[PBARC] FW: USING THE W5DI REPEATER SYSTEM

[E. Glenn Wolf, Jr.]

fyi -


USING THE W5DI REPEATER SYSTEM
June 1, 2003
DALE TEMPLE, W5RXU
Please understand that a repeater is like a party line telephone system. =
To
be successful, Ham Radio Operators must cooperate and be courteous with =
each
other. Don't Hog the Repeater. Be considerate of others who may wish to =
use
the repeater. Remember the main and original purpose of Repeaters was to
extend the range of mobiles, portable and hand held equipment, NOT to =
extend
the range of High Powered Base Stations, except in Emergencies. =
Repeaters
are intended to facilitate mobiles and portable operations. During the
normal drive time to work, base stations should relinquish the repeater =
to
commuting mobiles.=20

Keep transmissions short and thoughtful. Do not monopolize the repeater.
Wait for the Courtesy Beep before continuing.

Monitor the repeater for a few seconds when you first turn your radio on
before transmitting on the repeater to be sure it is not in use. Key up =
the
repeater, identify and unkey and listen.=20

Remember; Do Not "quick key" the repeater. Key up for a second before =
you
start talking, so all the repeater equipment has time to engage. If you
start talking immediately when you key, the first syllable may be lost =
while
the repeater is engaging.
Ham Radio Operators have names and call signs, not handles or personals, =
use
plain English. Don't use phonetics unless necessary for clarity. Only =
join a
net, when Net Control invites check ins or you have important time =
sensitive
information. When you call a station and receive no response, it is not
necessary to advise "no contact". The failed response speaks for itself.
Unlicensed persons sometimes show up on a repeater. If that happens, =
ignore
and disregard. DO NOT attempt to communicate with an unlicensed person.
First of all, it's illegal to communicate with an unlicensed person.
Secondly, the unlicensed person probably doesn't understand repeater
operations and if no one responds or comments, the unlicensed person =
will
not have any way of knowing if his or her radio is working. In fact, =
they
will probably think it is not working if they can't stir up a comment or
response, JUST IGNORE!
It is just as rude to interrupt a conversation on the repeater as it is =
in
person. To interrupt an on-going conversation on the repeater, you =
should
have a good reason. Changing the subject of the conversation is rude. If =
you
have something to add to the conversation that is germane to the
conversation subject, that is a good reason to interrupt. However, your
interruption should not be to monopolize the conversation.
Breaking into an on-going conversation should be done with your call =
sign
only. Stations engaged in a conversation on the repeater, should pause
between transmissions for the "courtesy beep". That polite pause will =
allow
breaking stations the room to say their call sign. The use of Break or
Break, Break or Break, Break, Break, is not acceptable on Ham Radio. If =
you
have Emergency or Priority Traffic, simply break with your call sign
"emergency" or "priority". Stations engaged in a conversation on the
repeater should immediately recognize a station breaking in with their =
call
sign, if the break is "emergency" or "priority", stations engaged in a
conversation should immediately offer assistance. Interrupting a
conversation on the repeater with anything but your call sign and need, =
is
not acceptable Ham Radio Procedure.
Watch your manners and language on the repeater. Remember there is a =
large
audience with scanners listening.
Repeaters are installed and maintained at considerable expense. Regular =
use
of a repeater, one should financially support the individual or club =
owner
in their efforts to keep the repeater working properly.
Don't be afraid of doing something embarrassing on the air. We have all
goofed up one time or another. Use of the repeater is intended to be =
fun,
enjoyable and facilitate your becoming one of the good Ham Radio =
Operators.
First of all, please feel free to join any net on the repeater. Listen
closely to Net Control directions regarding station check-ins. We want =
you
to join in so we can get to know you better and you can get to know us
better. Everyone is welcome and invited to participate in any repeater
activity regardless of CAREN CLUB affiliation.=20
As for acceptable language on the repeater, don't use words that would =
be
embarrassing in church or in front of your mother, wife or anyone you
respect. Using such language is disrespectful and is not proper conduct =
on
the repeater, even though you hear some people use inappropriate =
language,
don't follow suit and perhaps your good conduct will beneficially =
influence
someone else's bad conduct. Because of the large and basically unknown
audience, we want to hold to a high standard of conduct that will =
reflect
beneficially on our repeater, our club and Ham Radio in general. Also, =
don't
forget there are young ears out there and we want to set a good example.
With all the new Hams coming on the repeater, be sure to take time to =
say
"HI" and make them feel welcome by inviting them to a CAREN Club =
meeting.
Help them any way you can and make them feel like you would want to be
treated if you were the New Ham!

Speak slowly and distinctly on the repeater. When ten minutes has =
elapsed,
say your call sign to identify. You don't have to say, "for ID", it is
understood.
Know where your microphone is at all times. Do NOT lay your microphone =
in
the seat or put it in a position it can become unintentionally keyed. =
You
would be surprised how embarrassing your conversation in automobiles or
residences can be if your two-meter rig is unknowingly keyed and =
everyone
listening to the repeater can hear your unguarded comments or =
conversations.
Use plain English, just like you are talking on the phone. Speak in a =
normal
tone of voice and normal voice volume. Talk across your microphone, not
directly into it, this will eliminate the breath sounds we all make. Ham
Radio Q signals are intended for CW work, not voice, use plain English. =
We
are knowledgeable, licensed, courteous, professional and respectful Ham
Radio Operators. The proper way to say good-by is 7, 3, not 73's.
If you are in doubt about some action or conduct, you probably should =
not do
it until you ask, preferably off the repeater.=20
HAM RADIO IS FUN, CAREN IS FUN. If you want to join us in our HAM RADIO =
FUN,
you are welcome. Looking forward to meeting you, getting to know you and
having fun with you.

