Icom F121 2meter Radio / Repeater Use?

I just purchased an Icom f-121 race radio along with the software and cable to program it. I am trying to get on a couple local repeaters and haven't been having any luck. The software allows you to do tone control and I entered in the tones that were listed on the Socal Repeater List. Still can't get a response from the repeater. Any ideas? This radio is suppose to have tone control so it should be able to get on a repeater right? I entered in the rx #, the tx # (offset -0.600), and the tone. Help

 

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what is the call sign ?

 

145.220 pl 103.5

I finally managed to get on the repeater. Possibly a low battery or high swr was contributing to my difficulties. Now the radio works flawlessly and I'm very happy with the addition.

 

I'm about to install my Yaesu 2 meter radio, hopefully below the new Pioneer single deck stereo I just got. How did you get faceplate with the two separate boxes to make that installation? Did you have to cut it yourself?

 

That's a single DIN adapter and it comes with the two compartments. I have my yaesu installed exactly the same way. There was no cutting necessary for my install..

 

i use this place to look up repeater info http://www.artscipub.com/repeaters/

 

$25 Scosche TA2052B Compatible with 2005-11 Toyota Tacoma DIN w/Molded Pocket Dash Kit Black, Silver

http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-TA2052B-Single-Pocket-2005-Up/dp/B000EOOTZY

 

Thanks, I just looked up the single DIN adapter. I'll order it once I shop it a bit, and get the install going. I'm excited about this, thanks again.

 

You'll love it. Best mod I've done to my truck yet. Post some pics when you finish.

 

I would like to learn how to use repeaters. Haven't put any effort into learning it. How hard is it?

 

Most repeaters have what's called a tone. More or less it's like a password that you transmit when your on the frequency used by a repeater. Without the tone, the repeater will not re-transmit your signal. With the tone, your effective range is nearly quadrupled by the repeater. Pretty awesome. I have Santiago peak, palomar, wildomar and the ridgeline repeater programmed into my radio. It's not something you can just use at your leisure though. Some repeaters are private. Others are open but you don't want to hog the frequency because other people may want to use it.

 

My owners manual should explain it right?

 

Yes. The manual should lay it all out for you. My radio was not really intended to be adjusted without the aid of a computer program so my directions didn't discuss repeaters or tones. Fortunately the computer software I bought later did.

 

I will look into it. Thanks man. And that's a clean install. I like the look.

 

Thanks

I had to make a few behind the scenes modifications though. I had to cut out out a portion of the din (back side) to allow room for the heat sink. Second mod is a 12v cooling fan (from radioshack) that kicks on when the radio is turned on. I had some problems with the radio getting super hot due to poor ventilation in the dash. Now with the fan it never overheats.

 

Nice. I put mine in that change tray behind the two main cup holders. I have a double din radio so no room there.

 

programming a repeater pair by hand is a pain..doesnt matter what radio you have. but programming a radio with good software can be done in minutes with no effort!!!

repeaters expand coverage immensely..we all grasp that concept. but heres a good example. with just my 5watt handheld with the stock antenna im able to talk to peeps in big bear on the big bear lake repeater..and that's hitting it from Monrovia. i can also hit the Catalina Island repeater from my house with my handhelds. gets better then that, get on the right linked repeater system and you can talk to any where in the US