Include both TX and RX tones for repeaters?

[WSJY287]

I believe I saw advice on some of the youtubes to only include the tx (from memory, radio isn't here right now) and not the rx input tone when programming the radio for repeaters. Why would that be? To also receive non-repeater messages on that frequency? If I'm just wanting to communicate with a family member who is out of direct comm range using the repeater I'd want both rx and tx tones programmed right?

[NCJeb]

I’ve seen this done both ways (program the RX tone, and don’t)…some thoughts:

1. Leaving the RX “CSQ” or toneless DOES allow you to hear non-repeater traffic…as well as any other repeater output on that frequency in the distance too.

2. Adding the tone to RX can, in some very limited circumstances (read: VERY RARELY) make it difficult to hear the intended repeater output. Those circumstances can include: very weak received repeater output at your location (highly unlikely), a different output tone on the repeater (meaning a mis-programming, either on your radio or the repeater compared to published tones)…and possibly other very rare cases I’m not aware of…

 

Here’s my advice: program the TX tone, make sure you can successfully use the repeater, then add the RX tone and make sure you still can successfully…and leave it programmed in. It saves a lot of aggravation for everyday use honestly!

 

 Welcome to this radio service and hobby btw!

[SteveShannon]

1 hour ago, WSJY287 said:

I believe I saw advice on some of the youtubes to only include the tx (from memory, radio isn't here right now) and not the rx input tone when programming the radio for repeaters. Why would that be? To also receive non-repeater messages on that frequency? If I'm just wanting to communicate with a family member who is out of direct comm range using the repeater I'd want both rx and tx tones programmed right?

NCJeb nailed it.   I’m one of those who recommends leaving out the RX tone or code squelch at first because a lot of people who are just getting started are trying to fix multiple problems at once.  When you’re first getting started programming radios, or if you’re uncertain about the tones, leaving the RX tone or code out means one less thing to troubleshoot.  Once you’re sure you have the TX configuration correct, putting in the RX tone might be helpful.

[WRTC928]

I agree with leaving the rx tone off at first until you know everything else is right; however, eventually I want to turn on the rx tone so that if I hear something on that channel, I know it's coming over the repeater and isn't on simplex. If you try to reply to something, It's nice to know they can receive you. It also can help keep down the "annoyance factor" a bit. One of the GMRS repeaters in my area doesn't use an output tone (tx tone for the repeater, rx tone for me) and in a certain part of the city, I pick up someone's warehouse business which is very active on the same frequency.

[TerriKennedy]

My repeater uses both input and output tones (different ones, to make it a little harder for people who kerchunk every possible tone to gain repeater access). My repeater IDs in the clear (no tone). I recommend to people that request access to my repeater that they not set a Rx tone. That will keep them (and my repeater) from "stepping on" other traffic on the same channel, ant to only set the Rx tone if they find that other traffic or the repeater IDs annoying.

[WSIA835]

I leave my RX tones off.  I wouldn't want to accidently cause inference on the off chance someone is working simplex, or I'm in a location where I can pickup two different repeaters on the same frequency.

[WRZQ956]

I have mine on as ther is a lot of intereference near me. We have a car wash that even comes on on the local repeater. Even onb the simplex channel they are getting insane range for handhelds. Over 5 miles thought city in all directions.