Kenwood TS-590S User Manual - Page 33

FM REPEATER OPERATION Most Amateur radio voice repeaters use a separate reception and transmission frequency. The transmission frequency may be higher or lower than the reception frequency. In addition, some repeaters may require the transceiver to transmit a subtone before the repeater can be used. Compared to simplex communication, you can usually transmit over much greater distances by using a repeater. Repeaters are typically located on a mountain top or other elevated location. Often they operate at higher ERP (Effective Radiated Power) than a typical station. This combination of elevation and high ERP allows communications over considerable distances. HF/ 6 m band repeaters usually operate in the 29 MHz FM sub-band and 51-54 MHz band. This special service combines the advantages of FM operation, good fidelity with noise and interference immunity, with the excitement of HF DX (long distance) communications. Even on a quiet day, 10 m FM provides reliable around-town communications with the potential for sudden DX from across the country or around the world. Note: ◆ When programming 2 separate frequencies using 2 VFOs, be sure to select FM mode on both VFOs. ◆ When operating through a repeater, over deviation caused by speaking too loudly into the microphone can cause your signal to "talk-off" (break up) through the repeater. 29.520 MHz 88.5 Hz 29.620 MHz 29.620 MHz 29.520 MHz 88.5 Hz 1 Press [A/B (A=B)] to select VFO A or VFO B. • " " or " " appears to show which VFO is selected. 2 Turn the Tuning control or the MULTI/CH control to select the reception frequency. 3 Press [FM/AM (FM-N)] to select FM mode. 4 Press and hold [A/B (A=B)] to duplicate the frequencies and other data to the other VFO. 5 Turn the Tuning control or the MULTI/CH control to select the transmission frequency. 6 ENHANCED COMMUNICATIONS 6 Press [AGC/T (SEL] to turn the Tone function ON if the repeater requires a subtone. • " " appears. • Refer to "Selecting a Tone Frequency" for more details on the subtone {page 26}. • To quit the Subtone function, press [AGC/T (SEL)] twice. 7 Press [SPLIT]. • " " appears. 8 Press [A/B (A=B)] to return to the original reception frequency. 9 Press Mic [PTT] to transmit. • The VFO changes to the other VFO to transmit. • Each time you press [A/B (A=B)], the reception and transmission frequencies are swapped. 10 Press [SPLIT] to quit split-frequency operation. • " " disappears. The data that you select in steps 1 to 8 can be stored in memory. Refer to "Split-Frequency Channels" {page 41}. Note: ◆ When operating through a repeater, over deviation caused by speaking too loudly into the microphone can cause your signal to "talk-off" (break up) through the repeater. ◆ To check the tone frequency stored in a memory channel, recall the desired memory channel and press [AGC/T (SEL)]. TRANSMITTING A TONE In general, FM repeaters require the transceiver to transmit a sub-audible tone to prevent other repeaters on the same frequency from locking each other up. The required tone frequency differs among repeaters. Repeaters also differ in their requirements for either continuous or burst tones. For the appropriate selections for your accessible repeaters, consult your local repeater reference. After completing the tone settings, pressing and holding Mic [PTT] causes the transceiver to transmit the selected tone. If you have selected a 1750 Hz tone, the transceiver sends a 500 ms tone burst each time transmission starts. Note: If you store tone settings in a memory channel, you need not reprogram each time. Refer to "MEMORY FEATURES" {page 41}. 25