Repeater etiquette

Basic repeater etiquette includes several key practices to ensure a pleasant and efficient communication experience for all users.

1. First, always listen before transmitting to avoid interrupting ongoing conversations.
2. When you are ready to make a call, simply state your call sign followed by "listening" or "monitoring" to indicate your availability for a conversation.
3. Avoid calling CQ on a repeater, as it is not necessary and can be disruptive.
4. If you need to join an existing conversation, wait for a break in the conversation and then introduce yourself with your call sign.
5. Do not monopolize the repeater; if you are part of a conversation that lasts for a long time, consider moving to a simplex frequency to continue the discussion.
6. Additionally, do not use the term "break" to join a conversation unless it is an emergency situation.
7. For emergency communications, use the word "emergency" or "break break break" followed by your call sign to alert others to the urgency of your message.
8. If you are simply testing your radio, key your microphone, transmit your call sign, and wait for the repeater to respond rather than kerchunking it.
9. Lastly, be mindful of the repeater's courtesy tone and allow a brief pause between transmissions to let the repeater reset and for others to join the conversation.
10. Always use polite and clear language, and remember that the repeater is a shared resource for the entire amateur radio community.
11. Avoid jargon and phonetics, unless someone asks for clarification on a spelling or callsign

Kerchunking: Avoid kerchunking the repeater, which means pressing the PTT without speaking.