Repeater Database Download?

[tperk]

Surprised I could not find answer by searching.  Have not bought radio yet and only know a little about GMRS. What model I buy might depend somewhat on the answer to my questions here. Am wondering if it's possible to download repeater database to software that would support my radio, either from this site or from others. I would like to download all from Virginia to Key West, Fl.

It appears I can download from RepeaterBook.com but they show only 3 repeaters in Virginia. This site shows 26.

So, can I download from here? If not here, where? Will downloads that are available, if any, determine what radio/s I should buy?

Thanks

 

[mbrun]

Generally speaking, GMRS repeaters have no impact on which repeater capable radio you may purchase, with two notable exceptions. If a repeater uses split tones (one tone for Tx and a different tone for Rx) then you will need a radio with split-tone capability. If the repeater uses non-standard tones, then you need a radio that supports non-standard tones. I will admit I have not personally encountered any that used non-standard tones.

The highest majority of repeaters using single standard tones.

If you purchase a radio that supports both, you are golden.

Current and previous generation Midland radios do not support split tones, at least from the front panel. One model can support split if using software. All Wouxun GMRS radios support split tone. Two models support custom tones via the front panel controls, two do not. One additional one I believe will support custom tones via software only.

I do not know if there is a way to download repeaters from this site. Never had need to.

Hope this helps.


Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLM

[wayoverthere]

3 hours ago, mbrun said:

 

Current and previous generation Midland radios do not support split tones, at least from the front panel. One model can support split if using software. 

Michael,

One minor correction: while the prior models did not support split tones, Midland appears to have updated the current mxt115 and 275 with split tone capabilities (and a usb-c port).

 

https://midlandusa.com/product/mxt115-micromobile-2-way-radio/

Edited to add: i'm tempted to grab one to have a free radio to throw in the better half's car. Talking her into a decent antenna is hard part so I might just go with the one it comes with to start with.

[tperk]

Quote

19 hours ago, mbrun said:

I do not know if there is a way to download repeaters from this site. Never had need to.

 

Thanks for your response. I just sold a handheld ham radio that I used for GMRS that required me to enter repeaters one by one. This reason is why I sold it. I am looking for a source  and a way to download GMRS repeater info in masse to radio supporting software (eg Chirp). So are you telling me that, again, I must enter GMRS repeater info one by one?  I'm beginning to wonder why I spent $50!

[mbrun]

Thanks for your response. I just sold a handheld ham radio that I used for GMRS that required me to enter repeaters one by one. This reason is why I sold it. I am looking for a source  and a way to download GMRS repeater info in masse to radio supporting software (eg Chirp). So are you telling me that, again, I must enter GMRS repeater info one by one?  I'm beginning to wonder why I spent $50!

Yes. But in reality it is not that big of a deal (IMO).

I am both a licensed amateur and GMRSr. Because of the large volume of amateur repeaters in my region, I did find it helpful to be able to download all of the area repeaters from repeater book via Chirp and the organize them for my radio. But 1/2 of them have no published tones, so I can’t use them unless I contact the owner. In contrast, the number of open-to-the-public GMRS repeaters in Cincinnati and Dayton is about a dozen, and 1/2 of them are not in any public GMRS database. Regardless, in about 15 minutes or less I can program a radio for them. Not a big time investment.

I also developed a pattern for programming all my GMRS radios to make it simple to add new repeaters on the fly to handle those that may exist in a city I travel to. That technique involves creating a series of several dozen place holder memories pre-configured for standard repeater pair frequencies (labeled 550A-G through 725-A-G). If I travel to say Columbus or Cleveland, I already have plenty of empty repeater pairs in my radio. All I need to do is enter the CTCSS/DCS tones via radio FP controls and I am good to go.


Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLM

[WyoJoe]

4 hours ago, tperk said:

Thanks for your response. I just sold a handheld ham radio that I used for GMRS that required me to enter repeaters one by one. This reason is why I sold it. I am looking for a source  and a way to download GMRS repeater info in masse to radio supporting software (eg Chirp). So are you telling me that, again, I must enter GMRS repeater info one by one?  I'm beginning to wonder why I spent $50!

I agree with what Michael already said, for GMRS the individual entries for each repeater aren't terribly difficult. If you're using Chirp, you can download the FRS/GMRS standard frequencies to your file, then to add repeaters, just copy the appropriate repeater line from the ones you downloaded, change the tones and channel name, and it's done. It only takes a few seconds for each one since you can copy one of the eight repeater channels from the aforementioned download. The good part about GMRS is that there are only 8 repeater frequency combinations, so the only things that change with them are the tones.

[tperk]

Thanks guys!