Listening to FRS frequencies on ICOM F60v

[mattleonard]

I work with a rigging company that uses F60v's for our primary communication. Sometimes we work with clients who we put on FRS units, keeping our safety team on our ICOM's. I have programmed a few of the ICOM's to overlap with FRS channels 4/5/6 (462.6375, 462.6625, 462.6875) just to be able to monitor client's communication, as well as in case of emergency to be able to reach all parties. (I realize the ICOM's are not legally allowed to broadcast on FRS frequencies outside of emergencies, but understand monitoring to be allowed)

Our old FRS units (a mix of brands) all worked fine, but we just bought some new Motorola MR350's, and Channel 5 works fine to the ICOM's, but not the other 2 channels. The ICOM's receive lights do activate when transmitting from the FRS', but no transmission goes through. However, I tested transmission from the ICOM's to the FRS's, and that works.

Any ideas here? I have tried using different/no privacy codes - thinking that might be the issue, but no luck.

Thanks in advance!

 

[wyShack]

I would double check that the Icom is set (or programmed for) 'narrow' FM. Also if using 'privacy codes' the tones have to be right on. The simplest solution would be to set the Icom for CSQ (carrier squelch) where it will 'open' for any transmission. IF that works, check the tones on the FRS radios as they may be slightly off frequency.

Hope this helps and good luck

 

[ecps92]

Also make sure it's set to TX/RX on the same Freq, you might be trying Semi-Duplex on your Icom, or off Frequency

I would double check that the Icom is set (or programmed for) 'narrow' FM. Also if using 'privacy codes' the tones have to be right on. The simplest solution would be to set the Icom for CSQ (carrier squelch) where it will 'open' for any transmission. IF that works, check the tones on the FRS radios as they may be slightly off frequency.

Hope this helps and good luck

 

[Hans13]

"I have tried using different/no privacy codes - thinking that might be the issue, but no luck."

It is not clear if you tried "no tones" on the ICOMs or just on the FRS radios. Set the ICOMs to carrier squelch (no tones RX and TX), open the squelch, and see if you can hear the FRS radios transmit. Privacy codes on the FRS radios won't matter for CSQ (carrier squelch). If your RX frequency programming is correct, you should hear something on the ICOMs.