General Etiquette when using a repeater

[orionarms82]

Hello Everyone,

 

   I am new to using GMRS since I got my license about 2 weeks ago and I want to make sure I am doing things correctly. I don't know any experienced folks that are familiar with GMRS or HAM to ask. So, joined this forum to learn as much as I can. I understand from reading the FCC regs about when to use my call sign, but I do not understand the protocol for using a repeater. My local repeater is in Conway, SC and is open to any licensed users. Can I just transmit on this in duplex and follow the rules for using my call sign, or is there another step using the repeater call sign too? Thanks for any insight, and please forgive my ignorance. 

 

 

[n4gix]

You need only announce your call sign on the first transmission, then every 15 minutes during the conversation. Normally I will end the conversation with my call sign as well.

 

To simply announce your presence, say something like "WQWU626 monitoring."

[zikada]

Yep, n4gix is correct.  If the frequency is clear, just announce your call sign with either like what n4gix said "monitoring" or sometime I'll say "WQWI853, on frequency".  If I hear anyone then we make sure to ID within every 15 minutes that go by.  Most of the other GMRS operators I talk to on the air also clear off the air with their call sign as well.

[orionarms82]

Understood. Thanks for the info guys!

[mainehazmt]

On the local 146 repeater up here a lot just hop on ESP when mobile. And announce wqxkxxx mobile. And often someone chirps in

[WQPP400]

My repeater callsign CW ID stopped working.  There is a lot of discussion on whether a GMRS repeater even needs to ID itself any longer because of FCC rule changes.  Looking on FCC.gov for the answer is like filling a teacup from a fire hydrant.  Using search, I could not even get close to the answer.

 

Can anyone give me the FCC rule regarding requirement?

 

Thanks in advance.

[PastorGary]

§95.1751   GMRS station identification.

 

Each GMRS station must be identified by transmission of its FCC-assigned call sign at the end of transmissions and at periodic intervals during transmissions except as provided in paragraph © of this section. A unit number may be included after the call sign in the identification.

 

(a ) The GMRS station call sign must be transmitted:

(1 ) Following a single transmission or a series of transmissions; and,

(2 ) After 15 minutes and at least once every 15 minutes thereafter during a series of transmissions lasting more than 15 minutes.

 

(b ) The call sign must be transmitted using voice in the English language or international Morse code telegraphy using an audible tone.

 

(c ) Any GMRS repeater station is not required to transmit station identification if:

(1 ) It retransmits only communications from GMRS stations operating under authority of the individual license under which it operates; and,

(2 ) The GMRS stations whose communications are retransmitted are properly identified in accordance with this section.

 

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*** Repeaters do not need automatic owner license ID - IF users of the repeater identify themselves as stated in section (a ) above. ***

 

[wapicke]

If stations (operating under one license, not multiple) don't identify, is cwid allowed? This question keeps coming up, and I'll probably catch a bit of wind for asking it. Doesn't seem to be a definite answer, short of what is stated in the rules.

[Logan5]

Yes, but if you speak for more than 15min's someone in the party would need to cwid or voice ID. Our repeater CWID's on the hour 9am to 9pm. That ID is only applicable to 3 of us, the rest must ID, with each TX and every 15min's.

[WRAF213]

Remember that identification requirements apply to transmissions on the repeater's input frequency too; the repeater's identification is for its transmission on the output frequency.

 

Multiple stations under a single callsign must identify individually; each controlled radio is considered a station.