Section 3. Operation
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Airtime Hog Penalty
The Airtime Hog Penalty feature allows the system manager to penalize “airtime hogs” so
that other users on the system have a chance to complete dispatch calls. This feature
disallows a user from conversing through the repeater for a penalty duration (programmable
10-9990 seconds) if the user has recently exceeded the maximum allowable conversation
time limit (1-99 minutes). While a user is being penalized, the system will ignore the user. A
long-winded talker who is approaching the end of the conversation time limit will start
hearing warning tones (sounding like “bee-doo”) 1 per second prior to cut-off. To avoid an
impending Hog Penalty, the user must let the repeater transmitter un-key for an “idle
duration” (1-99 seconds), giving another mobile a chance to use the system. If another user
keys up, or if the idle duration is met, the conversation timer is reset. The Hog Penalty is
programmable on/off for each tone, and all users have their own penalty timers in the case of
multiple hogs on the system.
Temporary Cross-tone or Cross-code Encoding
Temporary cross-tone or cross-code encoding allows the system manager to converse with a
subscriber on any CTCSS tone or digital code. This mode is a temporary cross-tone or cross-
code assignment that allows users on different tones/codes to communicate. It is accessed
with a DTMF command sequence, and can be enabled/disabled on a per-user basis. An alert
signal is sent during the transmitter hang time while the temporary cross-tone or cross-code
mode is active. Command sequence:
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If the DTMF regenerate mode is enabled for the user, a long “#” (greater than two
seconds) plus a tone or code number, then a “#” (# 12#) will activate cross
encoding.
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Any channel activity will encode the originating mobile’s tone or code.
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When the originating mobile transmits, the called mobile’s CTCSS tone or digital
code will be encoded.
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The Tx-hold time is set at 30 seconds during cross encoding.
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An “Eeddll-eeddll-eeddll” queuing tone will indicate cross encoding is active.
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A long “#” (greater than .75 second) will exit the mode.
Temporary Defeat of Cross-tone or Cross-code Encoding
In many dispatch systems the Repeater Panel is programmed to always perform cross-tone or
cross-code encoding, which enables the dispatcher to communicate with vehicles operating
on a different tone or code, but prevents the vehicles from communicating directly with each
other. The dispatcher is usually the center of all communications: when a vehicle needs to
relay information to another vehicle, the dispatcher must listen to one vehicle, then transmit
the information to the other vehicle. This method wastes airtime and increases the chance of
miscommunication. If the dispatcher temporarily defeats cross encoding, users can talk
amongst themselves, and the dispatcher doesn’t have to relay information. Temporarily
defeating cross encoding is achieved by a DTMF command sequence, and is enabled or