quarterwave

GMRS repeaters do not have to ID. The users of the repeater must ID when they use it. 
 
When I first became licensed, about 25 years ago, you had to designate on the application IF you were going to have a repeater, how many mobiles, how many portables.... also you had to designate which pair you were using for the repeater, your LAT/LON and calculate your ERP. You don't have to do any of that now. If the FCC needed repeaters to be "registered" they would still require that. 
 
Tower wise, mine is beside a barn on a hill, it's about 35 feet with a 18 foot ASP fiberglass stick on top. There was never a requirement for a site registration because we are under 200' tower height, and not in a flight path. There are TV antenna towers at 60 feet around here...so no issue there. 

It happens in a lot of places.  Recently, on another site, I was reading about a guy in Georgia who was paying $150/month for a primo GMRS repeater site so he could communicate with his family.  He had the misfortune to be located where all eight pairs were clogged with repeaters that were part of a linked, mega wompus, system.  He noted that for large chunks of the day, all eight pairs carried the same people, having the same conversations, about the same thing.  IMHO, this goes against the original intent of Class A/GMRS and is just wrong.  In my area, two repeaters are linked to a four repeater system.  For the most part, it isn't too bad except for Sunday evenings when they are tied up with an inane regional or national net, or the occasional needy sounding guy mumbling on and on in broken English in the next state.  Then you add another guy piping in drivel from all over the country with the possibility of adding "nodes" to clog up other 50W simplex/repeater channels and soon you have a big, unnecessary, cacaphony, tying up those few pairs for people wanting to utilize them for local comms.  It just isn't necessary.
If you are the only networked repeater in your area then Kudos for putting up a stand-alone for local comms.  
 
I don't believe I mentioned simulcasted repeaters but it did cross my mind.  I am fully aware of how expensive they are and how tight tolerances have to be, therefore I did not mention it.  It just gets aggravating that most people I hear talking about putting up a repeater seem heck bent on either linking to other repeaters in their area or linking to a network, apparently just to keep noise going across the frequency, and not caring that they hinder people trying to use GMRS for its original intended use of local area communication.

"Public Service announcement: your "50 watts" won't perform any better than a properly configured 10 watt repeater when you are talking back in with 5 watt portables. Especially if you're talking through a cheap compact duplexer that's probably rated at 65 or 70 dB isolation (and that's when it's properly tuned)."
 
That's like the number 1 thing I try to get people to understand when they get into radio. Power out of the repeater has nothing to do with talk in range (if desense is out of the picture). 

Or, spend $800 to $1000 and get a purpose built repeater with a decent receiver front end that won't desense, and cooling fans to boot.
Public Service announcement: your "50 watts" won't perform any better than a properly configured 10 watt repeater when you are talking back in with 5 watt portables. Especially if you're talking through a cheap compact duplexer that's probably rated at 65 or 70 dB isolation (and that's when it's properly tuned).

Well, it took a bit of work to finish installing my two XTL-5000 radios. A total of about 14 hours spread over a month. A big part of it was making it look as clean as I could. The transceivers are pretty well hidden under the front seats. I had to move them from under the rear seats because they took up too much space. I am much happier with this setup.
 
From left to right: UHF XLT-5000, VHF XLT-5000, Yaesu FTM-300DR VHF/UHF w/Crossband Repeater & APRS, Yaesu FT-891 HF. It may seem odd to have 4 transceivers in 1 vehicle, but they all serve a specific purpose; each a role that none of the others can fill.
 
 

Well, while you seem to have some understanding of this from a high level, the repeaters have little to do with it.  The linking happens at an IP level across the Internet, not RF site to RF site. 
Tenn, does actually have some linked GMRS repeaters but not on the MyGMRS system.  They run a private system that I know for sure exists in the Gatlinburg /Pigeon Forge area at least and extends into two neighboring states.  
That being said, there is nothing restricting you from putting up your own repeater and linking it to the My GMRS system from where ever you land in Tenn.  But, Tenn may NOT be considered a "MidWest" state and you may find out that the system fathers prefer you link to one of the eastern hubs and not 169.  But that is not my call.  Just a reminder before you go put a bunch of money down on a repeater system to find out you can't put it on MidWest.  reason I bring that up is you specifically posted the linked "MidWest" repeaters on your attached photo. 
I would discuss with the major players of the MidWest system Your intentions prior to committing to purchase of equipment. 
I am trying to grow Ohio currently.  I am actively hunting sites to install equipment on and look to put up at least two more repeaters in the central Ohio area myself this year.  That being said, this is not an activity for those that are not well versed in radio communications equipment and the support of it. 
I work as a commercial radio tech.  GMRS and Ham radio are my hobbies.  But I can speak from first hand experience that finding assistance for repeater site support and equipment repair and maintenance if you can't do it your self to run right around 100 to 150 dollars an hour for that service.   That is going to be a pretty consistent number.  If you find a tower site and are required to have professionals (most always the case) do the climbing and installation of an antenna system.  That cost can easily run 4 to 6 thousand dollars for a single days work.  And we haven't talked about the cost of antenna's, feed line, duplexers, a repeater or any of the other costs involved including a mandatory requirement for an Internet connection at the site for the actual link. 
And the state to state, town to town communications that you see as being such a wonderful thing is only as good as the ISP level of service at your site and the site you are linked to.  If either are down fro any reason, you will be down until the Internet service is restored.
 

