RadioBanter - New ham needing explanation on radios

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New ham needing explanation on radios

I have a newer mobile Icon 2 meter in my truck. Several of the settings
are "automatic" when calling into repeaters. Like, when I call into a
repeater at 147.330 when I transmitt the frequency changes.

I have been thinking of getting an older, cheap radio for inside my
house. Would like ssb capability. On these radios, how does the
frequency change when transmitting using a repeater? I have people
telling me that these older radios are not "pl tone capable" which
would not allow me to use some repeaters. (Only a few around here use
that). How exactly does pl tone work. Like I said my radio in my truck
is pretty much automatic.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a newer mobile Icon 2 meter in my truck. Several of the settings
are "automatic" when calling into repeaters. Like, when I call into a
repeater at 147.330 when I transmitt the frequency changes.

I have been thinking of getting an older, cheap radio for inside my
house. Would like ssb capability. On these radios, how does the
frequency change when transmitting using a repeater? I have people
telling me that these older radios are not "pl tone capable" which
would not allow me to use some repeaters. (Only a few around here use
that). How exactly does pl tone work. Like I said my radio in my truck
is pretty much automatic.

SSB won't work through any repeaters I am aware of. But other than that,
there is a function switch which would take you from FM to SSB. I've not
seen many Multimode "2 meter" rigs to know exactly what all "they" had, but
aside from the SSB function, they're not much different than the standard 2
meter rig with maybe one exception - some of the older 2 meter rigs had a
+600 and a -600 setting on the switch to make sure you had the right offset.
It wasn't done automatically via memory.

PL is a subtone which is sent out on key up of your transmitter (if PL
equipped), which rides in with your signal. It opens up a special Squelch
circuit in the receiver which won't allow any other signal through, unless
that PL accompanies it. This is done for either - keeping out interference
and/OR to close the repeater to anyone but club members or some similar set
up. In the earlier case, PL tones are usually listed in the ARRL Repeater
directory or others. In the latter case, they aren't printed anywhere -
usually. There are external PL tone modules you can buy to put in the radio.
Most I've seen though, are single frequency PLs which means once set to "a"
PL, you can't jump from repeater to repeater to talk if they all have PLs
unless you retune the module - usually dip switch settable. There may be
more sophisticated units out there, I'm sure someone can advise.

Your newer radio is most likely PL equipped, perhaps you should dig out the
manual to read that part of it to familiarize yourself with how it works.

DM

I think that getting a book on VHF that covers the subjects of FM repeaters,
half duplex, offset, simplex, PL, sub-audible tones, CTCSS, SSB, line of
sight range, antennas and antenna height will answer your questions.

It really is too much to cover here.

Here are some books you need to read.
The ARRL Operating Manual for Radio Amateurs
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?category=Operating&words=

GUIDE TO FM REPEATERS
http://www.ac6v.com/FM101.htm

A Great ON-Line Guide for
Repeaters - What they are and how to use them
http://www2.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/repeater1.pdf

This may require ARRL membership -- but it is exactly what you need to read

Just one comment on your question"I have people
telling me that these older radios are not "pl tone capable" which
would not allow me to use some repeaters.

Again see Communication Specialists -- they make add on PL units for older
radios
http://www.com-spec.com/

--
Caveat Lecter

wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a newer mobile Icon 2 meter in my truck. Several of the settings
are "automatic" when calling into repeaters. Like, when I call into a
repeater at 147.330 when I transmitt the frequency changes.

I have been thinking of getting an older, cheap radio for inside my
house. Would like ssb capability. On these radios, how does the
frequency change when transmitting using a repeater? I have people
telling me that these older radios are not "pl tone capable" which
would not allow me to use some repeaters. (Only a few around here use
that). How exactly does pl tone work. Like I said my radio in my truck
is pretty much automatic.

Is there one antenna that would work good for both ssb and fm?

wrote in message
oups.com...
Is there one antenna that would work good for both ssb and fm?

The antenna doesn't care whether you are putting SSB or FM through it. So
it will perform the same. However, the custom is to use vertically
polarized antennas for FM (i.e. working repeaters, mobile, etc) and
horizontally polarized antennas for SSB work. You will get the best signal
if you match the polarization of the station that you are trying to work.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE

J. D. B. wrote:
Are you really a LICENSED Amateur? I can't believe such basic
questions, with a lack to proper technical terms, are being asked by
someone who studied for their license.

Sorry if this seems a bit sharp, but does anyone bother to read,
look-up, and try to find the answers to simple, basic questions themselves?

That's what Elmers are for. Getting the license is the beginning of a
ham's experience, not the end.

I see your point, of course.

You did offer to help this new guy privately, though, right?

73,
kz1o