Simple 2m programming question

[preacherman]

Ok, Simple question. I am programming my handheld dual band for a trip coming up soon with repeaters in the area I will be visiting. (I have a Wouxin KG-UVD1P and I am using the programming software). So my question is, when the repeater lists the Tone (in this case the tone is 100.0) do I program it in both the Decode CTCSS column and the Encode CTCSS column? I may be making this harder than it is but I thought I would check.

 

[Crom]

Good question. Unless the repeater owner had specifically stated that output is encoded, don't tone squelch the output. In my area some repeaters encode output, it's good practice but not all owners do this. If you happen to be in range while repeater is busy, you can find out if output is encoded, by monitoring and changing the tone on your radio.

 

[preacherman]

great, thanks. So just to be clear (sorry I'm new to ham) the tone squelch out from the repeater would be the decode CTCSS?? Is that correct?

 

[uli2000]

If the repeater has a input and output tone, they will list the tone as 100/100 for example. If they just have a tone of 100 listed, that means input only. DCS tones will follow the same format, except with the D432 or D432/D432 for example.

 

[AA1PR]

unless theres heavy intermod I leave the receive ctcss or dcs tone off

if you're traveling, it makes it easier to hear other possible repeaters along the way

 

[preacherman]

Got it, thanks guys! That's helpful.

 

[AlbanyTom]

Just jumped in to agree with everyone else...they are sending you down the right path.

I would also program in 146.520 simplex, as some people, some places, still listen to that. And learn how to manually set tones and change frequencies, so that if someone gives you repeater info in over the air or in person, you can program it. Everybody should know how to add stations to memory on their radio, in my opinion.