pick

Thanks for the info that Bridgecomm is really just two mobiles repackaged. That is not what I am looking for in a rack mount repeater. If I was going to have a pair of mobiles as my repeater I would and can do that myself. Seems it time to start searching / looking for used UHF repeater / pass-notch filters / output amplifiers.

Thanks for the replies so far. I am sure the RT97 would work, but I am looking for a longer term solution. I am not so sure the RT97 would endure non-stop remote day in and out all weather conditions over several years. Also, knowing the family involved as I do there is the very real possible desire to keep this set up and use it beyond just the development and make it permanent. As such I am looking for equipment that enables rack mounting. There is no need to do this on the 'cheap' but also there is no reason to 'throw' money at it either. My thoughts are along the line of repurposed used commercial grade equipment, or if there is are companies doing GMRS purpose built repeater equipment using it. As Radioguy7268 mentions, 50 watts is most likely much more than needed, though I would want to be able to set my output power. I just do not want to be limited in what I choose to set it to. As those who have worked with radio systems know, power is rarely the main issue of a good and reliable communication solution. To the point of getting a commercial license I agree on the cost and options points made. The reason I would like to avoid it is because this will be a family site / farm / retreat and I foresee it being far easier to have a family member have the license and stay on top of keeping it active then using some commercial entity. Agree on using codes on both frequencies not only on the repeater but the HT's and mobiles. Just to be clear, I am planning on using HT's that have a high and low power, 0.5 watts low, and 2 watts high. I have looked at some of the Bridgecomm UHF repeater listed on their web page. Does anyone here have any experience with them and their equipment?

I have the situation where a long time acquaintance has recently bought 400+ acres of land in the eastern mountains near the Blue Ridge. They will be developing and building on the property over the next two years or so and they have come to me due my experience and background in radio communications. I spent a week at the property site last week and came away with the thought that a well placed repeater should be able to provide good radio coverage. There is some valley and then rising hills with a final high ridge line. All the development will be taking place below the ridge line. There are no services or utilities to the site yet. This is a private / family build and not a commercial development. As such the thought of using GMRS as most of the work will be done by family as they are long time in the construction business themselves. As such a single GMRS license should cover the situation. This brings me to the purpose of this post. I am looking at what is possible in setting up a good 50 watt repeater site. At least the first year I see as most likely be a 'trailer' set up with its own generator / solar / battery for power, and if the family likes the repeater and decides to have it full time for the site even after development / construction is completed a permeant tower and radio house with full grid connect. I am not expecting anyone here to 'design' this for me, but rather point me in the right direction for equipment / suppliers / system providers. Also others experience and advice is welcome. Sincerely Robert Pickell WROM651 / AA3RP