SOUTH CENTRAL RADIO CLUB

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR REPEATER USERS

BASIC POLICY:

(1) Club membership NOT REQUIRED for use.

(2) Toll calls not permitted (automatically blocked)

(3) Autopatch has priority

USAGE POLICY AND GENERAL PROCEDURES

To all radio amateurs: Welcome to the South Central Radio Club Repeater. Our repeater is open to all users, club members and non- members alike. There is no fee to use this machine, including the autopatch. Feel free to use the machine for calling other club members, your friends, or anyone else. Remember that everyone is welcome to talk over the facility, and even use the autopatch if they wish. This includes visitors and non-members.

About our club: The membership fees and dues paid by the members of the South Central Radio Club provide the financial support needed to pay for maintenance, power, and telephone bills. We hope that you will become interested in our club and join us, but there is no obligation for anyone to do so. For more information on the South Central Radio Club, please contact, Jim Wiley, KL7CC. You may write to him at 8023 E. 11th Court, Anchorage, AK, 99504, or telephone (907) 338-0662.

Basic guidelines: Like most repeater systems, ours has a few guidelines concerning its use. We have tried to keep them to a minimum, but we are sure you will agree that some order is necessary to insure maximum enjoyment by all users. The emphasis of the guidelines is to encourage courtesy among users and consideration for others. Our aim is to maximize usefulness and minimize problems. Also, please be patient with newcomers. It takes time to learn smooth operating skills, and a helpful suggestion rather than a "put down" will go a long way toward making everyone's operating experience more pleasant.

Autopatch has priority: On this repeater, phone calls have priority over casual conversation. If you have an autopatch call to make, don't be shy about asking casual users to stand by. After all, when you need to make a call, you usually need to make it now, not in 10 or 15 minutes. Besides, there are several other systems in town to choose from if you must use a repeater to continue a casual conversation.

Length of contact: A good general rule is to limit conversations to 10 minutes or less. If your QSO will require more time, please consider moving to a simplex frequency. Of course, if you cannot establish communications via simplex frequency or other means, then by all means continue on the repeater, that's why it's there. Basically, this "gentleman's rule" is intended to accomplish two things: First, there may be others waiting to use the frequency, and this gives them a chance too. Second, it gives our control operators a break. At least one of the control operators must listen to everything that goes on, and nothing will make them lose patience faster than hours of chit-chat that could be just as well done on a simplex frequency. After all, a conversation is only interesting if you are involved, and the poor control operator usually just listens. Remember - if there is no one willing to listen and be a control operator, the only remaining choice is to lock the machine off.

The repeater requires a good input signal too: While it is great fun to see how far you can reach with low power, and in fact is a measure of skill to see how much you can do with how little, things are different when using a repeater.

Please use higher power levels, if available, when using the repeater. This means the HIGH power setting on a hand-held set, particularly when using the "rubber ducky" antenna, and 25 watts or more from a vehicle mobile. If you have tested and are sure a lower power signal will still be noise free, then go right ahead - no point in wasting power. Most base station users in the Anchorage bowl or with a clear path to the repeater site, and who have antennas mounted high and in the clear can get by with 5 watts. Remember, the repeater has a 100 watt transmitter, and a large, high gain antenna mounted in the clear, the combination of which is designed to produce a good signal (full to nearly full "quieting") anywhere in the normal coverage area. The repeater's receiver is not magic. If your input signal is weak and noisy, the repeater cannot make it stronger or clearer. The use of higher power levels, particularly when using mobile and hand-held equipment, helps to reduce hiss and static on the input frequency, and will go a long way toward increasing your ability to communicate via this system. Nothing is more unpleasant than to try and carry on a conversation with an operator who insists on running low power and "making the repeater do the work", with the attendant noise, "scratchies", squelch drop-outs and so on. Remember, just because the repeater output signals are strong, it does not mean the repeater is hearing your signals with the same clarity. A clean input signal is still required for best communications.

3 minutes per transmission: The repeater includes a 3-minute timer that will cut off the transmitter if any single transmission (on the input frequency) exceeds 3 minutes in length. Rarely will you need to transmit longer than this, but if you do, then remember to momentarily stop transmitting for a second or so at least once per minute to reset the 3-minute timer. The timer resets instantly at the end of each individual transmission. You do not have to wait for the repeater to time out and cease transmitting before continuing your contact. When in QSO with another station, please wait about 1 or 2 seconds between the end of their transmission and the beginning of your reply. This short pause will give time for someone else to break in if necessary.

