Finding Info for creating/installing new repeater

[b156593]

 Newbie WSDC752 in Twin Falls, ID here.  So surprised there are no GMRS repeaters around Twin Falls, Idaho in Magic Valley except one in Burley, ID that I cannot request permission from owner.  It's called Citadel.  But here on mygmrs.com he has the 'request access' button disabled.  Might also be too far away from Twin Falls but I cannot even get the tones to program.  I considered looking up his call sign info of WRKV653 to see if I can find a mailing address or some other contact.  

The HAM club here has two HAM repeaters.  One each on either side of Twin Falls on top of U.S. BLM or U.S. Forest Service Public Lands.  Where might I read or learn about installing a repeater up at one of these mountains on public lands?   Keep in mind I'm completely new to all of this.  No understanding about whom to even contact, equipment cost, getting permission to install repeater equipment such as behind fence and/or radio building on top of said mountain, etc... In addition to posting answers and suggestions here feel free to e-mail MKL00424@gmail.com

[gortex2]

If the ham group has one there maybe talk to them first ? They would know what hurdles they need to go thru. 

[BoxCar]

50 minutes ago, gortex2 said:

If the ham group has one there maybe talk to them first ? They would know what hurdles they need to go thru. 

What @gortex2 says about contacting the local amateur club is the best way to go about installing your proposed repeater. A new install location will require an environmental impact study be completed for the new site. Adding your repeater to an existing site won't require the study. You will need to know what's already installed frequency wise. If the club already has a UHF repeater installed, there is a good possibility they won't want to install a GMRS repeater because of possible interference from the frequencies being too close together. In any event, be prepared to shoulder the entire cost of the repeater and antenna. 

[Guest]

6 hours ago, b156593 said:

 Newbie WSDC752 in Twin Falls, ID here.  So surprised there are no GMRS repeaters around Twin Falls, Idaho in Magic Valley except one in Burley, ID that I cannot request permission from owner.  It's called Citadel.  But here on mygmrs.com he has the 'request access' button disabled.  Might also be too far away from Twin Falls but I cannot even get the tones to program.  I considered looking up his call sign info of WRKV653 to see if I can find a mailing address or some other contact.  

The HAM club here has two HAM repeaters.  One each on either side of Twin Falls on top of U.S. BLM or U.S. Forest Service Public Lands.  Where might I read or learn about installing a repeater up at one of these mountains on public lands?   Keep in mind I'm completely new to all of this.  No understanding about whom to even contact, equipment cost, getting permission to install repeater equipment such as behind fence and/or radio building on top of said mountain, etc... In addition to posting answers and suggestions here feel free to e-mail MKL00424@gmail.com

Twin falls to burley is 40-45 miles.  Depending on the height and surroundings it might come in strong or might not.  In my area I have a repeater 200miles away at 6000ft I’m at 4500’. Zero issues talking on it with a 20w radio.  We also have a huge local club repeater that is way up high on a commercial site it ran $12k plus $400 a month for site lease.  It’s got a 200mile foot print.  So I’d suggest listening to the simplex side and seeing if you can even hear the other repeater in burley. Also listen to and scan all gmrs channels for a couple weeks see how may gmrs users are out there. Break in and have a chat. Maybe even make Radom call outs in your spare time.     Talk with the ham club.  Look up gmrs licenses in your local zip codes on the fcc site. Maybe there is no call for a gmrs repeater in your area.  For sure talk to the local ham club.  Depending on surroundings you may be able to put up a 20-40’ tower and a good antenna on your home and get 50plus miles with good equipment.  Unless you’re only wanting a neighborhood repeater there is no point in a repeater unless it covers a large area with professional grade 100% duty cycle equipment.   50w, height, good coax and a great antenna re a must. Plus a battery, generator or solar back up.  1/2 the point of a local repeater is emergency comms.     It’s a huge commitment in time and money.  Once it’s all up people may or may not want to have a net 1 or 2 times a week to check equipment and gather.  Your gonna need a good home base station set up in any event so put up a good antenna at your home with a 20-50w radio and good coax and see who you can talk to.  A good home base station can be set up for $3-400 total.