Question for pilots

[Acorn]

I have the Flight Radar app on my phone and recently found that there’s an option to be notified if an aircraft squawks 7600 or 7700. One is for radio failure the other is a general emergency(which I am sure you know).
What is a general emergency? I figure the radio failure is self explanatory, but if the radio fails how do you “squawk” it?
Apparently a separate system?
I apologize if it’s a stupid question, but likes Forest’s Mama said, “stupid is as stupid does”.

 

[Johnnu2]

It's been a long time for me, but we would "squawk" using our transponder(s).

No idea what a 'general emergency' is.... I had one or two emergencies but my radio worked so I got down with special clearances from the tower... WAY back in the 60's

J.

 

[wheelgun1958]

https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Emergency_Transponder_Codes

 

[Wyandot Jim]

I have the Flight Radar app on my phone and recently found that there’s an option to be notified if an aircraft squawks 7600 or 7700. One is for radio failure the other is a general emergency(which I am sure you know).
What is a general emergency? I figure the radio failure is self explanatory, but if the radio fails how do you “squawk” it?
Apparently a separate system?
I apologize if it’s a stupid question, but likes Forest’s Mama said, “stupid is as stupid does”.

Most planes have a communication and navigation radio which is independent of the Transponder Transmitter which transmits only and sends out the different codes to Air Traffic Control which appear on their radar among others radar.
So if you are flying IFR (instrument Rules) and your Comm. craps out you would dial in the 7600 code so ATC would know that you can not communicate and you will probably follow your approved flight plan to your destination.
Now if you have an emergency eng quit, or on fire(real Bad) you would declare an Emergency on the Com radio if possible and dial/squawk 7700.