I found this in the June 2016 issue of the Eastern Michigan ARC Sparks…...Dan
If you want to use a repeater, make a legal transmission (see Section 97.119 Station identification).
If you want to “kerchunk” a repeater, just to see if it is working, don’t bother.
If you want to use it, go ahead and use it. If it is down, you will know right away.
If you are “just testing” and the control operator turns off the repeater because of your illegal transmission, then everyone loses.
-Mike AA8K
Thom W8TAM says
There has been a recent rash of kerchunkers in the greater Ann Arbor area. I’ve taken to reporting the lack of audio on their signal when I hear it. At least this lets the kerchunker know that someone is, in fact, listening.
I assume these are unlicensed folks who have purchased Chinese manufacture HTs, testing the limits of what they can get away with.
I corrected someone at the Ann Arbor Mini Makers Faire who was under the impression that anyone could transmit, up to 5 watts, without a license.