📡 IARC Repeater Guidelines

For Your Awareness and Best Use

These guidelines help ensure responsible and courteous use of IARC repeaters. Following them keeps operations smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

✅ General Expectations

• Be courteous & follow the law – Every operator is responsible for legal and respectful use.

• Emergency traffic always comes first – Stop all communication immediately during an emergency.

🎙️ When & How to Use the Repeater

• Scheduled nets/drills have priority over casual QSOs.

• Listen first – make sure the frequency is clear.

• Keep transmissions short – repeaters have a 3-minute timeout.

• Limit long conversations – under 10 minutes during busy times.

• Don’t interrupt unless urgent or an emergency.

• Avoid unnecessary use – switch to simplex if possible.

📏 Radio Etiquette

• Wait for the courtesy tone – allows others to break in.

• Use your call sign – at the start, every 10 minutes, and at the end.

• No “kerchunking” – ID is required by FCC rules.

• Keep it clean & professional – remember, it’s a public space.

• Avoid personal attacks – don’t complain about others on the air.

• No business communications – prohibited by FCC rules.

🌟 Good Operating Habits

• Key up, pause, then speak – ensures nothing gets cut off.

• Be forgiving – mistakes happen, help others improve.

📖 ARRL Best Practices for Repeater Use

• Monitor before you speak – learn how the repeater works before using it.

• Start a contact politely – for example: “This is [your call sign] monitoring.”

• ID properly – use your call sign every 10 minutes and at the end of a QSO.

• Pause between transmissions – lets others break in and resets the timer.

• Be brief and thoughtful – avoid long monologues; others may be waiting.

• Use simplex when possible – don’t tie up the repeater if direct contact works.

• Use only the power you need – too much power may trigger distant repeaters.

• Don’t interrupt – wait for natural breaks unless necessary.

• Let mobile operators have priority – especially during busy commute times.

• Support your repeater – repeaters cost money and time; consider donating or helping.

💡 Remember

Amateur radio is a shared hobby. These guidelines keep it:
✔️ Fun
✔️ Safe
✔️ Respectful

Revised August 2025