Repeater Off-Sets are different with HAM.

[WSAA635]

I noticed while programing some Repeater Channels into my radios that in 2M it's +/- 6MHz, 1.25M is -1.6MHz(didn't see any +1.6MHz on the list) and 70cm(kind of like GMRS) is +5MHz.  So RX(transmit to the Repeater) is the frequency that's given then you off-set that by the given MHz for your TX frequency. Do I have that right? Of all the radio stuff Repeaters has to be the one thing that I have trouble with in regards to TX an RX.  TX will ALWAYS be the one with the off-set, + or - whatever it is and RX is the listed Frequency.  I think I've got my head wrapped around it. 

Also, just to add, "Uplink" is the Freq. I TX(send) to the Repeater and "Downlink" is the Freq or RX the Repeater sends back to me. If they'd just say RX or TX instead of Uplink and Downlink it'd be a lot simpler for me to understand but I think I've got it. 

[SteveShannon]

It’s frequency based. For VHF such as 2 meters it’s actually 0.600 MHz offset and it can be either plus or minus. 
For UHF such as GMRS or 70 cm it’s 5.00 MHz and for the ham frequencies it can be plus or minus, but for GMRS the FCC put the repeater input frequencies in the regs. 
The frequency that’s given is always the frequency that the repeater transmits and your radio receives. For the frequency your radio transmits you apply the offset. 
You uplink (transmit) to the repeater and you downlink (receive) from the repeater. You really will pick it up. You’re doing great. It’s just that the fire hose is so big right now. 
Edited to add: most of the better ham radios automatically select the correct offset value based on frequency, but sometimes you have to override the direction. 

[Lscott]

1 hour ago, WSAA635 said:

I noticed while programing some Repeater Channels into my radios that in 2M it's +/- 6MHz, 1.25M is -1.6MHz(didn't see any +1.6MHz on the list) and 70cm(kind of like GMRS) is +5MHz.  So RX(transmit to the Repeater) is the frequency that's given then you off-set that by the given MHz for your TX frequency. Do I have that right? Of all the radio stuff Repeaters has to be the one thing that I have trouble with in regards to TX an RX.  TX will ALWAYS be the one with the off-set, + or - whatever it is and RX is the listed Frequency.  I think I've got my head wrapped around it. 

Also, just to add, "Uplink" is the Freq. I TX(send) to the Repeater and "Downlink" is the Freq or RX the Repeater sends back to me. If they'd just say RX or TX instead of Uplink and Downlink it'd be a lot simpler for me to understand but I think I've got it. 

Every once in a while you may stumble across an "odd split" repeater frequency, rare but they are out there.

If you end up getting some commercial grade radios the programming is a bit different. For those they don't assume any kind of offset. You have to enter in BOTH the discrete transmit and receive frequencies.  None of mine have any entries for an "assumed" offset, unlike many Ham grade radios.

https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Offset

[WSAA635]

So, .600MHz, got it. It's odd that 1.25M is +/-1.600MHz, at least to me it is.

I need to go double check my 2M off-sets.

[SteveShannon]

8 minutes ago, WSAA635 said:

So, .600MHz, got it. It's odd that 1.25M is +/-1.600MHz, at least to me it is.

I need to go double check my 2M off-sets.

You’re right.  1.25 meter is 1.600 MHz.  It can get really confusing.  Here’s a link to a chart that makes it even more confusing:

https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Offset

[WRYZ926]

33 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

You’re right.  1.25 meter is 1.600 MHz.  It can get really confusing.  Here’s a link to a chart that makes it even more confusing:

https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Offset

Yes that chart can definitely confuse people. It shows both 1.00 MHz and 1.6 MHz split for the 1.25m/220 MHz band.

[WSAA635]

I checked and everything was ok. I'm going to try to make my first contact.  KM7BVY Over and Out. 73's.

[WSAA635]

I guess I've got everything programmed properly. I was getting automated returns from some of the local Repeaters and I even got a call back from a YL that said I had a weak  signal with a lot of static, go figure, I'm using my BF-F8HP Pro from inside the house. I'm sure it's only pushing 5 or so watts. At least the HAM Repeaters are in operation, no deal for the Shaw Butte GMRS Repeater, it's still down and out. 

[WRYZ926]

There are a lot of variables to take into account. But it doesn't surprise me about you having a weak signal with an HT inside the house. Metal buildings, metal roofs, old wood lath and plaster walls with chicken wire, bad electric wiring, etc can play havoc on radio signals. And the cheap Amazon LED light bulbs can be very noisy too.

[SteveShannon]

2 minutes ago, WSAA635 said:

I guess I've got everything programmed properly. I was getting automated returns from some of the local Repeaters and I even got a call back from a YL that said I had a weak  signal with a lot of static, go figure, I'm using my BF-F8HP Pro from inside the house. I'm sure it's only pushing 5 or so watts. At least the HAM Repeaters are in operation, no deal for the Shaw Butte GMRS Repeater, it's still down and out. 

Good job getting that all configured! And congratulations on your new call sign KM7BVY.

[WSAA635]

I went outside with my longer 771 antennas on 3 of my radios(AR-5RM, BF-F8HP Pro, and UV-K61) and the 3" antenna on my UV-5R and the longer antennas hit about 5 or 6 of the programmed repeaters, the UV-5R hit about 3 which I think is still pretty good for being in the 'burbs and miles away from the White Tanks. 

I can't wait to give 6M a try with the RT-880. If I could get 15 or 20 miles Simplex I'd be happy since 6M should skip a bit and not have to totally be Line of Sight like VHF/UHF is.  I'm so glad I got my HAM Tech. License. This opens up a lot more Frequencies to play with vs GMRS/MURS.