Please note that ALL WB4GBI repeaters are recorded 24 hours per day.
These repeaters are “G” rated at all
times. Anything that is not
suitable for ALL audiences is NOT welcome on WB4GBI systems.
Acceptable Use Policy,
the
Conduct and Etiquette of Using the
WB4GBI Repeater Systems
Foreword
Accordingly, the repeater system
recognizes and promotes the values found in the Radio Amateur’s Code (adapted
from the original Amateur's Code, written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, in 1928) as follows:
The Radio Amateur is
- CONSIDERATE...He/[She] never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
- LOYAL...He/[She] offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, the IARU Radio Society in his/[her] country, through which Amateur Radio in his/[her] country is represented nationally and internationally.
- PROGRESSIVE...He/[She] keeps his/[her] station up to date. It is well-built and efficient. His/[Her] operating practice is above reproach.
- FRIENDLY...He/[She] operates slowly and patiently when requested; offers friendly advice and counsel to beginners; kind assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the marks of the amateur spirit.
- BALANCED...Radio is a hobby, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.
- PATRIOTIC...His/[Her] station and skills are always ready for service to country and community.
Therefore, it should be no surprise that I,
Unfortunately, the actions and conduct of a very small minority
of guest-users have left me no choice but to increase rigor applied to the
WB4GBI license and my repeater systems.
Thus, it is with deepest regret that
it has become necessary for the WB4GBI Repeater Systems to enact, publish, and to enforce an Acceptable Use Policy
along with updates to the Repeater Etiquette Guidance originally published on www.wb4gbi.com in 2012.
This document is the result of a collaboration of 5 different amateur
radio operators. I sincerely appreciate their time and efforts.
Respectfully,
So you may understand that Acceptable Use Policies are not unique
to WB4GBI Repeater Systems,
Many repeater owners and groups have
acceptable use policies.
here are some - Selected Examples of Amateur Radio Club Repeater Operation Rules
provided by www.repeater-builder.com:
The Target System WB1GOF Repeater Rules of Conduct K5QHD Repeater Usage Rules and Guidelines Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club Repeater
Operation Rules The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club of
New York
Interstate Repeater Society of New
Hampshire Repeater Conduct Arlington Radio Public Service Club Condor Connection Guidelines Private system policies and rules and also - MAARS Milwaukee Area Amateur Society
Repeater Policy
Also, please check out -
N1BUG/R Acceptable Use Policy and notably, Paul N1BUG’s Open Letter to Repeater Users… My intent is to avoid this in our area, and the WB4GBI Systems at all costs. We will never be 100% perfect, but we always try to do what is right.
Note: You may find typical
repeater-building info here and perhaps it will provide insight regarding why repeater owners
care about their investment, equipment, community, and operating license(s).
The updated WB4GBI Systems policy is as follows:
BACKGROUND:
-
FCC Part 97.205(e)
**
Although I (WB4GBI) and the system control
operators greatly prefer that
repeater system guests would simply follow any reasonable expectations of
polite conduct (i.e. the kind that does not draw sysop attention), please be
aware that the FCC supports a repeater
owner's right to control the access… and, use… of owner’s repeaters for any reason.
In fact, there have been many cases (including even a few in
Within FCC rules governing amateur radio,
97.205(e) states, in part — "Limiting the use of a repeater to only
certain user stations is permissible." Furthermore, Part 97 does not require that any reason be given for limiting
who can use a repeater (and reasoning is
left up to the repeater owners).
“The licensee of any amateur
station has the right to limit the use of his or her station to only certain
other licensees!” **
Additionally
– “There's no rule which requires the repeater owner to let you use
it. A repeater is not a public utility--you don't have a "right" to
use it! When you are using someone else's repeater you are, in effect, a
visitor in the owner’s station. So, you should conduct yourself accordingly. If
you use that station in a manner which the owner finds objectionable, that
person has every right to revoke your privilege of using it.” **
**(Source:
The FCC Rule Book and Repeater FAQs published by ARRL)
-
Goodwill towards all operators, not just “the regulars”
To quote a fellow repeater
owner and operator –
o
“Why does
it matter? It's just a local repeater? Consider this: We have people from all
orientations and walks of life living and travelling among us. They all should feel welcome in ham radio.”
o
“Anyone can listen to
repeaters on a scanner or receiver. Anyone with a receiver and an internet
connection can stream audio from the repeater worldwide over the internet.
