GMRS-RPT50: New BTECH 50 Watt Repeater Released

[rdunajewski]

BTECH has released the new GMRS-RPT50 repeater, a 50-watt GMRS repeater with a built-in duplexer and auto-IDer. Here are some key features:

• FCC-certified for GMRS FCC ID: 2AGNDGMRSRPT50
• 50 Watt Output Power
• 100% Duty Cycle @ 50W
• Built-in Duplexer
• Morse Code Auto IDer
• Wideband / Narrowband Selectable
• Rack Mountable (hardware included)
• 13.8V DC or 120V AC power
• Expansion Ports
• Firmware Upgradable
• PC Programmable
• Free Shipping

We carry the repeater in our online shop, and it's available for immediate purchase:

https://shop.mygmrs.com/collections/repeaters-and-accessories/products/btech-gmrs-rpt50-50w-gmrs-repeater-with-built-in-auto-id

[GreggInFL]

Nice.

[OffRoaderX]

I heard a rumor that the biggest GMRS Youtuber has one and will be uploading a video about it in the next week or so...

 

[SteveShannon]

1 minute ago, OffRoaderX said:

I heard a rumor that the biggest GMRS Youtuber has one and will be uploading a video about it in the next week or so...

 

And when will you get one?

Kidding!  I look forward to seeing your video. 

[WRXB288]

So has anyone traced out the connections for a PI to place it on the network??   
If so where is COS , PPT, TX and RX audio. 
 

[blue]

does anyone know the output after going through the duplexer?  thank you for any information

[OffRoaderX]

3 minutes ago, blue said:

does anyone know the output after going through the duplexer?  thank you for any information

I just got a brand-new one shipped to me on Saturday and it is sitting on my desk next to me as I type this.. Right out of the box i am getting 37-40Watts but BTech says I can increase that by adjusting the power supply, which I have not yet done.

[LeoG]

Mine does 38-42 watts.  I have the power supply at 13.2v I think.  I don't like the way the DCS tone functions.  You need to run an update to get the DCS tone to work at all.  I've kept mine on CTCSS because of it.

[JoJo896]

So what's the word Randy?  Come on, it's been almost 48 hours! Consumers want to know!   And are the knobs still wobbly?  Thanks. 

[OffRoaderX]

26 minutes ago, Socalgmrs said:

Espewheb you can get a good Motorola for less then 1/3 the price. 

Please point us to where we can get one of these new 50Watt Motorola repeaters with a warranty, a built-in duplexer and pre-programmed with the all of the GMRS repeater pairs, for less than 1/3 the price

We're waiting...

[LeoG]

With a built in duplexer and have all 8 channels available at your choosing.

[OffRoaderX]

48 minutes ago, JoJo896 said:

are the knobs still wobbly?

Yes - but the good news is, this one didn't die on my in the first 11 minutes!

[LeoG]

Mine's been going for a while.  Received it Fri, Sep 6, 2024 and it was in operation shortly after that replacing my RT97S repeater.  I didn't really have a problem with the duplexer but I had asked the service team quite a few questions when all of a sudden they said they were sending out a duplexer.  I didn't think I needed one but after I replaced it the reception was much better than it had been even from the 1st transmission.  That was Sept 20th. 

Before that they said you couldn't bring the voltage above 12.5v.  After the new duplexer they said the limit was 13.8v

It's been working well for me on 600 with a Retevis 7.2dBi antenna.  I have plans to get it way above the 40' it's currently at along with replacing it with a Comet CA-712EFC.

[JoJo896]

Well, thanks, this is good news. Receiving better too? That’s interesting. I set up a Midland Mxr10 repeater and it covers Ann Arbor ok… it gets out 5-7 miles depending .  Could be a bit stronger, and be nice if HTs could get in a little easier.  Also integrated a simplex repeater to add auto ID and a responder tone but kind of a janky set up. But it works.   Does the a Btech has a responder beep built in? And you can run it at 50% power for 20 ish watts out? Thanks.

[LeoG]

I don't like the auto IDer.  Doesn't have the setup I want so I don't use it.  I want it to stay silent until someone uses it and not to interrupt active traffic.  It just has a simple timer or ID after every activity.

[LeoG]

1st time I tested low power it was 5 watts.  Haven't tested it since I did the update for the digital tone

[JoJo896]

Well that’s courteous of you to have it ID only after activity.  Thanks for making me think and consider that too.  That’s one thing I keep learning - the airwaves deserve respect.

So as you are a fellow repeater owner, is there any additional step or registration of the repeater we need to do? Or just turn it on and let the public know?  Thanks.

