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.
By default many hubs, repeaters and links are connected to the ZS-Link Network. Due to the size of networks there need to be guidelines to ensure orderly use of systems/networks. Amateur Radio regulations are largely self-enforced and we all need to work together and adhere to a few simple guidelines listed below:
- Pause 3 seconds after keying-up to talk to allow your signal to propagate through the network; there are many linked repeaters, RF simplex links and nodes.
- Pause 8 seconds between transmissions to allow other stations to break in or other users to disconnect.
- Set your radio, node, or repeater transmitter Time Out Timer (TOT) to 5 minutes or less. Continuous transmission for more than 5 minutes will cause the system to timeout and may impact other users and connected systems. In some instances it might be necessary for repeaters and links administrators to set the TOT to 10 minutes to relay bulletins and news. However we leave the TOT setting to the administrators to decide on the length of the TOT for their systems.
- 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 and your intentions sending DTMF.
- Please limit group and individual conversations to 15 or 30 minutes. Other radio amateurs probably want to use the ZS-Link Network but might not be interested in the subject you're discussing. In addition, great time and expense was put into building the ZS-Link 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 ZS-Link 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, clubs or fellow radio amateurs. If you do have a comment provide you call sign and name and ask for the contact particulars to who you want to forward your comments to.
- When using the ZS-Link Network, you are a guest operator of many linked radio stations, nodes, hubs etc.
- Please don’t use phonetics or International Q-Code 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 note this is a global network and you will be transmitting on VOIP and RF all over the world.
It is extremely important that you spend time ensuring your audio levels are correct before connecting and using the ZS-Link Network. We have found that over modulation and or distorted audio are the most frequently beginner issues we experience. If you experience such an issue just speak softer or further away from you microphone if you use a mobile- or HT RF radio.
To test your audio 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 one of the ZS-Link Network Control Operators to assist you in this regard. The control operator will activate and deactivate the "Parrot" Function for you to test your audio.
If you have an Emergency, interrupt the conversation by saying "TRAFFIC - TRAFFIC”. The talking stations should immediately recognize this as an Emergency, and turn the system over to the "Traffic" 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 traffic station interrupts, yield quickly since you never know if they have an emergency or not.
A friendly operating 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 ZS-Link Network via other media, including non-radio amateurs. This is important to understand for several reasons.-
- The ZS-Link 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 stations leave an identifiable script in an AllStar log-file.
If you need any assistance in connecting to any AllStar- or Echolink node please feel free to contact one of the ZS-Link Network Control Operators or by clicking HERE
NEVER FEAR THAT YOU ARE "TYING UP THE NETWORK SYSTEM" - IT IS THERE TO BE USED.
Remember if you don't transmit, you mighty qualify for the new "QRT Certificate" Hi Hi!!
Enjoy using the network!!
