Repeater
W2LI Repeater Information
| 2 Meters | 70 Centimeters | ||||
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PL: 141.3 Hz
W2LI REPEATER OPERATING POLICY
All licensed ham operators are invited to use the W2LI repeater system. The repeaters are the private property of the Tri-County Radio Association, Inc., and are maintained for the benefit of all licensed amateur radio operators. We expect all users to exercise common sense and proper radio etiquette at all times. Users are asked to follow the rules listed below:
Special Note Regarding Emergencies:
The 2-meter repeater is the official (R.A.C.E.S.) repeater for the Union County Office of Emergency Management. In the event of an emergency, the repeater is to be cleared for the exclusive use of the Office of Emergency Management. This repeater is also used preferentially by the “Skywarn” net in the event of severe weather. The 70-cm repeater may also be called into use during an emergency. This repeater is also to be cleared to allow EM-COMM operations.
1. To initiate a contact, simply indicate that you are on frequency. “KC2ZZZ Listening” is the usual message if you aren’t calling a specific station. If no one comes back to you, no further transmission on your part is necessary. Phrases like: “negative contact” or “nothing heard” serve no purpose and should be avoided. When you do establish a QSO and are done, sign off with “KC2ZZZ clear and listening” or “KC2ZZZ out.”
2. Identify legally. The TCRA requires that you identify your station at the beginning of each contact, at least once each 10 minutes during the contact, and at the end of the contact. It is unnecessary to state your call and use the phrase “for identification purposes”.
3. Pause between transmissions. Listen for others who may need to use the repeater, especially when there are multiple users in a QSO.
4. Keep your transmissions short and thoughtful. A long monologue may prevent someone with emergency traffic from using the repeater. Remember the repeaters have timers that will cut your transmission if you talk too long.
5. Don’t use a repeater for LOCAL contacts. If you can carry on a conversation on simplex, do so, and leave the repeater open for weak stations and mobiles that NEED it.
6. Don’t break into a QSO unless you have something to add. Interrupting is just as impolite on the air as it is in person.
7. Repeaters are primarily intended to facilitate mobile communications. ESPECIALLY DURING RUSH HOURS, base stations should relinquish repeater use to mobile stations.
8. Leave your CB lingo next to your old 11 Meter rig. You worked hard for your amateur license. Listen a lot and learn how to sound like the licensed amateur that you now are.
9. Don’t be a repeater hog. The dues of all TCRA members support the repeaters, and everyone should have equal access to them. If you have that much to say, you should use some other frequencies, too. Remember that even your mother wouldn’t want to hear your voice all day long.
10. Support your repeaters. The TCRA repeaters are open. All Amateurs are encouraged to use them. If you are a non-member who is a regular user, support the operation of the repeaters. The TCRA has invested over $12,000 to upgrade the system. Your donation is tax deductible.
11. Don’t acknowledge or encourage any station causing malicious interference. If necessary, telephone a Control Operator. Please report interference and flagrant violations to info@tcra.org, completing a contact form on our website (w2li.org) or mail at PO Box 3393, Union, NJ 07083-1898
12. NEVER give out the repeater location. “Murray Hill” or Berkeley Heights is sufficient. We don’t want to jeopardize the site by putting our hosts under pressure by others or by calling undue attention to them.
13. Don’t bring up more than one repeater. We share our frequencies with other repeaters. If your transmissions key up more than one repeater, lower your power. It’s inconsiderate to tie up multiple repeaters at the same time. Nearby repeaters on 2 meters are in Long Island and Pennsylvania.
14. NEVER ARGUE WITH A CONTROL OPERATOR OVER THE AIR. Control Operators have a thankless job. They must police the club’s repeaters as they deem necessary in order to protect the club’s callsign. If you disagree with the actions of a Control Operator, you should write down your grievance and contact the Officers and/or Trustees.
15. Right of Usage: FCC Part 97.205(e) states “limiting the use of a repeater to only certain user stations is permissible.” Even as “Open” repeaters, the TCRA Executive Committee or at the direction of the Call Sign Trustee or membership reserves the right to request anyone from not using the repeater system for repeated behavior that violates FCC regulations, reflects poorly upon the amateur radio community, defames other users or entities, or hinders the emergency communications process. Minor or first-time offenses may be addressed in the form of a warning from the TCRA Executive Committee or Call Sign Trustee. Subsequent or more serious violations may be reported to an ARRL Volunteer Monitor who will be requested to monitor and take action as they deem necessary to report to the ARRL for their follow up. Serious or repeated violations may be referred to the FCC for enforcement action.
Revised 8/2019