[PORL]

Why is it I can hear ppl clear as day on channels but they can't hear me when I radio check? I assume a repeater is in use. I understand Duplex mode but how do I know I'll be using a repeater?
If I just use outgoing channels 1-8 will it automatically be using a repeater?
Then how do I know what channel I'll be getting my return signal on? I'm very noob at communications cheers

[Scales]

you need to be IN duplex mode in order to be using a repeater. if not you will be sending/receiving on the same frequency. repeaters get their input from a different channel.

I will try and explain...

So if you are on ch 1-8 and NOT in duplex, you will hear the output from the repeater (people far away like you get now), but when you transmit its only going as far as your own radio can transmit (probs around 5k at best) on the same freq as the output of the repeater. If the people were closer to you it would still work..........

In order to transmit to the repeater so that it can give you max range, you go into duplex mode.

now you are in duplex, when you transmit on 1-8. its ACTUALLY transmiting on 31-38 (you wont see any indication of this happening, just your duplex indicator), these are the INPUT frequencys to the repeater, which will OUTPUT your transmisson on 1-8, in a MUCH higher power. Remember you are listening on 1-8 so you and everyone else will hear you on there.




Does that make sense? duplex - send one freq, listen a different simplex - send/receive same freq.




Now if you understand that, you should also understand that you should NOT use ch 31-38 It will seem to work fine, but you will be actually transmitting to any repeater that uses that particular channel and probably pissing a lot of legitimate users off who will be listening on ch 1-8. Also stay away from the emergency chans (channel 5 and 35) and only use the hwy channels if you know what you are doing, no point pissing off the truck drivers. Oh and there are now data-packet channels too for telemetry etc... best staying away from those too.

this site details each channel for you, Note that 80ch uhf has TWO banks of repeaters you can use. same concept, just different numbers.

http://www.uhfcb.com.au/80-Channel-UHF-Information.php


same site has a list of repeaters in Australia.

OH one more thing, when you know you are using a repeater, keep in mind there is a short delay for the repeater to "reset" so leave a short delay between transmissions.

If im being confusing let me know

[PORL]

Makes perfect sense. Thanks mate. Cleared that up for me.

[Scales]

no worries glad I could help.


you are hearing these people on the 1-8 range I assume yes? otherwise you may have a radio issue, have you gotten any successful confirmed transmissions?

[PORL]

Yeah 1-8, I tested my radio with a mates and it worked fine. I'm heading out to the power lines with some work mates tomorrow, I'll give it a good test then

[coily96]

Is there a downside to having duplex mode always on? Once its on can it be left on for future use?

[PORL]

I have been playing around with this a lot.
Your UHF will most likely have a memory for duplex mode
It's very simple to turn on and off.
I wouldn't recommend always using duplex as it will cover a lot of area and repeaters so some pp, may be pissed always hearing you.

Switching on duplex is as easy as hitting a button anyway.

There's no need for it to be on always unless you have a clear channel and your mates along way away

[Bretski]

Also note that the repeater stations are all set to different channels in different areas. Some busy areas may have more than 1 repeater channel open for use.

You asked how do u know if repeater is working. Well it is really easy test and this is a good way to find a repeater in the area your driving if you don't know the actual repeater channels in an area.

All you do is select the the first repeater channel. Make sure duplex is on. Press your ptt (push to talk) button briefly and then listen for the repeater reply squawk. Your display will probably display rx briefly as well. If you don't get the squawk try the next channel. Repeat (Pun intended) this process over the 8 channels until you find a repeater. Some comunity repeaters will actually have a recorded voice response on first squawk to let you know the location of repeater.

Hope this helps you out.