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faq [2017/04/26 13:23] kd6kpc [What is your TravelPlus tpe export compatibility?] |
faq [2022/02/28 09:58] kd6kpc [Do I have to use a call sign to register?] |
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This Web site is a resource for amateur radio operators all around the world. | This Web site is a resource for amateur radio operators all around the world. | ||
- | The site includes repeater and club information. Other topics of Ham interest include a stolen gear registry and EchoLink status database. Reasonable efforts are made to validate the data, but the quality of the information cannot be guaranteed. We depend on visitors to the site and local admins to gather and verify information. | + | The site includes repeater and club information. Other topics of Ham interest include a stolen gear registry and EchoLink status database. Reasonable efforts are made to validate the data, but the information's quality |
+ | ==== Is Repeaterbook an official listing of repeaters? ==== | ||
+ | No, Repeaterbook is not an official listing for any organization. We hold no authority to coordinate repeaters and have no official affiliation with any repeater coordination authority. However, some coordination entities cooperate with us by providing access to some data, usually the same data this is openly available to the general public. | ||
===== Registration ===== | ===== Registration ===== | ||
==== Do I have to register? ==== | ==== Do I have to register? ==== | ||
- | No. You are free to browse this site without registering. However, when you register you will find that you have access to more features and automation, for example, you must register to create export files for programming software and to create print lists. | + | No. You are free to browse this site without registering. However, when you register, you will find that you have access to more features and automation. For example, you must register to create export files for programming software and to create print lists. |
This is not a commercial Web site. Your information will never be sold or distributed to anyone. | This is not a commercial Web site. Your information will never be sold or distributed to anyone. | ||
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No. Membership and use are free. | No. Membership and use are free. | ||
- | It does cost money to run a site like this. Your help is greatly appreciated. Your [[https:// | + | It does cost money to run a site like this. Your help is greatly appreciated. Your donations will help pay for server space, bandwidth, and programming. |
==== Do I have to use a call sign to register? ==== | ==== Do I have to use a call sign to register? ==== | ||
- | Yes. This is an amateur radio web site and all regular | + | Yes. This is an amateur radio and GMRS website. All registered |
This is an open community. We use our call signs whenever we transmit on the air. Anyone can look us up and see who we are. Often, the radio operators who seek anonymity are jammers and trouble-makers, | This is an open community. We use our call signs whenever we transmit on the air. Anyone can look us up and see who we are. Often, the radio operators who seek anonymity are jammers and trouble-makers, | ||
- | There are those that are very interested in amateur radio, but do not yet have a call sign. You are absolutely welcome here. What you are primarily missing | + | Some are very interested in amateur radio and GMRS but do not yet have a call sign. You are absolutely welcome here. However, |
The administrator reserves the right to reject or cancel memberships to this site at any time, with or without cause or notice. | The administrator reserves the right to reject or cancel memberships to this site at any time, with or without cause or notice. | ||
===== Repeater Data ===== | ===== Repeater Data ===== | ||
- | ==== How does Repeaterbook | + | ==== How does RepeaterBook |
The information on this site is taken from commonly available resources. The Internet and other HAMs are our best sources. | The information on this site is taken from commonly available resources. The Internet and other HAMs are our best sources. | ||
We do not take information from sources like the ARRL's Repeater Directory. We have found that the information there tends to be stale. We do have many coordination councils that work with us directly and provide up to the minute information. | We do not take information from sources like the ARRL's Repeater Directory. We have found that the information there tends to be stale. We do have many coordination councils that work with us directly and provide up to the minute information. | ||
- | As visitors browse the site, they may find incomplete or incorrect information and submit it. The information is reviewed and any necessary changes are made. | + | As visitors browse the site, they may find incomplete or incorrect information and submit it. The information is reviewed, and any necessary changes are made. |
- | Submitted updates are usually committed within 48 hours, but could take longer. The apps are typically updated every two weeks. | + | Submitted updates are usually committed within 48 hours but could take longer. The apps are typically updated every two weeks. |
