Ham Radio Repeater Dos and Don'ts operating tips

[@heinzpilot]

Great info. I'm currently studying for my first HAM license. I have been listening on a Radioddity GD-77. Can't wait to be transmitting some day.

[@HamRadioInAction]

You can do it!

[@jerryjad9971]

i realize I'm quite off topic but does anybody know of a good place to stream new series online?

[@caspianemerson9717]

@Jerry Jad I would suggest flixzone. Just google for it =)

[@rayanwade8331]

@Caspian Emerson Yea, I have been using Flixzone for years myself =)

[@jerryjad9971]

@Caspian Emerson thanks, I signed up and it seems like a nice service :) I appreciate it!

[@craigruth8124]

I'm guilty of forgetting to pause during some conversations. I'll try and do better. Thanks for the reminder.

[@NathanCorleone]

Every time you release I video it makes my day, thanks Brian

[@HamRadioInAction]

Wow, thanks!

[@briannacluck5494]

Another "do" that I was taught when operating on echolink - if you're connecting through echolink, leave a bit of dead air on either end of your transmission. Some repeaters cut out a bit of echolink transmissions and this is a good way of making sure your full message is heard. It doesn't have to be long: even just a bit less than a second usually works, though I've had some people tell me to wait over a second and a half to be really sure.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Very helpful to the new tech, thanks for doing this video man.

[@whollymindless]

Another do - Program your local repeaters and scan them. Find your people. No one gets along with everyone but there's a home out there.

[@chrissewell1608]

And it bugs me, when locals ask you for the same local frequencies, all the time. Then complain because its not programmed in their radios.

[@therealrobbdee672]

@@chrissewell1608 that really chaps my ass too!

[@Kodo-Nashi]

If no one is coming back to you and you think nobody is listening... call CQ, every OM will rush to their radio to tell you not to do that. Then you can talk to them. Jokes aside, great video man. To the new dudes and gals out there, check into nets, if its a round table net, say "in and out". Then you don't have to talk anymore. Keep doing this till you're good to talk.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Let the repeater drop, that girl needs to cool down. Expanding on what you said, if you are new, reach out to a local ham and schedule a chat on the repeater. It's easier if you know who you are talking to.

[@HamRadioInAction]

LOL calling CQ probably will get you someone to talk to, or at least be talked at.

[@bradhollis1005]

If you look on repeater book often repeaters will have a link entitled "Permission Req ". I'm not sure whether that means permission 'request' or permission 'required', but it seems like a good "Do" to request permission to use the repeater if the option is offered. I've also heard that it's good etiquette to ask if directed calls are okay on a repeater. Please do correct me if I'm wrong.

[@HamRadioInAction]

I haven't heard of either of those. My understanding was any ham could use any repeater, but I am just an amateur at all this. On the GMRS side, I know there is a network of repeaters here that require a paid membership.

[@saltydawg8988]

Subscribed! Passed my test on Sunday and got my callsign today. Hopped on and made 3 contacts, was pretty exciting.

[@Hunter-xy6qq]

I’ve just discovered this channel, and I think it’s awesome. Your attention to detail is amazing, and a friendly voice. I’m looking forward to upcoming videos. 👍❤️

[@HamRadioInAction]

Welcome aboard!

[@johnnorth9355]

Excellent - as a newly qualified Foundation (UK technician class) licence holder knowing the do's and don'ts so as not to offend is essential to the confidence to key up and make contacts . Those made so far have been great people. 73

[@RFPews]

Glad to see another video! One of my favorite ham related channels and definitely motivated me to get involved last fall.

[@HamRadioInAction]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@strugglingathome]

I really appreciate your videos. Knowledgeable, entertaining, and clearly passionate about your hobby.

[@dansalmon2698]

your videos helped me turn my old cb radio hobby as a kid into the real thing!

[@HamRadioInAction]

Nice!

[@andygrew4832]

Good advice! You encouraged me to get my tech license last year. Thanks a bunch from KC1NCK!

[@HamRadioInAction]

Glad I could help! I hope you get a lot out of the hobby.

[@jakemccain9825]

I have my license and really barely even transmit but I transmitted just a bit to report a dangerous weather situation and besides talking quietly having a speech impediment and saying over too much I think I did good because of your videos, thanks

[@jimbos1567]

Very nice video and good advice. Common sense and common courtesy are often lacking in today's it's all about me world. Thank you for putting it out there.

