The MRC repeater is a standard Amateur Radio Repeater with it's output on 146.910Mhz, and input on 146.310Mhz. The MRC system uses a P.L. Tone (CTCSS encode) of 127.3hz. We try to keep 2 or 3 receive sites "Open Carrier" and not require the P.L. Tone so that new users or visitors coming to our area who do not know about P.L. or the specific tone frequency used can access the system.

Courtesy Tones "The Beeps"

The repeater will issue a "Beep" 1.5 seconds after each user unkeys their transmitter, this allows for a "pause" in the conversation so another user can access the system. If you wish to enter a conversation or use the repeater, it is appropriate for you to simply transmit your callsign only "before the beep", and then unkey. You should listen for other users callsigns "before the beep" and turn the repeater over to them as soon as possible.
The "Weather Guys" change the repeater Courtesy Tone or "Beep" to warn all users of impending severe or changing weather conditions. Please consult them for the current criteria that warrants setting a particular CW beep.

Some of the courtesy beeps also set a Voice Message that is triggered by a "Post Activity timer". Post Activity means waiting an amount of time after all RX activity subsides. In other words a few seconds after conversation ends on the repeater. After waiting, a voice message is issued by the controller. The messages are mostly related to weather warnings, however club announcements can be programmed as well (Meeting this Wed, Swapfest this Sat, etc.)

• Courtesy Letter "E" "Everything is OK" This is the normal single beep
• Courtesy Letter "I" Voice Msg> Expect change in Weather
• Courtesy Letter "S" Thunderstorm Voice Msg> Weather Alert Severe Thunderstorm Watch
• Courtesy Letter "S" Tornado Voice Msg> Weather Alert Tornado Watch
• Courtesy Msg Letter "N" A controlled "Net" is in operation, listen for direction from the Net Control Station.

During Severe Weather, the repeater can issue a Weather Warning Tone (1050 Hz for 10 Seconds) and state in voice "Severe Weather Warning". The command to issue this warning is made by the Weather Control Operators in response to a Severe Weather Warning issued by the National Weather Service. Usually this means a Tornado has been sighted in our coverage area, and you should be aware and take appropriate action.

Voice Messaging
There is a Voice Messaging system programmed into the Main Site controller. It can announce Club meetings, special events and anything else (within the limited vocabulary of the controller) on a timed schedule. The setup and operation of the messaging system is complex and experimental.

Touch Tone Pad Tests
This allows any user to test their DTMF tone generator on their radio. Issue the macro, and the controller will respond with the listed voice response if the DTMF's were properly decoded at mainsite. This is an important test for any user to perform. Remember that your path into the main site most likely will include a bounce through a link site, and there is the possibility that a tone may become shifted in frequency and will not decode properly at the main site controller. This is referred to as "Tone Twist". This may indicate a problem with the users DTMF encoder, or with the Repeater system. Any problems of this sort should immediately be reported to the Technical Director.
The Test macros only work when the system is fully operational mode, call for a Control Op for assistance if you wish to run the DTMF tests on your rig.

• 123* Sends TEST 123 OK
• 456* Sends TEST 456 OK
• 7890* Sends TEST 7890 OK
• 741* Sends TEST 741 OK
• 852* Sends TEST 852 OK
• 963* Sends TEST 963 OK
• ABCD* Sends TEST ABCD OK

See Operation Page 2