Simplex channels

[foggymoon]

Can someone please explain what simplex channels are and how they are used
Thanks

 

[Gilligan]

Simplex channels are basically just radio-to-radio (not using a repeater to increase range). Talkaround simplex is direct communication on the output frequency of a repeater (thus talking "around" the repeater). Think of simplex as car-to-car or handheld-to-handheld. No repeater.

 

[qlajlu]

Can someone please explain what simplex channels are and how they are used

The Wiki is your friend. Lou Maag, one of the Moderators on RR has a good explanation of simplex which is slightly longer than Gilligan's.

 

[foggymoon]

Thanks for the info. Is it a good idea to use these frequencys and if so how do you program them into the scanner with the software?

 

[DickH]

Thanks for the info. Is it a good idea to use these frequencys and if so how do you program them into the scanner with the software?

If you are referring to a trunking system, simplex freqs. are freqs. that are not part of the trunking system. They are conventional freqs. used when in buildings when the portables can not reach the repeaters. They can also be used for surveillance or just when you don't want a conversation going over the entire system.

 

[n4yek]

Thanks for the info. Is it a good idea to use these frequencys and if so how do you program them into the scanner with the software?

It is always good to have freqs to listen to, even though you won't hear them too well unless you are close to them. Just enter the conventional freqs just like you would any other conventional freqs, no special need for them unless you see they are using different 'pl' tones and them you must make sure you enter those. (if your scanner has the capability)
Take care.

 

[rvictor]

It is always good to have freqs to listen to, even though you won't hear them too well unless you are close to them. Just enter the conventional freqs just like you would any other conventional freqs, no special need for them unless you see they are using different 'pl' tones and them you must make sure you enter those. (if your scanner has the capability)
Take care.

Actually there's no need to enter a PL tone unless you want to limit what you hear on a frequency to just those transmissions with the entered PL. If you leave the PL unentered you'll hear everything on a frequency and you may discover things that you hadn't expected to hear.

Dick

 

[foggymoon]

rvictor

So when I enter a simplex channel into the software manually do I choose a auto tone? What do I choose for tone?
Thanks

 

[Astrak]

Double post...for some reason.

 

[Astrak]

rvictor

So when I enter a simplex channel into the software manually do I choose a auto tone? What do I choose for tone?
Thanks

It depends on what radio you are using. If the radio has an option of just leaving the CT/DC/NAC to search or auto then leave it at that.

 

[rvictor]

With respect to a scanner, if you set the frequency with no PL tone associated with it, you will hear everything on that frequency within range. If you ONLY wish to hear Agency A, you can program in that agency's PL tone and the radio will only produce audio when it receives a signal on that frequency with that PL.

If you want to hear everything on the frequency EXCEPT Agency A, you can program that agency's PL tone as a tone lockout. The radio will produce audio when it receives a transmission on that channel that does NOT contain the PL. An example of this would be--There is an agency in my city on a particular frequency that does not use a PL on its signal. There is an agency in a city quite a ways away on the same frequency. Normally, that presents no problem. However, when the band is open, I will hear the distant agency which I have no interest in hearing. If I set the tone lockout to the distant agency's PL, I don't have to listen to their transmissions.

My personal preference is to not enter PLs unless there is a specific reason to do so. Others will have other preferences, I'm sure.

Dick

 

[w8jjr]

not all radios have pl lock out. It is a great feature if you have it

 

[rvictor]

not all radios have pl lock out. It is a great feature if you have it

Good point. I should have mentioned that.

Dick