Yes, CTCSS/DCS is a control tone. Definitely. The first HT I had had a CTCSS board added to it, and could only be set for a single tone! Things have changed since then.
I've always thought that the beeps at the end of a user-initiated (not repeater) transmission would be cool, but they are indeed frowned upon. They aren't necessary, anyway. I'm sure if they became necessary for any reason, hams would be on the cutting edge.
Interestingly a digital mode called JS8Call uses framed transmissions, linked together, to send text over HF. At the end of a frame set, an ascii diamond is transmitted to signify EOL. Otherwise the receiving station doesn't know if they are done, or if they dropped a frame, or what. Not audible of course.
I've always thought that the beeps at the end of a user-initiated (not repeater) transmission would be cool, but they are indeed frowned upon. They aren't necessary, anyway. I'm sure if they became necessary for any reason, hams would be on the cutting edge.
Interestingly a digital mode called JS8Call uses framed transmissions, linked together, to send text over HF. At the end of a frame set, an ascii diamond is transmitted to signify EOL. Otherwise the receiving station doesn't know if they are done, or if they dropped a frame, or what. Not audible of course.