Overview

What an EXCELLENT breakdown and explanation Steve! Thank you for taking the time to write that up! I think most people just get caught up in what tones to program and we don't take the time to actually how they work and what their purposes are.

I thought I would try to give an explanation about repeater codes since it has been a topic lately on the air. I think it is much easier to grasp if you look at it from the point of view of LISTENING. Codes are a way for a radio to IGNORE or REJECT signals that the listening operator DOES NOT want to hear. Any radio with a code set on its RECEIVE frequency will only open the squelch to let the properly coded signal audio “break” through. The code is a key to the lock. The assigned code must be present in the signal from the TRANSMITTING radio to open that lock and for the receiver to hear. Our community repeaters are programmed with that RECEIVE code set and expected so they only engage properly coded transmissions. They reject every other stray transmission that might be occurring on that receive frequency, (467 mHz). We have to put that code in our TRANSMITTING frequency when we program so the repeater will respond to our transmission. When the repeater “hears” you because the code indeed matches, electrical circuit magic instantaneously happens, and the repeater simultaneously re-transmits your message on the designated output channel (462 mHz). But, people listening for your radio signal from the repeater usually are only interested in that particular repeater’s transmissions, not the other noise happening in the background. So, for your benefit, repeaters are usually set with their own TRANSMIT code. If your radio has that matching code set for your RECEIVE frequency requirement, you, too, will only hear that repeater’s properly coded transmission. Your lock has been opened. But if you don’t set a receive code, ALL POSSIBLE signals on that channel will be heard by you, including the repeater signal you want. This code setting also provides a low level of protection against unauthorized people using the repeater or talking to you on your receive frequency, since a person must know the code being used to unlock either radio. Since there are only 8 repeater pair channels, there is a high level of duplication of the frequencies across the region. If they are close together geographically, these codes help keep the overlapping chatter separate, but it’s not perfect. Closing notes: 1) There are a couple hundred possible alpha numeric codes available consisting of two different types: CTCSS and DCS. 2) Not all manufacturers make available all the same codes. 3) It is possible to have any radio “fooled” into “hearing” a non-coded signal if a coded signal comes in at the same time, opening the squelch. 4) Your own radio is not required to have a receive code set, if you want to hear everything possible on the channel. I have done that with our own Gallatin and Grassland repeaters at times. I listen to two repeaters at once, no code. 5) It is possible, but uncommon, for a repeater to have one alpha numeric code for RECEIVE and use a different one for TRANSMIT, so you need to double check on the repeater listings for what is being used. 6) Remember when using the term TRANSMIT and RECEIVE, make sure you understand which radio in the conversation is being referenced. 7) Our community repeaters are “duplex” requiring the use of two frequencies. They listen on one and simultaneously and instantly retransmit our signals on the other. Our radio’s frequencies are “flipped” to do the same. The repeater receive (our transmit) is 5 mHz higher, with the decimal being the same. A radio hiccup (feature?): I noticed when I am scanning, my radio will rest silently on the Gallatin repeater when someone is transmitting on Grasslands, and vice versa, even with my codes set. So, the radio does “know” there is a transmission occurring, but it won’t let the audio come through the squelch without the right code. In my inexperience, it took me a minute to figure out what was going on! That’s why you may still see a receive light on a channel that has a silent radio. I've talked enough! Steve WSGH297

Thanks to @WSJR216, @TheMeatTrapper (WRMN250), @LakeFreak (WSGH297), @WSDV406 (me), @Jabo48 (WSIY431) -- simplex, relayed in via 250, @SteveGibbs (WSBM443), @WRXS569, @WSGE773, and @WSJP854 for taking the time to connect and participate in the check-in net tonight. Tonight's question was: "What's your favorite season of the year and why?" A sample of the answers were: "Fall - because of food, fragrances and football. Winter - Because it keeps the riff raff out of the woods. Fall - Because of fires, camping, and getting outdoors. Summer - Because he operates mostly from his reptile brain." For all of the responses, you'll have to join the net (or at least listen). The point of these nets is to connect with and get to know each other, so key up, and say hi soon. *Point your browser to SCTNGMRS.com or SouthCentralTNGMRS.com for easy access to the club page.....and make sure to click "follow" so you can stay up to date with new posts in our club forum.*

