Programming Channels on the BaoFeng UV-5R - DCS and CTCSS 

CTCSS, short for Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System, often referred to as tone squelch or PL (Private Line), is a system designed to allow users on the same frequency to avoid hearing other users not in their group. It operates on a principle known as "sub-audible" signaling, meaning the tones it uses are at frequencies below the normal hearing range of humans and don't interfere with the actual audio communication. These tones, usually between 67 to 257 Hz, are transmitted along with the voice signal, and the receiving radio will only unsquelch or "open up" to let the transmission through if it detects its programmed CTCSS tone. This technology is particularly useful in shared-channel scenarios, ensuring that groups can communicate amongst themselves without picking up all traffic on a given frequency. For example, if two different groups are using the same channel, each group can have their own CTCSS code. Group A's radios are programmed to transmit and listen for one specific tone, while Group B's radios are set for a different tone. Radios in Group A won't hear transmissions from Group B and vice versa, even though they're on the same channel. In the context of repeaters (devices that extend the range of radios by receiving a signal and retransmitting it on a different frequency), CTCSS is used to activate the repeater. A user must transmit the correct CTCSS tone for the repeater to pick up and retransmit their message. This prevents the repeater from keying up for stray signals or interference. Understanding squelch is key to grasping how CTCSS fits into radio use. Squelch is a circuit that silences the audio output of the receiver when there are no strong incoming signals. Without squelch, you'd hear a lot of static or noise in the absence of a transmission. With CTCSS, the squelch circuit is specifically looking for signals that carry the correct sub-audible tone. If the tone isn't present, the radio remains quiet, even if there are signals strong enough to open a standard squelch. This makes CTCSS an effective tool for creating semi-private communication channels on public frequencies, enhancing usability and reducing unwanted noise from other users. DCS, standing for Digital-Coded Squelch, operates on a principle similar to CTCSS but takes a digital approach. Instead of using continuous tones, DCS utilizes digital codes to establish communication privacy and reduce unwanted noise on shared frequencies. This system embeds a digital code word in the communication signal, which is not audible to humans. A receiver set to a specific DCS code will only activate or "unsquelch" when it receives a signal with the matching code word. This method provides a finer filter for communication channels, particularly useful in crowded frequency environments. It's especially effective in ensuring that only transmissions with the exact digital code are heard, thereby minimizing interference from other users not part of the group. With 104 standard DCS codes available, users have a broad range of options for setting up their private channels. When setting up or accessing DCS on a radio, users will navigate to the DCS settings in their device's menu, selecting the specific digital code they wish to use for their group. This code must be shared and set up identically across all devices within the group intending to communicate with each other. For example, if a group chooses the DCS code 023, all members must configure their radios to transmit and receive with this code. When transmitting, the radio automatically adds the chosen DCS code to the voice signal. On the receiving end, the radio checks for this code; if it matches, the communication is allowed through. If not, the signal is ignored, keeping the channel clear of unwanted transmissions. This digital squelch system enhances communication security and clarity, making it an ideal choice for groups needing reliable and private communication over two-way radios.

Nope

They all transmit on the selected power level.

You don't program it in Channel Mode. Channel Mode is for channels that have already been saved. When you commit a frequency and DCS to a memory channel, then in channel mode is where you get access that channel and it's settings (that you programmed in Frequency Mode).

Look into "DSTAR" and "APRS" radio nets.

Somebody told me what RailFanning was about a year ago so I went to build a whole codeplug for exactly this! Would you be willing to email me so I could share it with you?

No

j moreno make sure your step is set on 2.5k. Its menu option 1.

dpl =dcs they are the same

Its very similar, but will have its own quirks.

Top number is channel A. Bottom number is channel B. You can switch between them using the A/B button. The selected channel will be indicated by the arrows to the left of the frequency. The low number is VHF (Very High Frequency) and high number is UHF (Ultra High Frequency). You can switch between them using the Band button.

What seems to be the issue? Do the screens look identical? If they do, you could be trying the radios too close together and "desinsing" them. This is a consequence of having too much power too close on nearby frequency. They may actually be operating properly and your method of testing needs slight adjustment.

While I do not know the particular "7 number" you have in mind" which makes your comment difficult to follow, I do know that this radio can only accept numbers that start with 1, 4, or 5(ie. 146.520, 443.000, or some 500.000)

If they have "gone digital" I assume they are either on P25 or DMR/MotoTurbo. If this is the case, there is no possibility that this radio can interpret what traffic they are passing as this is an analog device. Don't be discouraged though! You still have an amazing tool you can learn to use in all sorts of way! Just the FM radio receiver is kick butt by itself!

Aaaahhh. A problem as old as time with these radios. They have this weird quirk that they save what is actually shown on the screen. This RU-vidr has only shown Simplex memory saving. You are trying to work Half Duplex if I understand properly. This is where turning on the voice is poppin! You will need to save the receiving memory(It will should say "receiving memory"), exit the menu, briefly press "*/SCAN" to "reverse the channel" then re enter the menu and save on the same slot(It should say "transmitting memory") This all of course assumes that you start with a fresh memory slot. Recall you can delete and try again!

Sadly, doesn’t work. A radio without the DCS/CT setup can still hear you transmit. You just can’t TX to them or RX from them. I’ve tried with 3 versions of the UV-5 and a Tidradio H8, doesn’t work on any of them.

No

im pretty sure I watched a vid that said u can.

Digital Code Squelch. lmgtfy.com/?q=DCS+Radio

One menu item up. I believe it is 28 if I recall. Same process as storing a memory.

Really? I can pick up stations from counties away. Are you selecting the closest station?

Yea, I tried them all. Guess Im doing something wrong. Picks up FM radio pretty well. I dont get it.

Tired Old Man Change the VHF frequency range from 137 to 174 MHz

Tired Old Man this radio doesn't have FM

Yes is does.

Yeah, it's about as user friendly as a hive of hornets, but as far as modern radios go baofeng with CHIRP is workable...others are worse.

Damn, wish I'd read your comment before I got a minute and a half into the video. Like watching a brain surgeon teach how to remove a tumor at warp speed. Voila! And now you know.🤣

WELL IM.JUST STARTING WITH THIS AN DELETED MY CH.20,,THE WAY HE JUST EXPLAINED IT. I GOT MY CHANNEL 20 BACK ON LINE. THANKS

I respect the origin,.. but I wrongly pronounce it as well "bow-f-eh-ng" the "bay-oh-fang" is Americanized pronunciation

who cares?

I prefer to call it bay-oh-fang lol