Subj : Todays New Gear Tip
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Wed Oct 11 2017 12:07 am

Memories And VFO's

Ads for radios tout the number of memory channels or memories; each can
store the complete radio configuration to access a favorite repeater or
channel. Having lots of memories means you can dedicate a group to your
most-used repeaters and simplex channels while other groups can be used
for channels you use for special events, training, and vacation or travel. 

How many do you really need? Start by making a list of all local and
regional repeaters and simplex channels on the bands covered by your
radio. (A club or ARES team can be quite helpful in making the list.)
If your radio has wideband- or extended-receive, add some AM and FM
broadcast stations and the primary frequencies used by public safety
and service agencies in your area. Don't forget the NOAA weather stations
and if you are near water, the common VHF marine channels. Increase that
total by about one third and you have a pretty good idea of how many
memories you'll need.

Some memory channels have special functions. Call channels provide easy
recall of your favorite channels. Scan control channels store frequency
limits for scanning functions, if your radio can act as a scanner. 

The ability to receive on two channels at once ("dual receive") is very
useful. "Priority channel" and "Channel watch" monitor a channel for
activity at all times and switch to that channel when a signal is
present. This is useful during emcomm and public service activities or
if you want to monitor a "home" repeater while operating elsewhere.

All radios have at least one VFO that tunes to any frequency the radio
covers. VFOs on FM-only radios usually tune in discrete steps (e.g.,
every 2.5, 5 or 10 kHz) rather than continuously. On radios with more
than one VFO, each can separately set the access tone, transmit offset, 
and other operating parameters. Once a VFO is configured, the information
is transferred or programmed into (stored in) a memory. VFOs can act as
temporary memories, too. A second VFO is a "nice-to-have" for flexibility.


---
 þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org

.