SUK HT PROGRAMMING PROTOCOL (proposal)

[The Local Ned]

Bang on the nose Paul.
K I S S.
Currently deciding options on a small multi-channel 27 meg rig to put by for that.

LS - one quick point to note -

Motorolas were sometimes quirky with their adaptation of CTCSS / DCS etc.
Other brands may well be the same.

Any choices we make using those codes should be compatible with other radios.
Please bear in mind that some of our number may be happy with their own small PMR446 radios , we should take this into consideration , or offer recommendations that radios with the CTCSS / DCS codes.

THE USE OF SQUELCH CODES ( CTCSS / DCS ) DOES NOT GUARANTEE PRIVACY OR SECRECY.

Most experienced users only have to press a certain button on their radio to have it detect and open the same CTCSS code used , the UV-5R also does this , the squelch codes are not a 'scrambling' system , they merely filter out all signals NOT using the same CTCSS code as your own radio , meaning - they will still hear YOU , but you WON'T hear THEM.

As I have mentioned in PMs I am still working around the Baofeng BF888-S way of using these codes and its software - to match it with the UV-5R.

As an aside - there are at least 5 different models of the UV-5R out there , some are cosmetic changes only , others have an upgraded firmware.
Also - there is a known issue with fake prog cables with them , the chip inside the fake cable itself is a chinese copy of the prolific serial chip ,and is a total bastard to get working successfully , I think I already posted a link on another previous post regarding the correct site to visit for the software and drivers to get all cables working for these chinese radios.

Your mileage may vary , you may get a good cable , and install the correct drivers straight away depending on your I.T skills , but once these HTs are setup correctly , all our own channels , local repeater freqs ( varies by location ) etc - they are a joy to use.