Rockie Talkie

Solution to Communicating Between Radios

The most common problem with communicating between radios is that they are set to different channels or have a special "Privacy Code" (aka "Chirp" or "Tone") associated with the channel you are using.  Any Rocky Talkie channel greater than 22 has a "Privacy Code" associated with it.

Easy Solution

The simplest solution is to set all radios to the same channel and to NOT use a "Privacy Code".  

Set Radios to Channel 1-7 or 15-22 (Channel 8-14 will work but transmit at a lower wattage).  If your radio has a "Privacy Code associated with that channel, turn the code off or just choose a different channel. 

Harder Solution

There are harder solutions - such as reprogramming all other radios with the same "Privacy Codes".  If you like doing things the hard way, most of the the information you need is listed below.

Why set a Privacy Code?  So you don't have to listen to transmissions from others on a busy Channel.  Sure, they will hear everything you transmit but you can continue talking to others with your privacy setting and won't be bothered by conversations from everyone else on the same channel. 

"Privacy Codes"

Mountain Rocky Talkies use channels 1-128.  There are still only 22 channels available and channels above 22 simply cycle back through 1-22 but use a tone code (aka "Privacy Code") to block out other radio traffic.  Most users feel that they are on a private line, but everyone on that channel can hear them.  It's just that others on that channel can't be heard unless they are using the same tone code.

If you have a Rocky Talkie Expedition (GMRS), BCA, Baofeng, or pretty much any other radio, you'll need to set your tone code if you want to communicate with Mountain Rocky Talkies on channels greater than 22.  Note that channels 89-110 are problematic and a handful of other radios will be able to set their tone code (199.5) to communicate on those channels. 

Note that the following radios use the same Tone Freq/Privacy Codes:

• Motorola TalkAbout

• Cobra

• Midland

• Uniden

• Backcountry Access

• Rockie Talkie

• Rugged Radios

  • Note: Rugged Radios also has 13 additional Tone Codes

The following radios share the same Tone Freq/Privacy Codes with each other, but differ from those above:

• Baofeng

• Tetevis

• Radioddity

• Radio Shack

  • But only goes up to 38 

These radios use their own code schemes that don't match up with each other or other radios:

• Cherokee 465

• Motorola PL

• Motorola Sport

Resetting  Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio

Note that some Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios came from the factory with a programming error and some of the channels/tones weren't set correctly. Channels between 89 and 110 may need to be reset to "32".  Channel 128 may need to be reset to "38".

Also - Preset privacy codes can be changed on any channel.  This is good and bad...mostly bad if you are using radios with a group.

We Recommend that you NOT set up radios with unique "Privacy Codes".  This may seem like a good idea, but it doesn't make your transmissions private since anyone NOT using a privacy code can hear everything you are transmitting.  It just makes it difficult for anyone who doesn't know your code, or doesn't know how to set their code to talk to you since you won't be able to hear their transmissions.  

If you need to change a privacy code on a Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio

• Make sure your radio is unlocked

• Press the Volume Minus (-) button until CT or DCS flashes on the screen (about 2 seconds). 

• Use the channel flipper to scroll down until you see OF (or "turn off" the privacy code).

• Press any button to save. 

• Press the Volume Minus (-) button until CT or DCS flashes on the screen (about 2 seconds). 

• Use the channel flipper to select a code. 

• There are 121 different privacy codes to chose from.  [Use "32" if resetting channels between 89 and 110]

• Press any button to save your selection. Remember to lock your radio to prevent any accidental changes. 

Simplified Chart for Printing

RT is the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio Channel
BCA is the BCA and Rocky Talkie Expedition corresponding "Privacy Code"
Boa is the Baofeng "Privacy Code"

Baofeng

These are commonly used by many because they are affordable and do a bunch of cool things.  There are more Baofeng radios in use than any other brand of radio in the world.  They also don't have an FCC Part 95 certification in the United States for GMRS or FRS use and are therefore not legal to use in the US. 

One of the many advantages of using a Baofeng is that they they have MANY programable features.  This is also the main disadvantage of using a Baofeng as they can be difficult to set up for basic communication between other Baofeng or other radios.

If you end up with Baofeng and don't have an expert that knows how to set these up, you may need these resources:

• YouTube PGpAV0zzpDA 

  • Shows you how to set up a repeater.  

  • You shouldn't need to set up a repeater, but the video also shows you how to program "Privacy Codes"

• YouTube 4xbwyKB6Srw  

  • Shows you how to Reset your radio to factory settings

  • Want to save a lot of headache but are stuck with a bunch of Baofeng radios that aren't communicating with each other?  Simply reset them to the factory settings.

  • Resetting radios may upset the owner of the radios, but at least you will have radios that can communicat with each other

• YouTube 0wCLbiHvsMg

  • "Quick" Start Guide

  • Shows you what all the buttons do

• YouTube 7jFn7ZGVldg

  • All Menu Settings Explained

  • 30 minute video that shows you what all 40 menu options do

  • Why would you need this?  Maybe you just want to fix one radio.