Help Programming

[xzebra008]

I am kind of new to this so please don't think this is dumb but could someone help me understand this:

Frequency - I know this is the channel that a certain PD, FD, ect operates on.

Input - I know this is the repeater but do I need this number as well?

Tone - ? No clue

 

[iMONITOR]

You do not need the input frequencies. The tones are optional as well, but come in handy to filter out other agencies using the same frequency, if that becomes a problem.

 

[gmclam]

Frequency - I know this is the channel that a certain PD, FD, ect operates on.

Input - I know this is the repeater but do I need this number as well?

Tone - ? No clue

Typically, radios transmit on a frequency which is received by a "repeater" and retransmitted on another frequency. In that case, you'll want to be monitoring the repeater output frequency. There are situations, like with taxicabs, where no repeater is involved. This is called a "duplex" channel; and the base is on one frequency and all the mobiles are on another frequency. This is also how the California Highway Patrol radios work. When you want to monitor an agency like this, you'll need to program in both frequencies, but you'll have to be close to the mobiles to hear them.

Many agencies transmit a sub-audible tone. This helps avoid interference from nearby radios on the same frequency. There are two major types of tones; CTCSS (CT or PL) and DC. Check the Wiki for lots more on this topic: http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/PL

 

[xzebra008]

To Sum it all up?

Do I use then both the Frequency and Input numbers if there are 2 listed?

 

[gmclam]

Do I use then both the Frequency and Input numbers if there are 2 listed?

It depends on the specific agency you are trying to monitor.

 

[xzebra008]

?

Ok then how do I determine whether or not to put in both or just one?

 

[SCPD]

what state,county etc is it?

 

[xzebra008]

Kent County Michigan

Freq - 155.01000 Input - 158.97000

167.9 PL F-1 Sheriff - North Dispatch FM Law Dispatch

 

[af5rn]

Just the freq. You don't need to enter the input to hear the system. Some people enter the input frequencies into a separate location so that they can listen to transmissions before they go through the repeater. That's not a common thing, but it's a good tool for telling you how close a unit is to you. Nothing you want to worry about at this stage.

You will ONLY need the main frequency for all the channels you are programming. Forget about the inputs.