[LeoG]

Just turn it on and go.  Not like yesteryear when you needed to register it including how high your antenna is.

If you are using it as a private repeater for your own use then there is no need for auto ID.  If you use it for a public repeater then you should ID.

[OffRoaderX]

28 minutes ago, JoJo896 said:

And you can run it at 50% power for 20 ish watts out?

On my new one with all the updates I get 6Watts out on Low Power - only choices are low or high power.

[JoJo896]

Oh. Ok. Thanks. I was hoping for 20… that would cover the town real well without overextending it would seem.  I suppose I don’t have to turn that screw up and leave it at 37 or whatever.  If I get one one day.  My main concern though is people getting in without too much trouble.  We will see if I get the antenna up higher some day.
 

thanks. Yes, public. I have it auto CW ID every 15 mins by using an Argent Systems simplex repeater.   Simplex repeaters are kind of fun… especially for solo testing.

yknow the Detroit 625 repeater is phenomenal .  it covers metropolitan detroit easily and even gets out to Ann Arbor and I can get in easily too. It’s antenna most be super high on a skyscraper downtown is my guess.  You can hit it with an HT from the suburbs. Pretty amazing.

[JoJo896]

Detroit625 is also linked to Saginaw and other cities up north.  But to me linking is too much and takes the fun out of it.  I don’t want to blast out over the whole state. So I’m an Anti-Linker. Y’know Anti Linkers Anonymous (ALA?)

[WRZQ240]

On 3/6/2025 at 9:10 PM, LeoG said:

I don't like the auto IDer.  Doesn't have the setup I want so I don't use it.  I want it to stay silent until someone uses it and not to interrupt active traffic.  It just has a simple timer or ID after every activity.

Has this changed? Are you using something else to auto id?

[LeoG]

No updates to the repeater other than to fix the digital tone.  I don't use the IDer because it's my personal family based repeater.  No one else has access to it with my permission.

[LeoG]

I just checked, there is a new update.  No idea what's in it though.  Last update was 003R

 

BTECH GMRS-RPT50 Firmware Update and CPS Package (V1.008R)

[LeoG]

BTECH GMRS-RPT50 Repeater 1.008R Release
New Features and Improvements in 1.008R
Release Date: 02/26/25
1. Hand Microphone Full Transmit/Receive Functionality: With firmware 1.008R, the hand
microphone is no longer limited to just configuration tasks—it can now be used for both
transmitting and receiving, effectively allowing the GMRS-RPT50 to function as a base station in
addition to its role as a repeater. This means users can key up and communicate directly through
the repeater without needing an external radio, making it more versatile for base station operation
in home, emergency, or mobile setups. Whether monitoring local traffic or coordinating with other
stations, this feature adds convenience and flexibility to the repeater’s capabilities.
2. Streamlined Menu: The firmware’s menu system has been refined to remove unused, redundant,
or rarely accessed items. This decluttering makes it quicker to navigate the settings you actually
need, reducing the likelihood of user confusion or misconfiguration.
3. CW ID On/Off: CW ID is the Morse code identifier that can be sent automatically to comply with
identification requirements. Firmware 1.008R lets you decide whether to turn this ID feature on or
off, giving you the flexibility to manage IDs exactly how you prefer—either automated via CW, or
handled manually or by external logic.
4. Adjustable Squelch Level: You can now more precisely set how sensitive the repeater is to
incoming signals. This is helpful if you live in an area prone to weak signals or noisy RF
environments. By raising or lowering the squelch threshold, you can reduce unwanted static
triggers while still allowing legitimate signals to pass.
5. Carrier Squelch RX/TX Mode: Previously, many repeaters required a CTCSS or DCS tone to
activate transmit or open the squelch. With 1.008R, you have the option of pure carrier-based
operation, ignoring any sub-audible tones on both receive (RX) and transmit (TX). This is especially
handy for simple or wide-area repeater setups where tone-based access isn’t required or desired.
6. CTCSS/DCS Transmission with Identifier: Firmware 1.008R introduces a new configuration
option that allows the CW ID to be transmitted either with or without the CTCSS/DCS tone used by
the repeater. This gives users the flexibility to choose whether the station ID follows the same
tone settings as regular transmissions (for systems requiring a uniform tone policy) or if it is sent
without a tone, which is the standard practice for identification. This option ensures compatibility
with different repeater setups while maintaining compliance with identification requirements.
7. Password Disable Option: For those who prefer seamless operation, the password feature can
now be turned off entirely. This option removes the prompt that appears when configuration
changes, ideal for shared stations in secure locations where password protection isn’t needed.