technician class technician class fun on repeaters pages 88 - 101 pages 88 - 101

TECHNICIAN CLASSTECHNICIAN CLASS

Fun on RepeatersFun on Repeaters pages 88 - 101pages 88 - 101

60 miles

Offset+ 600 kHz

Input Freq147.78 MHz

Output Freq147.18 MHz

A repeater is a device used to retransmit amateur radio signals.

2-meter band

50 miles

Offset+ 5.0 mHz

Input Freq447.275

MHz

Output Freq442.275 MHz

A repeater is a device used to retransmit amateur radio signals.

70-centimeter band

44

• Repeater Use and Definitions….Repeater Use and Definitions….

• Series of inter-connected repeaters is Series of inter-connected repeaters is called a called a “linked repeater system”. “linked repeater system”. Can be Can be linked by RF signals or by VOIP. Two main linked by RF signals or by VOIP. Two main VOIP systems are Echolink and IRLP.VOIP systems are Echolink and IRLP.

• ClosedClosed machine-machine- means the repeater’s means the repeater’s use is restricted by the owner.use is restricted by the owner.

• Frequency coordinator-Frequency coordinator- minimizes minimizes interference and make most efficient use interference and make most efficient use of frequencies availableof frequencies available

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– Offset-Offset- the difference between the input and the difference between the input and output frequenciesoutput frequencies

– The terms The terms input and output frequency input and output frequency when when referring to repeater operations means the referring to repeater operations means the repeater receives on one frequency and repeater receives on one frequency and transmits on another.transmits on another.

– The most common input/output frequency offset The most common input/output frequency offset for repeaters in the 2-meter band is 0.6 MHz for repeaters in the 2-meter band is 0.6 MHz otherwise stated as 600 kHz.otherwise stated as 600 kHz.

– The most common input/output frequency offset The most common input/output frequency offset for repeaters in the 70-centimeter band is 5.0 for repeaters in the 70-centimeter band is 5.0 MHz.MHz.

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OffsetsOffsets

The repeater listings show the repeaters' output frequencies.

Repeaters have standard input frequency offsets as shown in the table.

Output Frequency Input Frequency Offset

51-52 - 0.5 MHz

52-54 - 1.0 MHz

144.51-144.89 + 0.6 MHz

145.11-145.49 - 0.6 MHz

146.0-146.39 +0.6 MHz

146.61-147.0 -0.6 MHz

147.0-147.39 +0.6 MHz

147.6-147.99 -0.6 MHz

223-225 - 1.6 MHz

440-445 + 5.0 MHz

445-450 - 5.0 MHz

918-922 -12 MHz

927-928 -25 MHz

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– Simplex operation- Simplex operation- means transmitting and means transmitting and

receiving on the same frequency.receiving on the same frequency.

– A reason to use simplex instead of a A reason to use simplex instead of a repeater is to avoid tying up the repeater repeater is to avoid tying up the repeater when direct contact is possible.when direct contact is possible.

– You might find out you could communicate You might find out you could communicate with a station using simplex instead of a with a station using simplex instead of a repeater if you check the repeater input repeater if you check the repeater input frequency to see if you can hear the other frequency to see if you can hear the other station.station.

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Repeater Courtesies….Repeater Courtesies….

– You should pause briefly between You should pause briefly between transmissions when using a transmissions when using a repeater to listen for anyone repeater to listen for anyone wanting to break in.wanting to break in.

– Pausing between transmissions also Pausing between transmissions also enables others to declare enables others to declare emergencies. To declare and emergencies. To declare and emergency say “break break”emergency say “break break”

1)1) T5C01 T5C01 What is one purpose of a What is one purpose of a

repeater?repeater? A. To cut your power by using A. To cut your power by using

someone else’s higher power system.someone else’s higher power system. B.B. To extend the useable range of To extend the useable range of

mobile and low-power stations.mobile and low-power stations. C.C. To transmit signals for observing To transmit signals for observing

propagation and reception.propagation and reception. D.D. To communicate with stations in To communicate with stations in

services other than amateur.services other than amateur.

