ARTS

ARTS e. Auto Range Transponder System

The ARTS (Auto Range Transponder System) feature uses DCS signaling to inform both parties when you and another ARTS equipped station are within communications range. This may be particularly useful during Search-and-Rescue situations, where it is important to stay in contact with other members of your group.

Both stations must set up their DCS codes to the same code number, then activate their ARTS feature using the command appropriate for their radio. Alert ringers may be activated, if desired.

Whenever you push the PTT switch, or every 25 seconds after ARTS is activated, your radio will transmit a signal which includes a (subaudible) DCS signal for about one second. If the other radio is in range, the beeper will sound (if enabled) and the display will show IN.RNG as opposed to the out of range display OUT.RNG in which ARTS operation begins.

Whether you talk or not, the polling every 25 seconds will continue until you de-activate ARTS. Every 10 minutes, moreover, you can have your radio transmit your callsign via CW, so as to comply with identification requirements. When ARTS is de-activated, DCS will also be deactivated (if you were not using it previously in non-ARTS operation).

If you move out of range for more than one minute (four pollings), your radio will sense that no signal has been received, three beeps will sound, and the display will revert to OUT.RNG. If you move back into range, your radio will again beep, and the display will change back to the IN.RNG indication.

During ARTS operation, it is not possible to change the operating frequency or other settings on the Main band; you must terminate ARTS in order to resume normal operation. This is a safety feature designed to prevent accidental loss of contact due to channel change.