Batboard

How does one go about determinig the PL tones for the local repeater? I don't know anyone who would have them.

Thanks!

Usually the required input PL tone is the same as the output PL tone, if there is one. You could listen to the repeater output and keep changing the decode PL tone until your radio unsquelches, then try that as the encode PL tone.

Also, most repeater listings/directories have the PL tones shown.

Some repeaters are closed, and they might use non-standard PL tones. The only way to find out would be to ask the trustee or a club member. You may have to join a club to use some repeaters.

Bob M.

if you are authorized to be on that repeater then have the systems administrator program it for you, they will be more than happy to do it. but it don't sound like you are supposed to be on it so stick with a scanner on csq and save yourself alot of headaches.

Most of the late model ham portables will do what is
called "tone scan" and they'll do it both on PL and DPL
channels. If the ham or commercial repeater is re-
transmitting the tone or code you can easily find out
what you need to know. Also, if you're looking for info on the ham repeaters most of it's in the Repeater Directory from ARRL.

Two radios that do tone scanning are the Vertex VX-5R
and FT-60R. Other manufacturers' radios, such as Kenwood
probably do it too. Watch out though, some of the
ham units still don't offer any DPL capability.

I've known several dealers who rely on a radio such
as the VX-5R as a cheap (relatively) field service tool,
strictly as a "go-no go" checker for various functions.

Contact the repeater OWNER and if he wants you on the repeater, he'll give you the tones.

Repeater input tones don't HAVE to be the same as the output, and of course it could be DPL

(How do you even know what the input freq is?)

Is this a ham repeater ? Try searching online for the callsign and/or the frequency. Ham repeater frequencies & PL's are commonly listed online.

Thanks for the info. I would not transmit on the repeater if I did not have approval! I am a voly ff and a cop and recently purchased my own portable (to have all of my freqs on it). This portable is not supported through our normal radio guys and I will be programming it myself. I found the PL codes on the internet so I am good to go. Thanks!