GMRS repeater question

[JeepinCO]

Hi

 

I’m new to the gmrs spectrum and have a question about using repeaters.  If a repeater has an input/outpout of 462.7/467.7  do I set my radio to transmit on 462.7 with a +5 offset to receive?

 

Probably sounds like a stupid question, but I’m just starting out and want to make sure I understand this.

 

Also, is there a way in the menu to set up a channel to not scan, so that I can have the scan feature bypass that particular channel?

 

WQWH599 

out

[PastorGary]

Hello, Ray, and welcome to MyGMRS Forums.

 

You have that a bit backwards... understandable for a new user...  To access a repeater in the GMRS service, your radio equipment transmits on the 467.XXX frequency and receives on the 462.XXX frequency.  Your radio would also have to transmit the CTCSS or DPL access tone or code to trigger the repeater. Also, your radio would also usually be programmed to receive the CTCSS or DPL  tone or code transmitted by the repeater to keep from hearing bubble pack radios all the time.

 

It would help if you tell us what Brand(s) and Model(s) of radios that you have so our members can help you with Brand and Model specific info.

[JeepinCO]

Thanks PastorGary,

 

  I haven't bought a radio yet, kind of putting the cart before the horse, but I wanted to try and understand this before I dive into a radio. 

[gdavis316]

Dive in and have fun, but besides fun, you have a back up plan

[zap]

Tagging in…

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[W4ATN]

As PastorGray pointed out the proper way to read the pairs for a mobile or portable is the first set is your RECEIVE frequency and the second number is your TRANSMIT frequency sometimes indicated by a + or - 

The other thing that you will need to know is the tone coded squelch (CTCSS, PL, etc) or a digital squelch (DCS) which may or may not be used. If it isn't being used you will usually see CSQ or nothing at all. So 462.5500 + / 141.3 would indicate that you set your mobile / portable to a receive frequency of 462.5500, transmit to 467.5500 and tone squelch to 141.3. You can elect to use a transmit tone without a receive tone if you wish but in order to access the repeater you would be required to use the transmit squelch. If you do not put a receive squelch in you will receive ALL other repeaters and maybe even simplex (users talking on the output) of the repeaters in your area. I usually use both a transmit and receive tone on my mobile and portables.

 

The scan question is going to be radio specific. I haven't seen a radio built in the past 10 - 15 years that doesn't have a scan feature and the ability to "lock-out" channels that you don't want to listen to. Many modern radios will have the ability to create one or more scan list and even automatically scan an the list when you select a specific channel. Some will also allow you to transmit on the channel that is active even if you're tuned to a different channel. EX: if you have built a scan list of the GMRS repeaters in your area and have elected to associate that with channel 1 in an auto scan configuration - When you tune to channel 1 your radio will automatically go into scan mode of the scan list. If someone is talking on channel 6 you MAY be able to talk to them on channel 6 without changing your channel selector if your "hang time" is long enough and YOUR RADIO ALLOWS this. If this is an important feature for you be sure you look at the radio specs.

 

73,

Paul

W4ATN / WQMM-856