We tend to assume that everyone knows the generally accepted rules and regulations. This assumption is unfair to those who want or need to have a clearer definition of amateur radio expectations and requirements. Amateur Radio regulations and rules are largely self-enforced and we all need to work together towards good operating procedures. Correct operating procedure is a distinct characteristic of Amateur Radio. It’s important that you convey to the public, and to new hams, the image that Amateur Radio Operators are courteous, patient, and really know what they’re doing. We need to always operate professionally.
I updated the procedures and operating tips for the GRHub Network iro nodes 49355, 46765, linked RF repeaters and simplex links.
By default many hubs, repeaters and links are connected to the Garden Route Hub Network. GRHub Net is an Allstar hub node which links allstar nodes around the world to form a network of nodes.
Due to the size of networks there need to be rules to ensure orderly use of systems/networks. Amateur Radio regulations are largely self-enforced and we all need to work together and adhere to the rules listed below:
You must identify your station according to the regulations. If you do not know how refresh you memory by downloading the regulations from the SARL Website. I request that before sending any DTMF commands, you must also identify your station, by announcing your call sign an your intentions sending DTMF.
Please limit group and individual conversations to 15 or 30 minutes. Other hams probably want to use the GRHub Network but might not be interested in the subject you're discussing.
In addition, great time and expense was put into building the GRHub Network. In order for stations from across the world to log in from time to time, the Network/System must be free. If you are hogging the Network, others can’t get in.
Please do not talk about politics or religion on the GRHub Network or for that matter on any other system/network. Absolutely no obscene, indecent or profane language at any time.
Do not make comments on institutions, groups, or people.
When using the GRHub Network, you are a guest operator of many linked radio stations, nodes, hubs etc.
Please don’t use phonetics for every letter you need to say. You are talking on a network and repeaters, not a noisy station on 40 Meters. Just talk normal.
PLEASE leave a "8 second delay" between replying to a station to allow ALL the systems to reset and connect.
Please note this is a global network and you will be transmitting on RF all over the world.
It is extremely important that you spend time ensuring your audio levels are correct before connecting and using GRHub Network.
To do this on Echolink please connect to the *ECHOTEST* Audio Test Server Node 9999. Send a test transmission and your transmission will be replayed back to you.
On Allstar use the 49355 "Parrot" node for testing your audio and network connectivity. If you are familiar with the Echolink Test Server, this works in a similar fashion. Connect to the test node and send out a test transmission, then wait for two seconds for your transmission to be repeated back to you. As a reminder, always connect to the test node in isolation. Ask the GRHub administrator to assist you in this regard. He will activate and deactivate the "Parrot" Function for you to test your audio.When attempting to break into a conversation, please follow this procedure. If you have an Emergency, interrupt the conversation by saying “BREAK – BREAK”. The talking stations should immediately recognize this as an Emergency, and turn the system over to the "breaking" station. If you just desire to join the conversation or make a comment, interrupt by simply giving your call sign. Regardless, if you’re in a conversation, when a calling or breaking station interrupts, yield quickly since you never know if they have an emergency or not.
Correct operating procedure is a distinct characteristic of Amateur Radio. It’s important that you convey to the public, and to new hams, the image that Amateur Radio Operators are courteous, patient, and really know what they’re doing. A friendly style is great, but we also need to operate professionally. You never know who may be listening. Even late at night, there are generally people listening to the GRHub Network via Broadcastify, including non-radio amateurs. This is important to understand for several reasons.-
- The GRHub Network serve many purposes. One of the most important is the exposure it gives the hobby to the community. It’s one of our most effective forms of publicity.
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- We want non-radio amateurs to know that Amateur
Radio is an interesting hobby and a good group of people to get to know –
something clean and educational – something they would want their kids
to get involved in. Kids may or may not listen late at night, but their
parents do.
- We want non-radio amateurs to know that Amateur
Radio is an interesting hobby and a good group of people to get to know –
something clean and educational – something they would want their kids
to get involved in. Kids may or may not listen late at night, but their
parents do.
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- Don’t let our activities on the air become a weapon in the hands of people who want to discredit us. Let’s all do our part to give Amateur Radio a positive image. We want any person that listens to us to think of us as good operators, not idiots. Any time we talk on the network or repeater, we are ambassadors for the hobby.
Do not cause intentional interference, to links, repeater, hubs, nodes or conversations on the network. Intentional interference is not only heard locally but World Wide. Just remember that intentional interference can today easily be traced to your call sign as all connecting RF and Digital stations leave an identifiable script in a log-file. I am sure you would not like to lose your license.
Enjoy using the network!!
Source: EastcoastReflector + WIN System + SARL
