RadioBanter - View Single Post - Amateur's question regarding gain and squelch

Salmon Egg · September 4th 07, 11:48 PM posted to rec.radio.shortwave

On 9/3/07 9:32 AM, in article
, "Monty"
wrote:

I hope this is the correct forum for this question. If not, could
some one direct me to a better one?

I'm looking for a layman's definition of the differences between
squelch and gain. I ask this because I've recently purchased a new
aviation headset which doesn't impress me with its performance, but
I'm new at this so I'm pretty sure I have to mess with the headset's
gain (it's adjustable) and the radio's squelch. The intercom that the
headset gets connected to is voice activated, but I can't seem to get
things set where the microphone doesn't pick up the background noise.
Plus, the sound is very muted, although that might simply be a
function of how close the mike is to my mouth. I believe squelch
could be set to the proper level of voice activation, but where does
the gain figure in?

Could I get some pointers on this?

Thanks

In simple terms:
Gain corresponds to volume control. Loudness can be set.
Squelch is a feature that prevents signal from being sent unless it exceeds
a certain level. It is used to avoid listening to noise when only weak
signals are present.

Bill
--
Fermez le Bush--less than 18 months to go.