Callsign> listening through".
Whoever makes use of a repeater must take into account that they do not have the 'monopoly' on its use. This applies in fact for contacts on all frequencies. On non-repeater frequencies the 'first come, first served' (and somehow 'keep') principle is used. On repeater systems this principle should not prevail. Everybody must get a shot at this very useful medium, especially the mobile and portable stations.
During a repeater QSO, it is a good (almost imperative) habit to leave a short pause in between 'overs'. In that way, someone else can make a quick call or intervene in the ongoing QSO. By immediately pressing the PTT (Push to Talk) button after an over, this possibility is effectively prevented. Think about it! In fact, most repeaters require that a gap be left between overs in order that the repeater can reset itself and thus prevent unnecessary timeouts. Wait for the pips or the K. In the case of repeaters linked via Echolink or IRLP, a gap of 5 seconds should be left between overs to give all repeaters in the link time to reset.
If you wish to join a QSO in progress on a repeater, there is an accepted convention which you should adopt. Wait for a gap between overs and give your callsign once or, alternatively, call "Break". The terms "breaker" or "breaker break" are not appropriate and should not be used. Some operators call "Break Break" but it should be noted this is reserved for emergency traffic only. Please use "Break Break" only in case of emergency and repeater users ensure such calls receive priority attention.
The subjects of our communications should always be related to the amateur radio hobby. Ham radio is a hobby regarding the technique of radio communications in the broad sense of the term. We should not use amateur radio to pass along the shopping list for tonight’s dinner...
Some subjects which are a no no in amateur radio conversations on the air are:
• religion;
• politics;
• business (you can talk about your profession, but you cannot advertise for your
business);
• derogatory remarks directed at any group (ethnic, religious, racial, sexual etc.). • bathroom humor: if you wouldn't tell the joke to your ten year old child, don't tell it
on the radio;
• any subject that has no relation whatsoever with the ham radio hobby.
(These bulleted points taken from a list published by the International Amateur Radio Union)
Posted 13 June 2010 21:35:45 GMT