I have no means of detecting or preventing this. I know of at least two cases
where it was done without my knowledge at the time.” Note – a repeater user’s content may be re-broadcast to anywhere, anytime
from a WB4GBI repeater output…to anyone. So, keep it clean AND polite. You may
not be just talking among yourselves!
-
Repeater Owner Responsibilities
As often noted, my
rules are based mostly on courtesy, respect, and tolerance for others. Any
licensed amateur radio operator who is willing to abide by these simple rules
may freely use my repeater system.
I welcome you and
hope you have many enjoyable conversations on all of my repeaters. However, beyond the FCC minimum requirements,
it is left up to every repeater owner to enact their own set of repeater operating
rules.
Some owners have
no rules at all, while others are very restrictive. In each circumstance, a
repeater user (i.e. a guest on the system) is expected to understand that repeater owner’s position on what is
deemed socially acceptable behavior, and the owner’s expectations of
conduct and protocol. The owner then
expects guest-users to behave and
conduct their operations as requested.
-
Hey! It’s my license(s) at risk!!
I am not just Tim, WB4GBI. I am
Furthermore, not only does my commercial radio
license allow me to earn a living in my primary job, it ALSO allows me to take on side-jobs that PAY FOR THE REPEATERS THAT YOU USE.
So
here are the -
BASIC Rules (Acceptable Use Policy) for Using WB4GBI Repeater
Systems:
Please note that ALL WB4GBI repeaters are recorded 24 hours per day.
These
repeaters are “G” rated at all times. Anything that is not suitable for ALL audiences is NOT welcome on
WB4GBI systems.
The WB4GBI
repeater systems cover a very large area of
The
systems are very active, and it is not unusual to find guest-users on the WB4GBI
repeater systems almost all of the time, 24 hours a day.
As noted
in this document,
By
regulation, Amateur Radio Operators are required to be “self-policing”. On
WB4GBI Systems, each operator is expected to do this in two ways – by ensuring
that their own individual conduct of operations is above reproach; and also by exhorting
and challenging other operators to present their best practice on the air. A good operator that is already engaged in a
QSO should politely note that a
discussion or practice has “crossed the line” and then demur from further
involvement in a QSO gone bad. (Note: if
you are not already engaged, PLEASE DO NOT “jump in” and correct any conduct.
Leave that up to a Control Operator or Owner in the absence of QSO participants.)
Instead, please see the following:
It is
recommended that - Any alleged FCC violations and/or bad
behavior should be noted by forwarding the date and time of observation for
review to the WB4GBI Owner at wb4gbi@arrl.net .
Tim WB4GBI
has identified a number of dedicated amateur radio operators willing to
contribute their expertise as Control Operators. Thus Tim is assisted by these owner-assigned
Control Operators who represent his interests, assume operator-granted
roles of responsibility in technical and regulatory areas, and hold
operator-granted authority to ensure the proper operation of the repeater
hardware. These Control Operators also assist
the guest-users with abiding by the FCC Part 97 rules and WB4GBI System procedures
as noted in this Acceptable Use Policy. Although there are exceptions ( e.g., the
lead control operator) Control Operators are generally not identified for reasons of privacy, to minimize harassment, and
to direct guest-user feedback to the System Owner. Please note – Control
Operators (and the Owner) have a life too.
If they are listening closely, it is solely because of illegal operations
or bad behavior. All Control Operators report directly to and take direction
from the System Owner; they implement and enforce his policy, not
theirs.
Also
please understand, that when you use a WB4GBI repeater, you ARE using the license issued to
However, each individual Amateur Radio Operator is responsible as
licensed for their own transmissions and the content that they transmit, therefore, when some individuals are not maintaining responsibility,
Tim must step in with preventive/preemptive, corrective and/or
interceptive/intervention measures for purposes of protecting his license.
Simply put, the owner
and control operators, and the overwhelming
majority of guest-users of WB4GBI Systems are concerned with fostering
personal character, not creating or entertaining characters. We remember and honor the
gentlemen-Elmers that we came up under wing — such as W4RRS, W4FYQ, K4EJP, W4HI, K4LTA, K4PJ, K4RIG,
WB4HAP, K4HXD and many others — And we
also hope to leave behind a noble ham radio legacy.
There are certain
types of conversations and transmissions which are not appropriate for WB4GBI Repeater
Systems. Gravely, it falls upon the WB4GBI Systems Owner to make the
determinations regarding unsuitable content – there are no appeals to the final
decisions made by the Owner.
