WIN System Official Guidelines
Contents
The Core Rules
The WIN System keeps things simple. There are four fundamental rules every operator is expected to follow.
Treat others as you would like to be treated. Courtesy and respect are the foundation of good operating.
Do not discuss politics, religion, or other controversial subjects on the WIN System. These topics inevitably divide listeners, cause conflict, and have driven operators away from repeater systems for as long as there have been repeaters. Save these conversations for face-to-face settings.
Do not speak negatively about individuals or other repeater systems on the WIN System.
English is the required language on the WIN System, so the network can be used by the widest possible audience.
Extended Operating Rules
These rules expand on FCC regulations and WIN System-specific expectations. All operators are expected to comply.
Always Identify According to Regulations
You must identify your station per FCC rules: (1) at the end of each communication and (2) at least every ten minutes during a communication. Additionally, you must announce your call sign before sending any DTMF commands.
Avoid Lengthy Conversations
Please limit conversations to 15–20 minutes, then take a break or move to another frequency. Other operators may want to use the system and may not share your topic of interest.
The WIN System’s IRLP and Allstar connections allow operators from around the world to check in at any time. These calls are unpredictable, so the system must have free time available. Consider these callers priority “company” — extend them a strong welcome.
No Political Soapboxing
“Soapboxing” is using the WIN System as a broadcast platform — to criticize institutions, groups, or individuals, or to rally support for a cause. This is unacceptable.
Keep conversations friendly. Avoid negative commentary on institutions, groups, or people, and steer clear of politics, religion, and sexual topics. Amateur Radio is not a broadcast medium (see FCC 97.113(5)(b)).
Yield the Frequency to a Breaking Station
Follow this procedure when breaking into a conversation:
- Emergency: Say “BREAK – BREAK.” All stations must immediately yield the system.
- Joining / comment: Give your call sign, or say “comment” or “information.”
If you are in a conversation and someone breaks, yield quickly — you never know whether it’s an emergency.
G-Rated Content — 24 Hours a Day
The WIN System is always family-friendly. People of all ages, including non-hams with scanners, listen at all hours. Consider what you are representing:
- Our repeaters introduce the hobby to the public. We want people — especially parents and young people — to hear something clean, educational, and inviting.
- Amateur Radio uses valuable spectrum. There must be a clear difference between Amateur Radio and CB. Don’t give critics ammunition to discredit the hobby.
- Every time you key up on the WIN System, you are an ambassador for Amateur Radio. Operate accordingly.
No Intentional Interference
Do not intentionally interfere with the repeater or with conversations on the repeater. All repeaters have rules that may go beyond Part 97, and users who refuse to comply may be removed from the system.
FCC Rule 97.205(e) states that limiting repeater use to certain user stations is permissible — without qualification. Operate professionally and obey the rules.
No Selling of Non-Ham Equipment
Selling ham radio equipment is permitted, provided it is not done as an ongoing commercial business. However, advertising or selling vehicles, consumer goods, or other non-ham items on the WIN System is absolutely prohibited.
Allstar & IRLP Conduct
- Allstar nodes should connect to the WIN System Main Hub 2560 unless directed otherwise by a Network Controller.
- All Allstar and IRLP nodes must have a PL input tone enabled while connected to the WIN System Hub.
- Your node should not be connected to any other nodes — except those registered to the same station — while connected to a WIN System Hub.
- Never interconnect other large networks to the WIN System.
- Do not connect with technologies that result in subpar audio quality.
- Stat reporting on Allstar must be enabled. Non-reporting nodes are the first to be disconnected or blocked if network trouble is detected.
- If you schedule an automatic connection before a net, connect 10 minutes prior and ensure all other outside connections are dropped first.
- Do not force a reconnection to a hub you are already connected to.
- Allstar node owners are strongly encouraged to maintain a valid email address on QRZ.com so Network Controllers can reach you if issues arise.
IRLP Sub-Channels
WIN System IRLP Channels: 9100 – 9109. Sub-channels are available for general use without prior permission. To arrange ongoing use of a 9100 reflector channel, contact the Win System Staff.