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📱 Handheld Reference
Baofeng UV-5R/BF-F8HP · Yaesu FT-65R/FT-60R · AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus · Kenwood TH-D75A · Yaesu FT5DR
Baofeng
UV-5R / BF-F8HP
Tone Scan▼
- 1Enter VFO mode — press VFO/MR
- 2Tune to the repeater output frequency
- 3Press MENU → scroll to 11 (R-CTCS) for CTCSS or 13 (R-DCS) for DCS
- 4Press MENU
- 5Scroll UP to any starting tone (e.g. 67.0 Hz)
- 6Press *SCAN
- 7Wait for the repeater to key up — scan stops on the correct tone
⚠ Repeater must be active (someone transmitting) for tone lock to work
Repeater Programming▼
- 1VFO mode → enter the repeater output frequency
- 2MENU → 25 (SFT-D) → set offset direction (+/−) → MENU → EXIT
- 3MENU → 26 (OFFSET) → enter offset (usually 0.600) → MENU → EXIT
- 4MENU → 13 (T-CTCS) → set transmit tone → MENU → EXIT
- 5MENU → 27 (MEM-CH) → select channel number → MENU → EXIT
💡 CHIRP software is much easier for batch programming — use the CHIRP CSV export from the Highway Finder
Memory Organization & Scan▼
- 1Organize — number channels logically (e.g. 001–050 for VHF, 051–100 for 70cm). 128 channels total.
- 2Scan — enter MR (memory) mode → hold SCAN
- 3Band scan — available in VFO mode
- 4Skip channels — use CHIRP to mark channels as “Skip” — not easily done from the radio keypad
Priority Scan▼
⚠ True priority scan is limited on the UV-5R. Use Dual Watch as a practical workaround.
- 1Dual Watch — MENU → 7 (TDR) → ON → EXIT
- 2Radio monitors A and B bands simultaneously — set one to 146.520 simplex, other to repeater
Reset▼
⚠ Full reset clears all programmed channels. Back up via CHIRP before resetting.
- 1Power OFF the radio
- 2Hold MENU while pressing power ON
- 3Full factory reset
Yaesu
FT-65R / FT-60R
Repeater Programming▼
- 1Enter VFO mode
- 2Dial or keypad-enter the repeater output (receive) frequency
- 3Set the repeater offset direction (minus/plus) and offset amount
- 4Set CTCSS tone type to encode-only (transmit tone, normal squelch on receive)
- 5Set the CTCSS tone frequency to match the repeater
- 6Press and hold the Memory Write key to store to the next blank channel
- 7Confirm the channel number; optionally enter an alphanumeric tag
- 8Confirm storage — display briefly shows confirmation
FT-65R menu paths
Offset direction: Set Mode 20 RPT → MINUS / PLUS / SMPX
Tone type: Set Mode 29 SQL TYPE → T-TONE
Tone frequency: Set Mode 8 CTCSS → TX → select Hz
Memory write: hold *V/M → confirm channel → hold *V/M again
Tone type: Set Mode 29 SQL TYPE → T-TONE
Tone frequency: Set Mode 8 CTCSS → TX → select Hz
Memory write: hold *V/M → confirm channel → hold *V/M again
FT-60R menu paths
Offset direction: F/W + 4(RPT) → –, +, or simplex
Tone type: F/W + 1(SQ TYP) → TSQL or TONE
Tone frequency: F/W + 2(CODE) → select Hz → PTT to save
Memory write: hold F/W 1 sec → rotate DIAL for channel → press F/W once to store
Tone type: F/W + 1(SQ TYP) → TSQL or TONE
Tone frequency: F/W + 2(CODE) → select Hz → PTT to save
Memory write: hold F/W 1 sec → rotate DIAL for channel → press F/W once to store
Tone Scan▼
FT-65R — Tone ID (Manual)
⚠ No automatic tone scan. Manual cycle-through workaround:
- 1Tune to repeater output in VFO mode
- 2MENU → scroll to SQL TYPE → select TSQL → press MENU to confirm
- 3Press and hold MONI — radio enters tone scan mode
- 4Wait for repeater activity — scan stops and displays detected tone
- 5Note the tone value displayed
- 6Return SQL TYPE to TONE (encode-only) before saving to memory — do not leave TSQL enabled unless repeater sends a tone on output
Repeater must be active for tone lock to work.
FT-60R — Tone Search Scan (Automated)
- 1Tune to repeater output in VFO mode
- 2F/W + 1(SQ TYP) → select TSQL (CTCSS) or DCS → PTT to save. Icon appears on display.