About the BARK Repeater and About the BARK Repeater and IRLP Simplex Node….IRLP Simplex Node…. Club call sign- AL7YKClub call sign- AL7YK Trustee- Joe, AL1FTrustee- Joe, AL1F

Repeater InfoRepeater Info 146.1 output / 146.7 MHz input146.1 output / 146.7 MHz input CTCSS (PL) tone required- 114.8 HzCTCSS (PL) tone required- 114.8 Hz Range is about 32 miles (to increase to 45 Range is about 32 miles (to increase to 45

soon)soon) Autopatch & reverse autopatchAutopatch & reverse autopatch On demand time request (synced to Naval On demand time request (synced to Naval

Observatory)Observatory) On demand current weather and 5 day On demand current weather and 5 day

forecastforecast On demand propagation reportOn demand propagation report Echolink node # 14610- full time connectionEcholink node # 14610- full time connection

Bark IRLP node…Bark IRLP node…

Bark also operates a 2 meter Bark also operates a 2 meter simplex node for IRLP simplex node for IRLP connectivity.connectivity. 144.7 MHz144.7 MHz Requires 114.8 Hz CTCSS (PL) tone Requires 114.8 Hz CTCSS (PL) tone

for accessfor access Registered as node #3465Registered as node #3465 Range approximately 7 milesRange approximately 7 miles

1)1) T5C01 T5C01 What is one purpose of a What is one purpose of a

repeater?repeater? A. To cut your power by using A. To cut your power by using

someone else’s higher power system.someone else’s higher power system. B.B. To extend the useable range of To extend the useable range of

mobile and low-power stations.mobile and low-power stations. C.C. To transmit signals for observing To transmit signals for observing

propagation and reception.propagation and reception. D.D. To communicate with stations in To communicate with stations in

services other than amateur.services other than amateur.

2) T3C022) T3C02What is considered to be What is considered to be

proper repeater proper repeater operating practice?operating practice?

A.A. Monitor before transmitting Monitor before transmitting and keep transmissions short.and keep transmissions short.

B. Identify legally.B. Identify legally. C. Use the minimum amount of C. Use the minimum amount of

transmitter power necessary.transmitter power necessary. D. All of these answers are D. All of these answers are

correct.correct.

3) T5C043) T5C04Why should you pause Why should you pause

briefly between briefly between transmissions when transmissions when using a repeater?using a repeater?

A. To let your radio cool off.A. To let your radio cool off. B.B. To reach for pencil and paper so To reach for pencil and paper so

you can take notes.you can take notes. C.C. To listen for anyone wanting to To listen for anyone wanting to

break in.break in. D.D. To dial up the repeater’s To dial up the repeater’s

autopatch.autopatch.

4) T5C024) T5C02What is a courtesy What is a courtesy

tone?tone? A.A. A tone used to identify the A tone used to identify the

repeater.repeater. B.B. A tone used to indicate when A tone used to indicate when

a transmission is complete.a transmission is complete. C.C. A tone used to indicate that A tone used to indicate that

a message is waiting for someone.a message is waiting for someone. D.D. A tone used to activate a A tone used to activate a

receiver in case of severe weather.receiver in case of severe weather.

5) T5C035) T5C03Which of the following is Which of the following is

the most important the most important information to know before information to know before

using a repeater?using a repeater? A.A. A repeater input and output A repeater input and output

frequencies.frequencies. B.B. The repeater call sign.The repeater call sign. C.C. The repeater power level.The repeater power level. D.D. Whether or not the repeater Whether or not the repeater

has an autopatch.has an autopatch.

6) T5C076) T5C07What is meant by the What is meant by the

terms input and output terms input and output frequency when referring frequency when referring to repeater operations?to repeater operations?

A. The repeater receives on one frequency and A. The repeater receives on one frequency and transmits on another.transmits on another.

B.B. The repeater offers a choice of operating The repeater offers a choice of operating frequencies.frequencies.

C.C. One frequency is used to control the One frequency is used to control the repeater and another is used to repeater and another is used to Retransmit Retransmit received signals.received signals.

D.D. The repeater must receive an access code The repeater must receive an access code on one frequency before it will Begin on one frequency before it will Begin transmitting.transmitting.

6) T5C076) T5C07What is meant by the What is meant by the

terms input and output terms input and output frequency when referring frequency when referring to repeater operations?to repeater operations?

A. The repeater receives on one frequency and A. The repeater receives on one frequency and transmits on anothertransmits on another..

B.B. The repeater offers a choice of operating The repeater offers a choice of operating frequencies.frequencies.

C.C. One frequency is used to control the One frequency is used to control the repeater and another is used to repeater and another is used to Retransmit Retransmit received signals.received signals.

D.D. The repeater must receive an access code The repeater must receive an access code on one frequency before it will Begin on one frequency before it will Begin transmitting.transmitting.

7) T5C057) T5C05 What is the most What is the most

common input/output common input/output frequency offset for frequency offset for

repeaters in the 2-meter repeaters in the 2-meter bandband?? A.A. 0.6 MHz.0.6 MHz.

