- Joined
- Sep 17, 2003
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- 4,475
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- Sunnyvale, CA
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- www.george4wd.taskled.com
The other thing to note is that repeaters listens on the input frequency and transmits on a shifted output frequency. US standards are in place for the amount of shift and direction of shift. Rigs sold here conform to the standards so they will take care of those details when you select the frequencies that are in the repeater 'bands'.
One important note is that a repeater listens for a 'code', commonly CTCSS - that puts an sub-audible tone out when you transmit. When the repeater 'hears' that tone it knows you want it to repeat. Web search for the repeaters in your area and they will generally list the PL tone (frequency of the CTCSS) that they listen for. If you transmit on a repeater frequency and don't send the right PL for that repeater it will ignore you.
Some repeaters also listen for DTMF tones (as well as the PL) and will do special things - common is a 'signal report' where it will talk back the signal strength that it received when you hit it with the DTMF tones. Of course you need to precede the test with your call sign and something to the effect that you are performing a test.
I'm sure there's other details, but above are the ones that come to mind...
cheers,
george.
One important note is that a repeater listens for a 'code', commonly CTCSS - that puts an sub-audible tone out when you transmit. When the repeater 'hears' that tone it knows you want it to repeat. Web search for the repeaters in your area and they will generally list the PL tone (frequency of the CTCSS) that they listen for. If you transmit on a repeater frequency and don't send the right PL for that repeater it will ignore you.
Some repeaters also listen for DTMF tones (as well as the PL) and will do special things - common is a 'signal report' where it will talk back the signal strength that it received when you hit it with the DTMF tones. Of course you need to precede the test with your call sign and something to the effect that you are performing a test.
I'm sure there's other details, but above are the ones that come to mind...
cheers,
george.
