Good morning all,

We have turned on the “double beep” courtesy tone on the main club repeater on 146.79. This is referred to as the “Event” tone. This means there is an event of some sort in progress.

For today, December 13th and until the Thomas Fire event has passed, we will remain in this mode. Here’s what this means:

The priority use of the repeater should be for fire related information. If you are traveling about throughout the day, you are encouraged to report relevant information, inquire about current conditions, and of course ask for radio checks as necessary.

You are welcome to use the repeater for brief traffic. But please…

1) Listen for 30 seconds or so and yield to other priority traffic in progress 2) Announce your call sign and ask if there is any pending traffic before proceeding 3) Please keep your traffic brief and go to another repeater if you can.  Here are some alternatives:

WB6OBB Repeater: 147.000 PL 131.8 plus  KD6OVS Repeater: 147.700 PL 131.8 minus K6TZ and PAPA DMR Repeaters

At the present time, the following SBARC repeaters are linked to the main 2m repeater on 146.79: K6TZ 70cm 446.400 K6TZ 6m  51.820 K6TZ 1.25m 224.08 can be linked when required

The fire is slowly progressing towards the populated areas of Montecito and Santa Barbara. As it does, orderly communications practices will become more important. In addition to our members and other local hams, there are many members of the general public that monitor our repeater frequency on their scanners. It is important to remember that in conditions like these, what we say and how we act on the repeater can reflect on how the public perceives SBARC and amateur radio in general.

Please keep in mind that people may be making calls with important traffic from difficult areas and only have a brief period of time where they can reach the repeater. Keeping the frequency as clear as possible will help ensure we are able to receive that traffic.

This is the perfect time to practice our emergency communications skills. It is also the perfect time to practice courtesy and civility on the air. Please treat your fellow hams with patience and respect.

Everybody stay safe and 73

-- Brian - K6BPM