DTMF[edit]

In DTMF selective calling, the radio is alerted by a string of digits. Systems typically use 2- to 7digits. These can be dialed from a traditional telephone dial connected to a radio or may be
generated as a string of DTMF digits by an automatic encoder. In some systems, a dispatching
computer is connected to a DTMF encoder via a serial (RS-232) cable: the computer sends
commands to the encoder that generates a pre-defined digit string that is then sent to the
transmitter.
On FM two-way radios, digits are usually sent at a level that equals two-thirds, (66%,) of system
deviation. For example, in a +/-5 kHz deviation system, the DTMF encoder is set to produce 3.3 kHz
of transmitter deviation (modulation) or less. In systems with solid received signals, tone levels are
sometimes set very low so radio users are not forced to listen to them at a high level. Keeping the
DTMF tone modulation below 2/3 system maximum preserves the clean sine wave produced by the
encoder. Sending digits at higher levels causes the transmitter's circuits that are designed to prevent
over-modulation to distort or clip the waveform of the tones. Distorted wave forms may not decode
properly or may include harmonics that cause falsing. Digits are usually sent at a minimum of 55
milliseconds (ms) in length with at least 55 ms of silence between each digit. Some decoders may
require much longer-duration digits. DTMF digits consist of paired tones: a row tone and a column
tone. The levels of row and column tones must be similar in order for a decoder to interpret them
reliably.
Radios with DTMF decoders may monitor all system traffic or remain muted until called, depending
on the system design. When the radio receives the correct digit string, it may momentarily buzz or
sound a Sonalert. An indicator light may turn on and remain latched on. In most systems, the radio's
receive audio would latch on after receiving a valid digit string if normally muted.
Many companies have trademarked names for their DTMF features. For example, Motorola calls
their DTMF options, Touch Call. Because DTMF is a standardized format, most of the features are
interchangeable. Generally, any radio that is equipped to decode the digit string 0-1-2-3 would be
compatible with any system using DTMF.
DTMF P-T-T ID

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Example of DTMF used

as push-to-talk ID on a
two-way radio system.

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help.

Some systems use DTMF for push-to-talk unit ID. Each time the push-to-talk is pressed, the radio
sends a string of DTMF digits. Each radio has a unique string of digits. This allows the base station
to know who last called or who last pressed the push-to-talk.