Joe, All Amateur Radio transmitting stations have to have a control operator, someone, a licensed Ham responsible for the proper operation, repeater, mobile, HT, base, etc. It can be in person, setting at the tx, or by wire (a phone line, etc) or on 222 MHz and above. It is that a repeater can be automatically controlled. 97.205(d). That is to say the control op need not be at the control point. However, a control op must be able to shut down the repeater in the event of a malfunction (illegal activity on a repeater is also a malfunction). The control op(s) are responsible to insure proper operation of the repeater. The only legal difference is a repeater may be automatically controlled allowing a machine, not a licensed Ham, to key the repeater, ID, etc, but still must have licensed op responsible for the proper operation and he need not be at the control point, but is responsible so he must be able to get to the control. This is in 97.103 and 97.105.
The 3 minute thing was taken out a few years back. Some took this as having to have 3 minute timeout timer. I understand the FCC still follows the 3 minute thing on shutting down a repeater in the event of a malfunction. Not in the rules, but is something the FCC still follows. It is reasonable. Gives control op time to do his thing, yet puts on a limit. 73, ron, n9ee/r >From: MCH <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Date: 2007/11/07 Wed AM 12:04:01 CST >To: [email protected] >Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Part 97 question reference to Repeater control > >Part 97 debates are not allowed on the list, but this is not a debate. > >It used to be that repeaters had to have some means of control (Control >link or telephone), and that they had to cease operations within 3 >minutes of failure of the control link. > >Is that still in Part 97, and if so... WHERE? I can no longer find it >under any rules that apply to repeaters. I can only find any such >reference under the Telecommand Station rules. > >Please cite the specific section that requires control (other than >Automatic Control) of repeaters. Was that section removed? > >Thanks, >Joe M. > Ron Wright, N9EE 727-376-6575 MICRO COMPUTER CONCEPTS Owner 146.64 repeater Tampa Bay, FL No tone, all are welcome.
