How to set up a GMRS repeater

[Grizzler]

Hey guys, first post, first question. 

I live in the middle of a large patch of the Mark Twain National Forest with several trails and trailheads. I run CB, Ham, and GMRS. I am interested in setting up a GMRS repeater for hikers and for personal use.  I have a Rohn 25G 37' tower 73 mile Horizon/ 41 mile LOS . What do I need to get a repeater up and running?

Equipment manufacturers-Capabilities-Cautions- Cost and anything else I should know. 

Josh

WQZU585 

[tweiss3]

The basic items you need are:

A good antenna

Feed line & grounding

Repeater, look up surplus Motorola Quantar, though you will have to likely turn them down to 50w

Power

 

I suggest reading this thread: 

 

[gortex2]

See the thread above. While you can put up a cheap repeater if you want one that will get used and works well you need to spend some coin. Lots of info in the link above.

 

[n4gix]

I highly recommend the Bridgecom repeater. It comes fully tuned and programmed to your specs. Put up a DB-404 antenna on that tower, some half-inch heliax and you will be ready to go on the air. 

[OffRoaderX]

I just finished a 'home brew" 50W repeater for about $790 not counting the antenna/duplexer, etc..  Very simple to put together and set up.. of course, for more $ you can do something much fancier, but it wont transmit any further.  You can see more about it in this little video i made about it:

 

[MacJack]

I have a VXR-7000 used off of eBay as a commerial repeater.  I have $400 into this setting up a repeater...  Antenna was hand me down, came with Duplexer, just add ground, mic and wired. 

-VXR-7000_OM_ENG_EU_E13671108.pdf

[Grizzler]

Great info! Thanks guys.

 

All info appreciated!

 

 

[CrissCross]

On 5/10/2021 at 10:11 PM, OffRoaderX said:

I just finished a 'home brew" 50W repeater for about $790 not counting the antenna/duplexer, etc..  Very simple to put together and set up.. of course, for more $ you can do something much fancier, but it wont transmit any further.  You can see more about it in this little video i made about it:

 

Good video and very simple. Any plans to test/try Linking the repeater?

[OffRoaderX]

4 minutes ago, CrissCross said:

Good video and very simple. Any plans to test/try Linking the repeater?

No.. I have no reason/need for that.