NevadaBlues

I think this is my question: how do I do that? I read that tone mode = TSQL is the setting to use when the the sending and receiving tones are the same. So I did that, set the Tone Squelch value, but it's not working.

In short, I can make the repeater work, so that's good. But I'm programming the radios to transmit and break squelch on the same tones. The transmit-tone part works because the repeater activates, but the handhelds are picking up signal (and breaking squelch) from a tone-less transmission on the equivalent simplex channel. I have the tonemode set to TSQL and the Tone Squelch at 136.5. This matches the CTCSS/DCS Dec and CTCSS/DCX Enc of 136.5 which I believe is the transmit and receive tones from the RT97. My goal is to make it that on that programmed channel the handhelds are (a) able to activate the repeater and (b) only hear from the repeater.

Just a note that as a SAR guy like someone else above, we have our own trunked system or use a VHF ~150MHz frequency. I think it's a fine idea to say that we should listen to a given GMRS/FRS though and to popularize that. Often times, even with a Spot/InReach we get within a few hundred yards but a few hundred yards on a mountain side is a HUGE amount of terrain that can take an hour or more to close in on. Being able to get in touch with folks on radio would be extremely helpful.