How does my radio determine when I am allowed to transmit?
When configuring a channel on a DMR unit, you will need to choose the “Admit Criteria” (the name can vary slightly with different radios). Here is how they work.
Always
This is the “impolite” option, and is usually the default. When this is selected, pressing the PTT button will always cause the radio to transmit, which means you could interrupt a QSO in progress. It is generally recommended to not use this option.
Channel Free
This is the most “polite” option – your radio will only allow you to transmit when there is no traffic on the channel, whether the traffic is from the repeater you are trying to access or another source.
Color Code Free
Color Code Free is the preferred admit criteria. This ensures your radio will only allow you to key up when the selected time slot is available. This option also ensures you will not key up while someone else is using the system and interrupt an in-progress QSO.
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