Gateway repeaters
RPT1/RPT2, YOUR, RX→CS, and common mistakes on linked systems.
Gateway features require a registered call sign—see gateway registration if you have not registered yet.
If another station is using the Gateway feature of a repeater they should announce their source repeater (for example W8CMH B).
That info allows you to set RPT1 and RPT2 to your local module and gateway, then set YOUR to /W8CMH▪B (for the example above).
One of the most common mistakes is to try to speak to a Gateway user with YOUR set to CQCQCQ and no Gateway set. Only local repeater users will hear you.
Luckily, most Icom radios have an [RX→CS] button. Pressing it sets your radio to communicate directly with the last station heard. This takes the guess work out of configuring your radio for a quick reply. Be sure to refer to your radio's manual for specifics.
Pressing the RX→CS button again after the conversation is over typically returns the radio to your previous settings.
Local example: W8CMH (Columbus, OH). Live view: Columbus dashboard.
You can also use repeaters via Original Routing or Repeater Linking, or join reflectors and nets. Memory aids: call sign mnemonics.