- 3Press and hold F/W for 1 second to start Tone Search Scanning
- 4Radio cycles through all tones automatically — scanning halts when correct tone detected, audio passes through
- 5Press F/W to lock in the tone, then F/W again to exit to normal operation
Press MONI during scan to momentarily hear the muted signal — release and scan resumes after ~1 second. Press PTT at any time to stop scan.
Memory Organization & Scan▼
- 1In Memory mode, assign channels to banks for organization
- 2Press and hold ▲ or ▼ to start a memory scan
- 3To restrict scan to one bank, activate the desired bank first
- 4To skip a channel during scan: while paused on it, mark as skip (see footnote)
FT-65R: 200 channels (CH 001–200), up to 10 Memory Banks. Skip: press F then V/M while paused on channel.
FT-60R: 1000 channels (CH 000–999), 5 Home channels, 50 PMS channels. Skip: F/W + 8(P2) → Memory Scan Skip mode → PTT to save.
FT-60R: 1000 channels (CH 000–999), 5 Home channels, 50 PMS channels. Skip: F/W + 8(P2) → Memory Scan Skip mode → PTT to save.
Priority Scan▼
FT-65R
- 1Store the priority channel in a memory channel
- 2Hold F → Set Mode 24 PRIO → RVT.ON → PTT to save
- 3In Memory mode, recall the priority channel
- 4Hold V/M ~1 second → “PRIO SET” confirms
- 5Start a scan — radio checks priority channel periodically; stops when signal received there
If Memory Bank is active, lowest channel in current bank is automatically priority.
FT-60R
- 1Store the priority channel in a memory channel
- 2In Memory mode, recall the priority channel
- 3Press F/W + V/M(PRI) to designate it as the Priority channel
- 4Press V/M(PRI) briefly to toggle Priority (Dual Watch) ON — “PRI” appears on display
- 5Radio checks priority channel every ~5 seconds while monitoring or scanning
- 6Press V/M(PRI) again to disable Priority Watch
Reset▼
FT-65R
⚠ ALL RESET clears all 200 channels and all settings.
- 1Turn radio OFF
- 2Hold MONI/T.CALL + PTT while powering ON
- 3Release both when LCD backlight comes on
- 4Press ▲/▼ to select F1:ALL RST
- 5Press F to confirm
Set Mode Reset only (preserves memories): steps 1–3 above → select F2:MEM RST → press F.
FT-60R
⚠ ALL RST clears all 1000 channels and all settings.
- 1Turn radio OFF
- 2Hold MONI while powering ON
- 3Rotate DIAL to select F4 ALL RST
- 4Press F/W to confirm
Menu Reset only (preserves memories): steps 1–2 above → rotate DIAL to F3 MEM RST → press F/W.
Anytone
AT-D878UVII Plus
Tone Scan▼
- 1Set an arbitrary RCDT value to enable the mode
- 2Menu → Scan → CDT Scan (or use assigned PF key if configured)
- 3Scan stops on detected tone automatically
Repeater Programming▼
- 1VFO mode → enter output frequency
- 2Menu → Chan Set → configure offset and TCDT/RCDT tones
- 3Save to channel and assign to zone
💡 CPS (Computer Programming Software) strongly recommended for zone management
Memory Organization & Scan▼
- 1Zones — organize channels into Zones (groups). Create a zone per region or corridor.
- 2Scan Lists — assign channels to Scan Lists for controlled scanning
- 3Select Zone or List → start scan from menu
Priority Scan▼
- 1In Scan List, designate the Priority channel
- 2Start scan — interval is adjustable in settings
Reset▼
⚠ Full reset via CPS recommended to preserve zone structure as a backup.
