Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: New Radio Set Up w/ Repeater  (Read 7013 times)

KM6RWB

  • Member
  • Posts: 55
New Radio Set Up w/ Repeater
« on: April 11, 2018, 04:07:28 PM »

I am a new Ham and I have a Yaesu FT60R- Now I have set up several repeaters in the memory- now without actually talking to anyone how can I tell if I actually "hit" the repeater? or if I entered the info (i.e. tone or off set) into the radio correctly? Thanks in advance- Vic in SoCal KM6RWB- this is my first post btw
Logged

K5LXP

  • Member
  • Posts: 6823
    • homeURL
RE: New Radio Set Up w/ Repeater
« Reply #1 on: April 11, 2018, 06:15:59 PM »


After you transmit for a second or two then let go, you'll hear the repeater "squelch tail" - an unmodulated carrier lasting anywhere from 1 to 5 seconds.  While it's transmitting you can hear if it's full quieting or some state of noise, and if your radio has an S-meter you can monitor signal strength that way too.  If it's been a while since the repeater was active, it will usually issue its CW or voice ID first.  Technically you've transmitted, and you need to identify while doing this.  So just say your call and "testing" or "monitoring" when you do this.  To trip the repeater like this is known as "kerchunking" and should be accompanied by your ID.

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM
Logged

KM6RWB

  • Member
  • Posts: 55
RE: New Radio Set Up w/ Repeater
« Reply #2 on: April 11, 2018, 06:31:13 PM »

Roger That- I will try that out this evening ;D Thank You- I will let you know
Logged

KM6RWB

  • Member
  • Posts: 55
RE: New Radio Set Up w/ Repeater
« Reply #3 on: April 12, 2018, 12:25:06 PM »

UPDATE: I got it- I hit the repeater and I am ON THE AIR- thanks again ;D
Logged

KG4RUL

  • Posts: 3781
    • HomeURL
RE: New Radio Set Up w/ Repeater
« Reply #4 on: April 12, 2018, 01:03:57 PM »

After you transmit for a second or two then let go, you'll hear the repeater "squelch tail" - an unmodulated carrier lasting anywhere from 1 to 5 seconds. 
Not all repeaters have a squelch tail. Of those that do, it can be open or closed.  Open does not require the tone to re-transmit received audio (good for hearing someone trying to call who does not know the tone or does not have it set in their radio).  Closed means the tone must be present for any received audio to be re-transmitted.

Also, some have a beep as the repeater transmitter keys up or un-keys or both. 
Logged

N0GW

  • Posts: 54
    • HomeURL
RE: New Radio Set Up w/ Repeater
« Reply #5 on: April 16, 2018, 07:52:29 AM »

KG4RUL - Your comment about open vs closed repeaters was often true 30 years ago. 'Closed' is used to mean the same as private. It was not uncommon in the past for groups of hams or clubs to limit use of their repeaters to those who have helped pay for them. CTCSS (PL, tone, etc.) was a method to limit access.

The situation now is different. Many areas of the US are crowded - repeater wise. In spite of coordination of repeater operating frequencies, overlap of coverage is still possible - even likely with occasional VHF ducting and E layer propagation. Using different CTCSS tones on input frequencies on nearby repeaters prevents unintended repeater operation. Providing CTCSS tones on repeater outputs allows repeater users to ignore transmissions from non-local repeaters.

So... The term 'Closed' today is usually intended to indicate 'Private'. CTCSS now is not intended for privacy. It is simply a convenient method for minimizing co-frequency interference.

Gary - N0GW
Logged

KG4RUL

  • Posts: 3781
    • HomeURL
RE: New Radio Set Up w/ Repeater
« Reply #6 on: April 16, 2018, 10:08:25 AM »

KG4RUL - Your comment about open vs closed repeaters was often true 30 years ago. 'Closed' is used to mean the same as private. It was not uncommon in the past for groups of hams or clubs to limit use of their repeaters to those who have helped pay for them. CTCSS (PL, tone, etc.) was a method to limit access.

The situation now is different. Many areas of the US are crowded - repeater wise. In spite of coordination of repeater operating frequencies, overlap of coverage is still possible - even likely with occasional VHF ducting and E layer propagation. Using different CTCSS tones on input frequencies on nearby repeaters prevents unintended repeater operation. Providing CTCSS tones on repeater outputs allows repeater users to ignore transmissions from non-local repeaters.

So... The term 'Closed' today is usually intended to indicate 'Private'. CTCSS now is not intended for privacy. It is simply a convenient method for minimizing co-frequency interference.

Gary - N0GW

Not 'open' vs 'closed' repeater operation BUT 'open' vs 'closed' squelch tail operation.  I have one Vertex Yaesu repeater set up with a 5 second hang-time and tone - the other is set up with a 5 second hang time but without the tone.  The first I would describe as a 'closed' squelch tail while the second is an 'open' squelch tale.  Both repeaters are in operation.
Logged

N0GW

  • Posts: 54
    • HomeURL
RE: New Radio Set Up w/ Repeater
« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2018, 01:18:01 PM »

KG4RUL:

Interesting choice of terminology. I am used to seeing that described as a "tone-in-tail" option. Without the CTCSS tone transmitted in the repeater hang time after its receiver squelch closes, the squelches in repeater user receivers operating with CTCSS receive activated would close even though the repeater was still transmitting. With "Tone-in-tail" CTCSS tone transmitted during hang time user receivers would remain open until the repeater's carrier drops. There is little to recommend one over the other. The difference is seldom noticed by users unless a courtesy beep or CW ID is included in any of the tail time without CTCSS. Most folks seem to prefer hearing the beep. It is personal preference though, not a technical issue as far as I know.

Gary - N0GW
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up