GMRS Radio1 to GMRS Repeater to GMRS Radio2

[WRYJ499]

Hi, hope someone can help me with this. I would like to test transmitting out/in only through the repeater. Is this possible?

• I have set up GMRS Radio 1 with repeater Lebanon 550.
• I have also set-up GMRS Radio 2 with repeater Lebanon 550
• Using Baofeng UV-5Rs.
• I have read it will switch to local simplex when the radios are in close proximity.
• Link to repeater https://mygmrs.com/repeater/3878

Thank you for your expertise if anyone can provide some insight,

[Guest]

No.  A radio will not automatically switch to simplex when close.  You must test radio to radio on any simplex 1-22 channel.  Then you just set up your radios for repeater use as you have described with off set and tones.  Set your radio to that repeater channel, Then get close enough to the repeater for your radio and antenna set up and with good line of sight and talk to the repeater on one radio and listen on the other radio.  

[WRYJ499]

thank you for the quick reply. Here is what I have set-up. I am 7.7 miles from the repeater. I can transmit to my radios on this frequency and settings, but will not work past 2 miles from my location. You mentioned offset, is that what I am missing?

FREQUENCY 462.550

OFFSET 000.000

T-CTCS 110.9HZ

T-DCS OFF

R-CTCS 110.9HZ

R-DCS OFF

 

[Guest]

Yes.  You need a +5 offset.   Your radio transmits into the repeater on 467.550 and your radio listens to the repeater on 462.550 (also simplex 15)

[WRYJ499]

Thank you, I will test it today.

[WSEL489]

Make sure you get some space between the radios when testing. 

[WRYJ499]

Ok, I was able to verify it is going through the repeater, but I had to drive up to the repeater that is right next to a small airport. Unfortunately I only get about 1 mile transmission from the repeater. I guess my next question would be

should I buy a mobile antenna "midland"

or do I need to spend on a higher wattage radio

or both?

Thank you both for getting me finally connected.

 

[Guest]

If you’re only getting 1 mile from the repeater that is not your issue.  That is a repeater issue.   How did you test that. Did one person stay behind and transmit into the repeater and one drive away?   Is there no other traffic on the repeater you can radio check with as you drive around?     An external antenna is very helpful but again line of sight is key.  The stick uv5 antenna does not work very well.  A 771 doubles a stock antenna.   A roof top antenna may help as well.   I have a feeling you’re just not able to get into the repeater very well.  Make sure radio is on high power do your getting the full 3-5watts the radio puts out.   What is the area like around the repeater? Trees, hills, homes, mountains, buildings, etc…?  

[WRYJ499]

I only stopped and walked away about 20-30 ft from radio 1 to test at 1 mile distance. No other traffic on this repeater and I have been monitoring for a few weeks. I do have A771 antenna attached. there are a lot of hills in my area. I was able to get transmission withing 4-5 miles, but I could not hear radio to radio voice transmission, but this was with both radios in my truck. This is probably the flattest area to the repeater, but once I get closer to home there are a few hills and vegetation. 

I will order the midland and see if it helps. If not I guess the next step up is home base antenna. Not giving up yet.