Here are a few pieces of advice on repeater etiquette that bear repeating from John Devoldere, ON4UN, and Mark Demeuleneere, ON4WW, who wrote “Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur” in 2008. The document has since been translated into more than 25 languages and been accepted by the International Amateur Radio Union Administrative Council. The 68-page document leaves no stone unturned, covering everything from how to call CQ to the golden rules of being a good on-air citizen.
- Do not monopolize the repeater. Repeaters are there not only for you and your friends. Be conscious that others may want to use the repeater as well. Be obliging.
- Keep your contacts through a repeater short and to the point.
- Don’t break into a contact unless you have something significant to add. Interrupting is no more polite on the air than it is in person.
