Autopatch - Definition and Overview

An autopatch is a feature of an amateur radio (or other type of two-way radio) repeater to access an outgoing telephone connection. Users with a transceiver capable of producing touch tones can make a telephone call, typically limited by settings in the autopatch module to be only to toll-free numbers, such as local calls or freephone "800" numbers. This can also be useful if dialing an emergency telephone number is necessary.

In the U.S., autopatch users are required to hang up if music is played while on hold, as the Federal Communications Commission prohibits any kind of music (even if incidental) on amateur radio.