SWORGMRS announced yesterday that it would have an onsite repeater. 
462.650
146.2
 

Actually WRTZ750, I was referring to where I had it for sale online elsewhere last year and the "I want a real repeater" buyers all thought that a repeater was a couple of cheap mobiles tied together. That works when you need it, but you can't get 100% commercial duty cycle out of a mobile. 
The one I have for sale originally sold for $10k without a duplexer. 
 
 

And my next thought, ha ha ha.... is...
Everyone wants a repeater until you have a REAL one for sale, and then no one wants to pay what it's worth! 

And my next thought, ha ha ha.... is...
Everyone wants a repeater until you have a REAL one for sale, and then no one wants to pay what it's worth! 

And my next thought, ha ha ha.... is...
Everyone wants a repeater until you have a REAL one for sale, and then no one wants to pay what it's worth! 

And my next thought, ha ha ha.... is...
Everyone wants a repeater until you have a REAL one for sale, and then no one wants to pay what it's worth! 

Good point. I put my first one on air in 1994, about a year after I got my license (if my brain serves me correct). That was before mygmrs.com, then your only resource was PRSG which was a dial up BBS. Heck, even most "Radio" people then weren't very aware of what GMRS was. 
From then until last Spring, my repeater (in it's 3rd iteration) was private. Used it on the farm a little, casually some, but it was private. In the beginning there weren't GMRS radios, if someone could figure out how to crystal, or program an early one for it, that was the only way to use it. I used DPL on mine, that in itself was a brick wall to most unless you had REAL, GOOD radios. I did. 
I opened my repeater to the public last Spring, 141.3Hz in and out, and since then, don't get much if any traffic. I don't personally use it with family or friends anymore, but I will mark on air sometimes while out and about in case anyone is out there. A couple of locals are using it a little, but that's about it. I'm to the point that I'd rather just sell it and let someone have their turn. I have worked in Telecom and Radio for over 30 years, I'm happy to help others, but I guess I don't feel it's of importance for ME to have my own repeater any more. There was a time when I was probably 1 of maybe 3 guys in my STATE to have one. None very close to me now, but lots more all over the State. Nice to see it grow. 
I'm a HAM, so I can talk to others in the hobby anytime I want.  

Good point. I put my first one on air in 1994, about a year after I got my license (if my brain serves me correct). That was before mygmrs.com, then your only resource was PRSG which was a dial up BBS. Heck, even most "Radio" people then weren't very aware of what GMRS was. 
From then until last Spring, my repeater (in it's 3rd iteration) was private. Used it on the farm a little, casually some, but it was private. In the beginning there weren't GMRS radios, if someone could figure out how to crystal, or program an early one for it, that was the only way to use it. I used DPL on mine, that in itself was a brick wall to most unless you had REAL, GOOD radios. I did. 
I opened my repeater to the public last Spring, 141.3Hz in and out, and since then, don't get much if any traffic. I don't personally use it with family or friends anymore, but I will mark on air sometimes while out and about in case anyone is out there. A couple of locals are using it a little, but that's about it. I'm to the point that I'd rather just sell it and let someone have their turn. I have worked in Telecom and Radio for over 30 years, I'm happy to help others, but I guess I don't feel it's of importance for ME to have my own repeater any more. There was a time when I was probably 1 of maybe 3 guys in my STATE to have one. None very close to me now, but lots more all over the State. Nice to see it grow. 
I'm a HAM, so I can talk to others in the hobby anytime I want.  

And while we are on the subject of Repeaters.... Why do people keep listing repeaters that do not exist? Is there some thrill? Aren't they sad or embarrassed when they have to explain it never existed? I don't get it. 
I've had a private repeater for years, people asked to use it right up until this Spring, when I made it public with new PL's and a refreshed listing. Now...summer activity time...not a peep. People still ask, even request permission even though they don't need it per the listing. Not a peep. 
If anyone is interested in a mint MTR2000, cabinet and Zetron panel.... she's probably going to be for sale soon. I'll throw in a supposedly good ASP805 & Clamps too (not mounted, currently stored in barn).