Everyone here is a volunteer, so please be patient with us. We appreciate your willingness to improve the data on the site. | Everyone here is a volunteer, so please be patient with us. We appreciate your willingness to improve the data on the site. | ||
- | Thinking about the larger picture...there really is no central database in the US that a repeater owner must report their repeater | + | Thinking about the larger picture...there really is no central database in the US that a repeater owner must report their repeater. It is not even required to report a repeater to a local coordination authority. This can make getting data elusive. If the government ran a repeater registration system, there might be a central database, but it doesn' |
==== How often is the online repeater database updated? ==== | ==== How often is the online repeater database updated? ==== | ||
The repeater database is updated constantly, all day, every day. | The repeater database is updated constantly, all day, every day. | ||
- | ==== How often are the Repeaterbook | + | ==== How often are the RepeaterBook |
We update the apps about every two weeks. | We update the apps about every two weeks. | ||
==== How do you obtain accuracy within your listings? ==== | ==== How do you obtain accuracy within your listings? ==== | ||
- | We try not to claim accuracy and allow you to judge for yourself. It is extremely difficult | + | We try not to claim accuracy and allow you to judge for yourself. It is challenging |
- | We also obtain some data by watching coordination council web sites. However, some are better than others about sharing and updating information via the Web. We appreciate those councils that have taken a proactive role in assisting us with data gathering. | + | We also obtain some data by watching coordination council web sites. However, some are better than others about sharing and updating information via the Web. We appreciate those councils that have taken a proactive role in assisting us with data gathering. |
We also look for other sources of information beyond what is available through coordinating councils. We search the Web for repeater Web sites, contact repeater users and trustees directly, test repeaters, and rely on you to assist with information verification. | We also look for other sources of information beyond what is available through coordinating councils. We search the Web for repeater Web sites, contact repeater users and trustees directly, test repeaters, and rely on you to assist with information verification. | ||
==== Why does your database seem to have more information than other databases? ==== | ==== Why does your database seem to have more information than other databases? ==== | ||
- | When we obtain a repeater listing, we conduct a thorough search of the Internet for all available information on that repeater. | + | When we obtain a repeater listing, we conduct a thorough search of the Internet for all available information on that repeater. |
==== As the owner or trustee of a repeater, why should I share my information with you? ==== | ==== As the owner or trustee of a repeater, why should I share my information with you? ==== | ||
- | We are attempting to build an open access and free database of useful information for all amateurs. The deployment | + | We are attempting to build an open-access and free database of useful information for all amateurs. The information' |
- | Beyond all of that, we believe that this site can assist travelers and new HAMs with the information they need to confidently enter the hobby in the area served. Travelers appreciate the ability to program reliable repeater data into their radios to increase | + | Beyond all of that, we believe that this site can assist travelers and new HAMs with the information they need to confidently enter the hobby in the area served. Travelers appreciate the ability to program reliable repeater data into their radios to increase |
If you prefer not to allow other amateurs use of your repeater, simply request the repeater be listed as closed, as this is a sign to other HAMs that the repeater is not open to general use. | If you prefer not to allow other amateurs use of your repeater, simply request the repeater be listed as closed, as this is a sign to other HAMs that the repeater is not open to general use. | ||
Many repeater owners want their repeaters to be used. Listing your repeater on this site allows us to advertise the presence, features, and capabilities of your repeater for you. | Many repeater owners want their repeaters to be used. Listing your repeater on this site allows us to advertise the presence, features, and capabilities of your repeater for you. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Does a repeater have to be coordinated to be listed with RepeaterBook? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Not usually. However, we do have agreements with some coordinators that require that certain data must come through that coordination group to us. If a request to add a repeater is received in an area governed by one of these coordination groups, your request to add may be held until the coordination authority has granted the coordination and released the data. In return, the coordination entities provide us with data that has been vetted. | ||
