CTCSS `Tones'

[Halfpint]

I was going through a bunch of old files on my BBS earlier today and I stumbled upon this listing of CTCSS `Tones'. Like it says in the note at the end I'd really like to find out more about these and any others. (I'd also like to be able to add `DCTCSS?' `Tones' to this listing along with an explanation as to just how the `reverse?' / `inverted?' / `reciprocal?' / `or whatever it may be called' `version?' of them `works' `design-wise'.) While I am currently planning on taking down my BBS because we are going to be moving I do plan on getting it back up as soon as possible after we've finished the move and I'd like to be able to *possibly* be able to put up an `updated' version of the file the following came from.

====================== Open CTCSS.TXT ======================

CTCSS Tones and Codes
(See NOTE at end!)
by CODES:

1A = 103.5 4A = 141.3 7A = 192.8 YB = 88.5 __ = 241.8
1B = 107.2 4B = 146.2 7Z = 186.2 YZ = 82.5 __ = 250.3
1Z = 100.0 4Z = 136.5 M1 = 203.5 ZA = 94.8
2A = 114.8 5A = 156.7 SP = 79.7 ZB = 97.4
2B = 118.8 5B = 162.2 WA = 74.4 ZZ = 91.5
2Z = 110.9 5Z = 151.4 XA = 71.9 __ = 210.7
3A = 127.3 6A = 173.8 XB = 77.0 __ = 218.1
3B = 131.8 6B = 179.9 XZ = 67.0 __ = 225.7
3Z = 123.0 6Z = 167.9 YA = 85.4 __ = 233.6


CTCSS Tones and Codes
(See NOTE at end!)
by TONE:

67.0 = XZ 94.8 = ZA 127.3 = 3A 173.8 = 6A 241.8 = __
71.9 = XA 97.4 = ZB 131.8 = 3B 179.9 = 6B 250.3 = __
74.4 = WA 100.0 = 1Z 136.5 = 4Z 186.2 = 7Z
77.0 = XB 103.5 = 1A 141.3 = 4A 192.8 = 7A
79.7 = SP 107.2 = 1B 146.2 = 4B 203.5 = M1
82.5 = YZ 110.9 = 2Z 151.4 = 5Z 210.7 = __
85.4 = YA 114.8 = 2A 156.7 = 5A 218.1 = __
88.5 = YB 118.8 = 2B 162.2 = 5B 225.7 = __
91.5 = ZZ 123.0 = 3Z 167.9 = 6Z 233.6 = __


RELM HS-200/MS200 & Racing Electronics RE-2000 (Extended?)
CTCSS Tones and Codes
(See NOTE at end!)

001 = 67.0 011 = 97.4 021 = 136.5 031 = 192.8 041 = 165.5
002 = 71.9 012 = 100.0 022 = 141.3 032 = 203.5 042 = 171.3
003 = 74.4 013 = 103.5 023 = 146.2 033 = 210.7 043 = 177.3
004 = 77.0 014 = 107.2 024 = 151.4 034 = 218.1 044 = 183.5
005 = 79.7 015 = 110.9 025 = 156.7 035 = 225.7 045 = 189.9
006 = 82.5 016 = 114.8 026 = 162.2 036 = 233.6 046 = 196.6
007 = 85.4 017 = 118.8 027 = 167.9 037 = 241.8 047 = 199.5
008 = 88.5 018 = 123.0 028 = 173.8 038 = 250.3 048 = 206.5
009 = 91.5 019 = 127.3 029 = 179.9 039 = 69.4 049 = 229.1
010 = 94.8 020 = 131.8 030 = 186.2 040 = 159.8 050 = 254.1


NOTE!
The `original?' CTCSS tones only numbered 38 tones. Later on there
were another 12 tones added bringing the number up to 50. At the time of
compilation I had not discovered the exact reason for the addition.
Anyway, the reader may notice, the RELM HS-200 has the `original?' tones as
the first 38 and has relegated the additions to the end of their addressing
`scheme'. The `ALPHA/ALPHA' and `ALPHA/NUMERIC' codes that are listed are
yet another `questionable' area. Presumably they were manufacturer's codes
that eventually, by their continued useage, ended up being adopted by
default across the board by all. The remaining 6 tones in the `original?'
38 that don't have `ALPHA/ALPHA' and `ALPHA/NUMERIC' codes were probably,
like the other 12 that were added later, `last minute?' additions added as
they were probably needed. (I'd sure like to find out more about the
`history' of *all* these tones and codes and would appreciate any bits and
snippets that anyone can come up with. In the mean time I'll keep on
scrounging through various sources as I find them and will update this note
as more info shows up.)