B.B. 1.0 MHz.1.0 MHz. C.C. 1.6 MHz.1.6 MHz. D.D. 5.0 MHz.5.0 MHz.

7) T5C057) T5C05 What is the most What is the most

common input/output common input/output frequency offset for frequency offset for

repeaters in the 2-meter repeaters in the 2-meter band?band? A.A. 0.6 MHz.0.6 MHz.

B.B. 1.0 MHz.1.0 MHz. C.C. 1.6 MHz.1.6 MHz. D.D. 5.0 MHz.5.0 MHz.

8) T5CO68) T5CO6What is the most common What is the most common

input/output frequency input/output frequency offset for repeaters in the offset for repeaters in the

70-centimeter band?70-centimeter band? A.A. 600 KHz.600 KHz. B.B. 1.0 MHz.1.0 MHz. C.C. 1.6 MHz.1.6 MHz. D.D. 5.0 MHz.5.0 MHz.

9) T3A02 9) T3A02 How do you call another How do you call another

station on a repeater if you station on a repeater if you know the station’s call know the station’s call

sign?sign? A.A. Say “break, break” then say Say “break, break” then say the stations call sign.the stations call sign.

B.B. Say the station’s call sign Say the station’s call sign then identify your own station.then identify your own station.

C.C. Say “CQ” three times then Say “CQ” three times then the other station’s call sign.the other station’s call sign.

D.D. Wait for the station to call Wait for the station to call “CQ” then answer it.“CQ” then answer it.

10) T9B0710) T9B07What is a good thing to What is a good thing to

remember when using your remember when using your hand-held VHF or UHF hand-held VHF or UHF radio to reach a distant radio to reach a distant

repeater?repeater? A.A. Speak as loudly as possible Speak as loudly as possible to help your signal go farther.to help your signal go farther.

B.B. Keep your transmissions Keep your transmissions short to conserve battery power.short to conserve battery power.

C.C. Keep the antenna as close to Keep the antenna as close to vertical as you can.vertical as you can.

D. D. Turn off the CTCSS tone.Turn off the CTCSS tone.

11) T9B0911) T9B09 What might be a way to What might be a way to

reach a distant repeater if reach a distant repeater if buildings or obstructions buildings or obstructions are blocking the direct are blocking the direct

line of sight path?line of sight path? A. Change from vertical to horizontal A. Change from vertical to horizontal

polarization.polarization. B. Try using a directional antenna to find a B. Try using a directional antenna to find a

path path that reflects signals to the repeater.that reflects signals to the repeater. C.C. Ask the repeater owners to repair their Ask the repeater owners to repair their

receiver.receiver. D.D. Transmit on the repeater output Transmit on the repeater output

frequency.frequency.

12) T9B0512) T9B05 What should you do if a What should you do if a station reports that your station reports that your signals were strong just a signals were strong just a moment ago, but now they moment ago, but now they

are weak or distorted?are weak or distorted? A.A. Change the batteries in your radio Change the batteries in your radio to a different type.to a different type.

B.B. Speak more slowly so he can Speak more slowly so he can understand you better.understand you better.

C.C. Ask the other operator to adjust Ask the other operator to adjust his squelch control.his squelch control.

D.D. Try moving a few feet, random Try moving a few feet, random reflections may be causing multi-path reflections may be causing multi-path distortion.distortion.

12) T9B0512) T9B05 What should you do if a What should you do if a station reports that your station reports that your signals were strong just a signals were strong just a moment ago, but now they moment ago, but now they

are weak or distorted?are weak or distorted? A.A. Change the batteries in your radio Change the batteries in your radio

to a different type.to a different type. B.B. Speak more slowly so he can Speak more slowly so he can

understand you better.understand you better. C.C. Ask the other operator to adjust Ask the other operator to adjust

his squelch control.his squelch control. D.D. Try moving a few feet, random Try moving a few feet, random

reflections may be causing multi-path reflections may be causing multi-path distortion.distortion.

13) T5D1213) T5D12What might be the problem What might be the problem if you receive a report that if you receive a report that

your signal through the your signal through the repeater is distorted or repeater is distorted or

weak?weak?

A.A. Your transmitter may be Your transmitter may be slightly off frequency.slightly off frequency.

B.B. Your batteries may be running Your batteries may be running low.low.

C.C. You could be a bad location.You could be a bad location. D.D. All of these answers are correct.All of these answers are correct.

