These procedures are not intended to unreasonably restrict users, but rather to help ensure a pleasant operating environment for everyone. When using the TARRA repeater system all users are expected to follow these practices. Failure to adhere to these guidelines could cause you to be asked to cease operation on this system.

It’s a hobby!  Have fun, use common sense, be polite and follow FCC rules including properly identifying at required intervals.

Only the English language is to be used on the repeaters.

Prior to transmitting, monitor the repeater to make sure the repeater is not in use.

Before using IRLP, please familiarize yourself with how it works, if possible check the IRLP status page to see if the node you want to use is already connected to another node or reflector. Check the IRLP node's web site (if available) for protocols or speak with the control operator if possible before using it. The IRLP.net web site has email addresses for each node owner.

If you are trying to use IRLP please make sure you are able to hold the repeater solidly. If you are weak and noisy or intermittent in to the repeater the DTMF functions may not be decoded consistently. And since you will be connected to another repeater, or maybe even a reflector, you don't want to create a lot of noise on that system as well.

Even though the TARRA repeaters are open repeaters, some special features are reserved for contributing members such as use of IRLP. IRLP is not open to everyone. To connect to another node using the the TARRA system you need to enter the access code by DTMF and wait for the repeater to respond and then enter the node or reflector 4-digit number by DTMF. To disconnect, send a DTMF 73.

While it is courteous to make a general call to ask if the repeater is in use before connecting with IRLP, you do not need to ask "permission" to use IRLP. If the repeater owner allows IRLP use through their policies and your operation conforms to those policies and stated protocols then nobody other than the control operator has a right to grant or deny you permission.

Identify yourself before you send any DTMF codes on the repeater. A simple, "W7TAR controlling" or "W7CAT accessing" is sufficient. Make sure to ID and clear when you are finished as well. Do not use any DTMF tones other than those approved. Please do not guess or use access codes or short-cuts from other repeaters on the TARRA Repeater System. Be wary of well-meaning operators giving advice about the system. Often they are wrong, instead, consult the Control Operator. 

While different repeater systems have different approaches, it is the policy of the Teton Amateur Radio Repeater Association to leave our system disconnected from other nodes and reflectors when not actively participating in a conversation, roundtable or net. If you connect to another node or a reflector via IRLP please be an active participant. The TARRA implementation of IRLP has a timer which will disconnect IRLP if a period of inactivity (no local transmissions) is exceeded.

Remember when using IRLP you are essentially using at least two repeaters. Don't have a local conversation while connected to another node or reflector. People wherever you are connected to don't want to hear idle chatter not relevant to them.

Quiet time still applies. Remember that quiet time is from 10:00 PM until 8:00 AM (prefer 9:00 AM). IRLP is NOT available during the quiet time hours. If you are having a conversation with someone as it gets close to 10:00 PM doesn’t mean you have to just stop. Just try to finish up soon.

Remember there may be time zone differences when connecting to geographically distant places. It might be 4:00 PM here, but it might be Midnight there, in which case you are less likely to get a response.

When having a conversation, periodically allow space if someone else wants to join the conversation or needs to use the repeater. Keep transmissions short and thoughtful. Your transmissions are being heard by many listeners, including non-hams with scanners. Don't give a bad impression of our service.

*** REMEMBER*** Like other Amateur Radio modes IRLP is a GLOBAL medium and your actions are a reflection of you, the node owner, hams in your area and the citizens of the country you are from!!  You are an ambassador of the Teton Amateur Radio Repeater Association, Jackson, Wyoming and the USA.