Remotely Disable Transmit

[jsp196]

Is it possible to program a radio so that one radio is able to "kill transmit" on any radio that is currently transmitting? I don't want to kill/stun/disable the radio, I just want to be able to cut in on anyone transmitting on the same frequency. I have a number of Motorola and Hytera radios that currently work with each other.

 

[ladn]

When a radio is transmitting, it can't receive*, so there's no direct way to inhibit an active transmitter.
*full duplex radios excepted.

It may be possible to overpower an active transmission with a more powerful radio as FM exhibits a "capture" effect whereby the receiver captures the strongest signal. However, "strongest" is a relative thing and involves more than just transmitter power.

 

[W8RMH]

I don't believe that would be legal.

 

[mikewazowski]

I'm sure disabling another amateur's radio would be against some sort of rule. I'm sure there's probably a dozen or so armchair lawyers who can find a relevant section of the regulations that deals with this type of issue.

 

[jsp196]

Thanks - I just have 30 people on radio, many of whom don't know how to keep transmissions concise, so usually by the end of the first sentence I know the answer to a question but have to listen to them talk for another 30 or 40 seconds before I can answer. Was hoping for a way to alleviate that, aside from training (since we have different people all the time).

 

[jonwienke]

Set the radio Time Out Timer to 10-15 seconds until they figure out how to be concise.

 

[cmdrwill]

Radio's Time Out Timer should be set for SIXTY seconds, normally. But jon's idea will help the poor operators figure out how to talk, learn how radios work.

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks - I just have 30 people on radio, many of whom don't know how to keep transmissions concise, so usually by the end of the first sentence I know the answer to a question but have to listen to them talk for another 30 or 40 seconds before I can answer. Was hoping for a way to alleviate that, aside from training (since we have different people all the time).

Ah yes. I run a trunking system, and we've got a few very long winded people. Especially when talking to dispatch.

Time Out Timer adjustment would be a good option, but in the end this comes down to a training issue. I will add that trying to train people how to properly use a radio is similar to trying to herding cats. Chances are, 50% of the people will not pay attention.

If it's a repeated/trunking system, there are some options. But, if it's just a bunch of portable radios, there's not any good way to kill a radio while it's transmitting. Usually, that's not a good approach to dealing with the issue anyway.

 

[jonwienke]

Radio's Time Out Timer should be set for SIXTY seconds, normally. But jon's idea will help the poor operators figure out how to talk, learn how radios work.

In general, I agree. My suggestion was intended as a temporary training technique to force the long-winded folks to learn the value of brevity. Or as a permanent solution for people who refuse to shut up.

Perhaps you should have normal radios with a 60-second TOT for people who understand good radio etiquette, and for the rest, bright pink radios programmed with a 15-second TOT and a 5-second cooldown before they can transmit again if they hit the time limit (so you can get a word in edgewise). Once they get the point, they can turn in their "Barbie" radio and get a normal one with normal settings.

Peer pressure can be a wonderful thing.