14) T6C0914) T6C09What is a practical What is a practical

reason for being able to reason for being able to copy CW when using copy CW when using

repeaters?repeaters? A.A. To send and receive messages To send and receive messages

others cannot overhear.others cannot overhear. B.B. To conform with FCC To conform with FCC

licensing requirements.licensing requirements. C.C. To decode packet radio To decode packet radio

transmissions.transmissions. D.D. To recognize a repeater To recognize a repeater

ID sent in Morse code.ID sent in Morse code.

15) T2B0415) T2B04What is an acceptable What is an acceptable

method of transmitting method of transmitting repeater station repeater station identification?identification?

A.A. By phone using the English By phone using the English language.language.

B.B. By video image conforming to By video image conforming to applicable standards.applicable standards.

C.C. By Morse code at a speed not to By Morse code at a speed not to exceed 20 words per minute.exceed 20 words per minute.

D.D. All of these answers are correct.All of these answers are correct.

16) T5C1116) T5C11What is the term for a What is the term for a series of repeaters that series of repeaters that can be connected to one can be connected to one another to provide users another to provide users with a wider coverage?with a wider coverage?

A.A. Open repeater systems.Open repeater systems. B.B. Closed repeater system.Closed repeater system. C.C. Linked repeater system.Linked repeater system. D.D. Locked repeater system.Locked repeater system.

17) T5C1317) T5C13Which of the following Which of the following

statements regarding use of statements regarding use of repeaters is true? repeaters is true?

A.A. All amateur radio operators have All amateur radio operators have the right to use repeater at any time.the right to use repeater at any time.

B.B. Access to any repeater may Access to any repeater may be limited by the repeater owner.be limited by the repeater owner.

C.C. Closed repeaters must be Closed repeaters must be opened at the request of any opened at the request of any amateur wishing to use it.amateur wishing to use it.

D.D. Open repeaters are required Open repeaters are required to use CTCSS tones forto use CTCSS tones for

18) T5C1418) T5C14What term is used to What term is used to

describe a repeater when describe a repeater when use is restricted to the use is restricted to the members of a club or members of a club or

group?group? A.A. A beacon station.A beacon station. B.B. An open repeater.An open repeater. C.C. An auxiliary station.An auxiliary station. D.D. A closed repeater.A closed repeater.

19) T3B0519) T3B05What is the main purpose of What is the main purpose of

repeater coordination?repeater coordination?

A.A. To reduce interference and To reduce interference and promote proper use of spectrum.promote proper use of spectrum.

B.B. To coordinate as many To coordinate as many repeaters as possible in a small area.repeaters as possible in a small area.

C.C. To coordinate all possible To coordinate all possible frequencies available for repeater use.frequencies available for repeater use.

D.D. To promote and encourage To promote and encourage use of simplex frequencies.use of simplex frequencies.

20) T3B0420) T3B04Who is in charge of the Who is in charge of the

repeater frequency band repeater frequency band plan in your local area?plan in your local area?

A.A. The local FCC field office.The local FCC field office. B.B. RACES and FEMA.RACES and FEMA. C.C. The recognized frequency The recognized frequency

coordination body.coordination body. D. D. Repeater Council of Repeater Council of

America.America.

21) T5C1221) T5C12What is the main reason What is the main reason

repeaters should be approved repeaters should be approved by the local frequency by the local frequency

coordinator before being coordinator before being installed?installed?

A.A. Coordination minimizes interference Coordination minimizes interference between repeaters and makes the most between repeaters and makes the most efficient use of available frequencies.efficient use of available frequencies.

B.B. Coordination is required by the FCC.Coordination is required by the FCC. C.C. Repeater manufacturers have Repeater manufacturers have

exclusive territories and you could be exclusive territories and you could be fined for using the wrong equipment.fined for using the wrong equipment.

D.D. Only coordinated systems will be Only coordinated systems will be approved by the officers of the local approved by the officers of the local radio club.radio club.

22) T3B0622) T3B06Who is accountable if a Who is accountable if a

repeater station repeater station inadvertently retransmits inadvertently retransmits

communications that violate communications that violate FCC rules?FCC rules? A.A. The repeater trustee.The repeater trustee.

B.B. The repeater control The repeater control operator.operator.

C.C. The transmitting station.The transmitting station. D.D. All of these answers are All of these answers are

correct.correct.

22) T3B0622) T3B06Who is accountable if a Who is accountable if a

repeater station repeater station inadvertently retransmits inadvertently retransmits

communications that violate communications that violate FCC rules?FCC rules? A.A. The repeater trustee.The repeater trustee.

