Memorandum Of Understanding / Cooperative use agreement

For the Mazama GMRS Repeater Group 

The purpose of this Memorandum is to clearly define roles and responsibilities of the users and the owner(s) of the General Mobile Radio System (GMRS) repeaters described below.

For the purposes of this particular Memorandum, the following definitions are  used:

�         General Mobile Radio System is the personal radio service described in the Federal Communications Commission�s Rules (CFR 47, Part 95). The GMRS is a licensed radio service, and is different from the Family Radio Service, which requires no FCC license for operation although some frequencies are common to both services.

�         GMRS Repeaters (Repeaters) are conventional UHF repeaters installed on GMRS channels, and operated by a GMRS Licensee. This Memorandum applies specifically to the following repeaters:

o        462/467.675 Located in Winthrop, Washington

�         Repeater Owner (owner) is the GMRS licensee who has undertaken the responsibility of maintaining the repeater equipment and making it available for use. This person is ultimately responsible for the proper operation of the repeater. This includes a good faith effort to insure that the repeater is available for licensed and permitted users, and not available to unlicensed users or others who abuse the privilege of access. The repeater(s) in this case are operated by:

o        Mike Shirley, WQJJ943, Email: wqjj943@otwc.net

�         Repeater User (user) is any GMRS licensed individual that accesses (with or without specific permission) the above listed GMRS repeaters. Use by any individual will automatically constitute agreement to the terms of this Memorandum.

ACCESS PERMISSION 

1.       The owner hereby grants free of charge permission for use of the repeaters listed in this document to any user meeting the following requirements:

a.      The user holds a current and valid PERSONAL GMRS license;

b.      The user abides by all GMRS rules, regulations, and guidelines in effect by both the FCC and the repeater owner, especially those about station identification and monitor-before-transmit.

c.      The user is aware and considerate of the shared nature of the repeaters;

d.      The user has not had access privileges revoked by the owner.

2.       The user is expected to:

a.      Maintain their GMRS license;

b.      Purchase and properly maintain their own GMRS radio equipment;

c.      Contact the repeater owner for routine access permission if they become a frequent user;

d.      Follow all applicable rules and guidelines;

e.      Be courteous, considerate and helpful to other users;

f.        Report suspected repeater problems to the owner;

g.      Participate in on-air repeater equipment testing if needed.

RELIABILITY 

The owner will make every reasonable effort to keep the equipment operational. However, there is NO GUARANTEE that the GMRS repeater equipment will be available for use at any given time.  We understand that cellular telephone service is problematic in the area served by the repeater(s) and that in many situations, GMRS service can and is superior to cellular. 

In addition, failure of the repeater equipment could possibly lead to extended downtimes, depending on the circumstances and any repair/replacement costs and availability of money to pay for them.

Repeater(s) may or may not be available during times of commercial power outages at the antenna sites. The systems will be on back-up electrical service and are not expected to go off the air when PUD grid is down.  Sometimes during extended outages arrangements are made for backup power, but this is not always the case, therefore, repeater service may be interrupted.

DO NOT RELY ON GMRS RADIO SYSTEMS FOR CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS.  But be aware of the service areas that you can routinely maintain in case of loss of land lines or cellular services.

UPGRADES AND FUNDING 

By FCC rule, the repeater owner cannot charge a fee or subscription for GMRS repeater use. It does take a considerable amount of money and time to install and maintain the systems properly. For example, the initial cost for the Mazama repeater was $1,100 to acquire, tune, antennas and labor.  Then there is the ongoing cost of electricity and routine maintenance.

There is no rule that prohibits donations towards the costs of equipment maintenance and upgrades. The repeater owner would appreciate any and all donations of any size to defray some of the costs of installing and maintaining the equipment. Anyone who makes a donation will be listed or acknowledged on our support page unless requested otherwise.  All donations go DIRECTLY towards keeping the repeater systems running, site costs/acquisition and system improvements. 

We are always looking for better locations to put our repeaters to enhance cover the largest areas.  If you have a location that might be of service such is a hilltop or location with a good view of Mazama, Winthrop, Twist (your home, hanch, or other property which has ideally electricity) then we can offer you access and private CTCSS tone options for you or your family.

Please write if you wish more information.