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Reviews For: Communications Specialists CTCSS Encoders & Decoders

Category: Third-party Equipment

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Review Summary For : Communications Specialists CTCSS Encoders & Decoders
Reviews: 5MSRP: 28.98
Description:
Generates standard sub-audible and other tones as necessary to operate through repeaters that require such tones for operation
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.com-spec.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0054.8
W9MT Rating: 2015-03-17
TS-32 Encoder/Decoder: works good, but know what you're doing.. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This classic gem works well, but be aware that to decode PL tones you need in excess of 1 Volt P-P of decoded audio into the TS-32's decoder circuit.

Most limiter circuits in FM receivers prior to de-emphasis filtering will output only a handful of milliVolts of PL audio.

You will need a LOT of amplification to get it up to the level needed to decode the tone in the TS-32's integrated circuit. If you want to design your own amplifier circuitry to buffer your receiver to the TS-32's input, you have my respect and admiration.

However, if you prefer to spend your time configuring your repeater or other project then purchase a phonograph pre-amp module off of Amazon or RatShack (before they close their stores). These are devices that amplify a magnetic stylus cartridge's output to levels that stereo receivers needed for adequate listening level audio out to their speakers. Such a module can be had for about $15 and simplifies the needed PL decode job immensely.

If you cascade the left and right channels of such a device, you'll easily have enough signal to drive the TS-32's decoder.

I didn't know this at first, as CommSpec's documentation for the TS-32 said nothing about the required audio input level for proper PL decode. After much frustration and probing around with an o'scope, I found out this fact by experimentation.

Other than having to solve this mystery, everything else works great.

I do not know if the TS-64 requires the same treatment for proper operation.
KC5HCX Rating: 2012-11-09
Great Product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Purchased this device to add to a Kenwood TS-700A that I picked up at a tailgate sale. It arrived in just a couple days and the sales person was very friendly and helpful. The installation instructions were clear and simple. It works as described. Easy to install.
N3TBF Rating: 2010-06-24
Easy to Install! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have a Kenwood TS-700A that I love to use on local nets due to the great transmit audio that is known to Kenwoods.
But due to it's age it only has an option for a single ctcss tone.
The shipping from California to Pa. was super fast, I ordered it on tuesday in the am and it was at my QTH on thursday afternoon!
If you are experienced with reading schematics, have the one for your radio and can solder, installation is a 3 wire snap!
I had it installed and working in under a hour on the TS-700A.
Great way to bring an older rig back in service for more years of use for under $35.00 including shipping!!
VR2XMC Rating: 2008-11-09
very good product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I got my ham license in 1981 and ICOM IC2AT was my first HT. However, modern repeaters require CCTSS tone to access and IC2AT does not have this ability. Therefore, I have been looking for ways to add a tone card to this HT. ss-64 from Communications Specialists fit my purpose. The card is small and easily installed. Instruction is very clear. The result of the installation is very good and audio report is excellent. I used the modified IC2AT in Oxfam Trail walker 2008 for accessing the VHF repeaters. My HT has performed very well and flawlessly.
KB5OF Rating: 2004-01-17
Very good product. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've installed several different models of these boards into older gear with very good results. Finding sufficient room in the newer rigs/hts can sometimes be a challenge but the older rigs have never been a problem. For about $35.00 you can get that old rig into the local repeaters FB. The instructions are sufficient to get the job done in short order.