DTCS question

[GMP]

Hello all

I was wondering how many services use DTCS and how would one know if this is being used . I have had a ICOM R-5 for 6 months and have yet to use this feature as I am not sure what to listen for when trying to determine if and when DTCS is needed...

Thanks

Greg

 

[N9JIG]

This is more often referred to as DCS or DPL. It is used frequently by Public Safety and business users as unused analog PL's are harder to find on many frequencies as well as the adjacent channels.

It is used in the same way as PL is, to allow only certian communications to pass by rejecting any communications without the proper code.

 

[jonny290]

I'll wager that 20-30% of conventional systems around here are using DCS these days.

 

[Rayjk110]

I use DCS on my ham repeater (keeps annoying squelch crashes OFF) and for my 450-470 random frequencies that I use as it's nicer to not having to listen to squelch crashes.

Talking in Astro/DES-XL also sounds nice, altho DES can be a bit choppy at times.

 

[GMP]

Thanks everyone for the info.

Just one more question regarding this. How do you know if a station you are receiving is using DSC or CTCSS?. Its pretty easy getting the tone squelch on a received signal using the R5 as you press tone scan and it finds the available tone frequency.. However if a service is using DSC how would one know that it is being used?..Is there a easy way to determine if a station is using DSC and if so what the code might be?.

Thanks

Greg

 

[hotdjdave]

"Tone" Column in the RR Database

I don't know where you live, but based on where you have left some of your posts, I would say in Eastern Canada.

Being said, when you search the RR Database for frequencies, take note under the "Tone" column. You will notice PL and DPL. DPL is the DTCS or DCS.


See this RR Database link for Niagara County, Ontario, Canada:

http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&ctid=4308