No courtesy beeper: The repeater does not include a "courtesy beeper" to tell you a transmission has ended. You may begin talking as soon as the other station quits sending.

If the repeater does not respond: If you cannot access the repeater, first try the turn-on code (*22) and other obvious solutions. If you cannot access the autopatch, perhaps you forgot to turn on your CTCSS tone, or it may be on the wrong frequency. Maybe your antenna is pointed the wrong direction, or your transmitter has lost output power, or is in simplex mode. If you are using a hand-held, try fresh batteries or moving several feet.

If the repeater still does not respond, perhaps it was commanded off for a good reason, or there may be problems at the repeater site. If the repeater does not return to normal operation within several hours, then perhaps it is time to call a control operator (try simplex on the 146.970 output frequency or the telephone) and ask questions - but don't start the phones ringing every time you can't get instant access to the machine!

Remember that the repeater is not a public utility. At least one and usually several persons give up their free time (and sometimes some cash) to keep the system running as best they can, but failures and other things beyond their control do occur.

Operating problems: Most non-technical operational problems are solved by common sense and courtesy. If you are unsure about the legality of a conversation or other situation, please wait for those concerned to finish whatever they are doing, then attempt to contact them by land line telephone and discuss it. Most of the time this approach will reduce ill will from (and embarrassment to) those concerned. Don't assume the manner of a self-appointed "radio policeman!" Use tact and courtesy - lots of it in fact. Ask questions, don't dictate from "on high."

Berating someone on the air is bad policy for any reason. Please do not call someone names, question their operating practices, or otherwise get into unpleasantness on the air - this is unprofessional and childish. If you cannot resolve the problem directly, bring it to the attention of one of the control operators. They will handle it in the proper manner.

Accidental interference: The same suggestions concerning restraint and tact apply to accidental interference - it will happen occasionally. Rather than trying to get some one to shut down immediately, wait until they have finished their contact, and then inform them that they are accidentally interfering with an established repeater frequency, and ask them to join us. If they are unaware that they are on a repeater frequency, or otherwise cannot make use of the machine, perhaps they will be kind enough to try a simplex frequency or another repeater. Our repeater has been officially approved by the regional frequency coordinator (KL7GG) and the FCC for this frequency and location.

If you are hearing interference due to a technical malfunction, don't assume the other guy is at fault. The repeater itself may be having problems, or the trouble could even be in your own set.

Intentional interference: If you experience jamming, harassment, obscene language, or other misuse, remember that the FCC is the one to take appropriate action, not individual amateurs. We are among the fortunate few cities to have a monitoring station nearby. Inform the operator at the monitoring station (243-2153) and let them take over. In any case, DO NOT RESPOND IN ANY WAY (at least not over the air) to jamming or intentional misuse.

Remember - never respond to the offender! Let Jim, KL7CC, and/or one of the control operators, and/or the FCC know what is going on, and let them take care of it. Most persons doing such things crave attention in any way they can get it, and continuing to respond after a single, polite inquiry only feeds their ego and makes them feel self important.

Resist the temptation to get into a shouting match with the offender. It is natural to feel outrage at misuse of our hard won amateur frequencies. The need to respond directly to misuse can be overwhelming, but unfortunately such responses usually make the situation worse rather than better, and can even jeopardize your own license if carried too far!

FCC Regulations concerning use of the autopatch: The autopatch must not be used to "bypass" commercial long distance facilities. Using the autopatch to get out of paying toll charges is illegal, and may result in revocation of your autopatch privileges - or even your license! Unless an emergency situation exists, you must not discuss any thing concerning business on the autopatch. You may use the autopatch for personal communications only. You are allowed to make certain types of calls where business transactions are incidental, such as ordering food, or calling your office to report you are delayed in traffic and will be late. As a general rule, if the call is not to your employer, and you do not benefit financially, the call is probably OK. You may NOT call your business (or home) to see if you have business related messages, or receive business type messages from a recorder. Communications concerning the business affairs of either you or your employer are prohibited. Best bet is to play it safe, and if you have a question, to wait until you can find a regular phone.

