Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- faq [2021/11/12 15:26] – kd6kpc
+++ faq [2025/04/08 14:08] (current) – [Do you need help with the site?] kd6kpc
@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 ==== What is the purpose of this Web site? ====
-This Web site is a resource for amateur radio operators all around the world.
+RepeaterBook is a free, worldwide resource for amateur radio operators.
-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 cannot be guaranteed. We depend on visitors to the site and local admins to gather and verify the information.
+Our site provides comprehensive information on repeaters, ham radio clubs, and other topics of interest to the amateur radio community.
+While we strive to ensure the accuracy of our data, we rely heavily on input from users and local admins to keep the information up to date. Your contributions help us maintain the quality and reliability of this valuable resource.
+We also work with frequency coordinators. If you are a frequency coordinator and interested in partnering, please contact us.
 ==== 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.
+RepeaterBook is not an official listing from any repeater coordination authority. We do not coordinate repeaters and hold no authority in that regard. However, some coordination entities voluntarily share publicly available data with us to help improve the directory.
+Importantly, RepeaterBook is the official source of repeater data for the ARRL (American Radio Relay League), helping ensure our database supports national amateur radio initiatives.
 ===== Registration =====
 ==== 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, registration is not required to browse RepeaterBook. You're free to explore the site and access most features without creating an account.
-This is not a commercial Web site. Your information will never be sold or distributed to anyone.
+However, registering unlocks additional tools and conveniences—such as the ability to generate export files for programming your radio, create custom printable repeater lists, and save personalized settings.
 ==== Is there a fee to register? ====
-No. Membership and use are free.
+No, registration and use of RepeaterBook are completely free.
-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.
+However, it does take time and money to operate and maintain a global resource like this. If you’d like to support the project and help fund ongoing development, please consider subscribing to RepeaterBook Plus. Your support helps keep the site running and free for everyone.
 ==== Do I have to use a call sign to register? ====
-Yes. This is an amateur radio and GMRS website. All registered users must have an FCC issued call sign for their services.
+**Yes**. RepeaterBook is a community resource for licensed amateur radio and GMRS operators. All registered users must have a valid, government-issued call sign for one of these services.
-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, who are not welcome here.
+Amateur radio is built on openness and accountability—we use our call signs on the air, and they’re publicly searchable. Maintaining that same level of transparency on RepeaterBook helps keep the community safe and free of abuse. Unfortunately, anonymous users are often the source of interference or misuse, and we actively discourage that behavior.
-Some are very interested in amateur radio and GMRS but do not yet have a call sign. You are absolutely welcome here. You are primarily missing features that really only work if you are licensed and have a radio to use, such as proposing new repeaters, edits, and exporting.
+If you’re interested in amateur radio or GMRS but don’t yet have a call sign, you’re absolutely welcome to explore the site! However, you won’t be able to register or access features reserved for licensed operators, such as submitting repeaters, making edits, or exporting programming files.
+Please note: The site administrator reserves the right to reject or revoke memberships at any time, with or without notice.
 The administrator reserves the right to reject or cancel memberships to this site at any time, with or without cause or notice.
+==== Proper Registration ====
+If you hold both a U.S. Amateur Radio call sign and a GMRS call sign, please register using only your Amateur Radio call sign.
+Do not include any spaces, slashes, or suffixes (e.g., avoid using formats like KX9ABC /G or KX9ABC-A). Just enter your call sign exactly as issued—for example, KX9ABC.
+Keeping call signs standardized helps ensure that your account works correctly across all RepeaterBook features.
 ===== Repeater Data =====
 ==== How does RepeaterBook obtain the repeater information on this site? ====
-The information on this site is taken from commonly available resources. The Internet and other HAMs are our best sources.
+RepeaterBook compiles repeater data from a variety of trusted sources, including user contributions, repeater owners, coordination councils, and public records.
-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 are proud to be the official source of repeater data for the ARRL (American Radio Relay League), and we work directly with many frequency coordination organizations that provide timely and accurate data for their regions.
-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.
+In addition, amateur radio operators around the world help keep the database current by submitting corrections, updates, and new repeater listings. Each submission is reviewed by a local or regional admin before being published. Most updates are processed within 48 hours, though it may occasionally take longer. Our apps are typically updated every two weeks to include the latest data.
-Submitted updates are usually committed within 48 hours but could take longer. The apps are typically updated every two weeks.
+Keep in mind that in the U.S., there is no central government registry for repeaters—reporting is not mandatory, and some systems are never officially coordinated. That makes community input essential. Your submissions and corrections are a key part of keeping RepeaterBook reliable and useful for all operators.
-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. 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't. Not like the FCC ULS for call sign information. Getting this data, especially accurate data, is quite the process. The more help we get, the better the data is.
+Everyone on our team is a volunteer, and we deeply appreciate your help and patience as we continue improving the site.
 ==== How often is the online repeater database updated? ====
 The repeater database is updated constantly, all day, every day.
@@ Line 58: / Line 69: @@
 ==== 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. A repeater sponsor will often post a lot of information on a Web site that is beneficial to the Ham community. We collect that data and provide it for you here.
