Inexpensive Repeater setup

[pctechfl]

Hello to all, my first post here. I have noticed that in the Brevard area there isn't any repeaters. So I been thinking if some of the seasoned members can recommend a inexpensive repeater setup.

 

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[berkinet]

Define inexpensive.  In all honesty, you should expect to pay a minimum of $500 to get things up and running.  It is not just the radio. You need all of the following:

• Repeater (receiver + transmitter and power supply)
• duplexer
• duplexer tuning
• antenna, mast or support, and coax
• location

The Retevis RT97 sells for $400 (plus tax if applicable). But, you'd still need an antenna, coax, etc.  They have a package deal: repeater, coax and antenna, for $475 (plus tax).

[WRAK968]

To add onto Berkinet's post, you should also consider what you may wish to do in the future, plus how you plan to mount the system, as well as the region where the repeater will be used. Will the repeater be strictly in one spot, or will you need portability for camping and such? Do you plan to link your repeater to the internet?

No-matter what, do your research. Plan out everything and then reevaluate that plan a couple times so your ready when you finally make purchases.

 

 

[berkinet]

Something else you might consider is asking why there are no repeaters in your area? It’s quite possible that there are not enough, or even any, GMRS users other than yourself. So, I would suggest that unless you have your own needs for a repeater you might want to reconsider your project. On the other hand, if you do have a need, and then would also welcome other local users, should there be any, then that well seem to be a reasonable validation of the plan.

[H8SPVMT]

RMPOA 550 Transylvania County, NC

 

Is nearby but Mr. Poole has the mountains behind him so most of his signal goes to Cashiers and Horse Pasture area.  Check him out friendly fellow I thought.

 

It certainly would have been a pleasure having a repeater in the area for wheeling in the woods about and around there.  We frequent Brevard, Cashiers, Gorges State Park etc.  Mr. Poole was attempting to get stabilized with his repeater while we were there last year.  I could hear his unit by was never able to hit it.

[gman1971]

two CDM750, a 29 dollar programming cable, a 10 dollar repeater link cable, a used UHF duplexer, a few feet of RG213 cable, two 10 feet metal pipe sections, and a Laird FG4500 UHF unity antenna atop those 20 feet.

 

That will give you one of the best FM GMRS repeater options, for a fairly modest price tag.

 

G.

 

EDIT: Forgot the 20 Amp 12VDC power supply.

[pctechfl]

This reminds me the good old days of the cb radio era, rough but functional. Experimenting with everything

two CDM750, a 29 dollar programming cable, a 10 dollar repeater link cable, a used UHF duplexer, a few feet of RG213 cable, two 10 feet metal pipe sections, and a Laird FG4500 UHF unity antenna atop those 20 feet.

 

That will give you one of the best FM GMRS repeater options, for a fairly modest price tag.

 

G.

 

EDIT: Forgot the 20 Amp 12VDC power supply.

[pctechfl]

Something else you might consider is asking why there are no repeaters in your area? It’s quite possible that there are not enough, or even any, GMRS users other than yourself. So, I would suggest that unless you have your own needs for a repeater you might want to reconsider your project. On the other hand, if you do have a need, and then would also welcome other local users, should there be any, then that well seem to be a reasonable validation of the plan.

 You have a very valid point, most likely the area is very mehh, The old repeaters on this are are down as their licenses are expired. I guess this days is all about cellphones..

[berkinet]

This reminds me the good old days of the cb radio era, rough but functional. Experimenting with everything

That still exists... it is called amateur radio.

[pctechfl]

Maybe is time for me to get my HamRadio certification....?

[H8SPVMT]

RMPOA 550 Transylvania County, NC

 

Is nearby but Mr. Poole has the mountains behind him so most of his signal goes to Cashiers and Horse Pasture area.  Check him out friendly fellow I thought.

 

It certainly would have been a pleasure having a repeater in the area for wheeling in the woods about and around there.  We frequent Brevard, Cashiers, Gorges State Park etc.  Mr. Poole was attempting to get stabilized with his repeater while we were there last year.  I could hear his unit by was never able to hit it.

 

My sincere apologies !

I saw Brevard an thought North Carolina.   You are in Florida and I was too quick to reply...