In a word
–
These repeater
systems are not your personal entertainment system. They are a shared community
resource, and are “G” rated at all times. Anything
that is not suitable for ALL AGES AND audiences is NOT welcome on WB4GBI REPEATER systems. [Please* don’t make us elaborate on why,
even in jest - it is not suitable on-air to phonetically spell out curse words,
call someone “retarded”, or speak of “beating up someone” or “slapping your
wife or waitress” or “shooting someone”]
IN order to best serve All guest-users, Tim
Berry, WB4GBI REPEATER SystemS owner, Reserves the right to enforce any AND ALL
of the following:
At a minimum, Violation of
the major Policies, and/or RULES OF ETIQUETTE AND CONDUCT listed below will place THE offender in
dire risk of Enforcement policy, up to and including immediate ban from use
of ALL WB4GBI REPEATER systems.
Acceptable Use Policy: Major Policies
The Repeater Owner will have the final say on
any repeater systems operation and/or guest-user access, as he holds final
authority granted to him by FCC Regulation.
The WB4GBI Acceptable Use Policy may be periodically reviewed and revised
by WB4GBI System Owner. Guest-users are responsible for reading, understanding, and
adhering to this Policy. Conduct on the repeaters should also be governed by
common sense and courtesy, including the use of plain language (technical
acronyms are fine). Just
talk normal! Please don't give bad impressions of our
services by making thoughtless or off-color remarks. Instead, set an example
which others will be proud to follow!
Questions may be forwarded to wb4gbi@arrl.net .
A.
Do not violate any provision of FCC Part
97. Period. If it becomes
apparent that a guest-user is willfully ignorant of, and/or disregarding FCC
regulation, that station may be asked by the Owner or his Control Operators to
immediately cease transmissions and to review FCC requirements before returning
on-air with the WB4GBI Repeater Systems. Alternately,
the repeater in use at the time of violation may be shut down without warning
(this includes rebroadcast of public service frequencies and pecuniary interest
violations - inadvertent or intentional)
B.
Refrain from discussing religion
excessively. Criticizing or
ridiculing (as opposed to discussing, clarifying, or edifying) anyone else's
religious beliefs will not be tolerated.
C.
The political
season is upon us, and is this topic is very highly charged. However, most ham
operators of voting age already know who they are going to support, and no
amount of persuasion will change an individual’s political position and
platform. THUS, please refrain
from discussing politics excessively.
While better avoided entirely, a few
brief remarks pertaining to domestic politics are OK... Occasionally. Somewhat.
Raised voices and/or name calling (even in jest) will NOT be tolerated. Frequently repeating a political opinion /
soliloquy will be considered excessive. Criticism of foreign politics and policies of other countries IS NOT
OK. Please note that this section in particular is subject to “Repeater
Appreciation Time” at a point when a listener break is desperately needed.
D.
Do not engage in
political, religious, or personal soap boxing (can be related to B &
C above). Soap boxing (often during overly long conversations), is when people
carry on a conversation on the repeater that is a thinly disguised broadcast of
personal rhetoric (especially when often repeated over time). The subject is
generally to "put down" or ridicule an institution, group, or an individual in the presence of as
wide an audience as possible (repeater listeners). This is very objectionable to other guest-users and listeners.
Using the WB4GBI Systems repeaters as a platform for soap boxing of any sort,
especially harassing or baiting / ridiculing of other ham operators, is
unacceptable.
E.
Do not belittle, berate, defame or speak ill of others….period. This includes individuals, groups, nations, etc. Using
words such as idiot, stupid, hate monger, etc. in reference to any person,
entity or group will not be tolerated.
F.
DO NOT REBROADCAST OR OTHERWISE
ANNOUNCE LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY!! Placing LEO
personnel or their work at risk will not
be tolerated. This offense can cause immediate
banning of the offender per System
Enforcement Policy.
G.
Emergency Traffic, Service NETS, and
Special Events sanctioned by the WB4GBI System hold absolute priority over
routine use of Systems resources.
Are
we talking about censorship? No, not exactly. A person may have the right to stand
on the street and say bad things about someone. However, they don’t have the
same right when they are a guest in that person’s house and expect to stay
welcome. When using the WB4GBI Systems repeaters, you are a guest operator of
Tim’s station, and no one retains the right to use his Systems and repeaters in
ways that he feels are objectionable.
WB4GBI and his control operators are saddened that
the following list had to be created in the first place; By regulation, Amateur
Radio Operators are required to be “self-policing”. Each guest-user is expected to do this in two ways – by ensuring that
their own conduct of operations is above reproach, and also exhorting and
challenging other operators to present their best practice on the air.
