TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WOOD COUNTY BULLETIN NR 15.29 DATE: July 19, 2015
SUBJECT: WHY LOW TRAFFIC?
It's been said that the 147.255 MHz repeater doesn't have anyone talking on it. Stations will come on the repeater, give their call, and may say they are monitoring. A little later they may make a comment like "no one ever listens on that repeater".
Well, first things first. There are people listening to the repeater. If someone has an emergency, all you have to do is say they have an emergency, and I'm sure someone will answer. The 147.255 MHz repeater was, and is, basically designed for emergency preparedness use, however, it does get used for chit- chat from time to time. Usually a call is made, a communications takes place, and that's it. There's not a lot of idle conversation on the repeater making it difficult to get a word in edgewise, but it is monitored, many times 24 hours a day.
The main thing to remember is, there are a number of busy people who are members of RACES and ARES, and may not have time for idle chit-chat on the repeater, but will answer an emergency call quickly. All a radio operator needs to remember is to state that you have an emergency, or just need directions or information, and someone will answer. It may take a little time to get to their radio, but they will answer. The habit many ham radio operators get into, is just announcing their call on a repeater, is not calling for assistance. So don't expect an answer. If you need assistance, or have an emergency to report, then say so. If you came on the repeater for conversation, say so, a lot of people won't answer it if all you do is give your callsign ID.
Enjoy the repeater, for idle chit chat, or emergency communications. I believe if you use the above procedures, you won't have any problems on the 147.255 MHz repeater, or even on other repeaters.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV