Need some info on how DCS/CTSS radio channels work

[Nox]

I bought a Wouxun KG699E radio which operates in dual band VHF and there is a set of 'instructions' in the manual on how to program DCS and CTSS channels for the radio, but I'm not up on the workings of these kinds of radios..
Are these similar to how a Motorola sub channel works?

If anyone can point me to an article or webpage that I can read to help out on the understanding of these things, I would greatly appreciate it. My google-fu in this is just fail because I havent found anything that actually addresses it.

I dont have the money for classes and there arent any 'real' radio shops here in GP that I can find that has anyone that can help explain the stuff to me.
Thanks!

[Wombat Six]

DCS and CTCSS are tone squelch systems much like the Motorola Private Line system. Same basic idea as the subchannel system on FRS. Setting the DCS or CTCSS on your radio would require other radios to be similarly programmed in order to break the squelch and hear what they say.

[Nox]

So basically they act as 'hidden' sub channels that other people cant listen in on, unless they had a radio programmed just like ours?

Sorry - I'm just trying to understand what they are and how they are used to better understand the functionality of my radio setup.

[Wombat Six]

So basically they act as 'hidden' sub channels that other people cant listen in on, unless they had a radio programmed just like ours?

Sorry - I'm just trying to understand what they are and how they are used to better understand the functionality of my radio setup.

Sadly, no. The only thing that DCS/CTCSS/PL do for you is that folks who don't have the appropriate tone programmed on their radio won't be able to "break squelch" on your radio, so you won't know they're talking. That being said, their transmission will still tie up the frequency, you just won't hear it.

It's useful in certain applications, but not for the purpose of "hiding" your communications. For that, you'd want to look at encryption systems or frequency hopping.

It's primarily intended for "selective calling" and reduction of interference.

Of course, the beauty of using something besides FRS for airsoft is that your average airsoft kiddie doesn't have the same radio system.