Last week I was at the Birmingham Amateur Radio Club (BARC) regular meeting when one of the officers began talking about something with which I am in complete agreement - the lack of courtesey on the UHF/VHF area repeaters. No, we do not have anyone that is intentionally rude or unfriendly, in fact I would say that we are usually very good to each other and nice to strangers. The problem is that we tend to use the repeaters the same way we use telephones. We forget that the sytem is shared by many users and is not a two-person operation. The main problem is that we (Yes, I'm just as guilty) tend to immdiately key up and talk without waiting for a break and ...just as bad...not letting the squelch tail die, thus not resetting the timer. I have noticed this not only on the two major club repeaters (BARC and SCARC) but also on the DStar repeater, which the situation was exacerbated to the point of total chaos during a net check-in. This used not to be a problem several years ago and in fact anyone caught doing quick key-ups or long talk-downs was verbally chastised. Some of us old folks remember the "Black Box Award."
I wish that I could say that this was a problem with amateur comminty as a whole but that is not the case. It is a local problem and needs to be addressed by the local ham community. In fact, Birmingham area hams are getting a bad reputation on account of it. Fortunately it is one that can be quickly cured with little effort, mainly we all need to observe radio courtesey by not immediately keying after the last transmission but wait long enough for the squelch tail to reset. It would also be good for each of us to remind each other when we are drifting away from proper etiquette.
Another point to keep in mind is that too-quick keying may hamper someone with an emergency from being able to access the repeater.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
SCARC Meeting Notes - June 12, 2008
A call to order was given at 7:00pm and President Bill Davidson asked the attendees to introduce themselves and there was one .visitor was present - Sarah Elkon. Bill gave an update on the condition of one of the Club's associate members, Nadine Evans, the xyl of Treasurer Jack Evans KC4PZA.
VP Jim McLester, W4YXU said that he would ask Don Green of the Shelby County EMA to give a program about the organization of the EMA. Jim said that other programs are in the works.
Treasurer Jack Evans, KC4PZA was absent so President Bill Davidson, KW4j gave presented the following balances with no outstanding bills:
Savings - $2,280.89
Checking - $479.52
Special Repeater - $1,180.38.
Secretary Frank Hoult, KI4VVI reported that the Birmingham News has contacted him concerning our Field Day and that he referred that request to Rod Scott. He also said that the Birmingham News is continuing to run our meeting announcements in their Wednesday Shelby County news section.
President Bill Davidson asked for a report oon the past Alabama QSO party and John Outland, K3PF said that the bands were active with participants.
Therw was one membership renewal Gary Lucas KJ4JJ. (WELCOME BACK, GARY!)
VE coordinator Joe Ford, K4NVJ, said that 10 people took the test last week.
Repeater Chairman Bob Thomas, KC4AF, showed the new ARCOMM repeater controller built by Jim mcLester. He said that further work on the repeater has been slow due to the weather.
President Bill Davidson asked for volunteers to help install the Red Cross' communication gear and to collect our antenna from the old location.
President Bill Davidson said that the Shelby EMA wants an accounting of all keys given out to our members. He also said that the EMA is working on internet access to their room where the Club's radio equipment is located.
Web Master John Murphy, KA4ZXL, gave an update on the club's web site.
President Bill Davidson said that all connectors have been installed at the Shelby EMA and that all major construction is now finished. He reminded everyone that there is still plenty inside work such as equipment hookup and programming as well as a HF antenna selection/installation. After that a traiing program will be initiated for the members to learn both the equipment and the emcomm procedures such as net operation.
Field Day Chairman Joe Ford suggested the club's next meeting to be held at 6pm at the EMA headquarters so that we can map out the site and it was so agreed. President Bill Davidson discussed food preparations for Field Day. He also discussed upcoming events including Field Day, the Cullman hamfest to be held on July 26th, and the club's election of officers to be held on September 11th. A nominating committee will be formed prior to the election date. He also discussed the Field Day format and more details of the club's next meeting.
Steven Moss, KB4FKN reported the recent Oak Mountain Search & Rescue exercise was well attended and went well.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50pm.
VP Jim McLester, W4YXU said that he would ask Don Green of the Shelby County EMA to give a program about the organization of the EMA. Jim said that other programs are in the works.
Treasurer Jack Evans, KC4PZA was absent so President Bill Davidson, KW4j gave presented the following balances with no outstanding bills:
Savings - $2,280.89
Checking - $479.52
Special Repeater - $1,180.38.
Secretary Frank Hoult, KI4VVI reported that the Birmingham News has contacted him concerning our Field Day and that he referred that request to Rod Scott. He also said that the Birmingham News is continuing to run our meeting announcements in their Wednesday Shelby County news section.
President Bill Davidson asked for a report oon the past Alabama QSO party and John Outland, K3PF said that the bands were active with participants.
Therw was one membership renewal Gary Lucas KJ4JJ. (WELCOME BACK, GARY!)
VE coordinator Joe Ford, K4NVJ, said that 10 people took the test last week.
Repeater Chairman Bob Thomas, KC4AF, showed the new ARCOMM repeater controller built by Jim mcLester. He said that further work on the repeater has been slow due to the weather.
President Bill Davidson asked for volunteers to help install the Red Cross' communication gear and to collect our antenna from the old location.
President Bill Davidson said that the Shelby EMA wants an accounting of all keys given out to our members. He also said that the EMA is working on internet access to their room where the Club's radio equipment is located.
Web Master John Murphy, KA4ZXL, gave an update on the club's web site.
President Bill Davidson said that all connectors have been installed at the Shelby EMA and that all major construction is now finished. He reminded everyone that there is still plenty inside work such as equipment hookup and programming as well as a HF antenna selection/installation. After that a traiing program will be initiated for the members to learn both the equipment and the emcomm procedures such as net operation.
Field Day Chairman Joe Ford suggested the club's next meeting to be held at 6pm at the EMA headquarters so that we can map out the site and it was so agreed. President Bill Davidson discussed food preparations for Field Day. He also discussed upcoming events including Field Day, the Cullman hamfest to be held on July 26th, and the club's election of officers to be held on September 11th. A nominating committee will be formed prior to the election date. He also discussed the Field Day format and more details of the club's next meeting.
Steven Moss, KB4FKN reported the recent Oak Mountain Search & Rescue exercise was well attended and went well.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50pm.
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