Logging recommended: Although not strictly required by the FCC, we recommend that you keep a log of all calls made through the autopatch and a brief note as to the subject matter. In case of questions raised later, such a log will aid you in recalling the subjects discussed, and may help to clear up the situation should there be questions raised.

If you are outside the Anchorage metro area: If your base of operations is outside the Anchorage metropolitan area, (Girdwood to Chugiak/Peters Creek) you may not use the autopatch to call Anchorage numbers unless you meet one or more of the following conditions:

(1) There is no regular phone installed where you are staying. This includes room phones in a hotel or motel (only if you are registered there) or even nearby pay phones, such as those found at some restaurants or campgrounds.

(2) If you are staying in an area (a single site) more than 30 days, you must have attempted to obtain regular commercial service and have been refused due to telephone company policy against short-term service connections or their inability to install regular service before your scheduled departure from the area.

(3) If the communications are of an emergency nature, where safety of life or loss of property is at stake, of course any type of call is permitted - but you must be prepared to prove later that such an emergency actually existed.

A word about CTCSS tone: The repeater uses a continuous low frequency tone (CTCSS, which stands for Continuous Tone Control Selective Squelch) to unlock the command decoder, the main receiver, or both, depending on how the system is set. Some groups refer to this as a PL (Private Line) tone. The system uses CTCSS to perform this locking/unlocking function. Please do not feel that this means the repeater is closed to non-members - nothing could be further from the truth! CTCSS is used to prevent unwanted interference from keying up the repeater or disrupting commands in progress, and to prevent interference from other systems sharing the same frequency. Commercial radio systems have used CTCSS for years with great success. Many Amateur systems in the South 48 are using CTCSS for just this reason. Our repeater is one of the first Alaskan ham repeaters to use this system.

Most recent vintage 2-meter transceivers have a tone encoder built in. If your rig has an encoder, look in the instruction manual for how to activate it, and you are ready to go. Otherwise, you may need to add an encoder (not a decoder) to your set. Suitable units are offered as options for most rigs, or may be purchased from Communications Specialists. They have ads in QST and other ham magazines. A typical encoder is about $35.00 (Fall 1993) and can be installed in just a few minutes. See the PL notes section later in this booklet for more info, and an "800" toll free number for Communications Specialists.

If your set has the capability, we recommend that you transmit the 103.5 Hz CTCSS tone at all times.

OPERATOR NOTES FOR KL7CC REPEATER

Command codes: All command codes require that the first digit must be an ASTERISK (*) character. The remaining digits must be sent within 5 seconds of sending the asterisk. Multiple commands should be spaced no closer than 10 seconds apart, to give the decoder a chance to reset between commands. Attempts to send multiple commands will usually fail if this is not done. The command decoder responds quickly - you do not need to hold down tone buttons for more than 1/2 second.

The reason for the asterisk lead-in is to tell the repeater that a command is coming, and that the digits that follow are not part of a telephone number. This also allows the repeater to cut off the transmitted audio temporarily so other listeners aren't blasted by control tones.

After a power outage, the repeater will be ready to operate, but will require that the command turn-on code ( *22 ) be sent at least one time to unlock the machine for normal use. Any user can send the turn-on code. (CTCSS required - see next paragraph)

CTCSS required for commands: Present policy is that the repeater will be set to require CTCSS (PL) tone for commands, but not for general use. This means you must have tone on to activate the autopatch or otherwise control the repeater but not for just talking through the machine. This allows visitors to call through the machine, and someone equipped with tone can help them turn the patch on and off. Also, be sure and read the notes about PL (CTCSS) tones later in this pamphlet. In case of interference, the repeater may be in "full PL" mode. At such times, CTCSS is required to access the repeater, even for casual conversation. Since interference may happen unpredictably, we recommend that you transmit CTCSS tone at all times.

Casual users: It is OK to tell others the code sequence to use for controlling the autopatch, but please limit the discussion to just the turn-on (*24) and turn-off (*25) codes. We don't care if they know the other codes, but keeping it simple reduces confusion for first time users. Also, be sure they know what to do in case they lose control of an autopatch call! (All they need to do is wait for 90 seconds, without transmitting anything - the patch will then disconnect automatically.) Please ask new users and non-SCRC members to call or write Jim, KL7CC, (address on page 1) so we can send them a free copy of this informational packet.

