|
|
|
|
|
GUIDELINES FOR TRAC REPEATERS - BASIC OPERATION
Monitor the repeater before keying up to see if it is use.
To initiate a contact, simply indicate you are on frequency. For example, just transmit: "this is (your call) listening". DO NOT simply key up to hear the machine; this is an unidentified transmission and is illegal!
Identify legally; you must identify at the end of your transmission as well as at least once every 10 minutes during the communication. Please keep track of time!
Pause between transmissions. This will allow for a station with an emergency to access the repeater. Also for this reason, try to keep all transmissions as short and thoughtful as possible. Remember that many people may be monitoring you, including non-hams with scanners. We need to leave them with a good impression of our service and hobby.
If you are close enough to your calling station, or if you are using high enough power, simplex operation should be used. This will open the repeater up for those lower power stations that need it.
Use the MINIMUM amount of power necessary to maintain communications. TRAC's repeaters share frequencies with several other distant repeaters. Transmitting with minimum power will reduce the possibility of interfering with them.
The TRAC repeaters are the primary repeaters for Lucas County ARES and Northwestern Ohio Skywarn. As such, there are times when the repeaters are in use for nets. Stations that are not involved in such activities are requested to NOT use the involved repeaters when a net is in progress unless the net is in a "standby" condition. Again, it is important to listen before you talk!
In addition to specific prohibited transmissions as outlined in Part 97.113, No station should transmit anything that might possibly be construed as hateful, inciting, or derogatory. In other words, do not transmit anything over the TRAC repeaters that you would not say when face-to-face with the other station.
Repeaters are by no means "self-sustaining"; they require considerable time, labor and expense to operate and maintain. If you find the repeater system to be a valuable service, then you are encouraged to consider actively participating in club activities. This includes attending club meetings, helping out with projects, fund raising, etc., and encouraging your fellow amateurs to join our organization to ensure that the repeaters that they enjoy today will be on the air tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
|
