All licensed operators are encouraged to use the repeaters.
All FCC regulations will be followed, including:
- Operators will yield to emergency communications.
- ID with your complete call sign every 10 minutes and your final transmission must include your complete call sign.
- No profanity of any type.
- No music during transmissions. Please turn your music down.
CRRG Repeater Acceptable Use:
- No crossband repeating or linking without prior written approval.
- No political comments or discussion.
- No religious comments or discussion.
- No Nets without prior written aproval.
- During all QSOs, leave a 3-second space after the courtesy tone so that others may break in for emergency use or to make a contact.
- When you announce your call sign it must be done in a clear and understandable manner. Don’t say it as fast as you can, anybody listening should be able to copy it.
- During extended QSOs, you are encouraged to yield to others needing the frequency. Periodically pause and inquire if any others need to use the repeater.
- There is currently no maximum time limit if this rule is followed.
- Avoid a stuck microphone. Place your mic where it is secure from accidental transmission.
- Avoid Kerchunking. Always announce yourself as testing, with your call sign. Otherwise, we might think there is something wrong with the repeater.
Repeater Etiquette:
The following information is a simple guide to courteous operation on repeaters. If you operate using these simple guidelines, you will make it more enjoyable for everyone operating on repeaters, and you will also set a good example for others. It never hurts to review the guidelines (and new hams may not be familiar with these guidelines) to make sure you are being a responsible amateur radio operator. Remember, repeaters are a public service, and general courtesy is expected of all amateur radio operators.
Take the time to listen to a repeater before you talk.
Do not monopolize the repeater. Simplex may be more appropriate for lengthy conversations. Keep in mind that repeaters are a shared resource and are to be available to a large community of users. A good operating practice is to use simplex for long conversations (rag chewing) if possible.
Transmit your call sign when you first come on the air. Make sure you ID once every 10 minutes, but there is no need to identify too often. (47CFR § 97.119.a)
Some topics are like land mines – Religion, Politics, Sex, etc. Do not discuss these subjects over the air! It can be more interesting than discussing what you ate for lunch last Wednesday, or the weather conditions you experienced two days ago, or how bad your bunions are troubling you, but “land mine” conversations can sometimes descend into a shouting match and can cause people to become upset (even those listening and not part of the conversation).
Do not belittle, berate, defame or speak ill of others….period. This includes individuals, groups, nations, aspect of the hobby, etc. Using words such as idiot, stupid, hate monger, etc. in reference to any person, entity or group should not be tolerated.
Do not inject a comment into a conversation without saying your call sign. Part 97 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which governs our operations as amateur radio operators, requires that you identify with your callsign. (47 CFR § 97.119.a) Transmitting comments without identifying yourself is prohibited. Interrupting is no more polite on the radio than in the real world.
Pause periodically to see if anyone else would either like to join the conversation or use the repeater for a quick call that is not part of the ongoing conversation.
When identifying, please say your call sign slowly and clearly. Call signs that are rattled off too fast can make the call sign totally unintelligible.
Don’t forget that the FCC prohibits the transmission or retransmission of music (and almost anything else that is received over the airwaves; for specifics, see (47 CFR § 97.113.a.4). If you have a radio turned on (this is especially common for many mobile stations), make sure that it’s turned down before you transmit.
When using “comment” or “break” to be recognized and you are acknowledged by net control or the folks using the frequency, then be sure to identify with your call sign.