The KARC/BMRC repeater site is located on top of Bays Mountain in Kingsport, and operates on a frequency of 146.970- Mhz.
Autopatch Use Guidelines. Here are some points to remember when using the autopatch.
1) ACCESS PROCEDURE: Key up, wait two seconds, give your call sign and state that you are using the patch. Punch in the access code, AND WITHOUT PAUSING, punch in the number you are calling. Un-key your transmitter. After a few seconds delay, the dial tone will come on, and the controller will dial the number. The controller operates in a "store & forward" mode. this is the reason for the delay.
2) CALLS ARE LIMITED TO APPROMIATELY 3 MINUTES: If your call lasts that long you will hear a series of warning beeps, then the autopatch will be disconnected 10 seconds after the beeps start. If the controller shuts down your call, it is still a good idea to punch in the down code to make sure the phone you dialed will he released. In the event of an emergency call, if you need more time. the control operator on dutv will reset the time out timer on the controller for you. You will then be limited to an 8 minute call due to the repeater hardware time-out.
3) PLEASE FOLLOW THE RULES AND GUIDELINES: Abuse of autopatch privleges can result in the autopatch being disabled, so make sure your calls conform to the following:
A. No business communuications. (This rule has been relaxed by the FCC -Editor)
B. Don't use the autopatch just to avoid a toll call.
C. The autopatch should not be used if regular phone service is readily available.
In summary, ask yourself if you really need to make the call before using the autopatch.
4) KEEP THE ACCESS CODE SECURE: Please do not give out the autopatch access codes over the air, or give them to hams who are not members of either KARC or BMRC. New members will be given the codes after their dues are paid. You my bring up the patch for non-members. but be sure of the nature ofthe call before dialing it.
5) TESTING IS OK: If you want to try out your fancy new speed dialer or simply want to get familiar with how the patch operates, by all means do so. State that you are testing the patch when you activate it.
TIME-OUT FUNCTIONS: This repeater has two time-out timers to prevent transmiter damage. One is built into the controller. It is adjusted to time out after 3 continuous minutes of transmitting, and is reset each time the tail beep, completely sounds. In addition, an 8 minute time-out timer is in the repeater itself; This timer is reset only after the repeater carrier drops out completely, and is independent of the 3-minute time-out. The carrier drop is adjusted to occur quickly after the tail beep. It is a good idea to get into the habit of allowing the repeater to drop out after each transmission. This will not only reset both timers, but also gives someone who may have an urgent need a chance to jump in. lf the repeater times out it will reset and come back on after there is no RF on the input.
73, The former W4TRC Repeater Committee
(Editor's note: If the patch is de-activated. the repeater will sound the letter "R" in Morse code, when the repeater is keyed-up. Another note: The above information was extracted from a BMRC/ KARC document published in May 1992. Several points of that docoment are still relevant today.)