Getting 50 watts actually out of repeater

[WSEL330]

That was 48 Watts outta the repeater and 24 Watts outta the duplexer.... that loss is huge and lame at the same time!

 

[WRYZ926]

That is just how it works with duplexers. You will always have a lower power output after the duplexer than what going in. How much loss will depend on the quality of parts used and how well tuned the duplexers are.

I did an unscientific test to see if 50 watts had more reach than 20 watt. There is a GMRS repeater about 50-55 miles away and while I can get in at 20 watts, others had a hard time hearing me. My signal was loud and clear. The extra power did not get me anymore range but it did punch through foliage and other obstacles better than

[LeoG]

I've confirmed this too.  I was able to hit my house with my repeater (50w) but the 20w base couldn't hit the repeater reliably.  I swapped up to a 50w mobile at the house and now it's a reliable connection.  Before it would come in some days and others I could barely hear it.

Now I've changed a few things out and it's so much better.

[WSEL330]

foliage punch is what I was looking for. Now I will work on better coax, verify quality of connectors and connections, upgrade the antennas. OF COURSE, I am new and excited but I need to take time to evaluate the amount of RF junk and etc... in the shack of radios A.O. Oh yeah, get the truck outta the trees and gain elevation! Calling my realty person, LOL.