HAM calling to telephones?

[lovetoski]

I recently subscribed to "Overland Journal" - cool mag. Not that I needed more reason to roam...

In the Spring 07 edition there's an article about HAM. What really caught my eye was a comment that you can connect to a repeater and dial through to a telephone. Is this as simple as it sounds? I've been thinking about getting my HAM license for awhile now...but this adds an interesting factor...being able to better connect to those back home helps to "sell" the investment.

Thanks in advance for any info...

[spressomon]

Originally Posted by lovetoski

I recently subscribed to "Overland Journal" - cool mag. Not that I needed more reason to roam...

In the Spring 07 edition there's an article about HAM. What really caught my eye was a comment that you can connect to a repeater and dial through to a telephone. Is this as simple as it sounds? I've been thinking about getting my HAM license for awhile now...but this adds an interesting factor...being able to better connect to those back home helps to "sell" the investment.

Thanks in advance for any info...

This type of communication is facilitated through a repeater that features "auto patch". You just need to look in your repeater directory to see if there is an auto patch compatible repeater in your area.

[Bob_Garrett]

Most auto-patch equipped repeaters require an access code to activate. The access code is usually only given out in exchange for a small annual fee, although if you are traveling and need access, you can usually find a member who will bring up the auto-patch for you.

They are usually limited to local calls only and you should always advise the person you're calling that you are calling them via a phone patch over HAM radio, so that they are aware that others may be monitoring.

N5UOU

[FJ40_owner]

Most repeater auto patches are closed to the public. They are available to the public as a courtesey offered by the owner. Never assume that because the directory says there is an autopatch available that it is open for public use. If you need to make a call, ask on the air if someone will make the call for you. Don't use the patch to see what groceries to bring home.

If you have an emergency to report, compose yourself prior to transmitting. You will be required to state the nature of the emergency, your name, the location etc. WHat agency do you need to speak with?

The patch is not full duplex like your phone. Only one person can speak at a time. Don't be a lid.

Besides everyone has a cell phone so who needs an autopatch these days?

Oh and don't forget to say "Thank you repeater owner."

JB
N6KML

[CDN_Cruiser]

They can be very handy, but I too have found that they tend to be "closed". There is one on the local repeater near a place we have "up north". In ths region, there is limited cell coverage (and no coverage once you are a few miles off the major road, so an autopatch feature is very helpful.

As long as the PSTN is operational, the autopatch is more reliable than cellular in any real emergency (when towers tend to go offline or are swamped with calls- at least the was the case in things like the "East Coast Blackout".

I contacted the repeater owner and he gave me the various codes needed to operate the patch.

Cheers, Hugh

[lovetoski]

Originally Posted by FJ40_owner

Besides everyone has a cell phone so who needs an autopatch these days?

There are lots of places in the mountains in the NW where cell coverage is limited. Currently I have a cell with an external antenna (which helps a lot by the way) and have considered a booster. I don't need to call home for a grocery list, but with two active kids, staying in touch while remote is an expected thing these days. I don't really want to rent a sat phone, but it sounds from the posts so far that using an autopatch isn't something you can count on, though maybe in an emergency. This doesn't disuade me from the obvious benefits of HAM, but I appreciate the candid answers. Thanks guys!

[CDN_Cruiser]

It's one of those things that as long as you can get a good signal to the repeater, you should have reasonable access to an autopatch. Email / call the repeater owner (club, individual, etc) my sense is that they are more than happy to share the codes, it's just that they don't want it to be uncontrolled.

The autopatch in my region is rarely used - I'm sure there would be no problem with calls to check-in (I've heard far worse!) as long as you keep it within the range of what's legal (eg no commercial activity).

Cheers, Hugh

[lovetoski]

Originally Posted by CDN_Cruiser

It's one of those things that as long as you can get a good signal to the repeater, you should have reasonable access to an autopatch. Email / call the repeater owner (club, individual, etc) my sense is that they are more than happy to share the codes, it's just that they don't want it to be uncontrolled.

The autopatch in my region is rarely used - I'm sure there would be no problem with calls to check-in (I've heard far worse!) as long as you keep it within the range of what's legal (eg no commercial activity).

Cheers, Hugh

Thanks Hugh - I'll remember to check ahead of time. This sounds encouraging.