> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.melonly.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Channels & Push-to-talk

> Join and scan CAD radio channels, talk with push-to-talk, and set up your radio volume, devices and shortcuts.

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## What are Radio Channels?

Channels are the talk groups your server sets up, like a Police main or a Fire tactical channel. You can join several at once and talk on all of them with one key.

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## Joining Channels

Click **Radio** in the top bar for quick access to your recent channels. Shift-click it to open the full Radio window.

* Click a channel to join it. This leaves your other channels.
* Shift-click to join without leaving the others.
* Choose **Scan without joining PTT** to listen only.

You only see channels your unit and panel can use. Admins set these up in [Radio](/CAD/Admin/radio#channels).

### On a channel

The Radio window lists each channel's users and who's transmitting. Click a user to set a personal volume for them, and drag the edge of the channel list to resize it. With the right permissions, you can also move users to another channel or kick them.

**Radio clips** plays back recent transmissions on the channel. If your server uses [Dispatch AI](/CAD/Admin/extras/dispatchai), it appears in the user list with a list of commands you can say.

### Channel settings

| Setting | Description |
| - | - |
| Radio Volume | Volume for this channel only |
| Quick Transmit | A key you hold to join and transmit on this channel in one go |
| Push-to-talk | Dispatch only. Turn off to keep your mic open on this channel. |

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## Push-to-talk

Hold Alt + T to transmit on every channel you've joined (not scan-only ones). On touch screens, hold the **PTT** button in the top bar.

| Shortcut | What it does |
| - | - |
| Alt + T | Push-to-talk |
| Alt + C | Cycle your focused channel |
| Alt + + / Alt + - | Radio volume up and down |

Your focused channel is the one you clicked last. Turn on Prioritize focused channel in Preferences to silence other channels while someone talks on it.

### Talkover protection

You can't talk while someone else is transmitting, and you'll hear a blocked tone. Double-tap push-to-talk to override it for 60 seconds. Dispatchers can talk over others by default.

### Microphone problems

If your mic isn't picked up, check that Melonly has microphone permission in your browser or system, and choose the right Input Device in Preferences.

<Expandable title="Radio preferences">
  | Setting | Description |
  | - | - |
  | Radio Volume | Overall radio volume |
  | Prioritize focused channel | Silence standby channels while someone talks on your focused channel |
  | Legacy Radio FX / Radio FX strength | Use the older radio effects, and how strong they are |
  | Input Device / Output Device | Your microphone and speakers |
  | Shortcuts | Push-to-talk, volume up and down, cycle channels, toggle mute |
  | Keybind Volume Change % | How much each volume shortcut changes (default 10%) |
  | Remote PTT sound | Play a sound when someone else starts talking |
  | Radio Tones | Replace or mute each radio sound |
</Expandable>

Radio preferences are saved on this device.

***

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