==== As the owner of a closed or private system, will you completely remove my repeater' | ==== As the owner of a closed or private system, will you completely remove my repeater' | ||
- | We are glad to list your repeater as closed or private and even provide a note in the comments field alerting potential users to this fact. We will also subdue the PL tone, exact coordinates, | + | We are glad to list your repeater as closed or private and even provide a note in the comments field alerting potential users to this fact. We will also subdue the PL tone, exact coordinates, |
- | There are a couple of reasons why we hesitate to outright | + | There are a couple of reasons why we hesitate to remove a listing from the database |
- | We also believe with the advent of fast-scan radios and PL search, that there is no way to " | + | With the advent of fast-scan radios and PL search, |
Some owners of repeaters are concerned when they request that the repeater coordination authority for their repeater not publish information about their repeater yet is appears on RepeaterBook. We can assure you that your coordination authority is not the one to blame. | Some owners of repeaters are concerned when they request that the repeater coordination authority for their repeater not publish information about their repeater yet is appears on RepeaterBook. We can assure you that your coordination authority is not the one to blame. | ||
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==== As the owner or trustee of I repeater, how can I request the information on my repeater be changed, obscured, or removed? ==== | ==== As the owner or trustee of I repeater, how can I request the information on my repeater be changed, obscured, or removed? ==== | ||
- | Many Hams that work on the RepeaterBook project are repeater owners themselves, so we understand that owners have varying comfort levels regarding the amount of information that is publicly available about their machines. As a courtesy, we are happy to obscure the micro landmark location, PL tone, GPS coordinates, | + | Many Hams that work on the RepeaterBook project are repeater owners themselves, so we understand that owners have varying comfort levels regarding the amount of publicly available |
- | However, we will not obscure the frequency, city (or nearest city), county, or state the repeater resides in. We will publish the known operational status | + | However, we will not obscure the frequency, city (or nearest city), county, or state the repeater resides in. We would publish the repeater' |
- | Occasionally, | + | Occasionally, |
- | Try pleading, begging, or a simple please and we will be more willing to work with you! Requests phrased any other way may be ignored. | + | Try pleading, begging, or a simple please, and we will be more willing to work with you! Requests phrased any other way may be ignored. |
==== Do you list GMRS repeaters? ==== | ==== Do you list GMRS repeaters? ==== | ||
- | No, we do not. We thought about this carefully and even started building out an interface for it. | + | Yes, we do. |
+ | |||
- | What we found is that GMRS owners often times do not have the same goals as amateur radio repeater owners. Many GMRS owners create small radio networks to operate farms or for family use and do not want outsiders on their systems. They also want to lock down all listings of their repeaters so only they can modify them. | ||
- | This does not follow the Repeaterbook.com model. Furthermore, | ||
===== Contributing ===== | ===== Contributing ===== | ||
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Absolutely. Every aspect of this Website needs your help to be the best. We need site admins in several states to collect and maintain data. We need users to contribute information. | Absolutely. Every aspect of this Website needs your help to be the best. We need site admins in several states to collect and maintain data. We need users to contribute information. | ||
- | Whether you are an admin or not, please add and/or correct any information you see on the site. It is especially easy to add or edit repeaters. | + | Whether you are an admin or not, please add and/or correct any information you see on the site. It is straightforward |
==== What if I found an inaccurate listing or I know of a repeater listing you don't have? ==== | ==== What if I found an inaccurate listing or I know of a repeater listing you don't have? ==== | ||
Great! Send us the information. Share it with everyone. The only way to make this site the most complete and up-to-date site on repeaters, nets, and clubs on the Web is for users to send us updated information. | Great! Send us the information. Share it with everyone. The only way to make this site the most complete and up-to-date site on repeaters, nets, and clubs on the Web is for users to send us updated information. | ||