CAREN CLUB PHONE PATCH
The CAREN Club has a dedicated phone patch repeater on 147.06 plus =
off-set.
It is an open patch for all to use, however, the repeater is dedicated =
to
phone patch traffic only, unless used in an emergency. The 147.06 =
repeater
is located in the Heights Area of Little Rock and designed to =
specifically
cover Pulaski County. Do not attempt to use the phone patch unless the
repeater signal back to your station is full quieting. That means, the
repeater signal is strong enough to completely silence any white noise =
from
your receiver. If the repeater has white noise, you are not strong =
enough
into the repeater to make and control the phone patch function.
Please identify your station prior to and after Phone Patch usage. It's =
a
good idea to advise people you call on the Phone Patch that they are on =
a
radiotelephone link and inappropriate language is not tolerated. Also
remember you cannot use the Phone Patch to conduct YOUR business.
To make a Phone Patch, identify your station, key your microphone and =
dial
the *, without unkeying, dial your number, then unkey. The repeater
controller will read back the number the controller decoded and proceed =
to
dial. When your party answers and you have concluded your Phone Patch, =
key
your microphone and dial the #. The controller will disengage phone =
patch
from the telephone line and request you ID your station.

USE OF 911 on the Phone Patch
When dialing 911 on the Phone Patch remember the phone line activates =
LITTLE
ROCK 911. Identify your station, key your microphone, dial * 911 and =
unkey.
When finished, dial # and identify your station when the controller =
requests
your ID.
If you need State Police, Pulaski County, Saline County, etc. You will =
need
to request what you need from the LITTLE ROCK 911 operator. It is better =
to
answer 911 operators' questions, the 911 operator will know you are on a =
Ham
Radio and will proceed to ask you questions. There is a lot of =
information
the 911 Operator needs. An example, LRPD and ASP have an agreement =
regarding
interstates that run through the city limits of Little Rock. Criminal
activity on the Interstates will be handled by LRPD. ASP handles DWI's,
wrong-way drivers, debris or stalled vehicles. It is important to give
accurate directions and exactly where you are, directions of travel, =
etc.
Pay particular attention to suspect description, color and make of =
vehicle,
license plate number, details of any injuries, direction of travel, DO =
NOT
attempt to apprehend or detain suspects. Do not make long-winded
transmissions to the 911 operator. They may not be aware that you can't =
hear
them until you release your push to talk. The controller will announce =
30
seconds left at 2 and a 1/2 minutes. The controller limits Phone Patch =
calls
to three minutes, EXCEPT, 911 calls which are 10 minutes. If someone =
else is
having trouble with the Phone Patch, feel free to help them dial their
number or disengage the Phone Patch from the telephone line by dialing =
#, be
sure and identify.=20

HOW TO USE 911
911 operators are required to obtain the name of the caller, not your =
ham
radio callsign, but your name and phone number. Just answer the =
questions!
Dial 911 for the dispatch of Police, Fire or Medical Assistance. An
emergency is described as any event where a police officer, fire fighter =
or
emergency medical treatment is needed. Crimes in progress, poisoning,
drowning, stabbing, choking, unconsciousness, life threatening =
situations,
shooting or display of weapons, fires, motor vehicle accidents or major
traffic or street obstructions, are all examples of Emergencies =
requiring a
911 call. If an event is not an emergency but you feel it still needs to =
be
reported, call the non-emergency numbers for the various law enforcement
agencies.
Stay calm when you dial 911. the 911 operator can't help you if they =
can't
understand you. Take a deep breath, relax, think about what you are =
going to
say and stay calm, cool and collected. Speak slowly and clearly. If =
possible
send someone to meet the Emergency Responders and give directions.=20
Teach Children and grandchildren how to use 911 in case of an emergency
Don't call 911 when the power goes out, for barking dogs, lost pets, =
need a
tow, asking for directions, general information or if the weather is
threatening. Call the utility company and monitor TV and Radio for =
Weather
information. Don't call 911 and hang up unless you can't talk, then dial =
911
and lay the phone down. Police will be dispatched.
Some cordless telephones will send out a false 911 call when the =
batteries
run down. Keep your batteries charged.
Don't call 911 to test if it is working. This takes valuable time away =
from
a real emergency.
Don't call 911 to check on your traffic ticket or to check on someone in
jail.
Don't play with 911 or make false calls, it's illegal and you will be
prosecuted. ALSO, DON'T LET CHILDREN PLAY WITH THE PHONE, they might
practice what you taught them and call 911.

Public Service Events
Enjoy yourself. Public Service events are fun, they serve a valuable =
service
to the non-profit, charitable organizations served and they prepare and
afford practice for Emergency Response.
Maintain a courteous, professional image. You may be working with or =
being
observed by several different agencies. Extend every possible courtesy =
to
served agencies, such as law enforcement, fire, medical, governmental, =
etc.,
make sure they know who you are and your communications capabilities.
Make sure to monitor your radio at all times and advise Net Control if =
you
must be away for a moment.
Follow and obey Net Control instructions. Never abandon your assignment
without advising Net Control.
Never apply first aid unless you are trained and certified to do so. =
Radio
for Medical Help. It is highly recommended that victims not be =
transported
in Private Vehicles. There is a huge Liability issue involved.
Never offer more than you can deliver. Ham Radio Operators are generally =
not
at an event to provide direct Emergency Service, but rather to =
communicate
the need for the direct Emergency Service.=20