Multimode Operating Practice

Pausing between transmissions is "key" to reliable multimode digital voice communications on the KR4CHS repeater.¹

QSOs that adhere to the following practice will make QSOs better for all operators and enhance communication.

1. After the current transmitting operator completes a transmission, pause 3 seconds.
2. After the 3 second pause, PTT and continue pressing PTT for 3 seconds before talking. This allows the other digital modes and the transcoder to "engage."
3. Talk.
4. Say "over" or "back to you," and if 3 or more operators in the QSO, the callsign to which you are passing the QSO in order to mitigate doubling.
5. Stop talking but continue pressing the PTT for 2 more seconds to allow your transmission and the transcoding process to complete on the other digital modes.
6. Release PTT.

Here are some other helpful operating practices.

• Be aware of what your display is telling you. If an operator tries to break in a name or call might be seen momentarily on your display even if no voice.

• Be patient and work together to pass the QSO to next speaker to avoid doubling.

• If possible place hotspots at home QTH on a RJ45 connection.

• Use the Calibrate option in the hotspot software to set offset the best you can get it.

• Be particularly aware of keeping the PTT engaged during your transmission

• D-STAR operators direct to repeater or on a hotspot must be on the Gateway. Contact us if you need assistance.

• If there is a dropout mid sentence during a transmission, wait because it will probably come back if given a few seceonds.

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