Every RNRC Member Organization receives a consistent set of communications resources for normal repeater traffic, secondary operations, direct radio-to-radio communications, and emergencies.
RNRC keeps the standard radio layout straightforward. Each Member Organization receives two organization-specific talkgroups on the repeater network, one organization-specific Direct channel, and access to the shared RNRC Emergency talkgroup.
Primary is the Member Organization's normal day-to-day talkgroup. Communications are carried through the RNRC repeater network at the sites the organization is authorized to access.
Secondary gives the organization another repeater-network talkgroup when two activities or groups need to communicate separately while retaining access to the RNRC network.
Direct allows nearby radios to communicate directly with one another without using an RNRC repeater. It can be useful for localized operations or when repeater coverage is unavailable.
RNRC Emergency provides a common emergency talkgroup available to authorized RNRC subscriber radios. It is reserved for emergency communications and is not intended for routine calling or day-to-day traffic.
Repeater-site access belongs to the Member Organization, not to an individual talkgroup. Primary and Secondary are therefore authorized on the same RNRC repeater sites.
An organization does not choose one set of repeater sites for Primary and another for Secondary. Both organization talkgroups follow the organization's RNRC site access.
If an organization adds or removes access to an RNRC repeater site, both its Primary and Secondary talkgroups follow that site authorization. This keeps the network predictable and the radio experience consistent for users.
<Org> Direct operates differently from Primary and Secondary. Instead of communicating through an RNRC repeater, the radios communicate directly with one another using simplex.
RNRC has a limited number of frequencies available for simplex communications. Multiple Member Organizations may therefore use the same underlying RF frequency for their Direct channels.
Different organization talkgroup IDs do not create separate physical RF channels. If multiple nearby users transmit on the same simplex frequency at the same time, their transmissions may interfere with one another.
RNRC may assign different simplex frequencies geographically or reassign Direct channels when necessary to manage interference, licensing, or operational requirements.
RNRC Emergency gives authorized users a common talkgroup for emergency communications across the Cooperative network.
RNRC Emergency is reserved for circumstances involving an actual or reasonably perceived threat to life, safety, property, or another situation requiring immediate assistance.
RNRC Emergency is not continuously monitored. RNRC does not operate a public safety answering point, emergency dispatch center, or continuously staffed monitoring service.
A transmission on RNRC Emergency does not guarantee that another person will hear the transmission, acknowledge it, relay it, or provide assistance.
RNRC Emergency is not a substitute for calling 911 or using another appropriate emergency communications service when one is available.
RNRC can also program certain non-RNRC frequencies, channels, talkgroups, or radio systems into a Member Organization's subscriber radios at the organization's request.
A Member Organization may have its own licensed radio frequencies or authorization to use another organization's radio system. RNRC may include those resources in the Member Organization's radio programming when appropriate.
The Member Organization is responsible for ensuring that it has the legal authority and any required permission to use non-Cooperative frequencies, talkgroups, or systems.
Programming a resource into a radio does not mean RNRC has determined that the Member Organization is authorized to use it.
RNRC does not own or control third-party radio resources and does not guarantee their legality, availability, coverage, compatibility, or continued operation. RNRC may decline a programming request when authorization is unclear or when the requested configuration creates technical, interference, regulatory, safety, or network concerns.
Two organization-specific repeater talkgroups are included as the standard configuration, but some Member Organizations may have operational needs that require additional communications resources.
Member Organizations may request additional RNRC talkgroups when there is a legitimate operational need. Requests are reviewed based on system capacity, technical requirements, administrative impact, interference considerations, and other network needs.
Additional talkgroups are not automatically guaranteed. Any applicable fees for additional talkgroups or programming are established separately by the Cooperative.
Talkgroups help organize communications, but they should not be confused with secure or private communications.
Talkgroup IDs allow radios to organize which communications users normally hear, helping separate traffic among Member Organizations and operational groups.
A talkgroup does not give an organization ownership of an RF frequency, repeater channel, timeslot, or other shared network resource.
Radio transmissions may potentially be received, monitored, or recorded by other capable radio equipment. Users should not assume that standard RNRC radio communications are confidential.
RNRC manages the technical configuration behind the network so users can focus on selecting the appropriate channel and communicating.
This page is a plain-language overview of RNRC talkgroups and channels. Actual use, authorization, programming, site access, and member responsibilities are governed by the Cooperative's Bylaws, Talkgroup and Channel Policy, and other adopted policies.
If information on this page conflicts with an adopted Cooperative governing document, the governing document controls.
RNRC handles the network configuration behind the scenes so Member Organizations can use a straightforward radio layout in the field.