- | We want the same thing everyone else wants...an accurate database to locate repeaters with. We try to do what we can to gather and validate information, | + | We want the same thing everyone else wants...an accurate database to locate repeaters with. We try to do what we can to gather and validate information, |
- | We also will not purchase information from sources who would seek to sell it to us for profit. This is a free site and we simply can't afford to purchase data from local coordination councils. | + | We also will not purchase information from sources who would seek to sell it to us for profit. This is a free site, and we simply can't afford to purchase data from local coordination councils. |
- | As a note, it is somewhat baffling to us when we see the occasional post on a forum somewhere about Repeaterbook listings not being accurate or missing your favorite repeater. It probably took more time to rant about that then it would have to simply | + | As a note, it is somewhat baffling to us when we see the occasional post on a forum somewhere about Repeaterbook listings not being accurate or missing your favorite repeater. It probably took more time to rant about that, and then it would have to send us the update. Some areas are extremely accurate, and others not so much. This is directly proportional to the enthusiasm of the hams in that area to contribute to the site. |
For the number of posts that we see complaining about the data, there are 10 more that rave about it. | For the number of posts that we see complaining about the data, there are 10 more that rave about it. | ||
==== How do I submit a repeater to the database? ==== | ==== How do I submit a repeater to the database? ==== | ||
- | First, | + | First, search for the repeater in the database through the state or province it should be located in. If the search results do not include the repeater, select the 'New Repeater' |
A notification of the request will add the repeater to the database. You will be notified when this happens. Most of the time, updates are completed within 48 hours. | A notification of the request will add the repeater to the database. You will be notified when this happens. Most of the time, updates are completed within 48 hours. | ||
==== What are the responsibilities of an admin (moderator)? | ==== What are the responsibilities of an admin (moderator)? | ||
- | Admins are assigned a state or province and they are generally responsible for the database information | + | Admins are assigned a state or province, and they are generally responsible for the database information |
- | Admins must be Ham radio operators with some knowledge of repeater operation (repeater owners preferred), some affinity to some basic web programming and attention to detail. | + | Admins must be Ham radio operators with some knowledge of repeater operation (repeater owners preferred), some affinity to some basic web programming, and attention to detail. |
The time commitment is not very high. There is some front-end work getting the data entered and updated, but ongoing maintenance is low. The typical admin can spend just 15 minutes per week handling requests and doing some light research. Occasionally, | The time commitment is not very high. There is some front-end work getting the data entered and updated, but ongoing maintenance is low. The typical admin can spend just 15 minutes per week handling requests and doing some light research. Occasionally, | ||
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===== Exporting ===== | ===== Exporting ===== | ||
==== How can I export to the CHIRP, RT Systems, or G4HFQ programming software? ==== | ==== How can I export to the CHIRP, RT Systems, or G4HFQ programming software? ==== | ||
- | Repeaterbook | + | RepeaterBook |
- | The CHIRP and RT Systems software itself | + | The CHIRP and RT Systems software itself |
==== Why don't I see the option to Export? ==== | ==== Why don't I see the option to Export? ==== | ||
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First, search for the repeater listing you want. You should see ' | First, search for the repeater listing you want. You should see ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Why is there sometimes a difference in the number of repeaters in the search result and export? ==== | ||
+ | Repeaterbook.com contains data on repeaters that operate on analog, digital, or both emission types. Not all radios can decode digital transmissions, | ||
==== How do I export to the MCP-4A (Kenwood) programming software? ==== | ==== How do I export to the MCP-4A (Kenwood) programming software? ==== | ||
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The TravelPlus tpe file export directly from TravelPlus will not work in CHIRP (as of the 20140124 daily build). The tpe file from RepeaterBook has been modified to allow the file to work. | The TravelPlus tpe file export directly from TravelPlus will not work in CHIRP (as of the 20140124 daily build). The tpe file from RepeaterBook has been modified to allow the file to work. | ||
- | You may find that exporting a tpe file from TravelPlus and attempting to import | + | You may find that exporting a tpe file from TravelPlus and importing |
===== Legal ===== | ===== Legal ===== | ||
