Standard operating procedures and guidelines

There are times when guidelines for doing various things in life must be reviewed in order to keep things running smooth. Some still insist rules are made to be broken, while others insist rule must be followed at all times.

The mixing of these two combinations can have tempers flare out of control, causing even worse language.

We are not perfect and do make occasional slips. Some newcomers to the repeater systems want very much to do right in the eyes of their peers, so much so that some don't even get on the air for fear of doing something wrong. They sit back and listen to the more experienced operator and try to establish in their own mind what the correct procedures are. They know the regulations specify what is right and wrong, but nothing is mentioned about correct operating procedures. The theory classes of today are shortened to 12 weeks and rarely cover proper procedures and protocols.

So, to help newcomers learn what classes don't teach, and to remind the rest of us how it should be done, here are some comments on using the amateur frequencies.

Setting an example

Yes, we all have slipped into some poor operating habits unknowingly. Maybe it's time we all take a few moments to think of what we say and how we say it. We've just become lazy and comfortable with our sloppy procedures and don't even realize we're doing it. It becomes a subconscious action and things like shortened callsigns, bad slang e.g., damn, hell, etc., are part of our vocabulary. Yes, these words are used on the CBC but do we really need to express ourselves in this manner?

Non-hams who ride in our vehicles, or listen on scanners, are unlikely to get excited about ham radio if they hear this unimpressive slang. Young people already know these words and if they pursue this great hobby why should we give them the impression that language of this nature is commonly accepted? We reap what we sow. Therefore, the following points will make amateur radio a better space to listen to.

The meaning of "break"

The word "Break" has four different and very specific meanings in amateur radio. Break should never be used when you simply want to join a conversation in progress. Use your callsign for that.

1.  The first use of the word break is separate parts of one message, such as separating the address from the text, during the same transmission. E.g., "VE6XXX, this is VE6YYY, message from EOC to Foothills. BREAK. Ambulance will arrive at 14:55. BREAK. Over."

2.  The second use of the word break is to terminate a message with one station and start a message to another during the same transmission. E.g., "VE6XXX, message received. BREAK. VE6YYY, has the helicopter arrived?"

3.  The third use of break is to interupt an ongoing conversation with traffic of a higher priority. The frequency should be released immediately to the station calling break. E.g.,
"VE6YYY this is VE6XXX, what was the final score?"
"BREAK."
VE6YYY should then transmit "Station calling break go ahead," and wait with the score until later. VE6YYY must not simply say "I acknowledge the break," then finish his/her conversation before relinquishing the frequency.

4.  The fourth and most critical use of break is when someone calls "break break" or "break emergency". This indicates emergency traffic. All other stations must release the frequency immediately and stand by to assist if necessary. E.g.,
"VE6YYY this is VE6XXX, go ahead with your results."
"BREAK BREAK."
VE6YYY should then transmit "Station calling break break go ahead, VE6YYY standing by."

Using repeaters

Repeaters are meant to be used for communicating with two or more stations that are not close enough to each other to be properly heard by all stations 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 speak.

1. Listen on the frequency for more than a few seconds before initiating a call. The repeater may be busy with someone momentarily standing by.
2. If the repeater is not busy and you wish to establish a conversation use the phrase "VE6ZYX monitoring." After releasing the PTT anyone wishing to speak with you will come back with their callsign. If no one comes back to your call you, do not continue repeating your callsign. This is redundant and very annoying. There may be many people monitoring who don't wish to speak with you at this time. You may try your call again later in case someone else comes on to monitor that may wish to speak with you.
3. Identify yourself at the beginning and end of a contact, and every 30 minutes during a contact. Remember to use full callsigns, partial callsigns are illegal.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. If you want to join an established conversation don't use the word "Break", which has specific meanings (see the meaning of "break" above). To enter a conversation insert your full callsign between transmissions. This will then be acknowledged by those using the repeater.
7. 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 or designate 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 life threatening situations.
8. Profane or obscene language is not permitted, and will not be tolerated by Industry Canada and other radio amateurs.
9. 0n voice repeaters voice procedures should be used. This also applies to all voice frequencies within our amateur bands. The use of "Q" codes (e.g., QSL, QSO, QTH, QRT, etc.) should be reserved for CW conversations and CW nets. It is much easier to say what you really mean in the first place.
10. 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 callsign. Net control now knows immediately who you are.
11. 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.
12. Repeaters with mail box facilities having subscribers should not have priority over traffic to access their mailbox. Try to access your mailbox when the repeater is not in use.
13. Last but not least, let us have fun on our amateur radio repeaters. They can become very useful during emergencies, as well as bringing much enjoyment to new amateurs travelling through our cities.

