CARLA - Usage Guidelines

Suggested Usage Guidelines for the C.A.R.L.A. Repeater System

CARLA is growing all the time and now consists of a network of several repeaters and link systems covering a large part of north central California and parts of Nevada. Because of the extended coverage the system provides, new users are coming up on the system all the time. These guidelines are intended to a) help new users on the system to establish good habits from the start and b) offer guidelines to current users to try to maintain good operating habits.

Pause on TX

Remember that because the system is so large, it requires roughly one full second for all of the links and repeaters to come up depending where your transmission originates in the system. Pausing before speaking will prevent the first part of your transmission from being cut off and allow others further along in the system to hear the full conversation. 'Quick keying' may be convenient but often keeps someone from hearing that critical word or callsign on the far end of the system.

Use Local PLs

Some of the repeaters on the system have a local PL and other machines will be getting them integrated as well. Using the 'local' PL prevents the rest of the system from being activated and allows you to talk on just the repeater you're using. This is excellent for local QSOs where both users are in the range of the same repeater and it is unnecessary for the entire system to be activated. It's also very helpful for saving wear and tear on the system overall. Please use local PLs whenever possible.

Minimize Non-Voice Traffic

As you'll notice, most of the repeaters on the system use voice IDs. Although CW IDs are often preferable for keeping the intrusion level of the IDer to a minimum, with a system of this size the voice IDers are helpful for keeping track of the many different links and repeaters and their status. That being said, anything that users can do to keep nonessential transmissions, such as MDC signaling bursts, to a minimum is helpful. If you're not actually using the burst for selective calling, we ask that you disable it. This will help in keeping the overall non-voice noise level and distractions to a minimum.

Be Mindful of Talk-Time

Although we all enjoy a good rag chew on the local machine, please keep in mind that some of the repeaters on the system are solar powered. They've been designed to meet the energy needs of the system based on average use, but remember that more and more people are using the system and this will extend the TX time which may cause some of the solar powered repeaters to shut down temporarily. This is especially important during the winter months when daylight charging hours are short and access to repeater sites limited. (Another reason to use local PL when possible!) Also, keep a mindful ear for a net in progress or the system being used during or after a major catastrophe. That is when it is critical to keep non-essential traffic to a minimum so the system can be utilized to it's full, valuable potential.

Courtesy Tones, Messages & Doubling

Good radio etiquette dictates that you wait for the courtesy tone before responding to the last person. It allows others to jump in from throughout the system and avoid doubling or never getting in the conversation because of no breaks between link radio transmissions. Also, try not to talk over ID's as it might make it hard for the receiving person to hear you and with certain controllers, they won't transmit out the link port, rendering your key-up futile. Another helpful hint to avoid doubling in any system that has several people involved in a conversation is to key-up and let go quickly and then key-up again. As long as you didn't hear anyone talking when you un-keyed your chances of not doubling with someone are greatly improved.

Support CARLA

If you enjoy and rely on using the CARLA system, get involved! CARLA relies on the contributions of its members and principals to keep the equipment operating. If you use one machine primarily, consider supporting it. For more information on finding out what you can do to help, check out our support page. The CARLA linked repeater system is, and has always been, open to use by all licensed amateurs. Welcome and have fun!

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