Tone Signaling

Tone signaling is a method of sending in band (audible) audio wave forms that are decoded by a receiver. If the tone or tones meet the format programmed into it, then an action happens. For volunteer members of the fire service, it will typically activate a belt worn pager with a beeping and/or vibration, and open the squelch so the call can be heard. In a firehouse, the tones can activate the receiver so the call can be heard. Also, turning on lights in a bay, sleeping quarters, or even a dark apron or parking lot for responders. Creativity is the only limitation.

• A set of original tone signaling charts from Midian Electronics is available on the Wayback Machine.

• The charts contain cap codes, tone frequencies, timing and spacing for various paging and selective calling formats such as Motorola Quick Call 1, Quick Call 2, Plectron, Reach, five-tone, six-tone, seven-tone, burst tone, CTCSS and CDCSS.

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