What a Repeater Does
A repeater receives a signal on one frequency (the input) and simultaneously retransmits it on a different frequency (the output) at higher power, typically from an elevated site. This extends the effective range of lower-power hand-held and mobile stations that could not otherwise communicate over hilly terrain or across an urban area.
Most Canadian VHF and UHF repeaters operate on coordinated frequency pairs published in the RAC band plans. Using coordinated pairs reduces interference between systems in the same geographic area.
Standard Frequency Offsets
A repeater's input and output frequencies are separated by a fixed offset. On the 2 m band, the standard offset is 600 kHz. On the 70 cm band, the standard offset is 5 MHz. Most modern FM transceivers apply these offsets automatically when a frequency in the repeater segment is dialled in.
| Band | Output Range | Standard Offset | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 m | 146.610 – 146.985 MHz | 600 kHz | Positive (+) |
| 2 m | 147.000 – 147.390 MHz | 600 kHz | Negative (–) in some regions |
| 70 cm | 442.000 – 445.000 MHz | 5 MHz | Positive (+) |
Regional variation: The offset direction for the 147 MHz segment varies by province. In some areas, 147 MHz outputs use a negative offset; in others, a positive offset. Always check the RAC band plan for your province or the local repeater directory before transmitting.
CTCSS Tones (PL Tones)
Most Canadian coordinated repeaters require a CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) tone — commonly called a PL tone — on the input frequency to open the repeater. This is a sub-audible tone transmitted below the voice audio that the repeater squelch circuit detects.
Without the correct CTCSS tone, the repeater will not retransmit your transmission, even if the signal is strong. Common CTCSS values used in Canada include 100.0 Hz, 103.5 Hz, 107.2 Hz, and 127.3 Hz, among others, but the specific tone varies per repeater and must be looked up in a directory or confirmed with the repeater trustee.
Finding the CTCSS Tone for a Repeater
- The RAC repeater directory (published on rac.ca) lists coordinated repeaters with their access tones
- Local club websites often maintain updated lists for their region
- Repeater Book (repeaterbook.com) aggregates Canadian repeater data with access tone information
- Some repeaters announce their CTCSS tone in their periodic ID transmission
Station Identification
Canadian regulations require stations to identify by call sign at specific intervals. On a repeater, the relevant rules are:
- Identify at the start of a transmission or series of transmissions
- Identify at least every 30 minutes during an extended contact
- Identify at the end of the contact
Identification is typically given by stating your call sign phonetically on voice (e.g., "Victor Echo Three Alpha Bravo Charlie") or simply by call sign on shorter contacts. The phonetic alphabet used in Canadian amateur radio follows the ITU standard (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta...).
Making a Call on a Repeater
The standard procedure for initiating contact on a repeater is:
- Listen first — determine whether the repeater is already in use
- Key up briefly and give your call sign: "VE3ABC listening" or "VE3ABC monitoring"
- Wait for a response; if none after a few seconds, the frequency is clear
- If you wish to call a specific station: "VE3XYZ, this is VE3ABC"
- When finished, sign clear with your call sign
Keying up without speaking ("kerchunking") to check if the repeater is active is considered poor practice. Give your call sign even for a short check.
Courtesy Tones and Timing
Most repeaters emit a short audible tone (the "courtesy tone") after a station releases its PTT. This tone indicates the repeater is ready for the next transmission. Waiting for the courtesy tone before transmitting prevents "doubling" — two stations transmitting simultaneously, which makes both transmissions unintelligible.
A brief pause of 1–2 seconds after the courtesy tone is standard practice before responding. This gap also allows another station to break in with an emergency or to join the conversation.
Handling Emergency Situations
Repeaters are a primary communications resource during emergencies. If an emergency is in progress on a frequency you are using, stand by and do not transmit unless asked to assist. To declare an emergency, transmit:
In Canada, ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) groups operate through RAC and coordinate with municipal emergency management offices. Familiarity with the local ARES net and its designated frequencies is useful for operators who may participate in emergency activations.
Nets on Repeaters
Many Canadian repeaters host regular nets — scheduled on-air gatherings with a net control station (NCS) who manages check-ins. Types of nets include:
- Traffic nets — relay formal written messages using the National Traffic System (NTS) format
- Ragchew nets — informal conversation check-ins
- Technical nets — focused discussion of equipment or operating topics
- Emergency preparedness nets — regular exercises for ARES members and volunteers
When a net is in session, wait for the NCS to call for check-ins before transmitting your call sign. Do not call CQ or attempt to begin a separate contact on a net frequency while the net is active.
Repeater Ownership and Trustee
Repeaters in Canada are privately owned, most commonly by individual operators or amateur radio clubs. A trustee holds the repeater licence and is responsible for its operation within the terms of the Radiocommunication Regulations. Most repeater systems are free to use by any licensed amateur, but some club-specific systems may restrict access to members.
Misuse of a repeater — including deliberate interference, use of prohibited language, or operating without identification — can result in the repeater trustee's request to ISED for enforcement action.