==== If someone vandalizes a repeater site after finding the coordinates on your site, aren't you liable? ==== | ==== If someone vandalizes a repeater site after finding the coordinates on your site, aren't you liable? ==== | ||
- | Many of us are repeater owners and we always cringe when we hear about repeaters that are damaged or vandalized. We know that there are outdoor enthusiasts | + | Many of us are repeater owners, and we always cringe when we hear about repeaters that are damaged or vandalized. We know that outdoor enthusiasts come across repeaters and cause so much havoc for their own fun. |
- | We really | + | |
+ | We really hope that Ham Radio operators are above using RepeaterBook to locate a repeater and inflict damage upon it. However, we know that it certainly can happen, but are we liable? | ||
The short answer is no. | The short answer is no. | ||
==== As a repeater owner, I demand that the listing of my repeater be completely removed. ==== | ==== As a repeater owner, I demand that the listing of my repeater be completely removed. ==== | ||
- | We understand your concerns and want to work with you but take a deep breath first. When we receive this request, invariably some right to privacy or copyright is claimed. An assertion that permission has not been granted to publish the data on this website | + | We understand your concerns and want to work with you but take a deep breath first. When we receive this request, invariably, some right to privacy or copyright is claimed. An assertion that permission has not been granted to publish the data on this website is prohibited. |
- | Most people | + | Most people |
Privacy Argument | Privacy Argument | ||
- | Consider for a moment that the repeater listing on Repeaterbook | + | Consider for a moment that the repeater listing on RepeaterBook |
- | Your address information may sit in databases connected to tax records, property records, mortgage houses, voting records, DMV, financial institutions, | + | Your address information may sit in databases connected to tax records, property records, mortgage houses, voting records, DMV, financial institutions, |
Many people misunderstand what their "right to privacy" | Many people misunderstand what their "right to privacy" | ||
- | How does this apply to a repeater? A repeater is not a person and has no privacy rights at all. Where it is, the mode it is using, frequency and PL tones used, call sign, DTMF commands etc, are not protected under any law. The FCC even prohibits amateur radio operators from using any sort of encryption to hide this information. Asserting privacy concerns to request the removal of a repeater entry is without merit and we are not required to act on it on that basis. The repeater is either transmitting or receiving information on the publicly available radio spectrum. The only spectrum with any type of protection is cellular. | + | How does this apply to a repeater? A repeater is not a person and has no privacy rights at all. Where it is, the mode it is using, frequency and PL tones used, call sign, DTMF commands, etc., are not protected under any law. The FCC even prohibits amateur radio operators from using any sort of encryption to hide this information. Asserting privacy concerns to request the removal of a repeater entry is without merit and we are not required to act on it on that basis. The repeater is either transmitting or receiving information on the publicly available radio spectrum. The only spectrum with any type of protection is cellular. |
Copyright and Permission Required Argument | Copyright and Permission Required Argument | ||
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Most websites put Copyright notices on the footers of their pages. What is the legal effect of doing so? | Most websites put Copyright notices on the footers of their pages. What is the legal effect of doing so? | ||
- | As far as copyright law and a database like this, many people believe incorrectly that they have some protection from their repeater' | + | As far as copyright law and a database like this, many people believe incorrectly that they have some protection from their repeater' |
- | Specifically not protected is fact. Repeater data on this site is comprised of facts. The operating frequency, PL, offset, location, call sign, etc, is all fact. We do not violate copyright by copying or displaying elements of design that can be copyrighted. We don't reuse maps, charts, or images from a site without permission. Our formatting of the information is not borrowed from another site and is unique to our style. | + | Specifically not protected is fact. Repeater data on this site is comprised of facts. The operating frequency, PL, offset, location, call sign, etc., is all fact. We do not violate copyright by copying or displaying elements of design that can be copyrighted. We don't reuse maps, charts, or images from a site without permission. Our formatting of the information is not borrowed from another site and is unique to our style. |