[@chiphungerford]

I am a new ham but have heard you don’t break in and call “Break” unless its an emergency. You can break in with your call sign and the folks talking will typically acknowledge you and ask you to join the conversation

[@retiredinnh4731]

Thanks for a very helpful video. I've been a ham since 1978 but haven't been active for about 20 years and would like to become active again. Your video about repeater usage has been very helpful to me.

[@russellbonesteel1115]

Thank You Mr.Brian K4BBL Russell KE7QXR from Salem Oregon here! The FCC specifies per Part 97 The Amateur Radio Service Sub section B STATION OPERATION STANDARDS: 113 (4) UNDER Prohibited Transmissions: that, Obscene or Indecent is prohibited! Yes it is Dull and dry reading but Part 97 is truly important Reading for any ham. Part 97 provides a wealth of information to promote Sound Engineering and Good Amateur Practice. 73 ~ KE7QXR Russell

[@Andy2e0ree]

Great Video for all the new ha m's

[@HamRadioInAction]

Thanks 👍

[@James_Bowie]

Good summary. Another problem with not allowing a break during QSO interchanges is that the repeater's shutdown timeout can be triggered.

[@HamRadioInAction]

good point.

[@jeffreydiaz6602]

Thank you for the update. I've been following for a little while and appreciate someone local to learn from. looking to take my test as soon as possible to enjoy the HAM Community. Again I appreciate you channel.

[@HamRadioInAction]

If you’re local join NFARL.org and join us on Monday night tech net! You don’t have to be a member to join the net.

[@jeffreydiaz6602]

@@HamRadioInAction Thank you Sir.

[@WeThePeople76]

Quick definition of QST and QSY first time used would be nice.

[@nativetexan9776]

Do be sure the repeater that you choose, is an open repeater. Closed repeaters by some individuals or clubs, frown on public use and owners can be nasty at times to a non-clique user (yes, there are cliques in ham radio). Some closed repeaters are only used for local emergencies as well, and require a keypad code to activate it. Repeater directories will state whether the repeater is Open or Closed.

[@awksedgreep]

Currently studying and the video series I was watching suggested avoiding the word "break" unless it's an emergency. I noticed it in your video. That video was out of Texas, but I was wondering if that is maybe a regional thing.

[@45auto]

Perhaps we are watching the same series as I saw the same thing.

[@involvementinc7748]

I really like your channel and I'm preparing to get into the hobby, primarily, because I came across one of your videos. Unfortunately, where I live there aren't many people in the hobby so I'm learning from the things I see on You Tube. Looking forward to trying to reach you via radio one of these days. Randy Tapp - Henderson, KY.

[@HamRadioInAction]

Good luck and I hope to catch you in my logbook.

[@MrBenEye]

I appreciate the time you took to do this video. Taking my Tech exam this Wednesday online, what a boost!

[@HamRadioInAction]

Best of luck!

[@SgtBooker44]

Good luck Ben.

[@MrBenEye]

@@SgtBooker44 thanks Sergeant! Online test last night, missed 3, onto the General 🙏🏾

[@MrBenEye]

@@HamRadioInAction nailed it Brian, going for the next level!

[@dafyddr8678]

What you state is almost what we do across the pond in the UK. It is certainly a good point to leave a few seconds between each transmission for someone to break in.. I often listen to my local and some Hams act as if they own it and never let anyone else in there ! Great video as always and thanks. Stay Safe..

[@xodusxodus7544]

You mentioned the high cost of repeaters. I make significant extra donations to one of the clubs in my metro area to be earmarked for repeater maintenance/improvements. You can drain down a club bank account quickly for unexpected repeater repairs or relocations. My time is spent on the HF bands so I don't even use the local VHF and UHF repeaters but I understand their importance.

[@williamtucker5855]

Thanks for the video it really helped me out. I just got my license yesterday technician and just bought an Icom ID 52 handheld and I live in Decatur Georgia but I go RVing a lot in north Georgia so I’m glad I found your channel. Thanks again waiting on my call sign from the FCC! But I really have no idea what I’m doing yet to be honest.

