Dejavu

Got it, thanks

Hi - Debating whether or not to purchase a repeater ( Retevis RT97 ) taking in consideration my location. I live in the suburbs where the highest sea elevation is maybe 25' and its down to 8' or so. No mountains or valleys, just level. Live by the ocean on the east coast. I'm using 2 Baoefeng GMRS -9R 5W radios. The distance between the 2 radios is about 1.5 miles. I can transmit, have to move around bit to find a good signal but other than that, it works good. Can carry a conversation, etc. After 2 miles its over, no reception. I know if I'm up higher there would be no problem. Here is my question.... Would using the Retevis RT97 actually improve the signal? The repeater would be set up at either location A or B thats about 1.5 miles apart. Nothing in between..... Live in a condo so can't install an exterior antenna. I'm looking at the 5 watts from the radios vs a repeater pushing 5 watts. Last, here is another question... Say cell phones go down, I'm assuming alot of people would jump with walkie talkies ( frs ) which means channel 1-22 would more than likely be a mess. I'm assuming using a repeater in that instance would allow me to operate on the 1-8 repeater channels without interference. With that being said, is it possible to keep a repeater channel private using tones? In the sense no one can listen with a GMRS radio as well as talk? I'm just throwing around some scenarios and curious some of your thoughts. Thanks Marinko