B.B. The repeater control The repeater control operator.operator.

C.C. The transmitting The transmitting station.station.

D.D. All of these answers are All of these answers are correct.correct.

23) T2C0323) T2C03What minimum class of What minimum class of

amateur license must you amateur license must you hold to be a control hold to be a control

operator of a repeater operator of a repeater station?station?

A.A. Technician Plus.Technician Plus. B.B. Technician.Technician. C.C. General.General. D.D. Amateur Extra.Amateur Extra.

24) T2C0724) T2C07What type of amateur What type of amateur

station does not require a station does not require a control operator to be at the control operator to be at the

control point?control point? A.A. A locally controlled station.A locally controlled station. B.B. A remotely controlled A remotely controlled

station.station. C.C. An automatically controlled An automatically controlled

station.station. D.D. An earth station controlling a An earth station controlling a

space space station.station.

25) T2C0925) T2C09What type of control is What type of control is

being used on a repeater being used on a repeater when the control operator is when the control operator is

not present?not present?

A.A. Local control.Local control. B.B. Remote control.Remote control. C.C. Automatic control.Automatic control. D.D. Uncontrolled.Uncontrolled.

26) T3B0226) T3B02Which of the following Which of the following

statements is true of band statements is true of band plans?plans?

A.A. They are mandated by the FCC They are mandated by the FCC to to regulate spectrum use.regulate spectrum use.

B.B. They are mandated by the ITU.They are mandated by the ITU. C.C. They are voluntary guidelines They are voluntary guidelines

for for efficient use of the radio efficient use of the radio spectrum.spectrum.

D.D. They are mandatory only in the They are mandatory only in the US.US.

27) T3B0327) T3B03Who developed the band Who developed the band

plans used by amateur radio plans used by amateur radio operators? operators?

A.A. The US Congress.The US Congress. B.B. The FCC.The FCC. C.C. The amateur community.The amateur community. D.D. The Interstate Commerce The Interstate Commerce

Commission.Commission.

28) T5C0828) T5C08What is the meaning of the What is the meaning of the

term simplex operation?term simplex operation?

A.A. Transmitting and receiving on Transmitting and receiving on the same the same frequency.frequency.

B.B. Transmitting and receiving over Transmitting and receiving over a wide a wide area.area.

C.C. Transmitting on one frequency Transmitting on one frequency and and receiving on another.receiving on another.

D.D. Transmitting one-way Transmitting one-way communications.communications.

29) T5C0929) T5C09What is a reason to use What is a reason to use

simplex instead of a simplex instead of a repeater?repeater?

A.A. When the most reliable When the most reliable communications communications are needed.are needed.

B.B. To avoid typing up the repeater To avoid typing up the repeater when when direct contact is possible.direct contact is possible.

C.C. When an emergency telephone When an emergency telephone call is call is needed.needed.

D.D. When you are traveling and When you are traveling and need some need some local information.local information.

30) T5C1030) T5C10How might you find out if How might you find out if

you could communicate with you could communicate with a station using simplex a station using simplex instead of a repeater?instead of a repeater?

A.A. Check the repeater input frequency Check the repeater input frequency to see if to see if you can hear the other station.you can hear the other station.

B.B. Check to see if you can hear the Check to see if you can hear the other station other station on a different frequency on a different frequency band.band.

C.C. Check to see if you can hear a more Check to see if you can hear a more distant distant repeater.repeater.

D.D. Check to see if a third station can Check to see if a third station can hear both of hear both of you.you. B.B.

30) T5C1030) T5C10How might you find out if How might you find out if

you could communicate with you could communicate with a station using simplex a station using simplex instead of a repeater?instead of a repeater?

A.A. Check the repeater input frequency Check the repeater input frequency to see if to see if you can hear the other station.you can hear the other station.

B.B. Check to see if you can hear the Check to see if you can hear the other station other station on a different frequency on a different frequency band.band.

C.C. Check to see if you can hear a more Check to see if you can hear a more distant distant repeater.repeater.

D.D. Check to see if a third station can Check to see if a third station can hear both of hear both of you.you.

TECHNICIAN CLASSTECHNICIAN CLASS Fun On RepeatersFun On Repeaters

pages 88 - 101pages 88 - 101

Thank you for your time.

Study, Study, Study

And Keep Studying!!!

73’sJoe- AL1F

technician class technician class fun on repeaters pages 88 - 101 pages 88 - 101

Documents

repeater use

bark repeater

repeater input frequency

repeater listings

repeater operations

proper repeater

repeater courtesies

linked repeater system