- 1Menu → Settings → Reset (or power-on key combo — check manual)
Kenwood
TH-D75A
Tone Scan▼
- 1Tune to the repeater frequency
- 2Press F then hold TONE (key 8) to start tone scan
- 3Scan stops on detected tone
Repeater Programming▼
- 1VFO mode → enter output frequency
- 2Set offset shift and tone via menu
- 3Press F + MR → store to channel
Memory Organization & Scan▼
- 1Groups — channels auto-group by number; manually edit groups and create Group Links
- 2Scan — Memory scan, Group scan, or Group Link scan available
Priority Scan▼
- 1Enable Priority Scan in menu → select priority channel
- 2Integrates with Group scan for comprehensive monitoring
Reset▼
- 1Menu → Reset options for partial or full reset
- 2Or use power-on key combination (check manual for exact sequence)
Yaesu
FT5DR
Tone Scan▼
- 1F MENU → Signaling → TONE-SRCH
- 2Activate — adjust mute/speed in menu as needed
- 3Scan stops on detected tone
Repeater Programming▼
- 1VFO mode → enter output frequency
- 2F MENU → Config or Signaling → set offset and tone
- 3Write to memory channel
Memory Organization & Scan▼
- 1Assign channels to Memory Banks and add tags for organization
- 2Hold SCAN to begin memory scan — programmable options available
Priority Scan▼
- 1Set the desired channel as Priority Memory
- 2Enable priority during scan startup
Reset▼
- 1F MENU → Config → Reset options — choose partial or full reset
📻 Mobile Reference
Yaesu FTM-7250DR · Yaesu FTM-300DR/FTM-400XDR · Icom IC-2730A · AnyTone AT-D578UVIII Plus
Yaesu · Mobile
FTM-7250DR
Tone Scan▼
- 1VFO mode → tune to repeater output frequency
- 2MENU → SQL TYPE → select TSQL
- 3Press and hold MONI — radio enters tone scan mode
- 4Wait for repeater to key up — scan locks on detected tone
- 5Note the tone value — set SQL TYPE to TONE (encode only) before programming to memory
Repeater Programming▼
- 1VFO mode → enter output frequency
- 2Auto Repeater Shift (ARS) active by default for standard 2m/70cm offsets
- 3Confirm offset: MENU → RPT → verify direction and value
- 4Set CTCSS tone: MENU → T-SQL → select tone frequency
- 5MENU → MW (Memory Write) → select channel → confirm
Memory Organization & Scan▼
- 1225 memory channels (199 standard + band-edge + Home channels)
- 2Assign 8-character alphanumeric tags per channel
- 3Memory scan: Memory mode → press SCAN
- 4Programmable memory scan available for frequency-range limits
Priority Scan▼
- 1MENU → PRIORITY → select priority channel
- 2Start scan — radio checks priority channel at set interval
Reset▼
⚠ Clears all memories. Back up channels before resetting.
- 1Power OFF
- 2Hold GM + BAND while pressing Power ON for full reset
- 3Or: MENU → RESET (menu path varies by firmware — check the Nifty Mini-Manual for your version)
Yaesu · Mobile
FTM-300DR / FTM-400XDR
Tone Scan▼
- 1Tune to the repeater frequency
- 2Press F → press TONE
- 3Hold channel up/down on the microphone to start tone scan
Repeater Programming▼
- 1VFO mode → enter output frequency
- 2Press F → set shift direction and amount
- 3Set tone
- 4Press MW → store to channel
Memory Organization & Scan▼
- 1Organize into Memory Banks
- 2Memory scan or Band scan available from menu
Priority Scan▼
- 1Set Priority Memory channel
- 2Enable in scan options menu
Reset▼
- 1Access reset via Menu or power-on key sequence (check manual for exact procedure)
Icom · Mobile
IC-2730A
Verified by operator — personal radio, 6 years field use · AA4TE
Tone Scan▼
- 1Set radio to VFO mode
- 2Tune to the repeater output frequency
- 3Press MENU → navigate to T-SQL (Tone Squelch) mode → select TSQL
- 4Radio scans through CTCSS tones automatically when it detects a signal
- 5Monitor for repeater activity — scan stops on detected tone
- 6Note the tone displayed — switch to Tone (encode-only) mode before transmitting
Repeater Programming▼
- 1VFO mode → enter repeater output frequency
- 2Auto Repeater Shift (ARS) enabled by default — offset direction and amount set automatically for standard 2m/70cm band plans
- 3Confirm or manually set offset: MENU → OFFSET if ARS doesn’t apply
- 4Set transmit tone: MENU → T-SQL or TONE → select CTCSS frequency
- 5Press MW (Memory Write) → select channel number → press MW again to confirm
Memory Organization & Scan▼
- 1Assign channels by region or corridor — dual-band display lets you monitor VHF + UHF simultaneously
- 2Memory scan: enter Memory mode → press SCAN
- 3Skip channels: MENU → SKIP with desired channel selected
Priority Scan▼
- 1Store desired priority channel to memory
- 2MENU → PRIORITY → select channel
- 3Radio checks priority channel every 5 seconds during scan
Reset▼
⚠ Clears all memories. Export to CS-2730 or write down your channels first.
- 1Power OFF
- 2Hold LOCK while pressing Power ON
- 3Or: MENU → SET MODE → RESET (menu location varies slightly between firmware revisions — check your version)
Anytone · Mobile
AT-D578UVIII Plus
Same zone/scan list system as the AT-D878UVII Plus. All procedures below are identical.