And while we are on the subject of Repeaters.... Why do people keep listing repeaters that do not exist? Is there some thrill? Aren't they sad or embarrassed when they have to explain it never existed? I don't get it. 
I've had a private repeater for years, people asked to use it right up until this Spring, when I made it public with new PL's and a refreshed listing. Now...summer activity time...not a peep. People still ask, even request permission even though they don't need it per the listing. Not a peep. 
If anyone is interested in a mint MTR2000, cabinet and Zetron panel.... she's probably going to be for sale soon. I'll throw in a supposedly good ASP805 & Clamps too (not mounted, currently stored in barn).

Just a note I thought of as I a looked at repeater updates this week... 
Whether you are an experienced radio guru, know enough to be dangerous. or a beginner, keep this in mind about repeaters: 
If you put up the highest gain antenna you can find, the biggest low loss transmission line and set your power out to get right on 50 out of the tx cans of the duplexer, and score a site 1500 feet AAT....the question is, how much do I need? 
If your best radio, or a user on your repeater, his best radio can get in from a maximum of, say 10 miles out, but your repeater can be heard for 50 miles...you might be overdoing it. Not only that, you might be keeping another GMRS-er from being able to use the frequency elsewhere if there is crowding, even if your tone is different. Remember, it's a user coordinated service, it's up to us to share. 
I once had a customer who had a 125 Watt VHF repeater, and on a good day his reliable coverage was 30 miles with mobiles, 40 miles if you were knowledgeable. You could hear it for 150 miles depending on where you were that far out. We turned it down to 75 watts and they never knew a difference. 
So, just my opinion, but I do believe in the ham theory that you only need as much power as it takes, no more. 
-
 

I always like the one where the guy is being an internet professor, and you later find out he's been licensed for 6 months and knew about radio for 7. 
I don't try to be a know it all, I rarely even give advice, but I will if I see some moron giving bad advice and misleading someone. I've been licensed since you had to give a lat/long and pick a frequency to have a repeater. 

What exactly is a "BIG" repeater? I am curious. 
Why would Oil and Gas be using GMRS when they are obviously a business, and would benefit from more exclusive system/frequency assignments and technology modes?
You can use that CB whip... have fun. If you have never used a "wimpy" 6 inch whip (1/4 wave) UHF antenna and seen that the results are very good, not to mention they solve alot of installation problems I suggest a try. Everyone wants to run to bigger-better theory which is a bit off for radio. Gain antennae are a crutch. The standard 1/4 wave is a good antenna. That 102 is a 1/4 for CB....that's why it worked so well for it. 

What exactly is a "BIG" repeater? I am curious. 
Why would Oil and Gas be using GMRS when they are obviously a business, and would benefit from more exclusive system/frequency assignments and technology modes?
You can use that CB whip... have fun. If you have never used a "wimpy" 6 inch whip (1/4 wave) UHF antenna and seen that the results are very good, not to mention they solve alot of installation problems I suggest a try. Everyone wants to run to bigger-better theory which is a bit off for radio. Gain antennae are a crutch. The standard 1/4 wave is a good antenna. That 102 is a 1/4 for CB....that's why it worked so well for it. 

Yep...point being just because it says 50 on the license doesn't mean you need it. You know. 

Just a note I thought of as I a looked at repeater updates this week... 
Whether you are an experienced radio guru, know enough to be dangerous. or a beginner, keep this in mind about repeaters: 
If you put up the highest gain antenna you can find, the biggest low loss transmission line and set your power out to get right on 50 out of the tx cans of the duplexer, and score a site 1500 feet AAT....the question is, how much do I need? 
If your best radio, or a user on your repeater, his best radio can get in from a maximum of, say 10 miles out, but your repeater can be heard for 50 miles...you might be overdoing it. Not only that, you might be keeping another GMRS-er from being able to use the frequency elsewhere if there is crowding, even if your tone is different. Remember, it's a user coordinated service, it's up to us to share. 
I once had a customer who had a 125 Watt VHF repeater, and on a good day his reliable coverage was 30 miles with mobiles, 40 miles if you were knowledgeable. You could hear it for 150 miles depending on where you were that far out. We turned it down to 75 watts and they never knew a difference. 
So, just my opinion, but I do believe in the ham theory that you only need as much power as it takes, no more. 
-
 

