Ok now, hang on – before you roll your eyes – maybe there are some people that really aren’t sure how to use a repeater. I can assure you that at first, I didn’t know how, and it kept me from ever really using my radios. Therefore, I provide this quick and dirty scenario-based “article” of sorts, with examples, to help ease the minds of any nervous or mic shy GMRS licensees.
- LISTEN FIRST. Listen for a good 60 seconds to make sure you aren’t going to key up on top of someone else.
- VERBALLY identify yourself via callsign at the end of your transmission, and every 15 minutes (if you’re using the frequency for longer than 15 minutes).
- KEEP IT RESPECTFUL and do not say anything that you wouldn’t want half of the state to hear you say… because they can!
- RADIO LINGO or JARGON is not needed on GMRS. Other radio services might have “radio lingo” or “famous sayings”; leave them there. GMRS is plain, non-coded easy to understand for everyone. Keep CB, ham radio, or other services on their respective bands.
- Just talk to someone! A conversation is the best test. You will hear the repeaters courtesy “beep” informing you that the repeater heard your transmission.
- DO NOT simply key up for half a second and wait for the “beep”. This is called “kerchunking” and is technically in violation of FCC regulations as transmission without identification
Ex: “WRKF394, I just finished installing a new radio in my car, can anyone hear me?”
- Just say so! Identify yourself. This announces your presence, and if someone is listening and they hear you, they might respond if they also want to chat.
Ex: “WRKF394, I’m driving home from work if anybody wants to chat”
IF YOU WANT TO “CALL” FOR SOMEONE
- Say the call sign of the person you are calling, followed by your callsign
“WRBK701, this is WRKF394. Chris, are you listening?”
- GMRS allows one call sign to cover multiple family members. If you have multiple people that use your call sign (like my family), it can get confusing.
- I suggest you use unique identifiers, or “unit numbers”, in addition to your call sign. These numbers can be whatever you want.
- Upon applying for membership with the Arkansas GMRS Repeater Group, you will also be given unit numbers that you can use if you want.
Ex: “WRKF394, A100. A103, do you copy?”
- Alert anyone listening that you have emergency traffic
- Continue with your emergency transmission
Ex: “Emergency, emergency, emergency, this is WRKF394 with emergency traffic”
EXAMPLE GMRS REPEATER TRAFFIC
“WRBK701″
“WRKF394, unit 1. How’s it going, Chris?”
“It’s going well! I decided to go on a walk since the weather is so nice today. What are you up to?”
“Okay. Me and my brother are heading out to go camping. He’s following behind me and might have his radio on too. Unit 2, this is unit 1, do you have your radio on?”
“This is unit 2, yes I’m listening”
…………etc………….
“Alright Chris, we just pulled up to the campsite and we’re gonna hop out. Good talking with you today, hope to catch you again sometime soon. WRKF394”
“Sure thing, be safe out there! WRBK701”
This is just some information that I felt like getting out there. Remember… at the end of the day, it’s just a radio. There is no specific code of conduct for speaking that you have to perfectly abide by to keep from getting in trouble. Just be kind and courteous, follow a few simple rules, and have a good time! Be sure to reach out to someone (including us!) if you have any questions.
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