From: tstader@aol.COM
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Re: 146.52
Date: 5 Sep 1992 13:11:37 -0700
Organization: UCSD Usenet Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: ucsd.edu

> Hi, I'm in and about central mass and wondered if the patch 
> codes you posted for the 440 machine will work for the simplex
> machine? also, is it also up high so that the range is decent?  
> It is definitely a good service and i wish it were available to 
> the west.  I commute from amherst to worcester and have come 
> across accident scenes 3 times and once a crime in progress 
> without being able to raise a "trustee" or someone to do a land 
> line on the repeaters out that way. 
> 
> 73 N1GT!
> 73 N1GTQ


Steve.... the 146.52 MHz system IS NOT a repeater. Even though someone has
reported it to be a repeater, it is NOT. I have an additional post about the
GOF system.

The only way you can bring up the WB1GOF network is by pressing the *
(asterisk) key on your keypad for about 2-3 seconds and then call WB1GOF
followed by your callsign. WB1GOF operators WILL NOT respond to TONE ONLY
calls! Again, we have heard enough touchtone tests on frequency to know
this.! One of the crew that operate the WB1GOF station(s) will answer your
call. The dialog will go something like this:

You:     * WB1GOF this is N1GTQ
WB1GOF:  This is WB1GOF, go ahead with your emergency traffic
You:     State the nature of the emergency, followed by the exact
         location. Be specific. If you don't know where you are
         look for a nearby landmark and report that. IF there is
         an injury at an accident scene... PLEASE report that! Be
         specific but NOT the gory details!
WB1GOF:  Will read back from an "incident card" what you are
         reporting and may well ask you again for your call.
         Please NO "cutsey" phonetics, standard phonetics ONLY!
You:     Repeat your call i asked and correct if neccessary and
         errors in the read back.
WB1GOF:  Will repeat your correction and report what action they
         will be taking, i.e., State Police will be notified,
         etc.... followed by WB1GOF is clear.
You:     Thank you, <yourcall> is clear.

All in all that should take less than 30 seconds. (Yes we are very carefull
about use of this extremely busy frequency) As I pointed out in a previous
message, it may be neccessary to call twice to get through (for you to
capture the receiver).

It is possible that somebody on frequency OTHER than GOF will hear your call
and intercept if WB1GOF does not reply because of excessive traffic (and of
course, if they heard you... all hams know to clear when emergency traffic is
being handled, right?). They may be able to relay for you, break into the
other QSO going on

The WB1GOF repeater on 442.450 MHz (someone posted that information recently)
uses a standard autopatch sequence through a repeater controller, so you are
actually calling the applicable Police Department like you would from your
home phone. Please remember that you are using a "simplex" operation on a
medium that is normally "full" duplex! Make sure you identify your self as
using a two-way radio from your call and the dispatcher (phone aswerer) will
relaize that pauses are required.

 I hope this helps you (and others) out with the service. It IS NOT
perfect... but for 300+ users a year, it works.

Once again.... I would be glad to offer our club's assistance in offering to
visit one of your club meetings and doing a presentation about the WB1GOF
Station(s). Feel free to drop me a note. Obviously there are practical limits
to our travel area... but if you want to find out how we work hand-in-hand
with a local PD, it might be worth it to have an overnight guest!

73 for now....
Terry-KA8SCP, America Online Ham Radio Club Host
President, The Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford - WB1GOF
Internet: tstader@aol.com or tstader@attmail.com
Packet: KA8SCP@WA1PHY.#EMA.MA.USA.NOAM or
ka8scp@ka8scp.ampr.org [44.56.4.82]