Repeater Terminology
autopatch — a device that interfaces a repeater to the telephone system to permit repeater users to make
telephone calls. Often just called a “patch.”
break — the word used to interrupt a conversation on a repeater only to indicate that there is an emergency.
carrier-operated relay (COR) — a device that causes the repeater to transmit in response to a received
signal.
channel — the pair of frequencies (input and output) used by a repeater.
closed repeater — a repeater whose access is limited to a select group (see open repeater).
control operator — the Amateur Radio operator who is designated to “control” the operation of the
repeater, as required by FCC regulations.
courtesy beep — an audible indication that a repeater user may go ahead and transmit.
coverage — the geographic area within which the repeater provides communications.
CTCSS — abbreviation for continuous tone-controlled squelch system, a series of subaudible tones that
some repeaters use to restrict access. (see closed repeater)
digipeater — a packet radio (digital) repeater.
DTMF — abbreviation for dual-tone multifrequency, the series of tones generated from a keypad
on a ham radio transceiver (or a regular telephone).
duplex or full duplex — a mode of communication in which a user transmits on one frequency
and receives on another frequency simultaneously (see half duplex).
duplexer — a device that allows the repeater transmitter and receiver to use the same antenna
simultaneously.
frequency coordinator — an individual or group responsible for assigning frequencies to new
repeaters without causing interference to existing repeaters.
full quieting — a received signal that contains no noise.
half duplex — a mode of communication in which a user transmits at one time and receives at
another time.
hand-held — a small, lightweight portable transceiver small enough to be carried easily; also
called HT (for Handie-Talkie, a Motorola trademark).
hang time — the short period following a transmission that allows others who want to access the
repeater a chance to do so; a courtesy beep sounds when the repeater is ready to accept another
transmission.
input frequency — the frequency of the repeater’s receiver (and your transceiver’s transmitter).
intermodulation distortion (IMD)— the unwanted mixing of two strong RF signals that causes
a signal to be transmitted on an unintended frequency.
key up — to turn on a repeater by transmitting on its input frequency.
machine — a repeater system.
magnetic mount or mag-mount — an antenna with a magnetic base that permits quick
installation and removal from a motor vehicle or other metal surface.
NiCd — a nickel-cadmium battery that may be recharged many times; often used to power
portable transceivers. Pronounced “NYE-cad.”
open repeater — a repeater whose access is not limited.
output frequency — the frequency of the repeater’s transmitter (and your transceiver’s
receiver).
over — a word used to indicate the end of a voice transmission.
Repeater Directory — an annual ARRL publication that lists repeaters in the US, Canada and
other areas.
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separation or split — the difference (in kHz) between a repeater’s transmitter and receiver
frequencies. Repeaters that use unusual separations, such as 1 MHz on 2 m, are sometimes said
to have “oddball splits.”
simplex — a mode of communication in which users transmit and receive on the same
frequency.
time-out — to cause the repeater or a repeater function to turn off because you have transmitted
for too long.
timer — a device that measures the length of each transmission and causes the repeater or a
repeater function to turn off after a transmission has exceeded a certain length.
tone pad — an array of 12 or 16 numbered keys that generate the standard telephone dual-tone
multifrequency (DTMF) dialing signals. Resembles a standard telephone keypad. (see
autopatch)

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