The Condor Connection
The Condor Connection is a group of privately-owned, linked repeaters with coverage extending from below
the Mexican border on the south to beyond Phoenix on the east and to just below the Oregon
state line in the North. The system is intended for long range VHF communications, therefore, its operation
differs greatly from the usual repeater operation. The following guidelines are offered to promote efficient,
professional-sounding communications and foster harmony between users of the system.
- Key your mic, then wait a full second before speaking. This allows the entire system to
come up, ensuring that listeners won't miss parts of what your saying.
- Wait for the courtesy tone before transmitting. This allows the system to
reset. If you do not hear the courtesy tone, the system is not linked.
- Follow the "Repeater Operating Practices" in the current ARRL Repeater Directory.
- If you hear a "jammer", ignore him. Don't acknowledge him in any way. If the jammer
has no audience he won't have any fun and will soon go away.
- System traffic priorities:(A) Emergencies and priority information.
(B) System testing by owners or control operators.
(C) Public services.
(D) Mobile and base station communications.
- We ask you to identify at the beginning and end of your conversation. You might include
your location as well.
- Ask for a signal report if you are using a hand-held with a rubber duck.
- Use the English language, the international language of Amateur Radio.
- Simply talk as you would over the telephone. Listen to the system's experienced users.
- "Break" only if you have emergency or priority traffic. Announceyour call sign if you
wish to join an on-going conversation.
- Since the system is primarily designed for long distance calls, local calls are best
handled by local repeaters.
- Be considerate and limit conversations to 10 minutes or so.
- System demonstrations are primarily intended for emergency or public service agencies
or amateur radio classes or clubs. We suggest you ask for the assistance of an owner or
control operator.
- Be sure your radio is in good working order. Excessive mic gain, distortion and high
background noise make it difficult to hear and understand.
- And last, but not least, please have fun and enjoy the System