Maine GMRS Repeater Use Guidelines (Jan 2025)

-Repeaters are open to licensed GMRS Users, when not needed for emergency use.

-During wide area emergencies such as severe weather, wildfires etc., the repeater
may only be used by Users if it does not interfere with any emergency radio traffic,
and it is to check in on friends/family or coordinate help, where there are no other
means to do so.

-In non-emergency situations please consider using the repeater to make contact
(switch over to an open simplex frequency if possible) and limit conversations to no
more than 10 minutes on repeaters.  Everyone needs to be considerate of other users,
keeping conversations brief and free of vulgarities, repetitive jokes, and sarcasm.
Criticism of others is strictly prohibited. 

-If simplex is not possible please break frequently to see if the repeater is needed
or others have comments.

-For extremely long conversations where simplex is not possible please consider
switching to phones or HF radio.  

-This is a WIRELESS radio system, no "app" or other computer/internet related access
systems are allowed, via any means.  Mobiles, handhelds, and base radios with a
microphone/antenna are the only ways allowed to access Repeaters.  Please DISABLE
VOX in all radios and be aware where your Push-To-Talk (PTT) buttons are!

-If technical help is needed, please use the Facebook Maine GMRS as a forum

NOTES:
-Several County EMA groups have asked to have access in emergencies. To date, they
include: Aroostook, Lincoln, Waldo, York, and Cumberland Counties. We will make
every effort to isolate that individual repeater from the link system, unless wide
area coverage is needed.  PLEASE keep in mind that many of these agencies monitor
GMRS repeaters.
-GMRS repeaters should NEVER be used as a primary form of communications, like all
other forms, only as secondary form of communications.  Weather and power related
issues may effect any site at any time.
-These guidelines are just that, GUIDELINES and they only apply to the "linked"
system and other standalone repeaters owned by the writers of these guidelines. The
system was built and is maintained by a few folks that enjoy wireless
communications. It can go away as quick as it was built.  As you may know, this is a
legacy analog system- the only control we have is turning off individual sites and
the entire system. If you have questions- ASK via Facebook or a phone call to others.
-It IS the intent of the repeater owners to continue to expand coverage, but only if
the current system is treated with COMMON SENSE and respect.