N5ZXJ Operating Rules

FCC Part 97.205 (e) states "limiting the use of a repeater to only certain user stations is permissible." There is no rule which requires a repeater sponsor to let everyone use it. Those who do not follow FCC rules and the rules set forth by the N5ZXJ Trustee will be disqualified from using the system and may be subject to FCC enforcement action.

(1) Each operator must provide station identification near the beginning of a communication or series of communications. In addition, FCC rules require station identification at least every ten minutes and at the end of a communication.

(2) No communications are permitted with persons not holding a valid Amateur Radio license except for transmissions in compliance with FCC rules on third party traffic and control operator supervision. For an unlicensed person to key a transmitter on Amateur Radio bands, the immediate presence of a properly-licensed operator is required. This means that the control (licensed) operator is within a few feet.

FCC Part 97.111(a)1 does not authorize communications with unlicensed operators.

If an operator fails to identify with his or her Amateur Radio call, consider that person to be unlicensed. After a request for their call sign, do not communicate with or acknowledge any transmissions made by unidentified/unlicensed operators. If you hear someone with a questionable call, you can verify via http://www.qrz.com

(3) Do not discuss any details about jammers or jamming on the air at any time and do not acknowledge jammers in any manner.

Use procedures shown further down this page to assist in determining the location of an unidentified/unlicensed operator. When input from observers is sufficient to identify a source of illegal transmissions, details will be filed with the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies for enforcement action. Penalties for malicious transmissions can total thousands of dollars in fines and legal costs plus several years in prison.

(4) Communications must be non-commercial. Prohibitions have been relaxed by the FCC. One may order fast food or conduct some personal business. But an operator is not allowed to benefit financially from using Amateur Radio. One could not use ham radio to dispatch employees of a profit-making business or to solicit customers. A non-routine call to one’s employer to convey that the operator will be late for work is probably okay but most other calls to an employer should be avoided. It is permissible to disseminate information on personal gear for sale or trade on nets and during conversations.

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(2) Communications for hire or for material compensation, direct or indirect, paid or promised, except as otherwise provided in these rules;

(3) Communications in which the station licensee or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on behalf of an employer. Amateur operators may, however, notify other amateur operators of the availability for sale or trade of apparatus normally used in an amateur station, provided that such activity is not conducted on a regular basis;

(4) Music using a phone emission except as specifically provided elsewhere in this section; communications intended to facilitate a criminal act, messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning, except as otherwise provided herein; obscene or indecent words or language; or false or deceptive messages, signals or identification;

(5) Communications on a regular basis, which could reasonably be furnished alternatively through other radio services.

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The N5ZXJ Repeater System has only a very short delay (hang time) at the end of each transmission and no “roger beep."

It is good procedure to pause between transmissions for a second or two so that other stations may call.

Allow a second or two of lead time when you key your microphone before speaking. This allows equipment to engage at remote receiver sites - Echolink.

To join a conversation, simply announce your complete call or suffix of your call during a break. You also may use the word “break” to join in.

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N5ZXJ Repeater system users are requested to assist in determining the source of interference. In addition to obvious malicious jamming, interference may consist of short bursts or repetitive keying.

Follow these steps when you note interference:

(1) Switch to the input frequency (144.710 MHz) and note strength of the interfering signal. Even an HT is valuable for this purpose. This is the most important thing to do first.

(2) If your station includes a rotatable beam, determine the direction of maximum signal strength on 144.710 MHz.

(3) Send a report by e-mail to n5zxj@arrl.net noting direction of signal peak and/or strength. Terms such as " no signal...weak signal....moderate signal....strong signal.....full-scale signal" etc. can be used. Also note any background sounds or unique characteristics.

(5) If time permits, go mobile around town or the area your in and note where signal peaks occur on the input frequency.

(6) If jamming consists of very short transmissions (under five seconds or so), using a second radio to monitor the repeater input frequency simultaneously may help you prepare a more accurate report. Remember that reports of "no input signal heard" are very valuable in narrowing down the location of the source.

(7) Do not communicate with a person believed to be unlicensed.

As reports from users in various parts of the coverage area increase, the likelihood of locating the source also increases.

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