How To Use Our System

Repeater

1. Program the Blackskye Community Radio Association's repeater frequency pair and DCS tone into your radio by following the radio manufactures instructions. The programming process is similar between radio manufactures, but there are some minor variations.  

2. The frequency pair is 462.xxx/467.xxx

   • • 462.xxx (receive)

     • 467.xxx (transmit)

     • DCS xxxN (receive / transmit)

3.  Once a radio is programmed correctly, when you press the push-to-talk (PTT) button and release it, you will hear the repeater tail, which is the repeater still transmitting for a second or two. The best way to test that the frequency is programmed correctly and the radio is working is to make a call by announcing your call sign followed by "listening" or "is anyone available for a signal report". 

4. Please adhere to the basic radio procedures and etiquette, and FCC rules and regulations pertaining to GMRS.

Simplex

1. To program the simplex frequency, go to channel 21 (462.xxx) on your GMRS radio. Follow your radio's manufactures instructions for programming the DCS tone.

   • • Both receive and transmit frequency are the same

2. Enter DCS tone xxxN

What is The Difference Between Repeater & Simplex?

When using our designated repeater frequency, your radio transmits its signal to the repeater on one frequency (467.xxx), and the repeater re-transmits it at higher power and elevation on a different frequency (462.xxx). Other GMRS radios will only be able to hear you if you are in range of the repeater.

When using the simplex frequency, communication is not facilitated by the repeater. The radio signal from one radio is transmitted and received directly by other radios within range. Simplex uses a single frequency for transmit and receive. 

Simplex is useful for communicating when in close proximity to other users, or when out of range of the repeater. For example, at a camp site, amusement park, multi-car road trip, etc. It is also useful if you want to make contact on the repeater and then take the conversation to simplex to not tie up the repeater, or just to limit the audience of the conversation. 

In case the BSCRA repeater is unavailable, the designated BSCRA simplex frequency is a fallback frequency for communications. 

Mobile/Base Radio Installation Help - A note on standing wave ratio (SWR)

When installing a mobile or base radio, it is important to verify the standing wave ratio, or SWR. SWR is the impedance between a radio and antenna. Having a high SWR negatively affects RF transmission performance, and can damage a radio transmitter due to reflected RF power traveling back down the antenna feed line (coax) into the radio. Ideally, SWR should be <1.5. Always check the SWR during installation. 

The Surecom SW-102 digital SWR meter is a good, economical meter to consider.