Any discussions are encouraged on the system. The present majority subjects are on the art of radio, technical or other interesting subjects, or coordinating work projects. Other uses could be to contact your friends or relatives. In a REAL emergency the system is available for emergency traffic. That's what Amateur Radio is about. Please contact AK2O either by email , or on the air for arrangements on long term emergency traffic, since he can reconfigure the system to accommodate the traffic.

Users are asked NOT to give out any codes (tone subaudible or DTMF). Code access helps keeps the System clean, against interference; accidental or intentional. Some of the newer type radios have a bunch of bells and whistles, including decoding schemes. Trying to figure out on one's own can be frustrating or misleading, since the system uses it's own signaling for system operations, plus their are usually a couple of remote system receivers out there on carrier squelch. Therefore, just because you bring up the system does not necessarily mean you have the correct tone in your radio. If you hear of folks trying this, please ask them to write or email for the PROPER access information. In most cases the system will work much better when they do this. There is technical information available. Users should refrain from bringing up the Seattle link for "freeloaders". While it's good intentions, doing this bypasses the motive to support the system properly. Just recommend them to send in for the information. The address is on the first page.

The system is one repeater incorporating several voting receivers and transmitters around the area gives wide area coverage all on 147.20, via several links that are transparent to you. There is a slight delay for signals to get across the state, so you need to leave a little space before you start transmitting in case another station wants to say something from the far end. Also, when you do key-up wait a 1/4 second before talking to avoid your first word from being cut off at the far end. As technology and funds permit this delay can be reduced.

The System does not use a beeper, (electronic "leash") which was intended to remind folks to leave a little room for a break. For responsible folks this is not a problem. A second or two pause is fine. Beepers could be used in the future for system status, however, presently is unnecessary and distracting.

The 3 minute time-out resets on the (user) input signal absence. The repeater's long tail, avoids the carrier being dropped out for each transmission, and thus avoids another squelch "burst" in your speaker. Therefore, you don't have to let it drop, just a short pause between transmissions is fine. There are several stations that share this frequency with you, so you should ID (FCC required) when you bring up the repeater. You should ID at the beginning of a contact, every 10 minutes, and at the end. It's unnecessary and redundant to ID for every transmission.

Example ID's are: If you're just testing, say:"(Your Call) testing". To see if anyone's out there say: "(Your Call) monitoring", or (Your Call) listening". Or to call your friend say: "(the other station's call) (your call)" When you are finished with your contact: "(your call) clear". If you call for a station and they do not respond, it's obvious to anyone else on the frequency. Although you are trying to be courteous, it's unnecessary and redundant,in this case, to "clear" off. Just make your call, if no answer; that's all there's to it! (Try later) With a little practice it will come easy.

Your radio needs to be compatible with the system by running deviation at 5 KHz (maximum) and avoiding excessive mic gain with voice average around 4 KHz. DTMF should be 3 KHz. CTSS should be less than 750 Hz preferably 300 Hz. Eastside CTSS works down to 200 Hz. The newer style radios typically have way too much microphone sensitivity. This is what you DO NOT need in a noisy, mobile environment. Usually a 5-10K resistor installed in series with the mic element takes care of the problem. The A.R.R.L. publications have lots of good operational ideas. Books are available at your Amateur Radio (mail order) store. Or ask a control operator for help.

Use common sense. If the subject(s) are interesting "rag-chews" and "round tables" are fine. Don't feel rushed to get off, if the others are enjoying interesting discussions. There's a small group here with a good sense of humor.

Personal problems or other superfluous "CB" type lingo should be diverted to simplex or another repeater that tolerates that type of traffic. Plain english works well! Another tip: rather than using the system like a "telephone" and turning off when you are done, you are encouraged to monitor and make contact with others on the system to get acquainted. You might make some friends along the way !

The object for the rules is to encourage good operational practices for the experienced operators and set an example for others, who are learning. Don't be afraid - just be aware. We are all human and make mistakes. With your cooperation we can all have fun on the System !