Repeater Use

• Use Simplex Whenever Possible: Always prioritize using simplex communication over the repeater. This helps keep the repeater available for essential and emergency communications. Simplex communication is direct radio-to-radio communication without the use of a repeater, which can be more efficient and less congested.
   
• Monitor the Repeater: Before transmitting, take a moment to listen to the repeater to determine if it is currently in use or if there are any unusual operational characteristics. After listening for a few seconds, identify yourself, unkey your microphone, and listen again. This pause allows others to inform you if there is a reason not to continue, such as low audio or weak signal strength. If everything seems fine, proceed with your transmission.
   
• Avoid Interrupting Ongoing Conversations: Do not break into an ongoing contact unless you have something valuable to contribute. Interrupting others on the air is just as impolite as interrupting someone in person. Additionally, interrupting without identifying yourself is considered malicious and illegal interference.
   
• Use Minimum Power to Key Up the Repeater: When making contact, use the minimum power necessary to activate the repeater. Simply indicate that you are on frequency by saying something like, “VE3ZZZ monitoring”. Avoid keying up the repeater without speaking, also known as “kerchunking”.
   
• Be Mindful of Your Language and Manners: Remember that Amateur Radio transmissions can be monitored by non-hams with scanners. Always be mindful of your language and manners to maintain the reputation of the Amateur Radio Service. Avoid using inappropriate language or engaging in behavior that could bring disrepute to the service.
   
• Facilitate Mobile and Portable Operation: Repeaters are primarily intended to support mobile and portable operations. During rush hours, base stations should yield the repeater to mobile users who are commuting. Some repeater owners have strict rules requiring this practice to ensure fair access for all users.
   
• Keep Transmissions Short and Thoughtful: Make an effort to keep your transmissions concise and meaningful. Avoid monopolizing the repeater with long-winded conversations. Pause between transmissions to allow other Amateurs the opportunity to identify themselves if they wish to use the repeater. Pausing also helps reset the repeater’s timer, preventing a “time-out”.
   
• Identify Legally: In Canada, it is required to identify yourself at the beginning and end of a contact, as well as every thirty minutes during ongoing communication. This practice ensures compliance with legal regulations and helps maintain clear and organized communication.
   

Repeater Info Links

Repeater Book Information : Gooderham, Ontario, 147.045, VE3GPR Repeater (repeaterbook.com)

Allstar Node Status: Node 547341 (allstarlink.org)