Repeater Operating Procedures

The KN9OX Repeater Association repeaters are open repeaters unless an emergency net is in session and then they are closed to other users.
When open, the users of said repeaters will comply with FCC mandated rules and regulations as put forth in Part 97.

Besides what is stated in Part 97, the KN9OX Association has established the following operating procedures to be adhered to by all that use the repeaters. This list of rules, while not all-inclusive, does establish a guide for all repeater users to follow:

Station Identification –

All stations will identify themselves using their FCC assigned call sign upon initially transmitting on the repeater and must identify at least once every ten minutes thereafter and at the end of a conversation as required by FCC rules (§97.119a).

In addition, when operating in a net or "roundtable group" your call sign should be announced more frequently as needed to make it easy for others to understand whose turn it is to communicate.

Listen for a few minutes prior to transmitting. Make sure that nobody is in a conversation and only taking a breath. If the repeater is already in use, please wait for a pause between transmissions to announce your call.

All stations using the repeater need to pause after the previous station drops its carrier to help prevent “doubling” and more importantly allow time for new stations to identify.

"BREAK" OR "BREAK BREAK" is only used in an emergency or life-threatening situation. If a station announces a single or double "break" the repeater is to be given to them immediately for their traffic. All stations should listen to see if they can help the station with the emergency.

All communications are to be in plain language. The use of "Q" codes is for CW, not repeaters. The "10"codes are not used in Amateur Radio and therefore should not be used.

Extraneous Tones and Sayings, Recordings or Identifiers –

Except when required for control or identification purposes these extraneous transmissions should not be transmitted before, during or at the completion of a transmission.

Simplex vs. Repeater –

If you are close enough to another station to hear them directly and it is only the two of you talking, move to a simplex frequency. It is required by the FCC (§97.101b).

Transmitting on any repeater output frequency, while the repeater is operating is prohibited.

Content –

While certain topics and vocabulary are not "illegal" for commercial broadcasting, KN9OX Association, does prohibit those communications that are considered to be in poor taste or a waste of the repeater facility (§97.101a). While the following should not be considered all-inclusive, it will establish a baseline for behavior that is not permitted by the KN9OX Repeater Association:

"Off Color" comments, sexual innuendo and any comments that can be misunderstood by having a double meaning. Derogatory or bigoted remarks directed at any group (gender, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual, etc).
If you wouldn't tell the joke to your young child, don't tell it on the repeater.

Any activity in violation of FCC rules and/or any other Federal, State or Local laws or ordinances including, but not limited to: jamming, "stepping on", broadcasting of music, unidentified carrier, etc.

Intentionally transmitting simultaneously with another station ("stepping on") is prohibited by FCC regulation (§97.101d).
The use of codes and ciphers is not permitted by FCC regulations (§97.113a4). If it can't be said in plain English, it probably should not be broadcast on the repeater.

Avoid discussions on inappropriate subjects including politics, sex and religion.

Absolutely no obscene, indecent or profane language at any time.

Commercial communication –

You can, certainly, identify your occupation. However, for example, if you run a repair shop or store, you cannot direct your employees to their next service call or try to sell your wares on the repeater (§97.113a3).

Malicious Interference –

When subject to interference which is clearly intentional, do not respond to the interfering station. It only provides encouragement.

Make note of all pertinent information (date and time of occurrence, your location, fixed or mobile, if you can hear the interfering station on the input, was your signal heard above the interfering signal, type of equipment you are using) and contact the repeater trustee with the information.

Violations handled—

Members/users that violate the above rules and procedures will be warned after the first offense.

If the behavior continues, you will be told that you are not allowed to use the repeater/s and if needed, a report of the offense will be sent to the FCC.

While the above limits on content are not all inclusive, they should make clear the type of communication that is not appropriate.

Remember, there are those that are not Amateur Radio Operators listening on the repeaters. If what is being said could be construed as embarrassing or hurtful by a listener, it probably is not acceptable operating practice.