- | A specific example would be data published on a website controlled by the operator of a repeater. There is no legal protection of the information posted on the repeater that is factual in nature. Permission is not required to copy this data and enter into the Repeaterbook | + | A specific example would be data published on a website controlled by the operator of a repeater. There is no legal protection of the information posted on the repeater that is factual in nature. Permission is not required to copy this data and enter it into the RepeaterBook |
- | We would rather work with you and not against you. We just want you to get over the idea that you have legal leverage when approaching us to remove information. We have no legal requirement to remove a repeater listing. Yelling, screaming, or threatening anything (including lawsuits) in an attempt to remove your repeater listing will be ignored. We prefer pleasant conversations with grown-ups who are able to discourse in a friendly manner. | + | We would rather work with you and not against you. We just want you to get over the idea that you have legal leverage when approaching us to remove information. We have no legal requirement to remove a repeater listing. Yelling, screaming, or threatening anything (including lawsuits) in an attempt to remove your repeater listing will be ignored. We prefer pleasant conversations with grown-ups who can discourse in a friendly manner. |
- | We would like to point out that we would like to represent everything | + | We would like to point out that we would like to represent everything good about amateur radio. We do not wish to be argumentative about these points or debate them with you. We would prefer to embrace you as a fellow ham and work together in a spirit of cooperation to come to a mutually acceptable arrangement. While other repeater listing repositories attempt to make money on their products, there is no requirement on this site to pay money to receive any information. We are simply a collection point for publicly available information. We believe because of our operating practices, you may be most willing to share your information. |
We should also note that requests to remove data outside of PL tones, locations, and coordinates from the site are actually pretty rare. | We should also note that requests to remove data outside of PL tones, locations, and coordinates from the site are actually pretty rare. | ||
- | Case law can be found on this in regards to Web sites that publish | + | Case law can be found on this regarding websites |
Since the operators of this site do not wish harm to come to any repeater, in fact, the opposite, the site and its operators cannot be held liable for any actions taken by a third party with information gleaned from the site. | Since the operators of this site do not wish harm to come to any repeater, in fact, the opposite, the site and its operators cannot be held liable for any actions taken by a third party with information gleaned from the site. | ||
==== Do you obtain the permission of a repeater owner before publishing the information? | ==== Do you obtain the permission of a repeater owner before publishing the information? | ||
- | We have over 30,000 repeaters in the database and that would be quite the chore. Considering the options, we thought it would be much too cumbersome and expensive to get consent from a repeater owner before posting any data about a repeater. It would be a non-starter. | + | We have over 30,000 repeaters in the database, and that would be quite the chore. Considering the options, we thought it would be much too cumbersome and expensive to get consent from a repeater owner before posting any data about a repeater. It would be a non-starter. |
- | As many of us are repeater owners or board members of large clubs with repeaters, we decided that such a mailing would be expensive, overwhelming, | + | As many of us are repeater owners or board members of large clubs with repeaters, we decided that such a mailing would be expensive, overwhelming, |
Cost is also a major factor. We figured the cost would be about $1.00 per mailing. Currently, we service more than 21,000 repeaters. For a free site, that cost is overwhelming. | Cost is also a major factor. We figured the cost would be about $1.00 per mailing. Currently, we service more than 21,000 repeaters. For a free site, that cost is overwhelming. | ||
- | Finally, there are no legal or moral requirements to request permission to publish facts, especially when they are generally available from other sources. So for now, we will continue to gather information as we do and pledge to work with the concerns of repeater owners as they arise. | + | Finally, there are no legal or moral requirements to request permission to publish facts, especially when they are generally available from other sources. So, for now, we will continue to gather information as we do and pledge to work with repeater owners' concerns |
===== Media ===== | ===== Media ===== | ||
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Yes, interviews can be arranged. Please use the contact form to reach the site admin/ | Yes, interviews can be arranged. Please use the contact form to reach the site admin/ | ||
- | ==== Has Repeaterbook | + | ==== Has RepeaterBook |
- | Repeaterbook | + | RepeaterBook |