San Diego Repeater Association, Inc.

 OPERATING PROCEDURES  


Introduction

There are times when guidelines for doing various things in life must be established in order to keep things running smoothly.  No one is perfect and we all need an occasional reminder!

 

Some newcomers to the repeater systems want very much to do right in the eyes of their peers, so much so that some don't even get on the air for fear of doing something wrong.  They sit back and listen to the more experienced operator and try to establish in their own mind what the correct procedures are.  They know the regulations specify what is right and wrong, but nothing is mentioned about correct operating procedures.

 

The San Diego Repeater Association (SANDRA) has established the below procedures to be used when operating SANDRA repeaters. These procedures were written to establish maximum service for the greatest number of amateurs.  The repeaters must be usable and listenable in order to have stations that are willing to monitor.  Otherwise, we lose the opportunity to enjoy this part of amateur radio.  We encourage you to use our repeaters and have an enjoyable time doing so.  SANDRA is an ARRL Affiliated Club.

 

Setting An Example

From time to time, some of us unknowingly slip into some poor operating habits.  Maybe it's time we all take a few moments to think of what we say and how we say it.  Some become lazy and comfortable with sloppy procedures and don't even realize it.  It becomes a subconscious action and things like shortened call signs, bad slang, cursing, etc., become part of our on the air vocabulary.  Do we really need to express ourselves in this manner?

 

Many non-hams monitor amateur radio frequencies with scanners. Watch your language and your manners.  Please don't bring disrepute on the Amateur Radio Service.  Non-hams who ride in our vehicles, or listen on scanners, are unlikely to get excited about ham radio if they hear this unimpressive slang.  People already know these words, and if they pursue this great hobby why should we give them the impression that language of this nature is commonly accepted?  We reap what we sow.  Therefore, the following points will make amateur radio a better place for all of us.

 

The Meaning Of  "Break"

The word "Break" has several different and very specific meanings in amateur radio.  Break should never be used when you simply want to join a conversation in progress.  Use your call sign for that.  The use of the word break can be used to terminate a message with one station and start a message to another during the same transmission.  Example:   "WB6XYZ, message received.  BREAK.  WB6WLV, have you arrived at your office yet?”

 

Break can be utilized to interrupt an ongoing conversation with traffic of a higher priority.  The frequency should be released immediately to the station calling break.  You should transmit "Station calling break go ahead with your priority traffic."  You must not simply say "I acknowledge the break," then finish your conversation before relinquishing the frequency.

 

The most critical use of break is when someone calls "break, break, break" or "break emergency".  This indicates emergency traffic.  All other stations must release the frequency immediately and stand by to assist if necessary. 

 

Tactfully educate those who use ‘break” in an improper manner.

 

General Responsibilities

Use proper ethics of amateur radio when operating.

 

 

 

Using Repeaters

Repeaters are meant to be used for communicating with stations that are not close enough to each other to be properly heard by all on a simplex frequency.  Peak repeater times in cities are normally during rush hour.  During this time more stations are on during a very short time frame, so your transmissions should be kept shorter to allow everyone a chance to use the repeater.  We encourage everyone to take advantage of our system and use the repeaters, but do so in a responsible and courteous manner.

 

 

Telephone Patch Protocol

The SANDRA Sharp Hospital repeater has a connection to the telephone system, allowing members to make a local phone call using their radio. Use of the autopatch, as it is called, is subject to SANDRA’s rules and protocols. 

 

The SANDRA autopatch utilizes a touch-tone access code, which must be used as a prefix to the telephone number being dialed.  Key your transmitter, and at the same time enter the Access/Up Code followed by the telephone number you are calling.  This is done with a single transmission.  When you un-key, the system should respond “Autopatch.”  Immediately click your microphone button once to speed dial your number.  When you have completed your call, hang up the autopatch by using the # key.

 

The autopatch is configured to speed dial specific agencies.  Dial the three digit number listed below to connect with the desired agency.  No Up Code is necessary.  Disconnect the patch with the normal Down code (#).

 

110            CHP

111            San Diego Police Department

112            San Diego City Fire Department

113            San Diego County Sheriff

114            Chula Vista Police Department

115            El Cajon Police Department

116             

117            National City Police Department

118            Auto Club of Southern California

119            U.S. Coast Guard

120            San Diego City Lifeguard

121            Beach Weather

122            California Department of Forestry

123            La Mesa Police Department

124            Montgomery Field ATIS

 

Autopatch dial-up  abilities are unreliable in repeater fringe coverage areas.  Certain telephone numbers and calling areas are locked out of the autopatch system.  Please be aware that some of your calls may be toll calls.  The autopatch access number is a Linda Vista telephone number.

 

The autopatch access or Up code is published on your Squelch Tails magazine address label.  The disconnect or Down code is #.   Autopatch access is for use by SANDRA members.  Please do not broadcast the access code information over the radio.  If someone is having trouble accessing the patch, access it for him or her.  You may access the autopatch for a guest requesting to use the system.

 

Repeater Systems

 

SANDRA Repeaters are listed below: 

(Input / Output, in MHz.) 

Repeaters use a CTCSS (PL) tone of 107.2 Hz.

 

Mount Otay

146.040           146.640

222.600                      224.200

444.500                      449.500

144.760                      145.360  (Packet Repeater)

1270.30           1282.30

 

Lyons Peak 

146.865                      146.265

 

Mount Laguna

147.750                      147.150

222.460                      224.060

444.200                      449.200

144.390                      144.390  (APRS)

 

Sharp Hospital, Kearny Mesa

147.285                      147.885  (Autopatch Repeater)

 

Kearny Mesa

442.320           447.320

 

Hi-Pass – Boulevard/Campo

144.680                      145.280  (Linked to Mt. Otay 220 MHz. System)

 

SANDRA Nets

SANDRA Nets are open to all licensed amateur radio operators.  There is a Mount Laguna system Net held on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 P.M.  On Sunday evenings at 8:00 P.M. a Net is held on the Mount Otay repeater system.  During Net operations, all repeaters at that location are linked together.  This allows Net access on VHF, 220 and UHF.

 

 

Emergency Operations

We have seen time and time again that Amateur Radio provides reliable communications in times of emergency.  Fires, storms, floods, earthquakes and other disasters often disrupt normal modes of communication.  Telephone and cable lines as well as electrical lines are often damaged.  Cell sites become overloaded with incoming call attempts or become completely disabled. 

 

SANDRA repeaters are used in times of emergency by San Diego Animal Rescue amateur radio operators, ARES and RACES operations, California Department of Forestry amateur radio operators and for Public Service events.  Our Mount Otay site has limited auxiliary power available.  The site has approximately eight hours of back-up power.  Our sites on Lyons Peak, Mount Laguna and Sharp Hospital have emergency generators and are well suited for sustained emergency operations.  

 

 

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Copyright©2002, San Diego Repeater Association

10/13/2002