a Time Of Day macro to me is an automated function.. how can something that is automatic not be considered automatic control
OK - lets define terms here... An automated function is anything the controller does without human input beyond keying up and talking. an ancillary function would be one that is commanded via DTMF. and in most cases that I have seen commonly used, those commands are used for information requests or temporary modifications to the repeater functionality (changing the courtesy tone for a net, enabling or disabling specific voice announcements, phone patch, etc) I would define a Primary function to be one that made a major change to the repeater functionality, for instance, enable/disable repeat or remote shutdown. Primary functions may be made available via the same mechanism (DTMF) used for ancillary commands, or via a separate control link. In most cases where Primary functions are available at all, they are on a control link since it is risky to have them on the repeater input. End Of Definitions I don't consider that an information request or other ancillary function takes the repeater out of automatic control, since functions of that type generate an automated response (Phone patch breaks that rule, but its been around so long that it's a special case, unless you want to define repeater phone patch as remote control with the caller as the control operator) Or are you saying the person pressing the DTMF keys is the temporary control operator for all ancillary functions?? A point of view not supported by the wording in Part 97, as ancillary functions are not considered remote operation. The controller and the operator that designed/programmed it is still the control operator the way Part 97 is worded. In my understanding of the rules - the control operator is the person who has final control of the repeater, and must answer to the FCC for the actions of the automatic control, not for the actions of the repeater users. Part 97 is clear on that. The repeater owner is not responsible for misuse by other operators. (Part 97.205g) _____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 4:47 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Part 97 question reference to Repeater control John Barrett wrote: > No where can I see it stated that there MUST be a control link for a > repeater !! When it is in automatic operation, you are correct. It's when it is doing something other then repeating or identifying that it needs a control link. Someone punching in a code that commands the controller to speak the time of day, or the temperature at the site, or whatever, takes the station out of repeater use, and therefore out of automatic control and requires a control op. Even a macro that comes up and speaks the time of day automatically takes it out of automatic control. But of course, it still has to identify within 10 minutes of that! -- Jim Barbour WD8CHL
