Autopatch Instructions 
for KWARC and area Repeaters

While the patch is now open to facilitate easy of use by roamers, the auto patch features on VE3RCK 146.865 PL 131.8 are provided for the use of paid up KWARC members.  Roamers from outside of our area are also free to use the patch while travelling through our area.

KWARC members are all entitled to use our phone patch systems as part of your membership.  You may review the following information on the operation of the KWARC phone patch systems.   As well, KWARC members now enjoy extended phone patch coverage in the Brantford area as well.

Visiting Hams
NOTE: To make a 911 call       simply dial 911.       No * required.

Patch Overview
Following these instructions should assure you of trouble free operation.

1.      The primary function of the patch is to serve the MOBILE users in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. The phone patch shall not be used by a base station unless there is an emergency situation.

2.      Business Calls are not permitted including calls to your office or from a business associate regarding your business. Remember, as a Radio Amateur you as well as the repeater licensee are bound by these requirements.

3.      Your membership in KWARC will entitle you to use the phone patch facilities associated with VE3RCK however this patch is open for all radio amateur operators. Speed dial numbers are not available on this repeater.

4.      When using the patch you become the control station. Should the person on the phone commence using the patch in an inappropriate manner you are obligated to correct the situation or terminate the call.

5.      Remember that the patch is only half-duplex where the telephone party is unable to interrupt. This can be confusing for users not familiar with the use of such a system so be sure to inform people that you are calling over Amateur Radio.

USING THE VE3RCK PATCH
The VE3RCK patch is on a Kitchener exchange which provides local dialling to K-W, Ayr, Baden, Breslau, Bright, Drayton, Drumbo, Elmira, Elora, Cambridge, Linwood, Platsville, New Hamburg, New Dundee, St. Jacobs, St. Clements and Wellesley exchanges as well as Stratford and Mount Forest.

The RCK repeater has the widest calling area thus it is the preferred repeater for auto-patch.

1.      IDENTIFY!! "This is VE3XYZ for the patch.

2.      Press the *  and the 10 digit phone number as one entry.
DO NOT DROP THE CARRIER BETWEEN THE ACCESS CODE AND THE PHONE NUMBER

3.      After a slight delay you will hear the phone ringing and after the party answers you may begin your conversation. Time limit is 3 minutes however, entering "**3" gives another 3 minutes.

4.      Use the # key to hang up then identify your call and that your are clear of the patch

Brantford Patch Access
By special arrangement with the Brantford club, KWARC members who subscribe to our Phone Patch service are now able to make local calls through these two repeaters while traveling in the area.

The Access codes for Brantford can be obtained from any Brantford member while in that area. Please identify yourself as a KWARC member.

VE3TCR BRANTFORD
Identify yourself as a visiting KWARC member and enter the access code and phone number as one number without releasing the PTT (same as RCK). As soon as you hear autopatch or after the phone number is read back, you MUST "kerchunk" the repeater to validate the call. Complete your call and then use the # key to hang up then identify your call and that your are clear of the patch

If you experience difficulty utilizing the Brantford repeater ask for anyone listening to give you assistance.  If no one is available, on your return contact Ben, ve3st@myrac.ca and outline the difficulty.

Go back to the home page KW Amateur Radio Club Inc.