[RANT]
For the record, there is no such thing as a "sub-channel". This is
ridiculously incorrect and utterly meaningless jargon. DCS and CTCSS are simply a method of conditional access / coded squelch which enables the following:
- When operating duplex via a repeater system, seperate frequencies are used for receive and transmit. The repeater's receiver may employ either DCS (digital coded squelch) or CTCSS (continuous tone coded squelch) as a means of controlling who can actually access the repeater - not the correct tone or access code being transmitted from the portable means the repeater will ignore the transmission entirely. Additionally, the repeater may also employ DCS/CTCSS on the transmit side so your portable radio must also not only transmit the proper squelch code or tone, but it also must be set to receive the correct one as well or your speaker will remain muted.
- When operating simplex, the receive and transmit frequencies are identical. This mode, as opposed to duplex, is what we all do when we're talking portable to portable at an airsoft field. Now in order to be able to share the same frequency or channel number if using a "blister-pack" FRS/GMRS radio, and not be subjected to hearing everyone else's transmissions, you can set a unique (for your team) DCS code or CTCSS tone squelch such that only transmissions having that code/tone will un-mute the speaker on your radio.
THIS is the purpose of the DCS/CTCSS squelch feature of your radio!! There isn't any "extra" radio spectrum being used. You are not magically operating "between channels". ALL of you are sharing the same damn radio frequency...period...full stop!!
[/RANT]
What Cobra said earlier is correct. CTCSS will not prevent you from transmitting but if the receiver CTCSS is enabled and set to a different tone than the one you are transmitting, then the other person will not hear you. A simple way to test this is have the other person press the "MON" button, usually located right above or below their PTT button and that will temporarily defeat the tone squelch on their receiver. If they do that and you transmit a test and they still cannot hear your voice but their radio has gone quiet instead of hearing loud static; your radio is sending carrier-only without modulation, then it's likely your radio's microphone circuit is broken. If on the other hand all they hear is loud static (no receiver quieting) even though you are pressing the PTT, then your radio isn't transmitting at all. It's either
really broke or you've possibly and accidentally enabled a transmit-inhibit function if the radio is so-equipped. RTFM to determine if tx-inhibit is possible. If not then your radio is definitely nfg...
Good luck,
'Fly