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"Rules of the Road" for users of the MARC Repeaters
- If you have questions about the use of the repeaters, please ask.
FCC Part 97 rules apply AT ALL TIMES.
- Listen for at least 10 seconds before transmitting to be sure the repeater is not already in use or ask "Is the repeater in use?".
- In accordance with FCC requirements, the repeater has a timer set for slightly less than three minutes. Resetting of the timer is indicated by a courtesy tone. WAIT for the tone before transmitting.
- If you wish to join a conversation in progress, wait until the end of a transmission and give your call sign promptly. There is a short delay between the end of a transmission and the courtesy tone. Stations already in conversation wait for the courtesy tone before transmitting.
- If you need access to the repeater for an emergency transmission, say "EMERGENCY" and give your call sign when you break into an ongoing conversation.
- Do not use "break" or "break break" since they have special meaning for most operators
and usage varies around the U.S. Use "EMERGENCY" or your call sign.
- Always allow a breaking station to transmit immediately.
Allow a station an opportunity to report emergencies or ask for directions or other assistance. This is particularly important during commuting periods and periods of bad weather when the need for emergency assistance calls are most likely.
- Avoid business talk (FCC Part 97 rules). When in doubt, DON'T.
- Remember Amateur frequencies are not private lines - what you say on the repeater
can and will be heard by many people (including the FCC). Always assume you have an audience.
- Do not say things that may offend others who may be listening. Be circumspect in discussing private personal family affairs on the repeater. Do not "advertise" your house will be unoccupied during vacations, etc.
- The repeater gives its own ID. You must also identify your station by giving your call sign every 10 minutes during a conversation and at the end of your participation. You do not have to identify the other stations nor do you have to identify yourself with every transmission.
- Monitor the repeater. Members or visitors may call for assistance. Visitors may just want a friendly conversation on the way through the Washington area.
- If you hear what you believe to be deliberate interference, do not attempt to communicate with the interfering station. Switch to the repeater input frequency and, if you can hear the signal, record the following information for use in locating the source:
- signal strength
- your location
- date and time
- your antenna and receiver
- and characteristics of the RF, audio or voice that might help in identification
Report the information to a member of the Board of Directors or the Repeater Committee.
Do not discuss interference incidents on the air.
- While the 146.355/146.955 MHz repeater pair is exclusive in this area, there may be times when other repeaters may be heard. Propagation conditions are occasionally such that we will hear the 146.955 output signals from other repeaters. The 146.355 input signals from stations in other repeater service areas will sometimes bring up our repeater. Our use of the minimum power necessary to access our repeater will help minimize interference with our neighbors. Be tolerant of the annoyances resulting from these unusual conditions.
Updated: 15 Apr 2008