[@alexsachse]

I love your videos. Just got my ham radios and am studying for my license. Your videos help a great deal. I used Chirp to program my local repeaters into my radio (UV5R) and scan frequently through the channels and frequencies. Your channel is a great resource. Thanks very much!

[@d66paynter1]

New Ham studying for my test! Great Video!

[@poorman-trending]

Isn’t the word “break” in HAM only for emergencies? 3:36

[@turbodieseldumptruck]

Break, means "please excuse me, I have something to say" for an emergency, say break 3 times "Break, Break, Break". Or better yet, just key up and say "I have emergency traffic, please standby" I like plain English, no confusion that way. Not really a fan of q codes on voice either...Ham since 1992.

[@wsmith1213]

Hi Brian, Just wanted to say Thank you real quick. I first started watching your videos on and off a about a year ago and finally go around getting my tech license and just got my General Lic monday night. Thank you! Bill Smith K2WWS - AG

[@juancriolivares]

Hi! I like your channel. I understand that using "break" is reserved for emergencies. Can someone confirm if this is correct? Thanks! Great video!

[@mrflashport]

Great video. I would add that repeaters are private property of others, whether that is a club, an organization, a government entity, or a private individual. While they may be operated and open for general amateur use, owners have the right to allow/disallow who they wish. Be RESPECTFUL as it's SOMEONE ELSE stuff. They pay dearly for it. Repeaters cost tremendous money to implement, maintain and grow. If one wishes to hang around, one should contribute financially to the cause or at least be mindful they are using someone else' stuff. If it isn't working, pissing and moaning on the air is akin to coming into another person's house as a guest and complaining about the cable TV/Internet speed, food in the fridge, etc. A guest should never become like fish out of water and start stinking.

[@SKYGUY1]

Ham since 1976 here. The suggestions were fairly complete, and right on target. I liked the "be nice" admonition. There is a tremendous amount of "not nice" around. We, who are the stewards and docents of the Amateur airwaves really should be nice on what amounts to the "very first method of social media". The language on network television, even the News Programs are presenting more and more four-letter language. You might want to suggest a tighter standard than "what you hear on network TV". Thanks Brian. I will be sharing the link to this video w/ our ZOOM ham class. 73... K4KID

[@fortlangford2163]

Please give your call sign phonetically. New hams (and old, deaf ones!) find it hard to catch call signs at first. Great video! KE8KCA

[@yigitkadir3649]

I really enjoyed watching this video. Thanks

[@HamRadioInAction]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RedLine_Renesis]

We have a repeater near the area I live where people usually conduct regular conversations without leaving any space in between. This is because the hobby is sadly dying so the people are always the same. We only have ANACOM (our FCC) to blame. As soon as you get your first license you must stay 2 years listening in (NO TRANSMITTING), you may only transmit if supervised by another Ham with a higher category than yours. The law itself is discouraging. Greetings from Portugal.

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

2 years lol

[@jeromemckenna7102]

My wife and I were licensed in July of 2020 and the local ham community has been very welcoming. That was something I worried about.

[@paulplack490]

Just a couple of notes from a 50-year ham: (1) "Roger beep" is a CB/FRS/GMRS term. The tones on repeaters are called "courtesy beeps," and have a different function - they usually let you know when the time-out timer resets. Don't jump in till you hear the beep, or you may not get much time to transmit. (1a) Never transmit an actual roger beep to a repeater! It may be confused with the repeater's own tail messages/beeps. (2) Regarding kerchunking, one of the major points of annoyance is to hams scanning repeaters. Don't be that guy! (3) Being welcomed on a repeater is a two-way street. Learn the language and other conventions by monitoring, and see if the sponsor of the repeater has a web page with recommended procedures. (4) If you need to see if your radio is working, listen to your own signal on a scanner. If you want to get a report on how well your signal is making it into the repeater, ask for a "signal report," not a "radio check." 73! - AE4KR

[@HamRadioInAction]

I misspoke, thanks for clarification and additional info.

[@noexcuses6727]

Thanks - hello from Savannah GA. BRAND NEW Newbie studying for Tech in October. Nice area you are in.

[@kleetus88]

very positive and encouraging, great work on this video, thanks. I moved from your neck of the woods, North Georgia, Duluth area to Palm Coast, FL. I am reacquainting myself with proper repeater behavior.

