Repeater Use & Etiquette

Repeaters
Repeater Use & Net Etiquette
Guidelines for operating courteously and effectively on the DFMA repeater system — whether you’re joining a net, making a casual QSO, or checking in for the first time.
Good repeater operation comes down to a few things: listen before you transmit, follow net control’s lead, keep it brief and on-topic, and always identify. It makes the repeater — and every net on it — better for everyone.
Using the repeater
  • Listen before you transmit
    Monitor the frequency for a moment before keying up. Make sure a QSO isn’t already in progress — a squelch tail or courtesy tone means someone just unkeyed.
  • Yield to scheduled nets
    If a net is about to start, wrap up your QSO and clear the frequency. Net schedules are posted on the Nets & Scripts page.
  • Keep transmissions brief
    Repeaters are shared resources. Long transmissions tie up the machine for everyone. Aim for conversation, not monologue — unkey occasionally to let others break in.
  • Use the courtesy tone
    Wait for the courtesy tone before responding. It allows the repeater’s controller to reset and prevents doubling — two stations transmitting at the same time.
  • Kerchunking is poor practice
    Keying up without identifying — just to test if you can hit the repeater — is considered poor form. Always ID, even on a quick test: “W1ABC testing.”
  • Be respectful of content
    Keep language clean and avoid controversial, political, or religious topics. Third-party traffic rules apply — know them before patching in a non-ham caller.
Net operating
  • Tune in early
    Listen before the net starts to understand the format and net control’s style. Each net runs a little differently.
  • Wait for net control
    Don’t transmit until net control calls for check-ins or calls on you specifically. Net control manages the flow — let them do their job.
  • Identify yourself clearly
    Give your call sign phonetically, your name, and a brief status — especially important if you’re a new ham or checking into an unfamiliar net.
  • Sign off clearly
    End your turn with “back to net control” so they know you’re done and can move to the next station without awkward silence.
  • Be patient with newcomers
    Everyone makes mistakes when starting out. A little grace goes a long way — a friendly net is a growing net.
FCC requirements — always
Identify at the end of every transmission and at least every 10 minutes during a contact. Your call sign, not your name. FCC Part 97 requires it.
Third-party traffic — if you’re patching a non-ham through the autopatch, third-party traffic rules apply. Check the ARRL’s third-party country list before calling internationally.
Want to practice? The DFMA Thursday Net at 8pm is a friendly, informal net — perfect for new hams getting comfortable on the air.

See Net Schedules →

Durham's Ham Radio Club