====================== Close CTCSS.TXT ======================

While I *do* know that probably eventually these, and their `digital' conterparts, will become `historical "foot notes"' for the most part I'd really like to be able to `offer' them to those `users' / `crew members' who happen to be interested. Plus... In the `spirit' of the `packrat' that *I* am I figure that they are kinda nice to just have around. {VB GRIN!} For now, however, there is still a `call for' and some general useage so they are still something good to have available.

 

[Al42]

Like it says in the note at the end I'd really like to find out more about these and any others.

Exactly what more would you like to find out? I can probably tell you if I knew what you were after. Probably half the people posting here could also. (Remember the joke about the 5 year old with a new wallet who wants to know what 'sex' means? After a lengthy explanation, he only wants to know what to put in the 'Sex" box on the ID card. Maybe what you want is a lot simpler than what I'll tell you. )

(I'd also like to be able to add `DCTCSS?' `Tones' to this listing along with an explanation as to just how the `reverse?' / `inverted?' / `reciprocal?' / `or whatever it may be called' `version?' of them `works' `design-wise'.)

There are many lists of DCTCSS (or DPL) codes on the internet. http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=18203 is a good thread on the subject. I don't know what you mean by "design-wise", but the thread explains it "user-wise".

 

[flyingwolf]

Good advice.

And one more piece of advice. For gods sake please forget where the "" and `' buttons are.

Its really really annoying.

 

[Halfpint]

Like it says in the note at the end I'd really like to find out more about these and any others.

Exactly what more would you like to find out? I can probably tell you if I knew what you were after. Probably half the people posting here could also. (Remember the joke about the 5 year old with a new wallet who wants to know what 'sex' means? After a lengthy explanation, he only wants to know what to put in the 'Sex" box on the ID card. Maybe what you want is a lot simpler than what I'll tell you. )

I'm looking for a history of the adoption of the various codes. When were they first used? What were the first ones used? Which manufacturer was the first one to use them? When did they add the non-alpha designated ones? And, of course, who came up with the extended ones? Basically a `timeline' of them is what I'd like to be able to include in the listing. Though I would also like to collect any other `info' that might be interesting, too. That is why I left it as open as I did.

(I'd also like to be able to add `DCTCSS?' `Tones' to this listing along with an explanation as to just how the `reverse?' / `inverted?' / `reciprocal?' / `or whatever it may be called' `version?' of them `works' `design-wise'.)

There are many lists of DCTCSS (or DPL) codes on the internet. http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=18203 is a good thread on the subject. I don't know what you mean by "design-wise", but the thread explains it "user-wise".

Thanks! It was `sleepy' and I was `late' and I didn't, apparently, get the search right. {WAN GRIN!} That'll make a great addition to the list. It also clears up the question of whether it's `inverted' or `reciprocal' code. (I've heard both from different `techies' over the years.) The designation `reverse' came from one of my BBS users and I promised that I'd check on it even though I thought that the other two were the actual designation. As for the thread explaining it `user-wise' VS `design-wise' I think it actually does both quite well for both.

 

[Al42]

I'm looking for a history of the adoption of the various codes. When were they first used? What were the first ones used? Which manufacturer was the first one to use them? When did they add the non-alpha designated ones? And, of course, who came up with the extended ones? Basically a `timeline' of them is what I'd like to be able to include in the listing.

Ok - first some nomenclature:

GE - Channel Guard (CG)
Motorola - Private Line (PL)
RCA - Quiet Channel
E. F. Johnson - Call Guard

There are 34 EIA tones and 4 non-standard tones. (Some manufacturers use "split" tones, between the standard ones, but some receivers will false on the split tones.)

I seem to recall that GE was first, with Channel Guard, but I can't be certain.

The "alpha" designations were actually the designations of the reeds, not the designations of the tones. IOW, 136.5 Hz is a tone frequency, 4Z is the reed that resonates at that frequency.

I hope some of this helps.

 

[Al42]

BTW, http://mmi-comm.tripod.com/dcs.html might interest you.

 

[DaveH]

There are 34 EIA tones and 4 non-standard tones.

Maybe at one time, but I believe that there are 37 EIA tones; 97.4 is the odd one out. There are "extended" ones which brings the total to 50. Incidentally, one somewhat older (but not terribly old) GE radio (Phoenix) has 33 CTCSS tones but also supports DCG (DCS); figure that one...