[@pwll2009]

as far as using language that can't be used on network tv. I have heard pretty foul language on tv. I would say don't use language you would not use in front of your mother or priest.

[@HamRadioInAction]

I debated using "network TV" as the bar, I think yours may be better. But I have heard some salty mothers.

[@ScientistPrepper]

Definitely. TV now is just so trashy and foul. Ham radio is more proper by far.

[@shaftman75]

You don’t know my mother or priest then..

[@pwll2009]

@@shaftman75 if your vocabulary, or lack of it is such that you use profanity in those situations then go headband use it. The majority of people with a 4th grade education will tell you that it is not ok to use "potty words" and most people will find it offensive !

[@bb_37]

@@HamRadioInAction TV channels that are broadcasted over the air have some decency standards to follow. And, those standards seem to relax a bit between 9 pm and midnight local time.

[@davidhansen9665]

Just got my radio studying all the stuff now, I'd love to try to ping a repeater see if my set up works but will wait till I get my call sign

[@goodfriend6428]

Thank you! Nicely done and helpful.

[@garyswartzlander8781]

Around my area, there are 2 repeaters on the same frequency. One is in Rock Hill, nc. The other is in Moravion Falls. Alot times I hear both repeaters

[@briansimpson8636]

147.225

[@PaulMonaco]

Another "wanna be" here... Great video, great info for us getting ready to make the plunge! I'd like to add/make one suggestion to your "be nice" tip.. carry that philosophy off-air as well. Sometimes I'll stumble across someone in a parking lot with a call sign vanity license place.. being a bit on the shy side without a keyboard "shield" it takes a lot for me to approach strangers.. I'm sure I'm not the only one like this... anyways.. sometimes I'll try to strike up a conversation by saying I've noticed their call-sign.. usually they'll ask for mine and I'll say that I'm studying for my ticket and plan to get on the air. Then I seem to get the impression that they don't want to deal with a wanna be and the conversation ends. I'd love to chat a bit to learn if there's any clubs in the area or maybe even just brag about your rig or something. I always hear how the hobby is dying and how its hard to attract new people.. well we're here! We just need a little encouragement and to feel that we'd be welcome.

[@kingruckus8343]

"_____ calsign then "break"" I thought that was frowned upon? Great video as usual my friend. Thanks for clearing this up. I thought there was something about not using "break" on the air accept in case of emergency.

[@HamRadioInAction]

I've heard people say break to just add a comment to a discussion. Maybe that's a regional difference?

[@Locksnut]

Definitely frowned upon on all our local repeaters in Richmond Va. and surrounding areas. Break signifies an emergency

[@gerardo7290]

@@HamRadioInAction yes, break is for add comments. If you have a emergency you say mayday.

[@arthurpond865]

There are regional differences to using the word Break. One suggestion I can make is to listen on the repeater for awhile to see how other operators use the repeater to see the customs for your area.

[@HamRadioInAction]

good answer!

[@Nospecificplan]

Where I live in France, you have to say callsigns at the end of your message (If you don't, other ham will remind you to do so) and it is common practice to say your callsign at the beginning of every reply like "F4ABC qui reprend."

[@gerardo7290]

So if someone ask me a question, i respond with a simple yes I need to say "yes, this is wp4rps, Roger"?

[@Nospecificplan]

"F4ABC speaking. In this case i would just say "Yes". But If I want to respond with a longer sentence like I do here, I will say at the begining that it is me talking. Again, I'm a new ham, I just mimic the others (HI). Back to you WPR4RPS F4ABC"

[@gerardo7290]

@@Nospecificplan oh, thank you for the explanation. Here is every ten minutes and the end of the QSO. Back to u F4ABC de WP4RPS.

[@HamRadioInAction]

That is different than here in the states, thanks for sharing.

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I got my ticket a few months ago back, and I received a uv-5r as a gift and used it when I was out of town made a few contacts on a repeater. When I came home I tried three repeaters in my area and neither the repeaters and simplex of 146.520 I'm getting nothing. I'm wondering if it's the antenna and or people are like you said just to tight nit that they don't want no one else on them here in central Alabama were I'm at. Kq4hcu

[@puffpuff568]

Hello, Great Info and love your channel! Any recommendation for a two way radio with great distance for family traveling?

