NLARC Repeater Guidelines and Commands

Repeater Guidelines:

• Identify every 10 minutes as required.
• These repeaters have no quiet hours. Citically needed public service is often rendered during times that most people are not in their normal routine.
• The FM repeaters' audio track is recorded at all times. The voice logs are reviewed daily. Inappropriate language use or meanings will invoke a cautionary comment from the repeater trustee. Continued abuse will draw legal action. The log (files) will be used as legal evidence against the offender if required.
• The open Autopatch is available to serve the coverage area. This will remain so as long as the Autopatch is not abused. This is Ham Radio. Enjoy yourself and make use of it. Talk to your family and keep in touch. Keep public officials informed of safety hazards. Assist people with your talents and this treasured communications resource that we call Ham Radio. Frequent checking of your equipment is fine. It verifies the equipment is ready and the operators are experienced when a stressful situation occurs. Experience is the best teacher of all.
• The repeater trustee has the last and final word in all matters of repeater operation for which they are responsible. Regardless of whether or not you are a NLARC member, your actions reflect upon the reputation and legal status of the NLARC. You are our guest. We want to be a gracious host and patient with those who are learning good communications technique.

Autopatch Commands:

Here is a small font Word file of Autopatch Commands suitable for trimming with scissors and carrying in your billfold or purse. The same commands are shown in the following:

• Long distance dialing is disabled.
• Listen for at least 15 seconds to make sure frequency is not in use.
• Say "(callsign) to the autopatch".
• [*nnn nnnn] Activates autopatch and dials any number local to the NASA Langley Exchange.
• To suppress number readback, key radio for .1 sec immediately after word “autopatch”.
• [*911] Reaches the Emergency Services (911) dispatcher.
• Five pre-defined numbers (below) do not require the [*] activiation key.
• [900] VA State Police (non-Emergency) 424-6800.
• [901] NWS Wakefield Severe Weather Reporting (for trained SKYWARN spotters, winds>45 mph, hail>1/2 inch, freezing rain, accumulating ice/heavy snow).
• [902] York Co./Poquoson (non-Emergency) 890-3600.
• [903] Hampton (non-Emergency) 727-6111.
• [904] Newport News (non-Emergency) 247-2500.
• [#] (pound) Deactivates autopatch.
• Say "(callsign) clear of the autopatch".
• The autopatch self-terminates in 10 minutes unless autopatch timer reset with [*1] command.
• The autopatch self-terminates after 60 seconds of transmit inactivity.

Repeater Management

Web page operations: James E. Byrd
Responsible NASA Official: Richard S. Eckman