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Autopatch
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and By-laws
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Control Responsibilities
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 What
is an autopatch
Autopatch operation involves using
a repeater as an interface to a local telephone exchange.
Hams operating mobile or portable stations are able to use
the autopatch to access the telephone system and make a
call. Hams use autopatches to report traffic accidents,
fires and other emergencies.
Guidelines
for using an autopatch
The
suggested guidelines here are based on conventions that have
been in use for years on a local or regional basis
throughout the country. The ideas they represent have
widespread support in the amateur community. Amateurs are
urged to observe these standards carefully so our
traditional freedom from government regulation may be
preserved as much as possible.
- Amateur
operators may not use Amateur Radio to conduct any form
of business in which they have a financial interest and
they may not use Amateur Radio in a way that economically
benefits their employers. Certain types of calls are
permitted by the FCC, such as calling your business to
receive personal messages, call to order a pizza, etc.,
but the owner(s) of the repeater do not have to allow
such contacts. The radio station's licensee and control
operator are responsible for what goes over the air and
have the right to refuse access to the station for any
reason. The Current River Amateur Radio Club does
not allow any business communications to be made over the
repeater or autopatch.
- All
interconnections must be made in accordance with
telephone company rules and fee schedules.
- Autopatches
should not be made solely to avoid telephone toll
charges. Autopatches should never be made when normal
telephone service could be just as easily used. The
primary purpose of an autopatch is to provide vital,
convenient access to authorities during emergencies.
Operators should exercise care, judgment and restraint in
placing routine calls.
- Third parties
(nonhams) should not be put on the air until the
responsible control operator has explained to them the
nature of Amateur Radio. Control of the station must
never be relinquished to an unlicensed person. Permitting
a person you don't know to conduct a patch in a language
you don't understand amounts to relinquishing control
because you don't know whether what they are discussing
is permitted by FCC rules.
- Autopatches
must be terminated immediately in the event of any
illegality or impropriety.
- Station
identification must be strictly observed.
- Phone patches
should be kept as brief as possible as a courtesy to
other amateurs; the amateur bands are intended primarily
for communication among radio amateurs, not to permit
hams to communicate with nonhams who can also be reached
by telephone.
- If you have
any doubt as to the legality or advisability of a patch,
don't make it. Compliance with these guidelines will help
ensure that amateur autopatch privileges will continue to
be available in the future, which helps the Amateur Radio
service contribute to the public interest.
Accessing
the Autopatch
- Listen to make
sure that no one is using the repeater.
- Give your
callsign and say "Accessing the repeater"
- Enter the
access code (available from Ralph Case, Dave Hannigan or
Bob Foard
- Dial the
number that you want to call.
- Immediately
inform the party on the other end that you are talking
from a ham radio through the autopatch and that they must
wait until you finish talking before they talk. Also, be
sure they understand the rules for talking over Amateur
Radio.
- When you are
finished with your conversation, enter the code to close
the autopatch.
- Give your
callsign and say "Clear Autopatch"
- Everyone
conforming to the rules and procedures will help ensure
that the autopatch remains available for our
use.
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