Retevis RT97L Repeater - Has Anyone Here RF-linked Them?

[marcspaz]

Hey folks, I know many people dislike the idea of linking repeaters, seemingly (imho) due to some folks not understanding the FCC rules and the purpose of GMRS radio.  That said, the Retevis RT97L is FCC type approved radio, providing RF linking of repeaters, allowing owners to create point-to-point repeater networks.  I am hoping this thread doesn't devolve into yet another debate about linking, but rather just helping me with some quick feedback on the RT97L.

 

I have a question for those of you you owned an operated a Retevis RT97L.  After reading about it in another thread, I figured I would look into it as an affordable portable solution.  While reading about it, I noticed that the repeater has two channels that allow simultaneous transmit and receive for RF linking (they refer to as daisy chaining).  Has anyone here RF-linked 2 or more of them together?  If so, what is your opinion about the efficacy of the solution?  Is it a solid solution with good audio quality?

I am really interested in this idea, both for GMRS and for Amateur Radio emergency operations.  I worked an event this weekend where our two repeater links were not available, causing a huge hole in our coverage.  It would have been great if I could have driven to a high spot in the area needing coverage, dropped a portable repeater and RF linked it to our primary repeater. 

Normally, RF linking repeaters nearly doubles the cost of each station.  Given that Retevis sells the OTC GMRS version, and will custom configure a unit with requested frequencies for amateur radio, at about $700 each for the bundle, these seem like a really nice alternative to spending $8k-$10k on 2 repeaters and RF linking gear.