Glossary - wireless products

GLOSSARY - Wireless Products

AM: Amplitude Modulation.
A.S.C Technology: Advance Signal Clarity Technology ensures optimum sound clarity
Auto Search & Store: The ability to search a given band of frequencies and store the active channels into specific channel locations.
Auto Sort: The Scanner automatically sorts programmed frequencies in each bank for faster scanning.
Band:A designated group or band of frequencies.
Bank: A bank of memories or channels that aids sorting and faster scanning.
Battery Eliminator: This accessory provides power to the radio to eliminate the need for batteries while it is connected.
Channels: The number of transmission frequencies or options available for people to transmit or receive their message.
Cloning Capability: This feature enables the scanner to duplicate the frequency data from one scanner to another.
Computer Interface: The scanner is able to programmed and controlled remotely from a PC using third party software. Add Alpha tags to your frequencies and talk groups and create multiple scan lists.
CTCSS: (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) or Privacy Codes allow the user to hear only transmissions using the same code on the same channel, effectively blocking out unwanted conversations.
Din Size: The correct size for in-dash vehicle type installations.
Duplex: This mode allows the Transceiver to operate via a local repeater station if available and hence increases the distance of the signal. It does this by linking Channels 1 - 8 to Channels 31 - 38 respectively. If you transmit on CH01 Duplex mode, you are actually transmitting on CH31. The repeater station down converts the signal and re-transmits it on CH01. On standby / receive mode your radio is always tuned to CH01.
Memory/Speed Dialling: Most Uniden phones provide a minimum of at least 10 speed dial numbers which are stored in the telephones' memory.
Number of Channels: The Radio Frequency Channel the voice is transmitted on. Generally there are pairs of channels used, ie: 1) Base transmits, handset receive 2) Handset transmits, base receives. Multi-Channel means the handset and base have multiple pairs of channels, providing the ability to stop adjacent channel interference and phantom ringing etc caused by neighbours cordless phones operating on the same channel.
FM: Frequency Modulation.
HF: The High Frequency Band covers 3MHz - 30MHz.
Lock-out: This function allows the user to lock out unwanted channels from open scan mode. This function emulates the group scan function in mobiles units.
Mode Select: Allows the user to over-ride the default settings and select AM, or NFM or WFM modes.
Monitor: This feature allows the user to listen to weak signals normally muted by the automatic squelch circuit.
NFM: Narrow Band Frequency Modulation.
Power: In this context, refers to transmitted power. Personal Radio Handhelds and Mobiles are limited to 5 watts of TX power and repeaters are limited to 21 watts EIRP (Effective Isotopic Radiated Power). In-boats, radios are switchable between 1 watt and 25 watts.
Remote Head: Allows you to mount the front control head of the radio in a convenient location whilst fixing the body of the unit in a separate location
Repeater: The Personal Radio Service allows the use of local repeaters. A repeater is a high power Transceiver mounted on high ground to give maximum coverage, limited to 21 watts EIRP, which retransmits the original signal to give extended range.RX Abbreviated for Receive. TX Abbreviated for Transmit.
RX: Abbreviation for Receive
Scan: Dual Watch: Effectively, a priority scan, which allows the user to use one channel and watch Channel 16. The radio automatically checks Channel 16 for activity approximately every 2 seconds. Group: This scan mode allows the user to select the channels they wish to monitor /listen to in a group, along with a priority channel (priority watch).Open: This Scan mode scans all channels and locks on any active channels. Priority Watch: 1 Channel per bank can be designated as a priority channel, this means once the priority channel is activated the scanner will regularly monitor the selected channel. Upon sensing activity the scanner will automatically return to the priority channel..
Scramble: Prevents users without the necessary de-scrambling equipment from understanding the transmission.
Search: To search between designated upper and lower frequency limits for activity.
Selcall: Selective Calling or Tone Call allows the user to send a series of tones that equate to a 5 or 6 digit number (like a telephone number) to selectively call a similarly equipped person. When the designated receiver recognises its code it: 1) comes out of Tone Squelch mode 2) puts out an audible alarm3) displays the word "Call" on its display or activates "Call Indicator" light and 4) transmits back a confirmation beep to the sender.
Simplex: The Transceiver Transmits and Receives on the same channel.
Squelch: Blocks the unwanted low level hissing noise allowing only the strong incoming signals. It sets the threshold for incoming signals.
SSB: Single Side band.
Step Select: Allows the user to over-ride the default settings and select 5Khz, 12.5KHz, 25KHz & 50KHz searching or scanning frequency steps.
Transceiver: Abbreviation for Transmitter/Receiver or 2 way Radio.
Triple Watch: Monitors Channel 9 and 16 plus Channel of operation.
Trunk Tracking: This is a system of sharing (trunking) the available public service frequencies to enables many users to be accommodated with relatively few frequencies. If a user temporarily pauses during broadcasting or pauses between replies, this user may be assigned to a different frequency to enable another talk group to use that frequency.Trunk - delay: this mode holds an ID for 5 seconds while a person waits for a reply. Trunk - ID lockout: locks out or blocks unwanted broadcasts. Trunk - scan & search: scans and searches for broadcasts on the trunking frequencies.
Turbo Scan: A rapid scan mode covering up to 100 channels per second.
TX Channels: Transmission channels. In marine radios the 55 channels are 1 - 28 and 60 - 87.
UHF: The Ultra High Frequency band covers from 300MHz - 3000MHz.
VHF: Very High Frequency - 30MHz - 300MHz.
VHF Marine Band: Is from 156 - 163 MHz.
Vox - Built In: Hands free operation is possible with Voice Activated Circuitry.
Water Proof: To US Coast Guard CFR46 Standard for Water Tight Operations.
WFM: Wide Band Frequency Modulation.