How to ID when making an autopatch call:

A suitable identification is:

KL7CC REPEATER THIS IS (your call)

And the same thing when your autopatch call is finished. Please be sure to include the word "repeater" as part of the identification, so as to differentiate from those stations calling KL7CC directly. Remember, you must give both call signs when using the autopatch, since this type of contact is considered "third party" traffic.

Operate professionally: There is no need to say things like "for identification" or "making an autopatch call" or anything else. The FCC rules state only that you need identify the station you are calling and your own station, nothing else. Specifically, you do not have to state the reason for your transmission, such as by saying "for ID", which sounds silly anyway, since the only reason you ever give your call sign is to identify your station. The fact that you are making an autopatch call is obvious to the most casual listener, as it will be obvious when you have finished. Of course, if you feel a powerful need to add other comments, go right ahead - there is just no requirement that you do.

Please wait for dial tone: After entering the access code for the autopatch, release your transmit button and listen to be sure you are hearing a "dial tone" before continuing to dial the actual telephone number. This makes sure you have successfully brought up the autopatch. If you do not hear dial tone, try accessing the patch again.

Safety First: When operating the autopatch from your vehicle, please pull over to the side of the road before making your call. This prevents driver distraction and a possible accident, and also stabilizes the repeater input signal to insure less chance of reaching a wrong number.

The autopatch sends busy tone on "mobile" transmit: The autopatch functions somewhat differently than the ones you may be used to. When making an autopatch call, the REPEATER transmits BUSY TONE (beep-beep-beep's) when the MOBILE station is sending, and changes to clear voice when the mobile quits transmitting. This allows a degree of privacy while at the same time informing users scanning past the frequency that the repeater is in use. If more than one mobile station needs to participate in the same call, then key in the busy tone disable feature (*26) after the regular telephone number has been dialed and before the phone starts to ring (or at any time during the conversation). Disabling the busy tone allows clear voice to be heard for both sides of the conversation. If the busy tone feature has been disabled (via *26), it will be automatically re-enabled when the patch is terminated.

Link Disconnect: Plans call for adding linking to this repeater to connect with other systems around the state. When the links are installed, use of the autopatch will automatically disconnect any links. In other words, if the Parks Highway link is up, and a local (Anchorage) user sends the autopatch connect command, the link will automatically disconnect. In a similar manner, if the autopatch is in use, and a remote user attempts to connect to the KL7CC repeater, the link will not connect as long as the autopatch is in use. Autopatch calls via any of the remote links are not permitted.

Loss of control: If you accidentally lose control of an autopatch call and cannot disconnect - DO NOTHING for about 90 seconds (1-1/2 minutes). If there is no signal received by the repeater from the mobile in that time, the patch will disconnect automatically. It seems forever to wait when this happens, but just grit your teeth and wait it out. If you keep attempting (and failing) to command a call off, it just keeps resetting the 90 second timer, and you have to wait longer. No one will get a violation notice if this happens, so keep your cool and let the machine do it's job. If you cannot turn the patch off after about 3 tries, it is best to assume you cannot and let the "automatics" take over.

As implied by the paragraph above, when you are making an autopatch call, you must transmit at least once every minute or so (even a short microphone click will do) to keep the patch connected - otherwise you will be disconnected automatically, without warning.

Tone pad levels must be set correctly: If you have trouble operating or disconnecting the autopatch, your tone pad levels may be either too low or too high. Correct levels for transmitted tones should be about 3.3 KHz "deviation" (transmitter modulation) for the strongest tone pair. Do not exceed 4.5 KHz deviation, as the modulation limiters in your transmitter may distort the tones, making it difficult or impossible for the repeater to decode them. Jim, KL7CC, has a deviation measuring meter if you need to make tests. Call between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM, 338-0662.

Other features: If activated, the repeater includes a 10 minute timer which automatically places it in the standby mode until an operator keys in the *22 code to turn it back on. This function is normally disabled, but may be activated at any time by a control operator. If this feature is turned on, and the repeater has not been used for 10 minutes, it will automatically revert to the off state.

Long transmission cutoff: The machine includes a 3 minute "bomb" timer. If a user transmits longer than 3 minutes, the repeater cuts off automatically. This timer is reset instantly whenever the user releases their microphone button. If the 3-minute timer activates, the repeater will stop transmitting abruptly, and return to the air immediately after the user stops transmitting.

