USING THE PCARS
REPEATER
The 146.61 and 146.85 PCARS repeaters are both equipped with a
telephone
Auto-Patch and Speed-Dialer also called Auto-Dialer.
The Auto-Patch
Manual Dialing
The Auto-Patch allows you to make local telephone calls
through the repeater and a PCARS
leased telephone line.
This service is for members only except in an emergency,
however members may extend the
courtesy of use to amateurs
passing through the area who may
need to make a local call.
Note. Members should initiate the call for the mobile
station
in transit by dialing the number for them - NOT give them the access code.
NOTE: The access
code should not be given out over the air and is to be given only to paid
members of PCARS.
How to use the Auto-Patch
with Manual dialing
1. Key
your radio and identify by saying "This is (YOUR CALL) for the W4
2. Un-key your Tx and listen for the BEEP - Immediately
key
your Tx and dial the current access code plus the
phone number you wish to call. This should be 10 numbers with no break.
3. Listen for a Dial-Tone and then the number to be dialed automatically.
You will hear the phone ring and you may speak with the party you dialed when the phone is answered. You should inform the party they are on a radio auto-Patch.
4. When finished, bring down the patch by pressing
(#) Key
and
listen for the voice announcement ask that you identify.
Identify and announce you have
finished by saying "This is (YOUR CALL) clear the
W4
The Speed-Dialer
(Auto-Dialer)
The Repeater stores in the controller all the speed dial numbers that members have asked and paid their fee to have programmed in the repeaters. Both 2-Meter repeaters have the same speed-dial numbers programmed.
In addition to having members home
phone numbers programmed, the controller also has some of the more important
Public Services numbers for
Each year, member who pays an additional $3.00 with their
dues is assigned a three digit dial-code. Your
number should
have been given to you when you were notified that your speed dial was
programmed in the controllers and ready to be used. The Secretary maintains the
list of assigned numbers along with the club roster. If you don't know your speed
dial number, contact the club’s Secretary.
How to use the Speed-Dialer
1. Key
your radio and identify by saying "This is (YOUR CALL) for the W4
2. Un-key your Tx and listen for the BEEP - Immediately
key
your Tx and enter the three digit speed dial number
you wish to dial.
3. Listen for a Dial Tone and the members call will be announced then the number to be dialed automatically. If the number is not correct, hit the “#” key to terminate the call. You will then hear the number dialed. Next you will hear the phone ring and you may speak with the party you dialed.
4. When finished, bring down the patch by pressing
“#” Key
and
listen for the voice announcement ask that you identify.
Identify and announce you have
finished by saying "This is (YOUR CALL) clear of
the W4
The procedure for the Speed Dialing the Auto-Patch is the
same procedure as for the manual Auto-Patch except instead of having to dial 10
numbers, you only dial three, Your three digit code. No
access code is needed. Be sure to Identify by saying "This is (YOUR CALL) for the W4
When finished, bring down the patch by pressing (#) Key
and listen for the voice announcement
ask that you identify.
Identify and announce you have finished by saying "This is
(YOUR CALL) clear of the W4
Public Service
Numbers stored in the Auto-Dialer
911
It's a good practice to print the above list and keep it in the glove box or over the
sun visor of you automobile so you can quickly find it.
Guidelines for use
of Emergency/Public Service Numbers
911 is the national EMERGENCY number but it is often
misused.
It is intended for use where immediate assistance is
required because there are
injured persons, or there is a
life threatening situation, or
serious risk to property.
* A car upside down in the road can be assumed
to be an
emergency even if it turns out
not to be.
* An inoperative
traffic signal is not an emergency, so
use the appropriate Police
Non-emergency number.
You will
probably be speaking to the same dispatcher you
would have reached if you had
called 911 but you will not be
tying up the emergency number.
* When you call an
Emergency/Public Service number tell
the dispatcher that you are an
Amateur Radio Operator in -
(give city and brief location)
and the problem you are reporting.
The operator for the 146.85 repeater area is in
assume that you are also in
your location.
She will ask you the questions which she needs answered including which
service is needed.
NOTE: Do not give your callsign unless requested, it is irrelevant to the
situation and
often confuses the dispatchers.