GMRS repeater users must comply with all FCC Part 95 mandated rules and regulations. In addition to the FCC's Rules and Regulations, repeater owner(s) may make use of any and/or all of the following best practices. The below are generally accepted and refered to as; "Rules" or "Guidelines" or "Usage Regulations", or a mix of any of these three terms.
1) The user (or the user's immediate family member) holds a current and valid PERSONAL GMRS license.
2) The user has read, understands and will comply with all FCC rules and regulations as they apply to GMRS.
3) The user understands that emergencies take priority over all other communications! In case of emergency or disaster, the repeater might be used by a local groups to coordinate any communications deemed necessary to save lives or property.
4) The user understands that the control operators and/or owners will screen users on the repeater. If a user suspects another user of operating illegally, they should contact a control operator or the repeater owner OFF-THE-AIR.
5) The user understands that temporary access may be granted by a control operator and/or owner.
6) The user has not had access privileges revoked by the owner, and understands that access may be revoked at any time.
7) The user is aware of, and considerate of the shared nature of the repeater.
8) The user will be courteous to other users, when initially coming onto the repeater, verify it is not in use by LISTENING for a minute PRIOR to transmitting.
9) All users using the repeater should pause after the previous station drops to allow time for new users to identify.
10) The user will identify with his/her call sign (FCC GMRS License) at least every 15 minutes during use. Users may then call other parties using ID numbers at any time during this period.
11) World wide radio communications protocol on any radio service is to only use the term "break" or "break break" in times of emergency. Use one (1) "BREAK" for a routine emergency, or use two (2) breaks, "BREAK BREAK"" for a life threatening emergency. Only CBers abuse this...
12) Users should speak in "plain language" when on the repeater. Users should simply speak their call sign when they wish to use the repeater, or join in on a conversation. "10" codes, especially CB radio type jargon is not required and really frowned upon. Similarly, phonetics should be reserved for those instances when required for effective communication such as in a weak signal situation.
13) No swearing, kerchunking or horseplay.
14) Broadcasts, other than severe weather bulletins or news important to the repeater system are prohibited.
15) Users should not make use of DTMF (Telephone Touch Tones) without the permission of a control operator or the repeater owner.
16) Users should make use of simplex frequencies when possible, or make use of other communications systems if practical and/or needed.
17) The user agrees to keep all system parameters (PLs, MDC codes, exact location, and other information), if required by the repeater owner, PRIVATE.
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This page was last updated 05/19/2010