Operating Simplex: Difference between revisions
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''VFO Mode.'' In some cases the simplex frequency for your subnet won’t be programmed into a memory location on your radio. So, you’ll need to put your radio into VFO mode. This is sometimes done by tapping a V or VFO button. On many radios there’s a V/M button that will cause the radio to alternate between VFO mode and Memory Mode. Once you’re in VFO mode, you should be able to select any frequency by either turning a knob or pressing up and down arrows, depending on which radio you’re using. Some radios allow you to enter a frequency on a keypad. | ''VFO Mode.'' In some cases the simplex frequency for your subnet won’t be programmed into a memory location on your radio. So, you’ll need to put your radio into VFO mode. This is sometimes done by tapping a V or VFO button. On many radios there’s a V/M button that will cause the radio to alternate between VFO mode and Memory Mode. Once you’re in VFO mode, you should be able to select any frequency by either turning a knob or pressing up and down arrows, depending on which radio you’re using. Some radios allow you to enter a frequency on a keypad. | ||
''Band.'' When you shift to VFO mode you may find that your radio is on the wrong band. | ''Band.'' When you shift to VFO mode you may find that your radio is on the wrong band. For example, for this exercise we’ll be using frequencies in the VHF 2-meter band which start with 144, 145, or 146 or 147. If you find your radio displays a frequency that starts with 440 or something similar your radio is on the UHF 70-cm band. Most radios have a Band button that allows you to tap until you get to the desired band. | ||
''Squelch.'' When you’re using a repeater, you almost always want your squelch set high enough so your radio audio is automatically turned off when there’s no signal. Doing so is easier on your ears and your brain. When you’re operating simplex, however, the incoming signal may not be strong enough to “break the squelch”. For this reason, it is often best to turn down your squelch one or more notches so that you hear weak signals and rather than suppressing them. The downside is you will hear obnoxious noise when there is no signal. While doing so will be harder on your ears, having your squelch turned down makes it more likely you’ll hear weak signals, and with some luck and persistence decipher what the other operator is saying. | ''Squelch.'' When you’re using a repeater, you almost always want your squelch set high enough so your radio audio is automatically turned off when there’s no signal. Doing so is easier on your ears and your brain. When you’re operating simplex, however, the incoming signal may not be strong enough to “break the squelch”. For this reason, it is often best to turn down your squelch one or more notches so that you hear weak signals and rather than suppressing them. The downside is you will hear obnoxious noise when there is no signal. While doing so will be harder on your ears, having your squelch turned down makes it more likely you’ll hear weak signals, and with some luck and persistence decipher what the other operator is saying. | ||
