VX-7R O
PERATING
M
ANUAL
30
CTCSS O
PERATION
Many repeater systems require that a very-low-frequency audio tone be superimposed on
your FM carrier in order to activate the repeater. This helps prevent false activation of the
repeater by radar or spurious signals from other transmitters. This tone system, called
“CTCSS” (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System), is included in your
VX-7R
, and is
very easy to activate.
CTCSS setup involves two actions: setting the Tone Frequency and then set-
ting of the Tone Mode. These actions are set up by using the
key, or Menu
Items (
TSQ
/
DCS
/
DTMF #1: SQL TYPE
) and (
TSQ
/
DCS
/
DTMF #2: TONE SET
).
1.
Press the
key, then press the
key. This provides a “Short-cut” to Menu Item
(
TSQ
/
DCS
/
DTMF #1: SQL TYPE
).
2.
Press the
or
key so that “
TONE
” appears on the
display; this activates the CTCSS Encoder, which allows
repeater access.
You may notice an additional “
DCS
” icon appearing while you press the
or
key in this step. We’ll discuss the Digital Code Squelch sys-
tem shortly.
3.
Pressing the
key in step “2” above will occasionally cause “
SQL
” to appear adja-
cent to the “
TONE
.” When “
TONE SQL
” appears, this means that the Tone SQueLch
system is active, which mutes your
VX-7R
’s receiver until it receives a call from an-
other radio sending out a matching CTCSS tone. This can help keep your radio quiet
until a specific call is received, which may be helpful while operating in congested
areas.
4.
When you have made your selection of the CTCSS tone
mode, rotate the
DIAL
one click clockwise to select Menu
Item labeled (
TSQ
/
DCS
/
DTMF #2: TONE SET
). This Menu
selection allows setting of the CTCSS tone
frequency
to
be used.
5.
Press the
key to enable the adjustment of the CTCSS frequency..
6.
Press the
or
key until the display indicates the Tone Frequency you need to be
using (ask the repeater owner/operator if you don’t know the tone frequency).
7.
When you have made your selection, press the
key, then press the
PTT
switch to
save the new settings and exit to normal operation.
Your repeater may or may not re-transmit a CTCSS tone - some systems just
use CTCSS to control access to the repeater, but don’t pass it along when
transmitting. If the S-Meter deflects, but the
VX-7R
is not passing audio,
repeat steps “1” through “3” above, but rotate the
DIAL
so that “
SQL
” disappears - this
will allow you to hear all traffic on the channel being received.
A
DVANCED
O
PERATION