Typically, frequencies above 50 Mhz are referred to the UHF/VHF/SHF bands. All amateurs that have privileges in these bands use them for a variety of activities such as 2 meter FM repeater usage, SSB communications, satellite communications and digital communications such as packet.
Repeater etiquette: Generally speaking, when in Simplex operation (two way, with no repeaters), follow the HF operating practices. If you are on a repeater, it is important to follow additional rules to make the repeater experience pleasant for you and others:
- Listen first: Before transmitting, listen to ensure the frequency is clear. This helps avoid interrupting an ongoing conversation or a net.
- Pause between transmissions: After the “squelch tail,” wait a few moments before transmitting again. This allows others to join in or break for emergency traffic, and it resets the repeater’s “timeout” timer. Pausing between transmissions is especially important when stations are using Echolink or Allstar.
- Use plain language: Avoid CB radio slang or obscure jargon. Speak clearly and use conversational English that is understandable to all listeners, including non-hams with scanners.
- Keep transmissions concise: Repeaters are shared resources. Keep individual transmissions brief and break for pauses. If a long “ragchew” conversation is developing, consider moving to a simplex frequency to free up the repeater.
- Identify properly: You must state your FCC call sign at the beginning and end of a communication and at least every 10 minutes during a conversation.
- Start a conversation properly: Announce your call sign followed by “monitoring” or “listening.” Avoid calling “CQ” on a repeater.
- Avoid certain topics: Refrain from discussing sensitive subjects such as politics, religion, or sex. These conversations can be divisive and make other listeners uncomfortable.
- Treat others with respect: Do not belittle, berate, or speak ill of others on the air. Sarcasm, insults, or profanity are unacceptable and reflect poorly on the entire amateur community.
Prohibited actions
- No “kerchunking:” Keying the microphone briefly to activate the repeater without identifying is illegal and poor practice. If testing, state your call sign followed by “testing.”
- Do not respond to jammers: If you hear malicious interference, do not acknowledge or engage with the offending station. Engaging with them encourages the behavior. Instead, end your communication and/or ignore them.
- One-Way Transmissions (“broadcasting”): Section 97.111 of the FCC Rules allow one way transmissions (broadcasts) for specific purposes such as emergency communications, life threatening or distress situations or brief station testing. One way communication is also allowed for emergency preparedness drills. Information regarding propagation or DX conditions may be allowed under certain circumstances, but the rules are nebulous. It is recommened that these transmissions should be avoided, unless if they serve to assist in emergencies.
- No music or broadcasts: The transmission or re-transmission of music is strictly prohibited by the FCC. Always turn down background music or broadcst radio and television audio before transmitting.
- No business communications: Amateur radio may not be used for any commercial purpose. This includes using a repeater’s autopatch function for business-related phone calls.
Roundtable discussions
- Follow the rotation:In a conversation with three or more participants (a “roundtable”), keep track of the speaking order. When finished, turn it over to the next station in the rotation to avoid dead air or people talking over one another.
- Invite new stations: If a new station announces their call sign during a pause, acknowledge them and invite them to join the conversation.