What information do I actually ''program'' into my radio, and why?

So, you have your first radio. Congratulations! But now, how to get on the air?

Most likely you'll be starting with repeaters. Here are the basic things you need to program into your radio in order to get on a repeater:

A repeater needs you to program 4 things into your radio's memory in order to repeat your signal:

• The frequency the repeater actually transmits on (Example: 146.96 MHz). This is also called the repeater's output frequency.
• The offset from that frequency, that your radio adds or subtracts to the repeater's output frequency, that your radio will transmit on, so that the repeater will "hear" it (Ex: -0.600 MHz)
• The sub-audible tone that the repeater needs to accept on your signal (Ex: 103.5 Hz). This is often referred to as a PL tone (technically a Motorola trademark), though your radio's manual probably calls it "CTCSS" (the generic name).
• The output power setting you want your radio to use (usually Low Power is best).