+When we add a repeater to the RepeaterBook database, we go beyond the basics. Our team and volunteers conduct detailed research—often searching across the Internet and club websites for publicly available details about the repeater.
-==== As the owner or trustee of a repeater, why should I share my information with you? ====
+Many repeater sponsors and clubs share valuable information online, such as coverage areas, access tones, net schedules, usage guidelines, and technical features. We gather and include that information to make each listing as informative and helpful as possible.
-We are attempting to build an open-access and free database of useful information for all amateurs. The information's deployment is designed to help those with a legitimate interest in amateur radio, a reliable and central resource to gather repeater information. We do not require anyone to pay any fee for the site's use and openly seek accurate information. We believe this is in harmony with the concept of amateur radio as a service organization.
-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 their trips' safety and pleasure. New HAMs appreciate a quick way to get the information they need to program their radios and start socializing. In this spirit, we hope that you will share your repeater information with us.
+In addition to our own research, we rely heavily on the amateur radio community. Users are encouraged to submit updates and corrections when they spot missing or outdated information. These submissions are reviewed by our regional admins, who help ensure the accuracy of each listing.
-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.
+We’re committed to offering the most comprehensive and up-to-date repeater directory available, and your participation plays a vital role in making that possible.
-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.
+==== As the owner or trustee of a repeater, why should I share my information with RepeaterBook? ====
+RepeaterBook exists to provide a free, open-access directory of repeater information for the benefit of the amateur radio community. Our mission aligns with the spirit of amateur radio as a public service: helping licensed operators connect, communicate, and explore the hobby with confidence.
+By sharing your repeater’s information, you contribute to a reliable, centralized resource that serves:
+  * New operators looking for ways to get active in the hobby
+  * Travelers who rely on accurate repeater data to stay connected on the road
+  * Emergency communicators who may need quick access to regional repeater systems
+  * Fellow hams who want to socialize, test equipment, or learn more about their area
+We never charge for access to our site, and we make every effort to keep the data accurate and current. Many repeater owners want their systems to be used and appreciated—listing your repeater helps promote its availability, features, and value to the community.
+If your repeater is not open for general use, just let us know—we can mark it as closed, which respectfully signals to other operators that access is limited.
+We hope you'll consider contributing your repeater’s information to help support a stronger, more connected ham radio community.
 ==== Does a repeater have to be coordinated to be listed with RepeaterBook? ====
+**In most cases, no**—a repeater does not need to be formally coordinated to be listed on RepeaterBook.
+However, we do have agreements with certain regional coordination authorities. In these areas, specific data must be provided directly by the coordination group. If you submit a request to add a repeater in one of these regions, your request may be placed on hold until the repeater is officially coordinated and the data is released to us.
-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.
+These agreements help ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of listings, as the data from coordination councils is typically vetted and up-to-date. This process helps us maintain the quality and reliability of the RepeaterBook database while respecting the work of coordination groups.
 ==== As the owner of a closed or private system, will you completely remove my repeater's listing? ====
-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, access codes, and features. However, if you intend to "hide" your repeater from the would-be jammer, removing the listing from this database is unlikely to accomplish this. There are several other publications, both Web and print, that display closed and private repeaters. Removing the entry from this database does not remove it from the Web.
+We’re happy to list your repeater as **closed** or **private**, and we can include a note in the comments section to inform potential users of its access restrictions. For added privacy, we will also suppress sensitive details such as **PL tones, exact coordinates, access codes**, and certain **features**.
-There are a couple of reasons why we hesitate to remove a listing from the database outright. One of those is because we provide a service to repeater owners. For potential repeater owners looking for a frequency, it is handy to know that a frequency is already in use. If there are repeater interference issues, a listing on this site provides an easy method to locate the potential source of the interference to apply a remedy.
+However, if your goal is to completely "hide" your repeater from potential jammers or unauthorized users, **removing it from RepeaterBook is unlikely to achieve that**. Other online and printed directories often list closed or private systems as well, and modern scanning equipment can easily detect repeaters regardless of whether they’re published.
-With the advent of fast-scan radios and PL search, we also believe that there is no way to "hide" a repeater on the ham bands. Finding a repeater in the wild that is not listed on this site just makes others curious. If you are attempting to avoid a jammer that preys on private systems, the more you try to hide, the more determined a jammer becomes and the more satisfaction he feels in his accomplishment. We believe the alternative approach of 'nothing to hide and nothing to fear' is a more effective way of quelling the competitive nature of a jammer.
+There are a few important reasons why we generally **do not delete listings outright**:
-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.
+  * **Frequency coordination visibility**: Our listings help other repeater owners and prospective builders identify existing activity on a given frequency or location, which can help prevent unintentional interference.
+  * **Troubleshooting interference**: When repeater conflicts occur, having even a basic public record can assist with identifying potential interference sources and resolving issues.
+  * **Transparency is better than secrecy**: In our experience, trying to hide a repeater often draws more attention from malicious operators. A visible, clearly marked "closed" listing typically discourages misuse more effectively than total omission.
-Please don't insult us by requesting that we remove the information if you post it on your own Web site. It's amazing, but that has happened!