In the event that guest-users become derelict in
their charge, repeater owners must step in – thus, violating the preceding MAJOR POLICIES and the following Rules of ETIQUETTE AND CONDUCT will put any guest operator at immediate risk
of any and all of the Enforcement Policy listed below:
Acceptable Use Policy: Rules of
ETIQUETTE AND CONDUCT
|
The following information is a simple guide (and are also System rules guest-users are
expected to follow) to supplement our Major Rules and foster courteous
operation on WB4GBI Systems amateur radio repeaters. It is inspired by best-practices reported from repeater owners and
operators across the country (some who have adopted zero-tolerance for
violations and discourteous behavior). We cannot possibly cover all situations, but these are largely
based on real experiences on the WB4GBI Systems. (links to other owner’s examples
are found above). If you operate by these simple
guidelines, you should be welcomed on any amateur radio repeater, including
those of WB4GBI Systems: 1.)
There shall be
absolutely no communications containing obscene, indecent, or profane words,
language, or meaning. Period. Even 'mild' obscenities are not
good operating practice and are prohibited on WB4GBI Systems. This includes
suggestive phrases, innuendo
(sexual or otherwise), and suggestive phonetics OR enunciation of such using
Morse Code. 1A.) Juvenile behavior is not appropriate for the repeater. Talk like
mature and polite adults.
Note: Other hams
probably want to use the repeater but might not be interested in the subject
your group is discussing. None of us should monopolize the repeater, even
unintentionally. Note: It’s not enough to just pause now and then and
invite others to join in. They may just not be interested in the topic. Be polite,
and don’t be a "repeater hog."
4.) Ignore jammers and others who
try to disrupt the repeater's normal operation. Without any reaction
from the repeater users, they will have no audience and probably go away in
short order. When you attempt to engage them, it only fuels their actions. If you feel compelled to help, DO check
the repeater input and report your observations (signal strength and other
identifiable attributes) to WB4GBI via email or private message. Please
note, local East TN repeater owners cooperate in association with a network
of individuals capable of tracking jammers, and who have successfully located
and identified a number of offender’s identities to appropriate intervention
or enforcement contacts. A very wise guest-user noted the
following, and we agree with their sentiment – “I am a fan of Aesop’s
Fables and there is one called the ‘Donkey and the Purchaser’ that defines my
repeater use. It ends with a common phrase that we all know – ‘You Are Known by the Company You
Keep’. When every other phrase is hitting your wife, beating up a waitress,
threats of physical violence or shooting someone, that is not company that I
want to keep. But that reminds me of another Aesop – The Farmer and the Stork, the moral of which
is, ‘Birds of a Feather Flock Together’.”
6b.) Unidentified transmissions are
not allowed. Period…. (this includes “kerchunking the repeater”)… it’s
prohibited by FCC regulation. However, testing the repeater is allowable with
identification included. Simply say
your call sign and the word “test” (e.g. “WB4GBI test”, or “WB4GBI needing a
signal report, please”). When testing is complete, please say your call sign
plus the word “clear” (e.g. “WB4GBI clear”).
A guest-user notes – “We got a *lot* of
on-air complaining and moaning, and “they dun done me wrong” and “Ima gonna
or Ima oughta get them back” or “laugh at them when someone does it for me!”,
and “they deserved it” stuff.” We all deal with life, discourteous drivers, and LIDS (what’s a LID?!!). Please don't
continuously re-live / describe their actions to us on the air. Once is
plenty enough. If a ham operator or other person offends you, don’t make the rest
of us hear about it for the rest of our lives. Talk
just like you would to someone in person. There's nothing different about
talking over the radio. Using slang jargon on FM repeaters just labels a
person as a LID. In
summary, Conduct on the repeaters should be governed by common sense and
courtesy, and the use of plain language (technical acronyms are fine). Just
talk normal! Please don't give bad impressions of our amateur radio services
by making thoughtless or off-color remarks or using arcane jargon. Instead,
set an example which others will be proud to follow! For people already in the conversation,
we suggest that before you key the mic, count to three (allow others an
opportunity), transmit for a moment, then let up to ensure that you are not
doubling (or tripling, or quadrupling!), then continue your transmission.