We're always looking for ways to make connecting with each other easier and more efficient. (Hell, that's kinda the nexus of radio communication, right?) We need two things: FOLLOW this group (see image below) and share the new web address for this group. Simply type in SCTNGMRS.com or SouthCentralTNGMRS.com into any browser to be brought back here to the club page. (capitalization are not necessary). Pretty nifty eh. Pass it along to your friends. Let's take this group to the next level. If you do not "follow" this group, you WILL NOT be notified of any posts, announcements, or any other communications within this group unless you manually come back here and check the forum. PLEASE check the "follow" button (as pictured below) and choose which follow option works best for you. We presently (as of 8/23/25) have 70 members, but only 12 people "following" the group. Follow to connect.

Thanks to @WSJR216, @TheMeatTrapper (WRMN250), @LakeFreak (WSGH297), @WSDV406 (me), @WSGE773, @WSCY890, for joining the check-in net tonight (8/20/25). Besides the check-in, tonight's question was "If you could have one super power, what would it be?" A sample of the answers (you'll have to jump into the nets to hear the full answers) were: "Flying, Super Health, Super Brain Power, and more." Join us every Wednesday at 8pm on Brentwood 600, tone 123.0 for a quick one fun question check-in net. Always feel free to weigh in with your answer to the nets' questions here on this thread. If the nets get large enough, we'll start making each net it's own post. But for now, we'll keep it all here. *This week, we announced a new way to easily reach the Club MyGMRS site. Simply type SCTNGMRS.com or SouthCentralTNGMRS.com into any browser to easily reach the club page.*

Thanks to @TheMeatTrapper (WRMN250), @SteveGibbs (WSBM443), WRXS569, @WSGE773, @WSCY890, WSDK964 and @WSDV406 (me) and for joining the check-in net tonight (8/13/25). Besides the check-in, tonight's question was "If you could master one skill, what would it be?" A sample of the answers (you'll have to jump in the nets to hear the full answers) were: "understanding why women are always mad at us", morse code, bladesmithing, and much more. Join us every Wednesday at 8pm on Brentwood 600, tone 123.0 for a quick one fun question check-in net. Always feel free to weigh in with your answer to the nets' questions here on this thread. If the nets get large enough, we'll start making each net it's own post. But for now, we'll keep it all here.

Thanks to @SteveGibbs (WSBM443), WRXS569, WSGW884, @WSCY890, and @WSDV406 (me) and for joining the check-in net tonight (8/06/25). Besides the check-in, tonight's question was "what was the favorite car you ever owned?" A sample of the answers (you'll have to jump in the nets to hear the full answers ) were: '64 Mustang, '69 Road Runner GTX, and even answers like a Can Am Defender (tricked out with a bunch of radio equipment) and a Red EZ-GO Golf cart by a station that shared he enjoyed driving this as a kid before losing his sight. Lots of great conversation about our first cars, how much we paid for them, etc happened after the net "officially" closed. Join us every Wednesday at 8pm on Brentwood 600, tone 123.0 for a quick one fun question check-in net. Always feel free to weigh in with your answer to the nets' questions here on this thread. If the nets get large enough, we'll start making each net it's own post. But for now, we'll keep it all here.

Thanks to WRMN250 (aka @TheMeatTrapper), @WSFA364, @WSDV406 (me), WRXS569, @WSGE773, @WSCY890, and WSDK964 for joining the check-in net tonight (7/30/25). Besides the check-in, tonight's question was "what movie can you watch over and over without getting tired of it?" A sample of the answers (you'll have to jump in the nets to hear the full list of answers ) were: Apocalypse Now, 12 Monkeys, The Good The Bad and The Ugly, and That Thing You Do (extended edition). Join us every Wednesday at 8pm on Brentwood 600, tone 123.0 for a quick one fun question check-in net.