Dave

 

[Voyager]

Ok - first some nomenclature:

GE - Channel Guard (CG)
Motorola - Private Line (PL)
RCA - Quiet Channel
E. F. Johnson - Call Guard

For the trademarked names, I think they all add a 'D' (for Digital) in front of the CTCSS names (I.E. DPL, DCG, DQC)

There are 34 EIA tones and 4 non-standard tones. (Some manufacturers use "split" tones, between the standard ones, but some receivers will false on the split tones.)

Let's not forget the standard (non-trademarked) designations, too:

CTCSS - Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System
CDCSS - Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System

and there are 38 EIA standard tones, not 34. There are another 12 tones that are used in many commercial tone panels.

Joe M.

 

[K5MAR]

Let's not forget the standard (non-trademarked) designations, too:

CDCSS - Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System

Been wondering about that one, Joe. Everyplace I've seen digital referrred to, it is called DCS - Digital Code Squelch. Yours is the only reference to CDCSS I see. Where do you get that term?

Mark S.

 

[Voyager]

Let's not forget the standard (non-trademarked) designations, too:

CDCSS - Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System

Been wondering about that one, Joe. Everyplace I've seen digital referrred to, it is called DCS - Digital Code Squelch. Yours is the only reference to CDCSS I see. Where do you get that term?

Mark S.

It comes from the same place CTCSS came from - the EIA. It's a standard (if not perhaps popular) industry term.

I can't find an EIA web page, but, here is the NPSTC's list of acronyms:
www.npstc.org/documents/ GuideWC/Sum&Appx(VersII).pdf

Not sure why DCS is popular for CDCSS. To me, DCS is still a Kenwood trademarked term from the 80s that was used in their Amateur Radios (not the same thing as CDCSS, BTW - more like a packet databurst). That never caught on past about two generations of radios. Maybe you remember it - it was used in the TR2600 and other units of that era.

It's really odd calling it DCS - sorta like "They use either Channel Guard or Digital Private Line". :wink:

Maybe people just got lazy and decided to drop the first and last letters. After all, TCS (Tone Coded Squelch) is just as descriptive for CTCSS, too. You know it's a system and the fact it's continuous doesn't really matter, does it? :wink:

Joe M.

 

[KB1JHU]

Not sure why DCS is popular for CDCSS.

The way I figure it, the simple answer is: Humans are lazy, DCS = fewer letters.

 

[Voyager]

Not sure why DCS is popular for CDCSS.

The way I figure it, the simple answer is: Humans are lazy, DCS = fewer letters.

You know, that also explains why people keep calling it "PL", too :!: :lol:

Joe M.

 

[Halfpint]

Thanks! This is the type of stuff I'm looking for! *History* of the appearance and use of `tones' along with the various `nomenclature?' that has gone along with it! I'll admit that some, and I'll also admit that it is only a little, of it I'd heard before but, *dang* it's great to see all this other stuff `come out of the woodwork'! *This* is RR at it's best! (Heck! Even with some of the `gripes' this is what I love about RR! {VB GRIN!}) This stuff is probably going to be `ancient history' pretty soon with digital coming on like it is. {GRIN!}

BTW, I was doing a bit more `cleaning' and I found this list. Anyone have an idea about it or where it may have come from? *Besides* off of my HD! (I *do* know that there was a heading just above where it says "Amateur Radio" that said "ICOM Radio Hints and Kinks" and an empty "By:" line. From the directory it was in it was something that had been uploaded by a BBS `user' / `Crew Member' and the file date puts it back before what archives I still have for uploads. [I only keep `Log' file archives for the last 5 - 6 years depending upon how big the resultant archive file gets due to space constraints on that particular HD.] According to my FILES.DIR file it's just called ICOMHNTS.TXT and the description just reads "Hints and Kinks for ICOM users w/ CTCSS tones list." and though I've always liked that the `user' / `crew member' would put their name with the file it wasn't something I enforced all that heavily.)

Amateur Radio
PL Tones

Frequency____Motorola_____Icom____G.E.__Yaesu
67.0__________Xz/L1________01____0670____1
69.3__________WZ
71.9__________XA/L2________02____0719____2
74.4__________WA__________03____0744____36
77.0__________XB/L3________04____0770____3
79.7__________WB/SP_______05____0797____38
82.5__________YZ/L4________06____0825____4
85.4__________YA___________07____0854____40
88.5__________YB/L4A_______08____0885____5
91.5__________ZZ___________09____0915____42
94.8__________ZA/L5________10____0948____6
97.4__________ZB
100.0_________1Z___________11____1000____7
103.5_________1A___________12____1035____8
107.2_________1B___________13____1072____9
110.9_________2Z___________14____1109____10
114.8_________2A___________15____1148____11
118.8_________2B___________16____1188____12
123.0_________3Z___________17____1230____13
127.3_________3A___________18____1273____14
131.8_________3B___________19____1318____15
136.5_________4Z___________20____1365____16
141.3_________4A___________21____1413____17
146.2_________4B___________22____1462____18
151.4_________5Z___________23____1514____19
156.7_________5A___________24____1567____20
162.2_________5B___________25____1622____21
167.9_________6Z___________26____1679____22
173.8_________6A___________27____1738____23
179.9_________6B___________28____1799____24
186.2_________7Z___________29____1862____25
192.8_________7A___________30____1928____26
203.5_________M1___________31____2035____27
206.5_________8Z
210.7_________M2___________32____2107____28
218.1_________M3___________33____2181____29
225.7_________M4___________34____2257____30
229.1_________9Z
233.6_________M5___________35____2336____31
241.8_________M6___________36____2418____32
250.3_________M7___________37____2503____33
254.1_________OZ___________38____2541

