PRINCIPLES OF REPEATER OPERATION
1. Use minimum power. Otherwise, especially in heavily populated areas, you may run the risk of keying more than one repeater, thus causing unnecessary QRM. Low power also conserves batteries.
2. Use simplex, whenever possible. ARRL recommends 146.52 MHz, but it's a good idea to have at least one other simplex channel available. Use a gain antenna at fixed locations for simplex operation.
3. Observe the "pause" procedure between exchanges. When it is your turn to transmit, after the transmitting station stands by, count to two or three before pressing your transmit switch.
4. Listen much, transmit little. Announce your presence on a repeater when you are certain of being able to assist in an emergency, and don't tie it up with idle chatter.
5. In accordance with the Wilderness Protocol, monitor local ARES net frequency or national simplex calling frequency (146.52 MHz), when otherwise not busy. Even if you're not in wilderness backpacking areas, monitor these frequencies in case someone needs immediate assistance and can not raise a repeater.
6. Think before you talk. Anyone with an inexpensive public-service-band receiver can monitor. Stick to facts, control your emotions. Remember, during an emergency is the time when you are most apt to act and speak rashly.
7. Articulate, don't slur. Speak close to your mike, but talk across it, not into it. Keep your voice down. In an emergency situation one often gets excited and tends to shout. Talk slowly, calmly--this is the mark of an experienced communicator.
