Question on frequency changes
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Question on frequency changes
Can anyone find the reference regarding the requirement to test any new radio frequency change with the squelch? I've looked in CAOs/CARs to no avail. If anyone can shed some light on where the reference might be it would be greatly appreciated.
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Many new radios these days have an auto squelch and testing by adjustment is not possible - push a button maybe?. I don't recall it ever been a 'requirement', however once upon a time it was taught as an airmanship issue and was SOP when using HF.
Like many other things that were once taught under the heading of Airmanship it has probably been lost!
Like many other things that were once taught under the heading of Airmanship it has probably been lost!
Can anyone find the reference regarding the requirement to test any new radio frequency change with the squelch?
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I've been doing that since day one of my flying probably to the point of over-squelching (as in frequently), but I had a little bit of background of radios so I know there can be issues.
Didn't realise it was ever taught... and with the advent of auto-squelch I'd say many would not bother testing these days. When using the G430's I usually like to give the Volume two quick presses after changing to check the volume level- similar idea.
Didn't realise it was ever taught... and with the advent of auto-squelch I'd say many would not bother testing these days. When using the G430's I usually like to give the Volume two quick presses after changing to check the volume level- similar idea.
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This isn't really 'testing' with the squelsh, but on radios with a mnaual squelsh adjustment the correct procedure is to change frequency and adjust the SQ so as the white noise cuts out. This ensures that the radio is sensitive enough to recieve the optimum amount of transmissions without the pilot being subjected to unwanted noise.
Think of the squelsh function as being reception sensitivity. Much like GAIN on a wx radar.
Think of the squelsh function as being reception sensitivity. Much like GAIN on a wx radar.
Anthill if they don't understand squelch on a VHF Comm they ain't gonna understand Radar! 
That's the heart of the matter I'd reckon 
Like many other things that were once taught under the heading of Airmanship it has probably been lost!
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This isn't really 'testing' with the squelsh, but on radios with a mnaual squelsh adjustment the correct procedure is to change frequency and adjust the SQ so as the white noise cuts out.
There are probably few new radios out there with a manual squelch so the new breed of 150 hour commercial pilots won't know much about squelch and what it's used for.
Does anyone know if the squelch is user adjustable on the G430's or similar from the front interface?
There are probably few new radios out there with a manual squelch so the new breed of 150 hour commercial pilots won't know much about squelch and what it's used for.
Go ahead, flame away!
Can anyone find the reference regarding the requirement to test any new radio frequency change with the squelch?
...... PLEASE EXPLAIN !
I know a bit about squelch:
1) I turn it on to set the volume on a VHF radio.
2) I turn it on to pick up the ATIS on VHF much earlier than I would with it turned off.
3) I turn it on (and off) when asked by ATC to listen for an emergency beacon signal.
4) I use it on HF radios to get clearer reception than otherwise might be the case - maybe, or is that "Gain" ?? Haven't used a HF for a few years.
5) I use it on my ICOM handheld VHF to get the clearest reception (it is manually adjustable on that one).
.... but testing any new radio frequency change ??
There are probably few new radios out there with a manual squelch
Does anyone know if the squelch is user adjustable on the G430's or similar from the front interface?
Dr
PS: If the young'uns dont't know about it - not their fault - they are not being taught !!!
Last edited by ForkTailedDrKiller; 10th Mar 2010 at 02:39.
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?? Don't they all have manual squelch (?), just not adjustable squelch
My apologies for confusing "manual" with "adjustable."
Provided that the squelch is set about right there's no need for it to be adjustable - you just need to be able to turn it on and off (as in for your beacon or ATIS example).
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Hey Planemad, long time no see,
Not sure where the rules are, never been real good on the books
but I can tell ya from experience testing the squelch regularly is a very good habit to get into. Not just to make sure you can hear ATC or other aircraft, but also to be sure to know that you do not have an open mike, especialy if like me you tend to have little 'sing songs' on those long lonely flights, saves lots of embarrassing moments when you get back to a crew room.
Pete Fanelli
None taken mate, I got a little over 300 hrs these days, and still building 
DD
PS re, what the DrKiller said,,,,,,,,,,, I Concur
Not sure where the rules are, never been real good on the books
but I can tell ya from experience testing the squelch regularly is a very good habit to get into. Not just to make sure you can hear ATC or other aircraft, but also to be sure to know that you do not have an open mike, especialy if like me you tend to have little 'sing songs' on those long lonely flights, saves lots of embarrassing moments when you get back to a crew room.Pete Fanelli
At the risk of offending the poor darlings
DD
PS re, what the DrKiller said,,,,,,,,,,, I Concur
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If your radio has concentric MHz, kHz, and VOLUME knobs, it can be really easy to turn the volume down on some radios inadvertently (esp. some collins models).
Each time I change freq's I try to remember to press the squelch button to make sure the volume's still set right..... Hours of fun for the whole family
Each time I change freq's I try to remember to press the squelch button to make sure the volume's still set right..... Hours of fun for the whole family
