Hi @Mahesh_ very good topic you brought up!
- When we created the 10 Carnity Frequencies, we wanted to make sure they are in the PMR446 range, which is the so called license-free frequency range. Doing this would avoid getting us in trouble with the authorities. Unfortunately these frequencies are indeed open for farmers and construction workers as well. However the most busy frequencies are usually 1,2,3,4. Perhaps we can start using 5,6,7,8,9,10 a bit more which should definitely help.
- CTCSS codes are a nice option to use to avoid chatter on your chosen frequency, but the complexity for us to set it up is big. We regularly have new members joining us who struggle with programming their radios, and although we offer advice and help to program the most used ones, this would another layer of complexity with potential issues during the drive of not hearing each other or other broadcast issues. There used to be a time that most of our briefings were spent programming other people’s radios, and with so many different models being used this is a load that falls onto the shoulders of the marshal or lead. For that reason we decided not to use it. Worst case, Any new member that brings their radio can just type in the frequency we use, without further complications.
- proper SQL or Squelch setting really does help, EXCEPT with the Baofeng UV5R which has squelch issues out of the box. For that reason there was a hack created that allows to extend the squelch way further than the original setting. It takes a laptop, CHIRP software, and 20mins of your time to install the hack. Whoever is interested let me know.
- to avoid having two Carnity convoys using the same frequency, we have an internal drive planning sheet where we post the planned channel that each will use. This helps to avoid cross comms amongst channels, but sometimes we tend to forget or assume that the other convoy in a different emirate won’t hear us 😛. In reality when you are on elevated ground the signal can reach many miles.