Programming instructions

Programming the Transmit Frequency
1) Program the Transmit frequency in the same manner as you
programmed the Receive frequency.
2) When you finished entering the Transmit frequency data, press the
PTT button to advance to the next step – the TRANSMIT TONE
CODE.
Programming the Transmit CTCSS or DCS Tone Code
Transmit tone codes can serve a variety of functions. They can be used to
identify the unit by a numeric code sent to other users (normally done with
DTMF). Transmit codes can be used to send paging signals through
repeaters to directly alert 2-tone pagers such as the Minitor IV, NOVA, or
Sceptar, as well as radios with 2-tone decode capability such as the RPV516
and RPV599. CTCSS or DCS transmit codes are commonly used to provide
privacy from interference by co-channel users. At this step we are choosing
Only CTCSS, DCS, or OFF. (The CTCSS or DCS code is used to unlock an
associated user group). Another use of CTCSS or DCS is to control access
to a repeater station.
Virtually ALL repeaters are CTCSS or DCS protected. How do you know
when you are dealing with a repeater? If all the radios are set up to talk
directly to each other, we use the term Simplex to describe the mode of
operation where the receive and transmit frequencies are the same. A
repeater uses TWO frequencies – one for receiving and another than
transmits simultaneously. If your programming list has a different receive
and transmit frequency, the odds are that you will need a CTCSS or DCS
signal to open it up.
CTCSS or DCS is rarely used on Simplex system although in areas of high
frequency congestion, the use of CTCSS or DCS is not uncommon. By far,
CTCSS is much more common than DCS. Just remember, if the tone
frequency is under 250.0 Hz, and it is pointed off at the last digit, it is CTCSS.
If it is a three digit code such as 032, it is DCS. Regrettably, the older Relm
radios use a code transition chart that translates a 3-digit code to CTCSS. If
the programming information was taken from a Regency (aka Relm) radio,
you will need a code/frequency transition chart. You can find these charts at
our web site – www.falcon4u.com/PagingTechnicalInfo.html. Information on
2-tone paging codes can also be found at the aforementioned web site. If in
doubt, check with your local radio frequency coordinator.
Programming Configuration Data
After programming the Receive Frequency, the Receive tones, the Transmit
Frequency and tones, there are additional parameters that can be
programmed. For most users the default values preprogrammed by Falcon
Over the Air Cloning
One of the unique capabilities of the RPV599 is the function of transferring
data from a master radio to any number of slaves by over the air cloning. As
long as the slave radios are in close proximity (Several feet or so), any
number can be programmed simultaneously.
To enter the CLONE mode, proceed as follows:
1) With the radio OFF, press and hold the LAMP (middle button on the
left side of the radio) while simultaneously pressing and holding the
DIAL button (second button from the left on the front of the radio).
2) Turn the radio ON while continuing to depress the LAMP and SCAN
buttons. Continue to keep these buttons depressed for several
seconds until the word SEL appears on the LCD display. You can
now release the LAMP and DIAL buttons.
3) Display the current frequency by pressing and releasing the Monitor
button (bottom button under the PTT button). Next, set the radio on
the frequency of 155.0000 by pressing and holding the LAMP button
while turning the CHANNEL SELECTOR KNOB (Center knob on the
top of the radio). You will note that turning this knob changes only
the second and third digits. The first digit remains as a “1” for VHF
radios. This would be a “4” for UHF radios that are set for 4
55.0000.
Continue turning the knob until “55” appear as the second and third
digits. Release the LAMP button.
4) Change the remaining digits following 155. to 0000. Do this by
turning the CHANNEL SELECTOR KNOB right or left, whichever
appears to be closer from your starting point, until “0000” is
displayed. When properly programmed, the display should show
155.0000.
Program both the radio that will be sending the data (Called the Master) and
those that will receive the data (Called the Slaves) in accord with the
preceding instructions. Be sure that you keep the Master unit separated from
the Slaves.
When ready to program, on the MASTER radio, press the PTT (Push to Talk)
button or more applicably in this case, the Send button. The display of the
MASTER radio will display CLONE and the display on the Slave radios will
display CLONE.
This process can take up to eight (8) minutes. Make sure all radios have
fully charged batteries before cloning. Do NOT move any of the radios while
data is being transferred or turn the radios off. This can corrupt the data.
Once the cloning has started, let it finish! Direct or factory default will be
sufficient.