Radio Shack BTX-124 owner manual Why Use Ctcss?, Operational Hints

WHY USE CTCSS?

CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) helps eliminate inter- ference between different users of the same frequency. When CTCSS is turned on, the transceiver transmits a selected tone with your transmission. This tone is too low for you to hear, but other transceivers can detect it. If CTC-

SSis turned on and set to the same tone on the receiving transceiver, it only receives those transmissions that in- clude the tone.

If two different groups operate transceiv- ers in the same area on the same fre- quency, they do not hear each other’s broadcasts if they both use CTCSS and each select a different CTCSS tone.

There are 38 different CTCSS tones available. The CTCSS tone default for this unit is 100 Hz. See “Available CTC-

SSTones” on Page 15 for a complete list. Only authorized RadioShack Ser- vice Centers can change the CTCSS tone.

OPERATIONAL HINTS

Your transceiver’s range varies depend- ing on factors such as position, terrain, and battery condition. Buildings absorb transmitted signals and, if they contain metal, might completely block the sig- nals. Trees and heavy cloud formations have a similar effect, though not as se- vere. If you are near a lake or the ocean, you might get excellent range.

To ensure maximum range, operate the transceiver with the battery pack fully charged. As the voltage decreases, the range decreases.

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