[@pale_2111]

A couple of things I'd like to add, is don't purposely double on someone when they're transmitting. It happened to me during a net one evening. The person doing it had a tv or music playing in the background, which drowned me out. One last thing, if a station refuses to identify, ignore them. They probably don't have a license to begin with. It's been happening here in East Tennessee a lot more over the past 4 or 5 months. People have been getting on repeaters, refusing to identify, and causing interference. It gets frustrating dealing with it. 73, W4ISB

[@radiohobbyist13]

We're having the same problem here in Central Ohio with unlicensed prepper types who go out and buy disposable Baofeng radios and just jump on ham repeaters with no callsign. They seem to have some end of the world fantasy where there are no more rules and they can just do as they please.

[@pale_2111]

It happens here as well. Had a incident last night where someone was purposely doubling one a few hams along with myself. I need to get a beam antenna and find them. Not sure why the FCC is going to increase the cost of a license and not going to do anything about enforcing the rules.

[@stevenbrannen1568]

I would add, DO invite new hams/ new callsigns to the nets you are on. New hams dont always know where to find them.

[@HamRadioInAction]

good point!

[@BrianR.426]

Excellent point. I wouldnt have known about my local repeaters unless someone told me after i was done taking the tech test

[@chrissewell1608]

Advertise nets on other repeaters and nets!

[@BradSnyder1]

These are all great advice and things to remember! 👍🏻 73

[@msgaltman3075]

Hi Brian. Dave Altman here (KO4YLZ). Assuming you live in Milton, I live just up 372 by 20. I just got my tech and an HT and could use a sanity check on my radio settings and repeater procedure before I key my mike for the first time. Can I buy you a cup of coffee at Starbucks in Crabapple in the near future and get some advice?

[@craigh714]

ker-chunking to get on a repeater seems very common here in SoCal....

[@ceesteven]

Good Job. Nice info. Thank you. May God Bless.

[@markw.schumann297]

Thanks, Brian. This is mostly common sense but the reminders are helpful.

[@PaulWeidenbener]

Well done man! Good reminders taught in a kind way! Right on point. KB0OET

[@crwalker33]

Thanks for the videos. Im new to ham (in your backyard GA), studying for the test. I'll reach out when I get my call sign!

[@jasonmorris4886]

Really enjoyed your video, may I share it with our group have some new hams and will be a good refresh for seasoned vets

[@sirBumpyCase]

In Michigan we say "I'm gonna take a bite" on repeaters to reset the timer and let anybody jump in. I've never heard people use this particular phrase outside of my local repeaters

[@cwo8771]

Hi, Brian. Seems like the pace of releases has slowed down. Hope all is well with you. Really enjoy your channel.

[@edwardleonard3072]

Just wanting to get started in ham. Where should I start?

[@jimroutt2796]

Good advice and informative video! Keep spreading the word de N8SIZ!

[@NormandSimoneau]

Good one... I'm a newbie in ham radio... all your advices are welcome. Thanks

[@joshEil]

Here in south africa. Most of our repeaters are run by clubs, and usually have a rule that you MUST have BCL enabled.

[@cadegoodman3257]

Can you do a video on how to use EchoLink? I can’t connect to other repeaters through my local EchoLink repeater.

[@davidaix5771]

I got a question can a repeater block a radio from using there repeater because as I was listening I herd some bs voice saying " You're an unlicensed user and you're welcome to join us "blah blah blah some stuff like that it in here at all And I think there was some kid killing up the repeater or something like that I heard some chatter like that Didn't hear the full thing Was this just some BS to scare some kid that was messing around or is this an actual thing that can be done cause I've never heard of such a thing

[@N2YTA]

Excellent video. I linked it on the HRCC Facebook page, I hope you don't mind. 73, George N2YTA

[@HamRadioInAction]

Not at all thanks for helping get the word out!

[@ghostedyoutuber263]

Some repeaters are CLOSED. Ergo, they are NOT for public use.

[@radiohobbyist13]

The courtesy tone on the repeater means that you are finished speaking and that the repeater has reset. No need to say "over, back to you or go ahead" when you're on a repeater.

[@calypsonotch3953]

If the internet goes down, does a repeater still work?