Welcome to the GMRS fam, brotha! Glad to have you. I can't get out to most of the repeaters you monitor, but I'm always monitoring Brentwood 600, if you're able to get out to that one. As a matter of fact, this club has a check-in net on that repeater on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. So key up over there with us whenever you're available and if you can hit that one. I also may be able to make contact with ya via Lebanon 675. Glad to test that sometime with ya. Hopefully I can hit the repeaters a little further south once i get my antenna and base station (finally) setup.

Hey guys! I’m new to GMRS, just got my callsign almost a week ago. I work in armed security and get bored so I’m always listening. i currently live in Bradyville and I work in Smyrna, Murfreesboro and sometimes get sent out to other odd locations and cities. i monitor Rutherford650 the most as well as the Woodbury (chainsaw575) please talk! I love banter and to listen!

Thanks to WSGH297, WSBM443, WRXS569, (and me, WSDV406) for jumping on the net tonight at the new location of Brentwood 462.600, tone 123.0. See yall next Wednesday at 8pm. Don't be shy. Just key up, check in, and connect with other folks that can hear you. We might need each other one day.

We're moving the club's Wednesday night nets to the Brentwood repeater at 462.600. Tone is 123.0 in/out. Everyone that can hit the Brentwood Grasslands repeater at 462.650 (former location of the net) should be able to hit the Brentwood repeater at 600 just as well. See everyone at 462.600 at 8pm on Wednesday night for a quick checkin net.

Thanks to WRMN250, WSBM443, WRXS569, WSGW884, WSCY890, and a late check-in (on the Gallatin repeater) WSAT493 for participating in the 7/16/25 net. Yall rock. The more we can connect, the better we can become.

Make sure you join our weekly check-in net on every Wednesday at 8pm on the Brentwood Repeater at 462.600. The tone is 123.0. Normal +5 offset. *NOTE - the location has been changed from Brentwood GRASSLANDS at 650 to Brentwood 600, as of 7/23/25.*

Welcome, 874! Looking forward to catching ya on the air. Plenty of folks here to help you grow your knowledge. Don't hesitate to ask a question. Welcome to the GMRS family!

Hello everyone, I'm WSIW874 Troy, I live in Lewisburg. I'm extremely new to GMRS. I've only had my license for a week or two. I have 3 baofeng uv-5r radios that I have only monitored some of the ham repeaters in my area. That's the extent of my radio knowledge. I'm very willing to learn more.

fort cambell?

If you're on a HT you wont hit any repeaters in or around Clarksville and defiantly not in Nashville.

I wish I could provide some help, but that question is out of my wheelhouse. I sure hope some folks that have much more technical knowledge than I can help you figure out your rx and/or tx issue at the affected location. I hope to learn something in the process, as well.

hey everyone i am visiting family currently and they live about half an hour or so outside of clarksville and no matter what i tune my radio too i get constant static, i have no idea why, it was working back home but here its like something is blocking all signal or something what could cause this? EDIT its something in their house causing, no idea what could do that though

I seemed to have misplaced your email Steve, but here is a Net Outline for next week. I'll provide them for a bit until we have more people and think most are comfortable with it. 20250611_GMRS Net Outline.docx

I am planning to make this a regular thing when I am available, which should be most weeks for the foreseeable future. Hopefully more of you can make it to future nets. I'll also announce that if anyone else would like to take over net control, I'm happy to step aside and give someone else the experience. Steve, could you make another post for the net next week?

UPDATE: Start time was accidently omitted in the above announcement: Net will take place Wednesday June 11th starting at 8:00 PM

The club will start holding a Wednesday Night Net on the Grasslands repeater. Adam WSHZ 630 has volunteered be the net controller (host) for the first one on June 11th. He has provided the below net procedure for this net.

Hey, I get SMG1 from over here in Bellevue. I'm usually scanning during the day on Wednesdays and Fridays during the work day (~8:30-5:00) including today. Give me a shout. WSHZ630 - Adam. You might want to key up for 10 seconds or so before trying to be sure I pick you up on scan, that's about how long my cycle is.