The FCC has designated the two radio services viz. FRS and GMRS. None of these services are signed for exclusive use of any user. Users can improve the services by minimizing the interference levels. To avoid the interference, only one user should use the channel at a given time. The FCC regulations are not the same for all the channels, and some channels may work better than others.
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The FRS or Family Radio channel consists of 14 channels with low signal strength whereas GMRS channels comprises of 23 channels with low to moderate power. Both FRS and GMRS, share seven channels between them with the only difference of power levels. Out of 23 GMRS channels, eight channels are reserved for repeater stations to relay the signals. You have to check with the radio brand for the coverage area of repeater sites in order to use repeater services.
Important tips to use Channels and Privacy Codes
- The first step in selecting a channel is to listen to other users. Many new users would leave their radios set to channel no. 1. To listen to others, you have to press the monitor button by pressing it continuously for 10 to 15 seconds.
- A scan button is provided to hear all the channels. After pressing it once, the radio will scan all the available channels and stop the scanning momentarily if it detects any voice and lets you know which channels are open.
“Important: Before using the scan feature, turn off the interference eliminator codes to listen to all the channels.”
- While scanning, you need to delete any busy channels, this can be achieved by pressing minus key on the keypad, and you will be left with only un-used channels.
- The another important point to make here is that when the radio is not in use, the radio device will automatically go into standby mode. The speakers are activated only if any voice signal is detected again. But remember, sometimes the radio may get activated by detecting an interference. It is called squelch.
- To prevent the transmission of interference along with voice, you need to add some coding, called interference eliminator codes. The user will not receive the message until the code matches in both the walkie-talkies.
- To block the noise or interference signals, almost all the walkie-talkies come with inbuilt privacy codes.
How do Privacy Codes Work?
The technical term for privacy codes is CTCSS (continuous tone-coded squelch system) or DCS (digital coded squelch). There are some privacy codes which are pre-fed in walkie-talkies, you have to assign a privacy code to a channel which is to be used for transmission of the voice signal.
On the other hand, the receiver walkie-talkie of the message should also be using the same channel and same privacy code in order to communicate with each other.
Facts to know about Privacy Codes
The word “privacy code” in fact is a misnomer. The CTCSS or DCS codes do not provide any privacy. Even if you have applied privacy codes to the channel, the people using the walkie-talkies that are running on similar frequency nearby will be able to hear your voice or message, so there is nothing that is called privacy in the context of privacy codes in walkie-talkies.
There are two types of walkie-talkies.
- Analogous
- Digital
In analogous-type walkie-talkies, a person in same range will be able to hear your voice as discussed above. On the other hand, the digital type of walkie-talkies is more secure as far as privacy is concerned. Unlike in analogous walkie-talkies, where a person in your range can listen to your message as interference, the digital radios provides you the ability to create call IDs. Only the individuals with the same call-ID will be able to listen to your conversation.
Awesome post! More informative ! When you are using walkie-talkies, interferences are bound to be generated, and these interferences can be looked upon as intrusion to your private conversation.
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