I find the `BatWings' and Yaesu columns rather interesting. Also... I can't get to my old RCA shop manuals and I can't remember just what just what tones and any designators they had. Anyone out there happen to remember them or have an idea of something online that'll reference them. I *have* tried `Googling' for them!

Oh, and sorry about all the underscoring! The file I `cut' these from wouldn't `attach' and display and while I probably could have run it through my flatbed scanner to make it a `graphic' SWMBO has the scanner quite buried right now and I don't want to risk her wrath by possibly upsetting whatever `filing layout?' she's got the stuff stacked in. {GRIN!}

 

[K5MAR]

Not sure why DCS is popular for CDCSS.

The way I figure it, the simple answer is: Humans are lazy, DCS = fewer letters.

Dunno. My ARRL Repeater Guide refers to CTCSS and DCS, as do several radio manuals (Alinco, Kenwood, & Yaesu). Icom refers to it as DTCS.

And yeah, I'm lazy, I say "PL" much of the time, partly because when I say CTCSS, I get "Huh?" from many people. :lol:

Mark S.

 

[Halfpint]

I'm looking for a history of the adoption of the various codes. When were they first used? What were the first ones used? Which manufacturer was the first one to use them? When did they add the non-alpha designated ones? And, of course, who came up with the extended ones? Basically a `timeline' of them is what I'd like to be able to include in the listing.

Ok - first some nomenclature:

GE - Channel Guard (CG)
Motorola - Private Line (PL)
RCA - Quiet Channel
E. F. Johnson - Call Guard

There are 34 EIA tones and 4 non-standard tones. (Some manufacturers use "split" tones, between the standard ones, but some receivers will false on the split tones.)

I seem to recall that GE was first, with Channel Guard, but I can't be certain.

The "alpha" designations were actually the designations of the reeds, not the designations of the tones. IOW, 136.5 Hz is a tone frequency, 4Z is the reed that resonates at that frequency.

I hope some of this helps.

*Great*! That definitely helps and will be part of the updated file. (You'll be duely credited unless you don't want to be, too. I intend to make a file and a printout of this whole topic thread so that it will be easier for me to put together the update.) As I said before... This type of stuff will probably be `Ancient History' pretty soon for quite a few people what with the way digital is going. {VB GRIN!}

Oh, BTW, can anyone come up with some dates for when they began to first use these?

 

[Halfpint]

BTW, http://mmi-comm.tripod.com/dcs.html might interest you.

You're right! It does interest me. {GRIN!} Especially the NRZ part. (Though, for the love of mike, I wonder why they chose that `format?'. {WAN GRIN!})

 

[Halfpint]

Hmmmmmmm... This is starting to get even more `interesting?' than I first figured! {VB GRIN!}

There are another 12 tones that are used in many commercial tone panels.

OK... And just where do those 12 tones fit in? And... Where, if we were able, would we find them in use?

 

[Halfpint]

Not sure why DCS is popular for CDCSS.

The way I figure it, the simple answer is: Humans are lazy, DCS = fewer letters.

You know, that also explains why people keep calling it "PL", too :!: :lol:

Joe M.

I'll bet it gives `BatWings' and their lawyers a few conniption fits. {VBE GRIN!}

 

[slicerwizard]

This type of stuff will probably be `Ancient History' pretty soon for quite a few people what with the way digital is going. {VB GRIN!}

No, it won't. Analog comms will be around for a long time.

BTW, *you* 'need' to use "more" 'quotes' and {BRACKETS} in *your* 'comms'.

 

[nmfire10]

Also, Kenwood uses QT & DQT for Quiet Talk and Digital Quiet Talk.

Regardless of the manufactuer of the radio I'm using, programming, installing, or buying, my habit is to call it PL and DPL. CTCSS is way to long!