Introduction
Setting An Example
The Meaning of "Break"
General Responsibilities
Using Repeaters
Telephone Patch Protocol
Repeater Systems
SANDRA Nets
Emergency Operations
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.
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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.
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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.
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General Responsibilities
Use proper ethics of amateur radio when operating.
You are expected to know and adhere to all applicable FCC and SANDRA
rules, regulations, procedures and guidelines.
Be a courteous operator and lead others by your positive example.
Use your call sign. "Break" has specific meanings. (See
The Meaning Of "Break" above.)
Kerchunking the repeaters are not appreciated. (Kerchunking is transmitting
for a second or less without saying anything.)
Wait for the courtesy tone before transmitting.
Most repeaters have a transmit timeout timer, usually set for about
2 1/2 minutes. You should be able to say what is needed in that time.
The "just a minute while I drop it" every minute is very
annoying to listeners.
Many people listen to the frequencies, but do not enter the conversation,
so be aware of what is being said.
Remember, our repeaters are open and available for use by all licensed
amateur radio operators. SANDRA has a large membership base. Everyone
should be given the opportunity to utilize the equipment. Do not monopolize
the repeaters.
SANDRA discourages joking around or horseplay on its repeaters. Some
people think it's funny, but in reality it is very unprofessional.
If there is malicious interference, do not confirm, acknowledge, or
discuss the problem. We ask that you check the repeater input for
any station causing interference and forward the information to SANDRA.
This can be done via telephone or e-mail.
Full call signs are to be used as per FCC regulations.
Make your conversations interesting. People turn their radios on for
good conversation, not the same old problem from last month.
Do not operate the radio if intoxicated.
Membership dues pay for repeater maintenance and other associated
operating expenses. If you use a repeater regularly, please support
us by joining SANDRA.
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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.
Listen on the frequency for more than a few seconds before initiating
a call. The repeater may be busy with someone momentarily standing
by.
If the repeater is not busy and you wish to establish a conversation
use the phrase "(Insert Your Call) (mobile, if applicable) monitoring." After
releasing the PTT anyone wishing to speak with you will come back
with his or her call sign. If no one comes back to your call, do not
continue repeating your call sign. This is redundant and can be very
annoying. There may be many people monitoring who don't wish to speak
at the time. You may try your call again later in case someone else
comes on to monitor that may wish to engage in a conversation.
Identify yourself at the beginning and end of a contact, and every
10 minutes during the contact. Remember to use full call signs. Partial
call signs are illegal.
In general, give mobile stations priority over base stations, especially
during rush hour. The mobile station may be asking for directions
or reporting traffic congestion.
Acknowledge and yield to emergency traffic immediately.
Don’t break into a contact unless you have something to add.
Interrupting is no more polite on the air than it is in person. Interruption
without identification constitutes malicious (and illegal) interference.
Wait for a "squelch-tail" or "go-ahead tone" after
each transmission. This allows time for another person to join in
the conversation as well as allowing for the repeater "time-out
timer" to be reset.
If you want to join an established conversation don't use the word "Break",
which has specific meanings (see The Meaning Of "Break").
To enter a conversation, insert your full call sign between transmissions.
Those using the repeater should then acknowledge this.
A repeater that is in use during a public service event or during
an emergency situation should not be accessed while this is in progress.
If necessary, contact Net Control for permission to call for your
station and move them to another frequency. Keeping the repeater frequency
clear during these events can make the difference during emergency
situations.
Profane or obscene language is not permitted, and will not be tolerated
by the San Diego Repeater Association and other radio amateurs.
On voice repeaters, proper and accepted voice procedures should be
used. This also applies to all voice frequencies within our amateur
bands.
When checking into voice Nets, don't use the word "Break" unless
you have higher priority or emergency traffic. Also don't use check,
recheck, contact, etc. All that is required for getting the Net Controller's
attention is a simple transmission of your call sign. Net Control
will now know immediately who you are.
Never check into a Net and then leave without first notifying Net
Control of your intentions. Net Control may have traffic for you at
a later time. It is most frustrating when Net Control calls you and
you've left the frequency.
Please note that we co-channel / share repeater frequency pairs with
other clubs and individuals throughout Southern California, Arizona
and Mexico. Gone are the days of “clear channel” repeater
frequencies. Be considerate of our co-channel users and always use
the minimum power necessary to access our repeaters. If you are accessing
one of our repeaters from out of the San Diego region, please be mindful
of co-channel operations. Listen to the frequency and ensure you are
not causing interference to other systems. It is important to be good
neighbors.
SANDRA wants you to enjoy our amateur radio repeaters. They can become
very useful during emergencies, Nets, rag chewing conversations, as
well as bringing much enjoyment to amateurs traveling through our
community.
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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.
Telephone Interconnect / Autopatch is only in operation when a control
operator is monitoring. There may be down times for the autopatch
Phone patches should not be accessed on the repeater when it is busy
with a normal conversation. It is rude to interrupt a conversation
to use the patch. If you have emergency phone patch traffic then indicate
this so that others will stand by while you make your call.
Before using the phone patch identify yourself with your complete
call sign. Keep your phone calls as short as possible and to the point.
Don't discuss personal issues, as many people are listening.
Phone calls of a business or commercial nature are strictly limited
in scope by the Federal Communications Commission. You are expected
to know Part 97 as it relates to business communications via amateur
radio. If in doubt, don't make the call! Use other means for these
types of calls.
If you call one of the emergency services, when they answer, identify
yourself with something like "This is amateur radio operator
WB6XYZ calling through a radio phone patch," and then continue
with your traffic. This will help the answering person understand
the circumstances of your call.
Phone patch calls should be terminated with a statement indicating
that you are clear with the patch along with your call sign, in full.
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.
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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)
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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.
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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, RAVES, 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 © 2003, San Diego Repeater Association.
09/22/2003
