What does the squelch control help to eliminate?

The squelch control is a feature found on many two-way radios and receivers, and its primary function is to eliminate unwanted noise when there is no incoming signal. When the squelch is adjusted correctly, it will mute the audio output until a sufficiently strong signal is received. This helps to prevent the listener from hearing static or background noise that can occur in the absence of a clear transmission, making communications more effective and pleasant.

Using the squelch control effectively allows users to focus on actual communications rather than being distracted by noise, ensuring that only relevant audio is heard. This capability is particularly useful in environments with a lot of electrical interference, where static can be prevalent.

While other options mention issues related to signal quality, interference, and message clarity, they do not directly relate to the specific functionality of the squelch control, which is centered on managing background noise when no signal is present.