GMRS Radio Repeater Service

[Guest Acidradio5]

First I would like to thank everybody who gave great answers to the my last post (GMRS vs. HAM) 

I have another one:  I would like to know how can I tell if I am on a repeater.  I hear other people talking and I give my call-sign and say I'm listening but nobody responses I can talk to my wife with no problem (really short distance) but I would like to know if I'm reaching long distance.

[SteveC7010]

First I would like to thank everybody who gave great answers to the my last post (GMRS vs. HAM) 

I have another one:  I would like to know how can I tell if I am on a repeater.  I hear other people talking and I give my call-sign and say I'm listening but nobody responses I can talk to my wife with no problem (really short distance) but I would like to know if I'm reaching long distance.

 

Before you try to access a repeater, you should make sure you fully understand repeater versus simplex operation and know exactly how each channel in your radio is programmed.

 

Simplex operation means you and your wife both transmit and receive on the exact same frequency. (For GMRS, it's UHF 462.xxxxx frequencies.)

 

Repeater operations are split between two frequencies. The mobile and portable units transmit on one frequency and receive on another. The repeater listens to the field units and simultaneously  re-transmits on the other frequency. In GMRS, the field units receive on 462.xxxxx and transmit on 467.xxxxx. The repeater is the exact opposite.

 

Now we stir in privacy codes, also known as PL (private line). These are sub-audible tones transmitted along with your voice. If PL is used, the radios all need to be using the same PL. If you're not using PL, it's called carrier squelch (CSQ) and the radios hear everything on the frequency including distant stations not in your group. Repeaters usually require PL on the receive side to prevent unauthorized access and to keep distant stations from interfering with the repeater's intended users.

 

Now, if you are using "bubble pack" radios, you can't run PL on transmit and CSQ on receive. It's all or nothing. Since you and your wife can communicate, you are obviously either using CSQ (no privacy code or PL), or you've got both radios set for the same code.

 

Very few bubble pack radios are able to access repeaters because they are exclusively simplex; transmit and receive on the same frequencies.

 

So, before you can access repeaters, you must know what the capabilities of your radios are and exactly how they are programmed. It's back to square one. Read and study the manual that came with the radios. Learn exactly what your radios can do.

 

Now, the only way we can help you beyond answering general questions about GMRS and radio operations is to know what make and model radios you have. When you ask questions, it's more that a little useful to furnish enough info for use to fully answer you. Without knowing what radios you have, none of us can answer your basic question as to whether or not you can access repeaters.

[jwilkers]

Also, many GMRS repeaters require permission from the owners and/or paid membership.

 

Sent from my LG-D631 using Tapatalk

[ASRM]

Also, many GMRS repeaters require permission from the owners and/or paid membership.

 

Sent from my LG-D631 using Tapatalk

Can't be stressed enough, I know some feel a repeater is there for the using, myself and our shop feel differently. Ask, I may or may not give permission, we tend to allow other repeater operators as a sharing basis, we all have some skin in the game. I have heard some simplex users for the most part CB'ing it, cussing, talking things I would not want rebroadcast and have a hard time allowing them on.

 

JWILKERS is right, get permission, if they don't answer then that is the answer you seek. In our area there are repeaters on almost all the GMRS channels, some are open with travel tone, some are closed. I have always asked, those that don't allow I completely respect.

[Guest Michael Watson]

Hello John,

 

I am a member of kings county ares with Bob.

Would it be Ok to use your GMRS repeaters?

 

Thank you

 

Mike.

[Guest spd641]

Hello John,

 

I am a member of kings county ares with Bob.

Would it be Ok to use your GMRS repeaters?

 

Thank you

 

Mike.

Hello Mike, I and throwing this out there in case you are unaware.Before using GMRS you have to first obtain a GMRS license? A amateur license only covers amateur radio frequencies(I think this question is on the test) and does not cover GMRS which is a different radio service and requires a GMRS license.Each have a different set of rules and regulations...William