Warning Notice--Amateur Repeater W8RZM

Dear Mr. Lagger:


Our records indicate that you are the trustee for the above repeater system. Enclosed are recordings of violations on the repeater by N8WWM. The transmissions continued for a considerable time and there was no evidence of a control operator.


Since you are the trustee for the repeater, it is important for you to understand that you are responsible for its proper operation. The decision to operate a repeater is a totally voluntarily one. Repeaters are a convenience in the Amateur Radio Service, not a necessity. A repeater is a station just like any other station; and under Section 97.205 of the Commission's rules, all stations must have a licensee and control operator. Under Sections 97.103(a) and 97.105, control operators must ensure the immediate proper operation of a station, regardless of the type of station control. Furthermore, "automatic" control does not mean "unattended" operation. Unattended operation is not authorized under the rules.


The repeater licensee/trustee is responsible for all recurring violations and violations that are not inadvertent, just as a licensee is responsible for a base station HF station operation in the licensee's home. You must prevent recurring and deliberate violations on the repeater by locking rule violators out, using tones, warning users, limiting its operation, or taking whatever steps necessary commensurate with your responsibility as the licensee of the station. If you are unable to do so, then you must shut down your station.


If you are unwilling or unable to prevent violations on the W8RZM repeater, then your operator and station license will be subject to enforcement action by the Commission. Such action may include monetary forfeiture, operator license suspension or station license revocation.

We request that you respond within 20 days of the date of this letter and indicate what action you have taken to prevent additional rule violations on the repeater. Please call me at 717-338-2502 if you have any questions about this inquiry.


CC: FCC, Western Regional Director