What does it mean to "break squelch"?

To "break squelch" refers to the action of activating a radio receiver to listen to incoming signals. When this term is used, it typically indicates that the squelch control, which is designed to suppress background noise when no transmissions are present, is being overridden. By breaking squelch, the user is allowing the receiver to pick up weaker signals that may have previously been muted by the squelch setting. This is essential for maintaining communication in situations where signals are faint or intermittent, making it important for effective radio operation, especially in environments with a lot of potential noise or interference. The ability to adjust squelch levels ensures that operators can hear relevant communications without being distracted by static or noise when no one is speaking.