[@johnedwinsnyder5082]

If a repeater has the capability of Wires-X, does connecting to it via Wires-X convert the entire repeater to that mode to the exclusion of all other types of operation, or is it parallel--or partitioned so that multiple modes can be used on the repeater simultaneously?

[@Rocketman88002]

Very well done Brian and so needed! It is good for us to be reminded that we are licensed users of the radio frequency spectrum, go by the rules and afford every courtesy possible to our fellow operators. Our Ham club went over subjects such as this from time to time as a reminder. Great advice on supporting the licensee of the local repeater. Our club president owned and operated the local repeater which was on a 9000' mountain top. A wonderful opportunity to learn about the repeater, duplexers and antennas of the 2 meter and 70 cm bands! Great job Brian. Just found you here on the Tube this night. Wil be looking for you! 73's de KB5ZDW, QTH Hastings, NE.

[@newhouseaviation9621]

Let's collab with a little aviation/radio video!

[@kyroha]

A tip for prospective hams. You don't need a license to listen. Buy a radio and program it. Listen to the local repeaters while you study or wait to get licensed. You'll learn a lot about the norms in your area.

[@2A1C1downURnext]

Keep conversations short, don't time out the repeater every time it's your turn. Thanks & 73, KG7SXF

[@Buttonmushroom]

Love your videos! Do you have TikTok 😁 ?

[@HeyImJorg]

please make a video on how to use echolink!

[@slickspade]

Can you please do a beginner review of the tyt uv88? How to use? Thanks.

[@chanm9457]

I'm studying for my license currently among studying for my cdl B. I'm just asking out of curiosity. Would pressing the PPT while not having a license keep me from getting my license? I've accidentally pressed it while getting out of the car and and while simply moving around.

[@TimmonBreenBabyGirl]

All very reasonable. Thank you.

[@richmyer9111]

The only place you will find a "ROGER BEEP" is on the children's band, what you hear is a courtesy tone, letting you know the time out timer has reset.

[@kcoggins001]

Outstanding video!

[@imaflatpicker3066]

Great video.

[@maxedoutmegablith6473]

Hi Wow great info! While I agree with most everything you said in this video and think it is wonderful someone actually addressed repeater usage. I would disagree about interrupting an On going QSO just for sake of and let me try to explain. While circumstances may differ that invites others to join such as adding to a current conversation that's fine I agree. Okay just to break in is not fine especially taking it off topic. Many do that and the original QSO is taken over more times than not. Not to mention the guys having the original conversation are left out because when someone interrupts their buddies come along most of the time. That happens a lot. One thing everyone tends to forget about repeaters is their main purpose which is EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS that's their primary function. While they are open in most cases to the Ham Public they were never intended to be Rag Chew Central as many are used for today. When I became a ham I was taught if I wanted to have a QSO on a repeater to maybe occupy it for 10 minutes or less. If I wanted to talk longer move to simplex and let me say all that depends a lot on area. If I couldn't make contact on simplex to give the repeater a break for a time then return and continue. I guess every where is different on how Repeaters are Used but One thing regardless of where I have been nobody likes the motor mouths that start before daylight and talk everyday all day and if anyone else tries to have a QSO motor mouth starts the COMMENT COMMENT COMMENT interrupting.

[@HamRadioInAction]

I get where you are coming from with these points and I agree for the most part. I disagree a bit that the main purpose of repeaters is for Em comm. I feel repeaters exist for hams to communicate, whether that be chit chat, experimentation or emergencies. I do feel that the chit chat folks need to leave room for emergency breaks and step aside if there is some sort of emergency situation. I also feel that if you want to have an uninterrupted conversation with someone there are probably better modes of communication than over the air, on a repeater, but I do see where it would be frustrating to have many interruptions.