+We also understand that some repeater owners request their coordination authority not to publish certain details—yet the repeater still appears on RepeaterBook. In such cases, please know: **your coordination authority is not responsible for this**. Our data often comes from multiple independent sources, including public club websites and user submissions.
-==== As the owner or trustee of I repeater, how can I request the information on my repeater be changed, obscured, or removed? ====
+And finally, please don’t ask us to remove your repeater **if you’ve already published its details on your own website**—yes, that does happen!
-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 information about their machines. As a courtesy, we are happy to obscure the micro landmark location, PL tone, GPS coordinates, features, and functions of your repeater.
+==== As the owner or trustee of a repeater, how can I request changes to my repeater listing? ====
+Many of the volunteers who contribute to RepeaterBook are repeater owners themselves, so we understand that each operator has a different comfort level when it comes to sharing information about their systems.
-However, we will not obscure the frequency, city (or nearest city), county, or state the repeater resides in. We would publish the repeater's known operational status, usage rights, contact e-mail, and Web site of the repeater if obtained from publicly available sources.
+As a courtesy, we’re happy to **obscure or withhold** certain sensitive details from public view upon request—such as:
-Occasionally, we receive some demanding and rude requests from repeater owners ordering the site to obscure more information than the site policy permits. The U.S. Constitution safeguards the First Amendment right to publish this data on the Internet, along with exact coordinates of repeaters and PL tones, which trumps a repeater's "right" to privacy as a repeater site has no right to privacy. Furthermore, amateur radio repeaters reside on the publicly available radio spectrum, and no frequency is licensed to any person for exclusive use. The general public, and certainly the amateur radio community, have a right to know that a repeater is operating on a given frequency, even though usage of said repeater by the owner/trustee is prohibited.
+  * Precise GPS coordinates
+  * Micro-location landmarks
+  * PL tones
+  * Advanced feature settings or linking details
-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.
+However, **we will not obscure** the following core information, which we believe is essential to the public and amateur radio community:
+  * Frequency
+  * City or nearest city
+  * County and state
+  * Operational status and usage rights
+  * Publicly available contact information or website
+RepeaterBook’s mission is to support a transparent and accurate resource for the amateur radio community. Amateur radio operates on public spectrum, and repeater systems—by nature—are publicly accessible and detectable. While we respect your concerns, the general public has a legitimate interest in knowing what is operating on shared frequencies.
+We occasionally receive strongly worded or combative demands to remove or obscure more information than our policy allows. Please understand that **the First Amendment protects the right to publish information that is publicly available**, including repeater locations and technical parameters. That said, we’re much more inclined to accommodate requests that are polite and respectful. We’re happy to work with you—just ask kindly!
+To request a change to your listing, please contact us or use the update form available on your repeater’s detail page.
+===== My repeater is listed on the website, but I don’t see it in the app. Why not? =====
+There are a couple of possible reasons, but the most common one is related to how the app works compared to the website.
+The **RepeaterBook app is not live-synced** with the online database. This is intentional—it allows the app to function **offline**, which is especially useful in emergencies when Internet access may not be available.
+Instead, the app contains a **snapshot** of the database that is updated approximately **every two weeks**. If your repeater was added or updated on the website **after** the most recent app update, it won’t appear in the app until the next release.
+To check the version of your app:
+  - Tap the menu (hamburger icon) in the top-left corner.
+  - Look under the RepeaterBook logo for a version number formatted like 2025.04.01.
+This number represents the year, month, and day the app was last updated.
+If your repeater was added **after** that date, you’ll see it in the next update. Updates aren’t fully automated, so they may occasionally be a few days early or late.
+To ensure you get the latest data, always keep your app up to date via the App Store or Google Play.
 ==== Do you list GMRS repeaters? ====
 Yes, we do.
@@ Line 101: / Line 162: @@
 ===== Contributing =====
 ==== Do you need help with the site? ====
-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! RepeaterBook is a volunteer-driven project, and we depend on the amateur radio community to help keep it accurate, up to date, and growing.
+There are several ways you can contribute:
+  * We’re always looking for state and regional admins to help collect, verify, and maintain repeater data.
+  * Even if you're not an admin, you can still help by submitting corrections, updates, or new listings whenever you spot something missing or incorrect.
+  * It's quick and easy to add or edit repeaters directly from the site.
+Every bit of help makes a difference—and we greatly appreciate your time and effort in supporting the ham radio community.
-Whether you are an admin or not, please add and/or correct any information you see on the site. It is straightforward to add or edit repeaters.
+Interested in volunteering? Contact us to learn more!
 ==== What if I found an inaccurate listing or I know of a repeater listing you don't have? ====
@@ Line 129: / Line 198: @@
 ===== Exporting =====
-==== How can I export to the CHIRP, RT Systems, or G4HFQ programming software? ====
+==== How can I export to the CHIRP, RT Systems, Yaesu, Anytone, or G4HFQ programming software? ====
 RepeaterBook data exports have been certified by CHIRP, RT Systems, and G4HFQ. The recommended method for exporting the data is to use the corresponding Export menu option. This will create a file that you can import directly into the software.