The KARC/BMRC repeater site is located on top of Bays Mountain in
Kingsport, and operates on a frequency of 146.970- Mhz.
A 77.0 Hrz Tone Is Required to Access the W4TRC Repeater
Autopatch Use Guidelines. Here are some points to remember when
using the autopatch.
1) ACCESS PROCEDURE: Key up, wait two seconds, give your call
sign and state that you are using the patch. Punch in the access code,
AND WITHOUT PAUSING, punch in the number you are calling.
Un-key your transmitter. After a few seconds delay, the dial tone will
come on, and the controller will dial the number. The
controller operates
in a "store & forward" mode. this is the reason for the delay.
2) CALLS ARE LIMITED TO APPROMIATELY 3 MINUTES:
If your call lasts that long you will hear a series of warning beeps, then
the
autopatch will be disconnected 10 seconds after the beeps start. If the
controller shuts down your call, it is still a good idea to punch in the
down
code to make sure the phone you dialed will he released. In the event of
an
emergency call, if you need more time. the control operator on dutv will
reset the time out timer on the controller for you. You will then be limited
to
an 8 minute call due to the repeater hardware time-out.
3) PLEASE FOLLOW THE RULES AND GUIDELINES: Abuse of
autopatch privleges can result in the autopatch being disabled, so make
sure
your calls conform to the following:
A. No business communuications. (This rule has been relaxed by the FCC
B. Don't use the autopatch just to avoid a toll call.
C. The autopatch should not be used if regular phone service is readily
available.
In summary, ask yourself if you really need to make the call before using
the autopatch.
4) KEEP THE ACCESS CODE SECURE: Please do not give out the
autopatch access codes over the air, or give them to hams who are not
members of either KARC or BMRC. New members will be given the codes
after their dues are paid. You my bring up the patch for non-members. but
be
sure of the nature of the call before dialing it.
5) TESTING IS OK: If you want to try out your fancy new speed dialer or
simply want to get familiar with how the patch operates, by all means do
so.
State that you are testing the patch when you activate it.
TIME-OUT FUNCTIONS: This repeater has two time-out timers to prevent
transmiter damage. One is built into the controller. It is adjusted to
time out
after 3 continuous minutes of transmitting, and is reset each time the
tail beep,
completely sounds. In addition, an 8 minute time-out timer is in the repeater
itself; This timer is reset only after the repeater carrier drops out completely,
and is independent of the 3-minute time-out. The carrier drop is adjusted
to
occur quickly after the tail beep. It is a good idea to get into the habit
of
allowing the repeater to drop out after each transmission. This will not
only
reset both timers, but also gives someone who may have an urgent need a
chance to jump in. lf the repeater times out it will reset and come back
on after
there is no RF on the input.
(Editor's note: If the patch is de-activated. the repeater will sound the
letter "R"
in Morse code, when the repeater is keyed-up. Another note: The above
information was extracted from a BMRC/ KARC document published in May
1992. Several points of that docoment are still relevant today.)