[@maxedoutmegablith6473]

@@HamRadioInAction Hi! maybe I caused a misunderstanding? If I want a private conversation I'll do that in person or by another means as you say. I'll try be brief I do not mean people shouldn't join a conversation. Some people Interrupt and really have Nothing to add or really contribute in anyway to an on going conversation. Understand? They Interrupt just to interrupt and then simply take over. It's rude and displays rudeness and lack of respect. Understand? It would much easier to convey my meaning I am sure if we just sit down and talked. Repeaters back when they 1st came into use and this is my opinion okay? I believe It was Understood that a Primary USE would be for Emergency use. Right? I think the reason for this was because many repeater Owners in this area realized that People would over use them because some people just can't help their need to sit down and GAB all day. Those people tend to not give others a chance to talk or talk with their friends or what have you. Right? So in my area Repeater Owners would suggest if your QSO for example went for an extended amount of time to take it to simplex. Freeing the repeater for others to us. It was just trying to make it useable for EVERYONE because it is always the case a few will abuse most anything. We have people who use a repeater in my area as that CAN'T TAKE a Breath. Seriously , they can't even give the curtesy tone a chance to activate. These same people will talk all day, every day. If you listen these same guys will sit talk hours. If By some chance someone say for example 2 travelers will be passing through and want to talk just for giving each other directions or just because they wanted to talk. The Mouths will Interrupt talk a minute then basically leave the guys out. Repeaters by their nature are just going to draw people who would take and do take advantage. To help CRUB that Stating that the use of a Repeater primary Function is Emergency use does help.. Rules or by agreement need be in place. Maybe by area or whatever? Don't take me wrong I agree with you mostly I think we're saying pretty much the same thing just going at it differently. Again This is how it used to be in the area I live and as I said maybe it is just an area thing or a repeater owner thing? I personally believe we should have rules that apply and those rules are enforced. Today a lot of problem is we have rules but we have very little to no enforcement/

[@EclecticBedlam]

I'm getting ready to study for my HAM technician license. Is there a database of repeaters? How do you find out if there's one in your area? I know when I went on the ARRL website to find a class, there were none in my area, so it looks like my only option will be an online class/test.

[@paulplack490]

Look for a smartphone app called RepeaterBook. It will show you a list of repeaters in order of closest-first. It's fantastic when traveling.

[@JamesDC42]

In my area (UK) other users hate foundation license holders using local Repeaters. It's mainly the older people with G callsigns and some M0. The hobby in general in my area isn't welcoming to use operators.

[@mrkevin6354]

Great video.👍👍✌️✌️

[@CharlotteCaniac]

I didn’t think you were supposed to say “break” unless it was an emergency, no? Newbie here

[@theElderberryFarmer]

Very nice job of presenting some very reasonable guidelines, sir! This sort of information is valuable to new operators, and is a great refresher to more experienced folks as well. 73, KO4AZY

[@BryanKel123]

Hey Brian, hope you're doing well!

[@stevedimartino683]

Great job 👍

[@tanalee229]

LOL. I just bought a Baofeng GT-5R last week, at the request of an unlicensed friend. I'm studying for the tests. (I plan to do two or all on the same day). In the meantime, I'm just trying to find people to listen to. I thought it would be exciting to listen, because I live about a half mile from Pearl Harbor. Unfortunately, I am also surrounded by concrete. I'm waiting for a Super-elastic Signal Stick Dual Band 2 meter / 70cm (19" long) antenna, hoping I'll hear some improvement. At any rate, I heard my first really clear transmission today (I don't listen much). It was, "You're f*ing d*ks". There is no place left to get away from foul language, anymore. None. On the happy side, I love your videos, even though they're 2 years old. Gifts that keep on giving. Thank you! : )

[@tanalee229]

Update: I got the antenna. In a world of concrete, it doesn't make much difference.

[@N0OZRadioSaga]

Great video. Haven't seen anything from you in a while.

[@vne2328]

Are all repeaters open to any user, i.e. not private? It is my understanding that no amateur frequency is assigned to a group or individual, other than the band plans. But on the other hand, I've heard people mention "private repeaters", so I wasn't sure.

[@PatFitzhugh]

There is no such thing as a "private repeater," except in the minds of an owner and his buddies. Although most repeaters are privately owned and quite expensive, as long as they are serving the airwaves that the FCC has made available for amateur radio use (subject to license-type and other legal restrictions), any duly licensed operator can talk on that frequency and be picked up by the repeater. There is nothing wrong with a clique', club, or other organization calling a repeater their home, but they can't file charges, secure an indictment, and throw you into prison if you talk through the repeater, too, as long as your license type is allowed to operate on that frequency.

[@Galactipod]

@@PatFitzhugh FCC has enforced the rules of repeater owners in the past, even if violaters didn't actually break FCC regulations.

[@lpark8]

Great points - thank you!