CTCSS Encoding - General Use on GMRS

[WQYC236]

From time to time I see radios advertised with words to the effect: "Programmed with the standard or common  CTCSS coding". When I got my hand held TR-505's they had their own default coding programmed into the 16 channels.

 

Now, except for the local repeater frequencies all my GMRS channels in all my radios have the CTCSS option turned off. I understand that there are some common repeater frequencies and CTCSS coding across the country like (462.675 MHz,141.3 tones), but are there also common CTCSS codes on the simplex frequencies as well?

 

I am assuming that the way to hear or communicate with the most people (on simplex channels) is to monitor with the CTCSS coding turned off...am I right or wrong on this?

 

How do you guys operate out there? 

 

Sasquatch

 

 

[SteveC7010]

From time to time I see radios advertised with words to the effect: "Programmed with the standard or common  CTCSS coding". When I got my hand held TR-505's they had their own default coding programmed into the 16 channels.

 

Now, except for the local repeater frequencies all my GMRS channels in all my radios have the CTCSS option turned off. I understand that there are some common repeater frequencies and CTCSS coding across the country like (462.675 MHz,141.3 tones), but are there also common CTCSS codes on the simplex frequencies as well?

 

I am assuming that the way to hear or communicate with the most people (on simplex channels) is to monitor with the CTCSS coding turned off...am I right or wrong on this?

 

How do you guys operate out there? 

 

Sasquatch

 

I think you've summarized it pretty well. I haven't seen CTCSS (or digital) on simplex at all. CSQ is the way to go unless there is some kind of local interference.

[Durake]

I agree with Steve, although I usually will monitor CSQ and transmit 67.0, we have a lot of users on FRS, so many they stretch over to GMRS, unlicensed. Most use 67.0 so I'll yell at 'em to get off the freq, or toy with 'em and give my callsign on a different tone. 

 

I'll reprogram today with all on CSQ, I like that idea. 

 

And let me know how you like that TR, I've been wanting to get one!

[WQYC236]

I agree with Steve, although I usually will monitor CSQ and transmit 67.0, we have a lot of users on FRS, so many they stretch over to GMRS, unlicensed. Most use 67.0 so I'll yell at 'em to get off the freq, or toy with 'em and give my callsign on a different tone. 

 

I'll reprogram today with all on CSQ, I like that idea. 

 

And let me know how you like that TR, I've been wanting to get one!

 

I love my Tera TR-505's! They really talk and have all the options one could want. They just feel good in the hand, sort of like a high end business radio, and I can't say enough about the 15 inch optional antennae, those guys really extend the range.

 

I programmed the last 5 channels with (1-5) MURS frequencies, 1-10 GMRS simplex, and 11-12 for two local repeaters. Works quite well for me. I have talked 17 miles to a Cobra walkie from a mountain ridge and talked between Tera's about 7 miles over average terrain with the 15 inch antennas. 

[Durake]

I love my Tera TR-505's! They really talk and have all the options one could want. They just feel good in the hand, sort of like a high end business radio, and I can't say enough about the 15' optional antennae, those guys really extend the range.

 

I programmed the last 5 channels with (1-5) MURS frequencies, 1-10 GMRS simplex, and 11-12 for two local repeaters. Works quite well for me. I have talked 17 miles to a Cobra walkie from a mountain ridge and talked between Tera's about 7 miles over average terrain with the 15' antennas. 

 

Dang.. I will have to invest in one! And a 15' antenna? YES! I'll look into getting one!

[WQYC236]

Dang.. I will have to invest in one! And a 15' antenna? YES! I'll look into getting one!

Sorry I meant 15 inches

[Durake]

Sorry I meant 15 inches

I was kinda confused! I figured thats what you meant!

[Logan5]

Some of those DB antennas are 15 feet long.

[WQYC236]

Some of those DB antennas are 15 feet long.

Yeah, my comet is 16 feet 6 inches.

[mainehazmt]

would be a PIA to put in back pocket