Why do we need rules at all for repeater conduct or etiquette?
No one likes a bunch of arbitrary rules, but when you have a shared resource, like a wide coverage range repeater they become necessary. We tend to assume that everyone knows the generally accepted rules. But, that could be careless of us and unfair to those who want or need to have a clearer definition of our expectations and requirements. It can also create discord when repeater users offend others by unknowingly breaking some unwritten rule. Activities that may be an irritation or even a flagrant violation to one person might not be an issue at all to another. It’s probably best for us to be clear about the rules we really think are important.

1. Avoid lengthy conversations
Please limit conversations to a reasonable time and then take a good long break. If you need more time for your conversation then move to another frequency. 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.

2. Do not engage in political soap boxing.
Soap boxing, which goes hand-in-hand with overly long conversations, is when people carry on a conversation on the repeater that is a thinly disguised broadcast. The subject is generally to “put down” an institution, group, or an individual for as wide as possible an audience. This is very objectionable to other repeater users and listeners. Using the repeater as a platform for soap boxing is unacceptable.
Conversations on the repeaters should be friendly ones. Do not make negative commentaries on institutions, racial or ethnic groups, political groups, or individuals. This goes back to the old saying, “If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.”
While not prohibited, users should avoid controversial discussions on inappropriate subjects including politics, sex and religion! Don’t use the repeaters to “put people down.” Amateur Radio is not a broadcast medium – FCC 97.113(5)(b). Bigoted, racists, sexists, threatening, religiously intolerant, homophobic, and other incitful comments are prohibited on the Mokan Repeater. 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. They don’t have the same right when they are a guest in that person’s house. When using the Mokan Repeater, you are a guest operator of our station. No one has any right to use the Mokan repeater in a way that the trustee feels are objectionable.

3. Derogatory remarks
Please refrain from derogatory or negative remarks concerning other operators or radio clubs. This makes our repeater sound unprofessional and it will not be tolerated. If you have a problem with the way the repeater is maintained and operated please utilize the phone and use a diplomatic approach. The Mokan Repeater is maintained by volunteers who do their best at providing us with a long range repeater. Don’t take it for granted!

What gives the Mokan Repeater trustee the right to tell someone how to operate?
All repeaters have rules. These rules often go beyond Part 97. And, users who refuse to comply with the repeater’s rules can be told to stop using the repeaters. This is entirely at the judgment of the repeater trustees.
Rule 97.205(e) says, “…Limiting the use of a repeater to only certain user stations is permissible.” There are no qualifications – ifs, ands, or buts – to this rule. This isn’t just the right to close a repeater. In fact, the ARRL says, “…a repeater does not have to be listed as being “closed” in The ARRL Repeater Directory in order to have a limited access.” (Source: The ARRL’s FCC Rule Book) The terms “open” and “closed” don’t appear in the regulations at all! Listing a repeater as “open” means you don’t have to be a member in order to use it. But, you still must follow the rules of the repeater.
Here is our policy: the Mokan Repeater is open for all to use, provided you follow the rules in using them.

This a condensed version of the rules posted for viewing on the web site.
Read the full text version of the rules here.

If you have a complaint or comment about repeater traffic please contact the trustee, Lee Brown – NA0LB