Can't connect to a repeater

[jtparmley]

I am trying to extend my range by connecting to a repeater in SW Ohio. 

 

Output:  462.675 MHz   Unlisted

Input:    467.675 MHz   141.3 Hz

 

See Attached

 

I am a rookie to GMRS, but am very technical in nature.  I am having some issues working with the repeater and I am sure it is configuration errors on my end.  I am hoping you can assist me.

 

The link to the repeater on this site is here.

 

I live in south Dayton, right where 675 and 75 meet. The northern part of the reach of the repeater. My radios are BTech GMRS V1's.  My config is as follows?

a) I have the radios set to dual watch mode. Menu 7 set to On

my top channel is GMRS20- 462.675 for receiving.  No CTCSS codes set

c) my bottom channel is set directly to 467.675 for transmitting.  I have tried both CTCSS transmit freqs of 123 and 141.3.

 

My radios work fine on any channel for about 1-2 miles in the neighborhood.  I was hoping that I could connect to the repeater to extend that range. (perhaps I don't know what can and can't be expected).  No signal is received on my second radio (cong the same) when using the bottom PPT.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

John

WRHX315

[Ccleveland1226]

To use a repeater with the gmrs-v1 you don't set the rx & tx frequencies on seperate a&b channels. In your case you would set either channel a or b on rept20 which is channel 20 repeater it will then receive on 462.675 and transmit on 467.675 automatically. Then go to menu 12 (t-dcs) and turn on for 123 code, while on a repeater channel your 2 radios will not work in simplex (directly between each other) because they are transmitting and receiving on different channels. If you still cannot get onto the repeater then you are too far from the repeater to reach with your radio, OR the repeater has been modified/taken out of service and not updated in the database.

[jtparmley]

Thanks, I did not know that.  I will try that this evening!

 

When you say that "2 radios will not work in simplex (directly between each other) because they are transmitting and receiving on different channels", what that means is. the the transmit signal goes to the repeater, then the repeater re transmits it out on the other freg where the second radio picks it up......so on the surface it appears that they are connecting direct......is that correct?

 

John

[Ccleveland1226]

That is correct

[Ccleveland1226]

That is correct when your radio is on a repeater channel

[jtparmley]

Thanks!  That helped!

[ohpyro]

Ironically enough I am in Mason OH trying to connect to the same repeater.  I tried to change the setting on menu 12 T-DCS and there is 123.  I am very certain I am doing something wrong, just no idea what.  I have all the same settings as above but no luck.

 

 

 

Thank for everyone help on this site.

 

Chris

[Ccleveland1226]

Try driving closer to the repeater and see if you can connect. The current version of the gmrs-v1 is only 2 watts, most data listed online is for the original version. You really won't get very far with only 2 watts on the stock antenna if you have any obstructions to your line of sight.

[gagreen]

Call sign WRJA943.  Newby here in Tulsa OK.  I have requested permission to hit a couple of repeaters in my area.  What equipment do i need to transmit at 2W for family emergencies?  Any help is appreciated.  Gary

[Ccleveland1226]

Pretty much any handheld gmrs is capable of transmitting at 2 watts, but since you mentioned repeaters I assume that you are looking for about a 2 watt repeater capable handheld?

[WSEI598]

Im having a similar problem im with in range of the repeater for instance I'm trying to connect to signal peak 575 in az I matched all the information but I Don't get a signal tone back I'm not sure how to fix it 

[JoCoBrian]

On 9/7/2024 at 10:57 PM, WSEI598 said:

Im having a similar problem im with in range of the repeater for instance I'm trying to connect to signal peak 575 in az I matched all the information but I Don't get a signal tone back I'm not sure how to fix it 

Sounds like a couple of possibilities. 

1. You don't have enough antenna and power to hit the repeater, even though you can hear the repeater.  This happens when a repeater is up higher than you, uses more output power than you, and has a better antenna system than you.  

2. Perhaps you do not have the radio programmed correctly?  TX tone is crucial to hitting the repeater and getting a response.  Verify you have the correct TX tone and for troubleshooting purposes remove the RX tone if you have one set. 

What radio do you have, that might help us, help you. 

 

[WSEI598]

I will try to get closer and see if that helps thank you for your help