Using Repeaters
Repeaters are meant to be used for communicating with stations that are not close enough to each other to be properly heard by all on a simplex frequency. Peak repeater times in cities are normally during rush hour. During this time more stations are on during a very short time frame, so your transmissions should be kept shorter to allow everyone a chance to use the repeater. We encourage everyone to take advantage of our system and use the repeaters, but do so in a responsible and courteous manner.
Listen on the frequency for more than a few seconds before initiating a call. The repeater may be busy with someone momentarily standing by. If the repeater is not busy and you wish to establish a conversation use the phrase "(Insert Your Call) (mobile, if applicable) monitoring." After releasing the PTT anyone wishing to speak with you will come back with his or her call sign. If no one comes back to your call, do not continue repeating your call sign. This is redundant and can be very annoying. There may be many people monitoring who don't wish to speak at the time. You may try your call again later in case someone else comes on to monitor that may wish to engage in a conversation.
Identify yourself at the beginning and end of a contact, and every 10 minutes during the contact. Remember to use full call signs. Partial call signs are illegal. In general, give mobile stations priority over base stations, especially during rush hour. The mobile station may be asking for directions or reporting traffic congestion.
Acknowledge and yield to emergency traffic immediately. Don't break into a contact unless you have something to add. Interrupting is no more polite on the air than it is in person. Interruption without identification constitutes malicious (and illegal) interference. Wait for a "squelch-tail" or "go-ahead tone" after each transmission. This allows time for another person to join in the conversation as well as allowing for the repeater "time-out timer" to be reset. If you want to join an established conversation don't use the word "Break", which has specific meanings (see The Meaning Of "Break"). To enter a conversation, insert your full call sign between transmissions. Those using the repeater should then acknowledge this.
A repeater that is in use during a public service event or during an emergency situation should not be accessed while this is in progress. If necessary, contact Net Control for permission to call for your station and move them to another frequency. Keeping the repeater frequency clear during these events can make the difference during emergency situations.
Profane or obscene language is not permitted, and will not be tolerated by the San Diego Repeater Association and other radio amateurs. On voice repeaters, proper and accepted voice procedures should be used. This also applies to all voice frequencies within our amateur bands.
When checking into voice Nets, don't use the word "Break" unless you have higher priority or emergency traffic. Also don't use check, recheck, contact, etc. All that is required for getting the Net Controller's attention is a simple transmission of your call sign. Net Control will now know immediately who you are. Never check into a Net and then leave without first notifying Net Control of your intentions. Net Control may have traffic for you at a later time. It is most frustrating when Net Control calls you and you've left the frequency.
Please note that we co-channel / share repeater frequency pairs with other clubs and individuals throughout Southern California, Arizona and Mexico. Gone are the days of "clear channel" repeater frequencies. Be considerate of our co-channel users and always use the minimum power necessary to access our repeaters. If you are accessing one of our repeaters from out of the San Diego region, please be mindful of co-channel operations. Listen to the frequency and ensure you are not causing interference to other systems. It is important to be good neighbors.
SANDRA wants you to enjoy our amateur radio repeaters. They can become very useful during emergencies, Nets, rag chewing conversations, as well as bringing much enjoyment to amateurs traveling through our community.
Repeater Systems and Nets
Sunday night SANDRA Net: Mt. Otay (146.640, 224.060 and 449.200). Newsline immediately follows roll call.
Wednesday night SANDRA Net: Mt. Laguna (147.150, 224.200 and 449.500)
Emergency Operations
We have seen time and time again that Amateur Radio provides reliable communications in times of emergency. Fires, storms, floods, earthquakes and other disasters often disrupt normal modes of communication. Telephone and cable lines as well as electrical lines are often damaged. Cell sites become overloaded with incoming call attempts or become completely disabled.
SANDRA repeaters are used in times of emergency by San Diego Animal Rescue amateur radio operators, ARES and RACES operations, California and United States Department of Forestry amateur radio operators and for Public Service events. Our Mount Otay site has limited auxiliary power available on the VHF 146.640- MHz. repeater only. The site has approximately eight hours of back-up power. Our sites on Lyons Peak, Mount Laguna, Kearny Mesa and Sharp Hospital have emergency generators and are well suited for sustained emergency operations. As an ARRL Affiliated Organization, the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) Organization is given priority use of the SANDRA repeaters in times of emergency or disaster. This does not prevent SANDRA members from using the repeaters in times of emergency to contact family members, etc. with emergency traffic.