What is CSQ?

[epbernstein]

I've seen a few frequencies in the database that list "CSQ" under the CTCSS/DCS tone column. Can anyone tell me (at a "dummies" level) what that means?

Many thanks in advance!

 

[djeplett]

"Carrier Squelch". In other words, the agency is not using tone coded squelch.

Tone coded squelch is where a subaudible tone is added to each transmission and radios programmed to look for that particular tone will only break squelch on a transmission with that tone.

 

[wa8pyr]

I've seen a few frequencies in the database that list "CSQ" under the CTCSS/DCS tone column. Can anyone tell me (at a "dummies" level) what that means?

Carrier SQuelch. It means a frequency that is open to everything on the channel, including co-channel users, interference, skip and so on.

Most agencies use tone squelch, either audio tones (CTCSS, Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) between 67 and 250 Hz, or digital codes transmitted subaudibly (DCS, Digital Coded Squelch) to limit what they hear on "their" channel to only their agency, or perhaps only other specific agencies.

For example, take County A, County B and the City of Anytown in County B, all right next to each other in the State of Confusion. All use 154.370 MHz for fire operations. However, County A uses 103.5 Hz tone squelch, and County B uses 131.8 Hz tone squelch. Anytown uses carrier squelch. Since County A and County B are using tone squelch, they can minimize having to listen to the other guys, yet can talk to each other if needed by hitting the "Monitor" button on the radio (which overrides the tone squelch).

On the other hand, using carrier squelch, Anytown has to listen to every bit of chatter on their fire channel, wherever it comes from (County A, County B or halfway across the country when conditions are right) and no matter how exciting or inane. In short order, the dispatcher goes insane from all the noise.....

Hope that helps...

Tom WA8PYR

 

[epbernstein]

Thanks to all for the replies. I understand how PL systems work, I just wasn't sure what differentiated CSQ from a blank field in the database.

 

[K5MAR]

Thanks to all for the replies. I understand how PL systems work, I just wasn't sure what differentiated CSQ from a blank field in the database.

In general, a listing of CSQ means that the radio system has been confirmed as not using any tone, whereas a blank field means that it's unknown if a tone is used, as no information has been submitted.

Mark S.

 

[epbernstein]

Got it--thanks!