It's not hard. Maybe <shudder> even consider letting the repeater drop
out for a moment during crowded QSOs. 15.) Equipment - There are no
minimum “equipment requirements” on WB4GBI systems. Just do your best to
maintain a communications quality signal, and understand that the listening
audience certainly appreciates a “full-quieting” signal more than a
“scratchy” one. Technical assistance
is available to help you achieve your higher signal-quality goals. 16.) Intimidation is not allowed –
direct, implied, inferred, or threats (“joking” or otherwise). Period. 17.) “Advisory Intimidation” is not
allowed – including any –
joking or otherwise… advisory or provocation to physically harm others
(example “you ought to shoot Joe” or “You should slap your waitress or your
wife”). It’s simply derogatory. |
|
18.) Pecuniary Interest – Guest-users
shall NOT have even the appearance of conducting business-related activities;
i.e. pecuniary interest (several have advertised their or their employer’s
shops and services, which is not permissible)
19.) Guest-users shall NOT suggest,
advise, or otherwise recommend any illegal activity. Period… In any
context. Weasel words will not change the inference involved, so just don’t do
it.
20.) When using WB4GBI Systems, on-the-air
advertisement of personally-owned HAM RADIO related items is permitted, as long as prices are not discussed on the
air, and the deal is not consummated on the air.
ENFORCEMENT Policy
Please note that ALL WB4GBI repeaters are recorded 24 hours per day.
These repeaters are “G” rated at all
times. Anything that is not
suitable for ALL audiences is NOT welcome on WB4GBI systems.
Tim WB4GBI, the System
Owner, and his assigned Control Operators prefer NOT to intervene on any given conversations held on the System’s
repeaters. Guest-users are expected to
“play by the house rules” which are provided in the sections above which are
titled “Acceptable Use Policy: Major Policies” and also “Acceptable Use Policy: Rules of ETIQUETTE AND CONDUCT”.
When guest-users exceed the
boundaries described above, or exhibit behaviors deemed to be out of line with
intent expressed above, then access to WB4GBI System resources is subject to
evaluation, restriction, and enforcement.
Enforcement
Pathways Include the following:
-
1. First warning: Verbal reminder, email, phone call, or private
message (via Control Operators OR Owner). Multiple violations are
subject to Written Warning.
-
2. Written Warning - Offender is given a formal written warning (via
Owner) and Offender is placed under routine moderation by Control Operators
(you now have our undivided attention when we hear you on the air)
-
3. Continued violation after Written Warning: Individual will be formally banned
from the System by Owner. Attempts to use the repeater for other than bona fide
emergency after being banned will lead to a complaint filed by the System Owner
to the FCC, and relevant civil law options exercised.
-
Note: The
repeater owner retains the right to bypass all warnings in lieu of issuing an
“immediate ban” for gross violations of the Acceptable Use Policy
-
Note:
The WB4GBI Systems Owner retains rights to issue Preemptive Letters as may be required,
in order to ensure at-large compliance with Acceptable Use Policy
-
Note: In
some circumstances, some repeaters will require 100% Control Operator coverage,
and have to be shut down due to lack of Control Operator availability. In these
cases, the System Owner advises guest-users to review the Acceptable Use Policy
and adjust operating practices until “Automatic Control” is resumed.
-
Note: In
certain circumstances, Control Operators, Lead Control Operator, or the System
Owner may not be able to respond as quickly as some guest-users might expect;
For example, they may have stepped out of the room, be on the phone, or
otherwise diverted from providing instant responses to radio-induced
situations. They may even allow a
conversation to finish in order to not directly affect the innocent who also
happen to be in the QSO (In fact, the system management may be conferring with the
Owner to determine an appropriate response). Therefore – “deferred intervention” may take place (after the fact),
and additionally, information regarding any interventions (shutdowns, phone
calls, etc.) may or may not be shared
with the general audiences. In all cases
however, guest-users are encouraged to review the Acceptable Use Policy for
reasonable explanations.
-
Note: A
repeater may be turned off for “kerchunking”. Guest-users are advised to review
the section above regarding unidentified
transmissions.
-
Note: A
repeater can be turned off for “doesn’t play well with others” (and also
failure to read & follow policies)
-
Note: A repeater
will often be turned off for the reasons including — antagonism, baiting,
trolling, grousing / griping at guest-users, broadcasting of music, and other
content rebroadcasting, and interference. Under these causes, the repeater will
stay off the air as long as warranted.
-
Note: Guest-users
may not agree with the reasoning, timing, or severity (or the lack of) of any
applied “intervention”, however the Owner makes every attempt to find full understanding
of each situation, take a reasonable balance from a perspective of ham-radio
and community standards, and has charged his team to do the same.
-
The RESET
– (everyone starts from scratch): Thank you for reading all the way through the
Acceptable Use Policy. As this is the initial release of the Policy,
73 and
GOOD QSO TO ALL! de