Just a note I thought of as I a looked at repeater updates this week... 
Whether you are an experienced radio guru, know enough to be dangerous. or a beginner, keep this in mind about repeaters: 
If you put up the highest gain antenna you can find, the biggest low loss transmission line and set your power out to get right on 50 out of the tx cans of the duplexer, and score a site 1500 feet AAT....the question is, how much do I need? 
If your best radio, or a user on your repeater, his best radio can get in from a maximum of, say 10 miles out, but your repeater can be heard for 50 miles...you might be overdoing it. Not only that, you might be keeping another GMRS-er from being able to use the frequency elsewhere if there is crowding, even if your tone is different. Remember, it's a user coordinated service, it's up to us to share. 
I once had a customer who had a 125 Watt VHF repeater, and on a good day his reliable coverage was 30 miles with mobiles, 40 miles if you were knowledgeable. You could hear it for 150 miles depending on where you were that far out. We turned it down to 75 watts and they never knew a difference. 
So, just my opinion, but I do believe in the ham theory that you only need as much power as it takes, no more. 
-
 

This is probably covered here somewhere as advice for new people coming on the scene, and hey, I probably covered it myself in years past here. 
If you are new to GMRS and buying a couple or more radios to put a group on the air simplex for activities, please consider a good read of the manual and programming, then do a little homework locally, or where you intend to use them, before settling on your "home channel". 
I suggest scanning, with no tone set (CSQ) on all channels to see who's using what channel and how strong the signal is, before picking one. It's not a matter of " not getting on someone else's channel", no, you got your license so you are entitled to use all of them too. They are shared channels. What it does for you is allow you to pick the best one for your area so you don't run into same-channel usage, or as much (remember, someone else using a channel is NOT "interference").
Once you find a fairly quiet one, or maybe even an all-quiet one, then you can make it your home channel, and pick a tone/code for squelch if you like. I have, in the past, even setup a receiver at a good site, and used a vox recorder or a program called scan-rec which is the same, just in software so you can use a PC, and let it run for weeks to see what's going on. 
By monitoring in open squelch, you can hear it all. If you program a tone too soon, you will only, possibly see a busy light, if you are looking, and not know why, at the same time you may have trouble communicating because it's a busy channel and you didn't know it. Searching the database here, and avoiding the existing repeater channels is a good idea too, that way you can steer your activity to a lesser used channel. Of course if you will be using a repeater, this really only applies if you want a secondary go to channel everyone knows to use, a designated backup, so to speak. 
All of this is known as self coordination. 
I bring it up, mostly because you can sure save yourself a lot of headache and be much happier with the performance of the radios when you are not a victim of so much co-channel activity. 
I also mention all of this because for years, I have heard people get new equipment and start using it...on channel 1, and sometimes code/tone 1. This does no one any good unless you are the only guy with that idea. Ever. 
Happy communicating!  
 

This is probably covered here somewhere as advice for new people coming on the scene, and hey, I probably covered it myself in years past here. 
If you are new to GMRS and buying a couple or more radios to put a group on the air simplex for activities, please consider a good read of the manual and programming, then do a little homework locally, or where you intend to use them, before settling on your "home channel". 
I suggest scanning, with no tone set (CSQ) on all channels to see who's using what channel and how strong the signal is, before picking one. It's not a matter of " not getting on someone else's channel", no, you got your license so you are entitled to use all of them too. They are shared channels. What it does for you is allow you to pick the best one for your area so you don't run into same-channel usage, or as much (remember, someone else using a channel is NOT "interference").
Once you find a fairly quiet one, or maybe even an all-quiet one, then you can make it your home channel, and pick a tone/code for squelch if you like. I have, in the past, even setup a receiver at a good site, and used a vox recorder or a program called scan-rec which is the same, just in software so you can use a PC, and let it run for weeks to see what's going on. 
By monitoring in open squelch, you can hear it all. If you program a tone too soon, you will only, possibly see a busy light, if you are looking, and not know why, at the same time you may have trouble communicating because it's a busy channel and you didn't know it. Searching the database here, and avoiding the existing repeater channels is a good idea too, that way you can steer your activity to a lesser used channel. Of course if you will be using a repeater, this really only applies if you want a secondary go to channel everyone knows to use, a designated backup, so to speak. 
All of this is known as self coordination. 
I bring it up, mostly because you can sure save yourself a lot of headache and be much happier with the performance of the radios when you are not a victim of so much co-channel activity. 
I also mention all of this because for years, I have heard people get new equipment and start using it...on channel 1, and sometimes code/tone 1. This does no one any good unless you are the only guy with that idea. Ever. 
Happy communicating!