A few quick questions for a GMRS newb

[WREQ743]

So first let me start by saying I am new to GMRS and am trying to understand how it all works.

 

i have been scanning to hear what kind of traffic, language, and etiquette is on the air.  I have heard what sounds like Morse code, specifically on 18/19. What is this?
 

I have also checked on the repeaters map and saw that some have “travel tones”.  Can some one explain this or point me to a link that will?

Why do I hear an automated message that reads out someone’s call sign but no other communication. I looked them up and they are half way across the state which is cool but why don’t I hear anything else.

 

Lastly, what is the next step to use a repeater once I send a message to the repeater’s owner?

 

thanks,

 

Kenny

 

WREQ743

[mcallahan]

I have heard what sounds like Morse code, specifically on 18/19. What is this?

 

This is most likely a repeater site ID'ing - while repeaters on GMRS are not required to identify themselves at regular intervals like other radio services, many do this as a courtesy to let other users know that there is an active repeater on that channel/frequency.

 

 

I have also checked on the repeaters map and saw that some have “travel tones”.  Can some one explain this or point me to a link that will?

The "travel tone" refers to 141.3 Hz, which is commonly used by GMRS operators on repeaters and/or simplex.  Here are some relevant links that explain in further detail:

 

Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System

Digital Code Squelch (DCS)

CTCSS and DCS Tones -- What's the difference?

[WREQ743]

Thanks for the info WRAA720!

[Ian]

Related to the Travel Tone, the Open Repeater Initiative is a program that lets people set up a channel 20 repeater at 141.3 for the use of anyone who wanders in.