Tone Scan▼
- 1Set arbitrary RCDT value
- 2Menu → Scan → CDT Scan
- 3Stops on detected tone
Repeater Programming▼
- 1VFO mode → Menu → Chan Set → set offset and tones
- 2Save to channel and zone
Memory Organization & Scan▼
- 1Create Zones and assign channels
- 2Assign to Scan Lists → start scan
Priority Scan▼
- 1Designate Priority channel in Scan List → start scan
Reset▼
- 1Menu → Settings → Reset
💡
▼ show
Field & Travel Tips
Software, battery, and organization tips that apply to all radios
Testing a repeater — always identify. Keying up without speaking (“kerchunking”) is an unidentified transmission and an FCC violation under Part 97. It also tells you nothing useful — the courtesy beep you hear just means your carrier opened the squelch, not that your audio is clean. The right way: key up and say “[Your callsign], testing” or “[Your callsign], mobile.” If you want a signal report: “[Your callsign] — can anyone give me a signal report?” Brief, legal, and actually useful.
Linked systems — pause before speaking. Many repeaters in this database are part of linked systems spanning dozens of sites (SMLRS, NI4CE, TARC SuperLink, NEDECN, and others). When you key up, every linked site needs a moment to come up. Pause 3–4 seconds after pressing PTT before speaking. On Sandia Crest (NM Mega-Link), hold the mic down for 1 second after finishing before releasing. Transmitting immediately means your first words are lost at every site but the one closest to you.
Crossing state lines — re-scan your corridor. Regional frequency conventions and PL tones vary more than most hams expect. A standard-feeling 146.520 simplex monitor is universal, but popular local calling frequencies, common PL tones, and club frequency clusters shift noticeably between regions. When entering a new state on a long trip, use the Highway Finder to pull up the next corridor segment rather than assuming your programmed channels are still relevant.
Mobile antenna placement matters. A mag-mount centered on the roof gives the best radiation pattern for mobile VHF/UHF — symmetrical ground plane, low radiation angle. Mounting near an edge, on a trunk lid, or on a dash introduces an asymmetric ground plane that degrades performance in ways that are hard to diagnose. If a repeater you should be making is giving you trouble, try repositioning the antenna before adjusting power or tone.
Before a dead zone — five steps. When you see a coverage alert banner, do these before losing signal: 1. Screenshot or write down your current repeater list. 2. Note the last repeater frequency and PL tone. 3. Tap NOAA WX and program the nearest weather frequency — no tone needed, just the frequency. 4. Set a memory to 146.520 MHz simplex — the national calling frequency. 5. Let someone know your route and ETA before you lose cell signal too.
GPS is approximate — plan ahead. GPS-based repeater finders (including the Highway Finder GPS locate feature) are accurate to within a few miles under good conditions, but terrain, speed, and device accuracy all affect results. Don’t rely on real-time GPS to find your next repeater while driving — use the city tap method to plan your corridor before you need it. Users of the Blue Ridge Parkway finder should especially note this: ridge terrain and dense tree cover can put GPS results 10–15 mileposts ahead of your actual position.
Tethering your tablet. A tablet gives you a much larger screen for this site while driving. Your phone can share its internet connection with your tablet — called tethering or a mobile hotspot. On most Android phones: Settings → Network → Hotspot & Tethering → Wi-Fi Hotspot → Enable, then connect your tablet like any Wi-Fi network. Your grandkids can show you how in about 30 seconds, or search “phone hotspot” for your carrier. Easier than setting a PL tone. Barely.
Test after programming. Always test on low power first to confirm offset, tone, and access before driving into a coverage area.
Use programming software. CHIRP, RT Systems, and manufacturer CPS greatly simplify memory organization, scan lists, and priority channels. Use the Highway Finder CHIRP export to download pre-formatted repeater data for your corridor — no retyping required.
Battery awareness. Scanning and priority monitoring use more power than receive-only operation. Enable power-save features when not actively operating. Carry a charged spare battery or have a car charger ready — especially on long mountain drives where you may be transmitting more often.
Documentation backup. Laminate key button combinations for your radio or save this page on your phone for offline access. Before entering a dead zone, screenshot your repeater list and note the NOAA weather frequency. Paper backups have never needed a cell signal.
146.520 MHz simplex — always programmed. This is the national 2-meter calling frequency. Program it into an easily-accessible memory on every radio you own. It’s your best option when repeaters aren’t available, when you need to coordinate with another ham in the field, or when you want to see if anyone else is in range in a dead zone.
NOAA Weather Radio. Program the nearest NOAA frequency (162.400–162.550 MHz, no tone required) before entering rural or mountainous areas. Standard 2m/70cm radios receive NOAA without any special equipment. Use the NOAA WX filter on the Highway Finder to find the nearest frequency for your corridor. When you’re in a dead zone with no cell signal, NOAA keeps transmitting.
Encode-only CTCSS — a common programming mistake. Set your radio to transmit the PL tone only — do not enable receive tone squelch unless you’ve confirmed the repeater sends a tone back on its output. Most repeaters don’t transmit a tone. If you have receive decode enabled and the repeater doesn’t send one, your radio will stay silent even when the repeater is active and responding to you.