2 GRMS Repeaters on the Same Frequency.

[Mrsig]

I don't need to be told about the law with the FCC please.

Would 2 GRMS (RT97L)repeaters work if they where about 4 miles apart and both set on the same frequency like 462.6000 tone 100.0.

We are looking to extend our coverage in the dense woods and maybe our range.

Thanks for your help.    

[OffRoaderX]

42 minutes ago, Mrsig said:

Would 2 GRMS (RT97L)repeaters work if they where about 4 miles apart and both set on the same frequency like 462.6000 tone 100.0.

We are looking to extend our coverage in the dense woods and maybe our range.

Would they "work"?: YES

Would they "work" the way you want/the way you are wishing they would to extend each other's coverage?: NO

[GreggInFL]

A repeater can't "repeat" to another repeater, because the output frequency from one repeater (462) won't match the input frequency (467) of the other repeater.

Obviously, they need to be linked.

[Mrsig]

How would I link them?

[GreggInFL]

Just now, Mrsig said:

How would I link them?

Sorry, I was just joking around. The FCC recently made clear that linking GMRS stations over the Internet was against the regs.

[WSJI648]

39 minutes ago, GreggInFL said:

Sorry, I was just joking around. The FCC recently made clear that linking GMRS stations over the Internet was against the regs.

And yet, there is a group near me that has almost 20 repeaters linked to the 'net...and even have a zello channel. I'm beginning to think that the FCC's doesn't really enforce anything.

 

[OffRoaderX]

23 minutes ago, WSJI648 said:

I'm beginning to think that the FCC's doesn't really enforce anything.

Its cute that it's taken you this long to realize this fact.

[GreggInFL]

24 minutes ago, WSJI648 said:

And yet, there is a group near me that has almost 20 repeaters linked to the 'net...and even have a zello channel. I'm beginning to think that the FCC's doesn't really enforce anything.

 

They probably respond to complaints, and they aren't getting any.

[amaff]

1 minute ago, GreggInFL said:

They probably respond to complaints, and they aren't getting any.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

[OffRoaderX]

14 minutes ago, GreggInFL said:

They probably respond to complaints

Oh sweet summer child....

[GreggInFL]

Okay, they eventually sometimes maybe respond, but don't count on it.

[Mrsig]

Can any one tell me how to link them?

[SteveShannon]

27 minutes ago, Mrsig said:

Can any one tell me how to link them?

 

[Mrsig]

Thanks.

[WRYZ926]

I don't know if you can still download GMRS Live or not. I know the website is still up but for information only. It is basically a GMRS version of Allstar Link.

GMRS Live pretty much shut everything down on their website when the FCC stated that linking GMRS repeaters was verboten.

IF it was me, I would run both repeaters on a different channel if you plan on linking them.

[SteveShannon]

1 hour ago, Mrsig said:

Thanks.

But really, you have two repeaters that are only 4 miles apart in the flattest state in the union and they’re on the same frequency.  They’re going to interfere with each other.  Use just one and get the antenna up another 40 feet.

[WRYZ926]

I have to agree with @SteveShannon on this. You would be better off with a single repeater and use a good quality commercial antenna. The trick is getting the antenna(s) up as high as you can. You should be able to get a 30-50 mile radius of coverage if you can get the antenna(s) up high enough and if the repeater is located on one of the highest points in your area. Hilly terrain and forested areas will cut down on the range if the antennas are not high enough.

I did a search and could not find anywhere to even download the GMRS Live software. So that looks like a bust. The only other option is finding someone that can rewrite the Allstar Link software to work on GMRS. Another issue is if the UHF SA818 module will work well enough on GMRS frequencies. I haven't looked into that myself. 

Again, best is to use a good quality commercial antenna up as high as you can get it with a single repeater.

[Mrsig]

They shut down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuKoknU2ewg

[SteveShannon]

49 minutes ago, Mrsig said:

They shut down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuKoknU2ewg

We know, but you told us that you didn’t need to be told about the FCC rules. 

[WRYZ926]

Yes GMRS Live has been shut down and also why you can't download the software anymore.

If you really do not care about the FCC rules then you can always try and get an Allstar node with a UHF SA818 radio to work for GMRS. But good luck with that one since Allstar Link and Allmon3 are written specifically for use on amateur bands.

You are overcomplicating things and also are going to spend more money than needed. Just go with a single repeater along with a good commercial antenna. And get the antenna up as high as you can get it. Also make sure to use quality coax to connect the repeater and antenna.

[Mrsig]

Thanks guys. I guess I will have to work on getting my tower taller.

[LeoG]

3 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

I have to agree with @SteveShannon on this. You would be better off with a single repeater and use a good quality commercial antenna. The trick is getting the antenna(s) up as high as you can. You should be able to get a 30-50 mile radius of coverage if you can get the antenna(s) up high enough and if the repeater is located on one of the highest points in your area. Hilly terrain and forested areas will cut down on the range if the antennas are not high enough.

I did a search and could not find anywhere to even download the GMRS Live software. So that looks like a bust. The only other option is finding someone that can rewrite the Allstar Link software to work on GMRS. Another issue is if the UHF SA818 module will work well enough on GMRS frequencies. I haven't looked into that myself. 

Again, best is to use a good quality commercial antenna up as high as you can get it with a single repeater.

30 Mile LOS requires a 600 ft elevation approx.  Pretty sure that's not going to happen with him.

100' which is reasonable is still only about 12-15 miles.

[WSJI648]

On 8/4/2025 at 6:30 PM, OffRoaderX said:

Its cute that it's taken you this long to realize this fact.

"This long" has only been about three weeks. I've been a CB guy for the past three decades and didn't even really know what GMRS was until about 4 months ago. All I ever really used it for was communicating with OTR drivers when I was also on the road. Occasionally used it when offroad with others, but largely on the Interstates. I was largely ignorant of "skip" and the "Kilowatt Klub."

I started looking into GMRS and HAM with interest about two months ago. Largely informed based on your videos, by the way. As I am, by nature, a rule follower, I made sure to cross the "t's" and dot the "i's." But once I really started to get my mind around the hyper-focused, local nature of what GMRS was and put that up against the absolutel impossibility for any federal agency to monitor it, I realized what a piper tiger it all was.

 

[WSJI648]

On 8/4/2025 at 6:31 PM, GreggInFL said:

They probably respond to complaints, and they aren't getting any.

Well, if reddit is to be believed, there's a bit of a grass roots uprising against them. Time will tell but I shan't be holding my breath, one way or the other.

 

[MarkInTampa]

8 hours ago, Mrsig said:

Thanks guys. I guess I will have to work on getting my tower taller.

Hit up Tim at BCI communications in Tampa (I-75 and MLK). He's not to far from you and has a bunch of Rohn tower sections and stuff for sale at a fair price in decent condition. His eBay name is twowaytech if you want to look him up.

[Mrsig]

Thanks.