Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- ecomm:non-ham [2026/11/07 16:23] – [Choosing a Radio] va7fi
+++ ecomm:non-ham [2026/11/07 23:13] (current) – va7fi
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 ===== FRS =====
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-To help quiet (squelch) unwanted signals, FRS radios have the option of transmitting a CTCSS tone or DCS code (AKA: "PL tones", or "sub-audible tones").  These are low "bass notes" or digital information that the radio transmits on top of the voice, but which can't really be heard.  If the receiver is configured to expect a specific tone/code, it will keep the speaker squelched unless that tone/code is detected.  This is useful to ignore chatter from others on a busy channel, but if two radios with different tones transmit at the same time on the same channel, they will interfere with one another.
+To help quiet (squelch) unwanted signals, FRS radios have the option of transmitting a CTCSS tone or DCS code (AKA: "PL tones", or "sub-audible tones").  These are low "bass notes" or digital bursts of information that the radio transmits on top of the voice, but which can't really be heard.  If the receiver is configured to expect a specific tone/code, it will keep the speaker squelched unless that tone/code is detected.  This is useful to ignore chatter from others on a busy channel, but if two radios with different tones transmit at the same time on the same channel, they will interfere with one another.
 K0TFU has a really good article explaining all of this for FRS radios: [[https://www.k0tfu.org/deep-dives/frs-gmrs-privacy-codes-demystified |FRS/GMRS Privacy Codes Demystified]], and [[/hambasics/sections/vhfops#squelch |our own site]] goes a little deeper in the context of ham radios.
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 Here's a short list of good radios at every price point:
-  * The [[https://rockytalkie.com/en-ca/products/mountain-radio |Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio]] is $220 USD each.
   * The [[https://www.backcountry.com/backcountry-access-bc-link-2.0 |Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0]] is $206 USD each.
-  * The [[https://www.retevis.com/products/rb48-waterproof-heavy-duty-walkie-talkies |Retevis RB48]] is $115 CAD for a pair.
+  * The [[https://rockytalkie.com/en-ca/products/mountain-radio |Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio]] is $165 USD each.
-  * The [[https://midlandusa.com/products/x-talker-t10 |Midland T10]] is $30 USD for a pair.
+  * The [[https://www.retevis.com/products/rb48-waterproof-heavy-duty-walkie-talkies |Retevis RB48]] is $115 CAD for a pair. (VA7FI's personal choice)
+  * The [[https://midlandusa.com/products/x-talker-t10 |Midland T10]] is $40 USD for a pair.
 See the [[https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-walkie-talkies/ |Wirecutter site]] for reviews and a list of what to avoid.
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 ==== First Use Setup ====
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 Refer to the user manual for specific instructions, but in general, you should:
   * Disable the //CTCSS/DCS// on all 22 channels.  On the Revetis RB48, the CTCSS/DCS is represented by a number between ''1'' and ''121'' (on the right).  The number ''0'' means that CTCSS or DCS is disabled.
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   * Disable //VOX//, which is an option to transmit without pressing the PTT.
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+Menu settings for the Retevis RB48:
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+^1 |Channel |''03'' |
+^2 |CTCSS/DCS   |''00'' |
+^3 |Call Tone (''CA'') |''00''|
+^4 |Vox |''00'' |
+^5 |Power (''Pr'') |''HI''|
+^6 |Scan (''Sc'') |''ON'' |
+^7 |Roger Beep (''rb'') |''OFF'' |
+^8 |Vibration (''U1'') |''OFF'' |
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+</WRAP>
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 {{:ecomm:retevis_rb48.jpg|}}
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-See [[/links/meshcore/ |this page]] for more information on how to get started.
+See [[/meshcore/ |this page]] for more information on how to get started.
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 {{:ecomm:meshcoremap.jpg}}
-The current network reaches from Parkville to Victoria to Abbotsford.
+The current network reaches from Port McNeill to Victoria to Abbotsford.
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