Identifier: If the automatic ID timer happens to activate, it will bring up the transmitter even if no signal is being received. The identifier runs once every 8 minutes as long as the machine is being used, and within 8 minutes after the last user has stopped transmitting. The repeater sends one burst of ID immediately on first activation after the repeater has been idle for 10 or more minutes. The repeater will also send ID immediately if the *23 command is sent. Identifier sends KL7CC/R at 20 wpm.

NOTES FOR USE OF PL CODES

About CTCSS: CTCSS (also known as PL) code is "1A" (103.5 Hz). Normal transmitter PL modulation deviation is 500 Hz, although levels between 250 Hz and 1000 Hz will work. Lower levels are somewhat less reliable, higher levels reduce the amount of speech that can be transmitted at the same time. PL (Private Line) is a Motorola trademark for its version of CTCSS. Other users use names like Channel Guard or Priva-Com. These all stand for the system of continuous transmission of a low frequency tone to "unlock" the repeater receiver. The generic term CTCSS stands for Continuous Tone Coded Selective Squelch.

ICOM note: Most of the late model ICOM sets have an internal CTCSS tone generator. On many ICOM sets, the 103.5 Hz tone is identified as tone number 13.

Kenwood/Yaesu note: Most late model Kenwood and Yaesu handie-talkies have a CTCSS encoder built in. Earlier hand-held and mobile sets have provision for an optional user-installable encoder. The factory encoders work fine, if you can obtain one from your dealer.

No built-in tone encoder? The modules made by Communications Specialists are a good alternative. They have ads in QST and other ham magazines. A typical encoder is about $35.00 (Fall 1993) and can be installed in just a few minutes. They have a toll-free telephone number, and accept credit card or COD orders over the phone. Their toll free number is 800-854-0547. They maintain a library of specific instructions for virtually every set ever manufactured. Be sure to ask for their notes on your particular set.

INTERMOD - OR, THE PROBLEMS OF A GOOD REPEATER SITE!

Strange noises: Occasionally, we experience service degradation to the repeater due to various outside influences, such as "intermod" or interference from other transmitters.

The same things that make a repeater site attractive to amateur radio users are also attractive to other radio users, such as taxicab companies., police and fire departments, mobile telephone companies, utility companies, and so on. The operations of several transmitters in close proximity to one another gives ample opportunity for mutual interference between one or several users, and most such sites have strict rules about who can and who cannot operate on what channels and at what power levels, and so on. Occasionally, outside influences, such as a mobile set in the vicinity or a new user on an adjacent site create temporary or semi-permanent problems. This type of interference is called "inter-modulation" interference (often abbreviated to just "intermod") , and is a result of mixing of frequencies and the resultant generation of additional frequencies related to the sums and differences of the combined signals.

This type of interference usually sounds like a loud squealing, or a gargling/sputtering sound mixed with "white" noise. Sometimes portions of a conversation may be included, or you may hear various tones mixed in. If this happens, we may need to run the repeater in FULL PL mode. In such cases you will need to have the PL tone turned on at all times to use the repeater, even for just talking.

Coverage area: This repeater provides virtually complete coverage to hand-held users anywhere in the Anchorage metropolitan area, and mobile and base coverage over wider areas. Northbound mobile coverage is good until fadeout in the Eagle River area, usually at about Chugiak High School, and coming back in the Wasilla area, where it continues North along the Parks highway until it finally becomes unusable somewhere near the Talkeetna turnoff. Southbound coverage is good until about the Bird Point area of the Seward highway (along Turnagain arm), and is only occasionally available until coverage again becomes good about 10 miles North of Sterling (on the Kenai peninsula), and it remains good to moderate over much of the Kenai-Soldotna-Nikiski area. Coverage South of Kenai/Soldotna is marginal, although some users running higher power levels report success as far South as Clam Gulch.

Final notes: Our plans for this repeater include linking to other repeaters in other parts of Alaska, starting with Kenai to the South and somewhere around the Talkeetna cutoff to the North, plus additional coverage up the Glenn highway to at least the Sheep Mountain area. Present plans call for establishing the first of these links as soon as possible, with work continuing as funds and hardware become available.

This page maintained by
Corliss Kimmel - AL1G

e-mail: al1g@kl7g.org