Repeater Etiquette

The following information is a simple guide to courteous operation on repeaters. If you operate using these simple guidelines, you will make it more enjoyable for everyone operating on repeaters, and you will also set a good example for others.  It never hurts to review the guidelines (and new hams may not be familiar with these guidelines) to make sure you are being a responsible amateur radio operator. Remember, repeaters are a public service, and general courtesy is expected of all amateur radio operators.

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1. Take the time to listen to a repeater before you talk.

2. Do not monopolize the repeater. Simplex may be more appropriate for lengthy conversations.  Keep in mind that repeaters are a shared resource and are to be available to a large community of users. A good operating practice is to use simplex for long conversations (rag chewing) if possible.

3. Transmit your call sign when you first come on the air.  Make sure you ID once every 10 minutes, but there is no need to identify too often. (47CFR § 97.119.a)

4. Our repeaters normally have a 3 minute "timeout" setting. The 3-minute length is meant as a maximum length, not a suggested length. It is considered good etiquette to keep your transmission length shorter than this.

5. Some topics are like land mines – Religion, Politics, Sex, etc. Do not discuss these subjects over the air! It can be more interesting than discussing what you ate for lunch last Wednesday, or the weather conditions you experienced two days ago, or how bad your bunions are troubling you, but “land mine” conversations can sometimes descend into a shouting match and can cause people to become upset (even those listening and not part of the conversation). 

6. Do not belittle, berate, defame or speak ill of others....period. This includes individuals, groups, nations, aspect of the hobby, etc. Using words such as idiot, stupid, hate monger, etc. in reference to any person, entity or group should not be tolerated. 

7. Even ‘mild’ obscenities are not good operating practice.  This includes suggestive phrases, and suggestive phonetics. (47 CFR §97.113.a.4)

8. Do not inject a comment into a conversation without saying your call sign.  Part 97 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which governs our operations as amateur radio operators, requires that you identify with your callsign. (47 CFR § 97.119.a) Transmitting comments without identifying yourself is prohibited.  Interrupting is no more polite on the radio than in the real world.

9. Give a pause before keying the mic and speaking. Don’t start speaking as you key the mic.  Repeaters have a short delay before transmitting.  If you start speaking too soon, your first few words may not be heard.  Make sure you have finished speaking before you un-key the mic.

10. Pause periodically to see if anyone else would either like to join the conversation or use the repeater for a quick call that is not part of the ongoing conversation.

11. When identifying, please say your call sign slowly and clearly. Call signs that are rattled off too fast can make the call sign totally unintelligible.

12. Don't forget that the FCC prohibits the transmission or retransmission of music (and almost anything else that is received over the airwaves; for specifics, see  (47 CFR § 97.113.a.4). If you have a radio turned on (this is especially common for many mobile stations), make sure that it's turned down before you transmit.

13. When using “comment” or “break” to be recognized and you are acknowledged by net control or the folks using the frequency, then be sure to identify with your call sign.