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This article helps the new Ham to be more at home on repeaters. It contains a basic description of a ham radio repeater and how to properly use one. Though the examples are written for 2-meter repeaters, the principles and operating information applies to all amateur radio repeaters.

It focuses on practical repeater information in very non-technical language. It is practical learning material for new hams as well as a refresher for those with more experience. Thanks to Tom King, WK5DX for taking the time to provide this valuable reference material for all of us.

How to Use Repeaters by Tom S. King, WK5DX

This document is in PDF format. It will open in a new window.

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• Operating
• Repeater
• repeater update

NARS has two repeater sites, one in Klein and one Downtown. Our repeater team is working diligently to ensure that this system provides the reliable and convenient coverage in the Houston area that we have come to expect.

The current repeater system status is as follows:

• UHF 444.375 Klein Area PL 100 on the air linked to ALLSTAR
• UHF/DMR 440.300 Klein Area ,Talk Group 3146211, time slot 1
• Allstar Node 59847
• VHF 146.660 Galleria Area PL 141.3 OFF AIR
• VHF 146.660 Downtown PL100 OFF AIR
• UHF 443.075 Galleria Area PL 103.5 OFF AIR

General Comments:

The repeater team is planning to link the Klein UHF repeater on 444.375 and the UHF repeater on 443.075 when we have access to tower space for the second UHF repeater. We are also planning to link the VHF repeater to this system on an RF link. 

When the team accomplishes its goals, NARS will have two analog UHF repeaters connected to the W5NC HUB, one DMR repeater in Klein on the W5NC HUB, and one VHF repeater, with RF access only, currently in the center of downtown. The separation of the two UHF RF capable repeaters with W5NC HUB links should allow members without HUB access to communicate by RF into Club nets.

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The following procedure is recommended for the weekly DMR net. The net control operator is free to make revisions at their discretion as long as the basic format is followed.

Approximately five minutes before the net start time, the net control operator should announce that the net will begin.

"The Harris County NARS Amateur Radio Society DMR net will begin in approximately 5 minutes. This is <your call>, net control operator for the evening."

At the appointed time, the net control operator begins net operations

"This is <your call> opening the Harris County Area NARS Weekly DMR Net on the Brandmeister network TG3146211 sponsored by the Northwest Amateur Radio Society.  This will be a directed net. Net control this evening is <your call>, and my name is <your name>."

  <<Break>>

"This net is conducted weekly on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm and during significant events affecting Harris County. This net will accept reports from any amateur radio operator licensed to operate on this frequency.  Tonight’s net is open to all amateurs, and discussion may include technical discussion or any subject of interest to amateur radio operators."

<<Break>>

"Any stations with emergency or other high-priority traffic please call net control now."

<<Log Emergency/High Priority Traffic>>

"We will now begin taking check-ins.  When checking in, please state your callsign, your name, your location and any traffic. After stations have checked in, each station will be called in order of check-in for comments or announcements.  Please call now – Alpha through Zulu."

<<Break>>

Any mobile stations or check-in-only stations, please call now.

<<Log and handle traffic for mobile or check-in stations.>>

We will now Call each operator in order of check in:

 <<Log and handle traffic/discussion for all stations>>

<<Make any announcements or weather briefings you may have (i.e. Hazardous Weather Outlook)>>

<<Ask for any late check-ins or comments>>

<<Net Closing Comments, thanks for checking in, etc.>>