Programming Your Radio

Blackskye Community Radio Association Repeater Settings

Radio Input Settings	Frequency (mhz) | DCS Tone
Repeater Output Frequency (Listen)	462.650
Repeater Input Frequency (Transmit)	467.650
DCS Tone (Transmit & Receive)	411
Bandwidth	25khz
Channel Type	Repeater

Understanding Repeater vs. Simplex Channels

Repeater Channels

A repeater is a radio system installed at a high location that receives your transmission and retransmits it over a much larger area. When using a repeater, your radio transmits on one frequency and listens on another.

For the BSCRA repeater:

• Your radio listens on 462.650 MHz
• Your radio transmits on 467.650 MHz.
• Your radio sends DCS 411 to access the repeater.
• Your radio listens for DCS 411 from the repeater to open up your radio's receiver

Using the repeater allows users to communicate across communities, counties, and regions that would otherwise be out of direct radio range.

Simplex Channels

Simplex communication occurs when radios communicate directly with one another without using a repeater. In simplex mode, both radios transmit and receive on the same frequency.

Simplex is useful for:

• Family communications
• Neighborhood communications
• Camping and outdoor activities
• Situations where repeater coverage is unavailable

Simplex range is typically much shorter than repeater coverage because the signal is not being retransmitted from an elevated site.

Programming Your Radio

Most GMRS radios allow users to program frequencies and tones directly from the keypad or through computer software. Although the programming process is similar across many radio models, menu names and procedures can vary significantly.

For best results:

• Consult your radio's user manual.
• Verify that you are programming a repeater channel rather than a simplex channel.
• Confirm that the transmit DCS tone is set to 411
• Save and test the channel after programming.

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