Power the radio on and press P0. A number will show on the screen showing the Squelch adjustment 0 to 9. At 0, your squelch is wide open and you will hear static. This is also when your radio is most sensitive and you may be able to hear farther transmissions if someone is just out of reach.Setting 1-3 are very sensitive and you will hear static constantly.4-6 is the recommended area we suggest for recreation and will allow for good range with less static.7-9 will drastically cut your range. If there is another group 5-10 miles away that you don't want to hear and your group is less than 5 miles, you could adjust your squelch to this range to remove that interference.