Rules and information

The short version. Read it once before you key up; the reflector is shared by a lot of operators and a few simple rules keep it pleasant for everyone.

Operating guidelines

Most of these are FCC Part 97 common sense, but the cross-mode nature of the reflector means a few extra ones apply.

1. Identify every transmission. Give your callsign at the start of each contact and every 10 minutes during a long contact. Digital modes handle ID automatically when configured correctly.
2. No music, no recordings. XLX159 is for amateur radio traffic. Background music, recorded audio clips, and any non-voice content are out.
3. No profanity. Be respectful. Cross-mode audio mixing means your words go to operators on every protocol at once.
4. Keep transmissions reasonable. Pause between exchanges. If a QSO is active on your module, wait or join — don't talk over.
5. Cross-mode etiquette. When bridging (modules B / C), speak in short clear bursts. Audio latency means you'll hear yourself delayed; ignore it.

Module-specific notes

Module A (D-Star)

• Use REF/DCS if your radio supports it; otherwise use URCALL with the suffix.
• Don't park on the reflector without a QSO in progress.

Modules B & C (cross-mode)

• These exist specifically to bridge QSOs across modes. Treat them as shared resources.
• Speak for the lowest-bandwidth mode on the bridge; longer transmissions may cut off on D-Star or NXDN.

Module D (P25)

• Default NAC is $293. Don't change unless coordinating with operators.
• Talkgroup mapping is reflected server-side — check the Connection page for active TG.

Module E (NXDN)

• Default RAN is 1. Don't change.
• Keep transmissions short. NXDN has tight bandwidth.

Module F (M17)

• Open-source digital mode. Reflector callsign format: XLX159 F.
• Audio quality is best-in-class; please use it well.

What's not allowed

• Connecting a hotspot that auto-repeats without operator presence (always-on repeaters are fine, auto-pilots are not)
• Linking to other reflectors or talkgroups without operator coordination
• Using XLX159 as a test bed for unverified client software

Contact

Open a ticket on GitHub or use the contact modal on xlx159.whiskey7.site.