Telephone patch protocols

Many repeaters have a connection to the telephone system, allowing a ham to make a local phone call using their radio. Use of these autopatches, as they are called, are subject to the repeater owner's rules or protocols. Here are CARA's rules. For the mechanical details of which of CARA's repeaters have autopatches and how to access them, check the autopatch instructions page.

1. Phone patches should not be accessed on a repeater that is busy with normal conversation. It is rude to interrupt a conversation to use the patch to call home about sundry items. If you have emergency phone patch traffic then indicate this so that others will stand by while you make your call.
2. Before using the phone patch identify yourself with your complete callsign. Keep your phone calls as short as possible and to the point. Don't discuss family issues as many people are listening. Phone calls of a business or commercial nature are strictly prohibited by Industry Canada and therefore by the repeater licensee. If in doubt, don't make the call! Your call could be terminated by another concerned radio amateur who feels your phone call is of questionable content. Use other means for these type of calls.
3. If you call one of the emergency services, when they answer, identify yourself with something like "This is amateur radio operator VE6xxx calling through a radio phone patch." then continue with your traffic. This will help the answering person understand the circumstances of your call.
4. Phone patch calls should be terminated with a statement indicating that you are clear with the patch along with your callsign in full.

Using "lingo"

Many new hams come from the General Radio Service (GRS, more commonly known as CB) frequencies, bringing with them their own jargon that is not normally used on the ham bands. Not all CB lingo is obnoxious or obscene. Things like "10-4" or "10-20" aren't objectionable, however these terms are just not normally used in ham radio.

It's these little differences that set us apart from CB or commercial radio communications. The preferred ham radio jargon is only reasonable to expect from a service that has been proud to be distinguishable from the other services.

However, don't use jargon when simple English will do. A prime example is saying "I've destinated" instead of "I've arrived at my destination." Destinated is not a word!

Now with that said, just think about the different operating habits on the air and no wonder the new ham is confused! He or she is told that the correct procedure is one thing, yet hears the elders of ham radio doing the complete opposite. You elders in ham radio don't realize how much you are being observed and listened to, and what example you are setting.


General ethics

Use proper ethics of amateur radio when operating.

1. Be a courteous operator and lead others by example.
2. Use your callsign. "Break" has specific meanings. (See the meaning of "break" above.)
3. Kerchunking the repeaters are not appreciated. (Kerchunking is transmitting for a second or less without saying anything.)
4. Wait for the courtesy tone before transmitting.
5. Most repeaters have a transmit timeout timer, usually set for about 2 1/2 minutes. You should be able to say what is needed in that time. The "just a minute while I drop it" every minute is very annoying to listeners.
6. Many people listen to the frequencies, but do not enter the conversation, so be cautious about what is being said.
7. Repeaters are designed for communication when simplex isn't available. Simplex or the telephone should be used for long ragchews.
8. Remember, repeaters are designed to be used for short conversations. The equipment is not designed to transmit continuously for more than a few minutes. Repeaters do heat up and fail!
9. CARA discourages joking around or horseplay on its repeaters. Some people think it's funny to burn out repeaters. It isn't. The end result may be a dead repeater the club cannot afford to repair.
10. If there is interference of an unwanted nature, do not confirm, acknowledge, or discuss the problem. Report the problem to one of the three CARA technicians via telephone, electronic mail or packet.
11. Full callsigns are to be used as per Industry Canada regulations.
12. Make your conversations interesting. Remember politics, religion, or commercial traffic are not allowed. People turn their radios on for good conversation, not the same old problem from last month.
13. Membership money pays for repeater maintenance and expansion of systems. If you use a repeater regularly, support it by joining the club that owns it.

Thanks to Fred - VE6FVD for assembling this page.