RT97S GMRS Repeater Programming & Radios

[WSDU214]

Greetings folks, as previously mentioned I am new to GMRS, now a licensed operator WSDU214. But I am learning as I go. I just purchased this repeater & I though I had configured it correctly using channel 1's preset frequency of 462.550 to 467.550 with a tone of 136.5, WIDE. I configured the radios matching this information and was able to comm with the repeater as a base station & both radios within a short distance less than half mile. But when over half a mile away, no comm. I do have the repeater connected to a 24 ft room antenna using proper GMRS antenna an cables. I am able to hit a repeater & comm that is 30 miles away. What am I doing wrong with my radios/my repeater? I am sure is a configuration setting that I need to change but since I am new, trying to figure this out. Thank you in advance for your anticipated guidance. 

[TrikeRadio]

What do you mean exactly by a "24 ft room antenna"  ?

Do you mean your properly tuned GMRS antenna sits atop a 24 foot tower?
is it indoors? is the actual antenna 24 feet tall? GMRS antennas are not that tall)

Maybe clarify exactly how you have the antenna positioned and what make/model of antenna it is. That might help people give you helpful feedback.

[WRTC928]

Logically, if you can communicate through the repeater from a short distance, it must be configured correctly. Most of the time, the difference between short-distance and long-distance communication is the antenna. Either your antenna is inadequate to the task, it is set up wrong, or you're the victim of disadvantageous topography. For example, I can use a repeater 30 miles away to my northeast, but I can't reliably hit my own house on simplex with a 20 watt mobile from 1/2 mile to my west because there's a high hill in between. If you have an unobstructed path to the repeater 30 miles away, you're golden, but if there are significant obstructions, there's not enough power in any HT to go very far at all. Pictures and/or a detailed description of your antenna setup would be very helpful.

[WSDU214]

Thank you for you initial response. The GMRS Antenna sits at about 24 ft on the roof top via a pole. My radios work fine accessing a repeater about 30 miles away on the same GMRS Antenna connected directly. I just implemented my own repeater using the same radios. I am using the repeater on the pre-set channel 1 it comes with & I programmed the radios with the same frequencies/tones.  Able to talk short distance but not a mile away. Repeater is connected to the same antenna. If any body is willing to give me a call at 7868686173 that is very good at this stuff, I will be happy to make a contribution via Venmo, or zelle.  I will be on shift from 2-11 pm, but if you give me heads up via text or whats app that you will be calling me I will take the call since I normally don't answer unknown callers. Thanks in advance. 

[WSDU214]

@WRTC928, I forgot to mention that I had a splitter in place feeding from the same antenna to a stand alone radio that connects without issue to the ER repeater 30 miles away at the same time to my new repeater. Went to sleep just woke up & decided to take away the split set up & just connect the antenna cable to my repeater and I was able to extend the range to the area of interest a mile away. So, it seems I can't use the same antenna to feed both at the same time since it affects the range? After checking my notes, the pole mass I am using on top of the rooftop is 10.5ft plus the GMRS antenna 4.5ft log. Would it help my set up if I replace the pole to a 15 or 20ft pole to raise the antenna higher? Again, my offer stands to whomever wishes to reach out to me directly to answer my questions and guide me. 

[LeoG]

Height is might.

[gortex2]

On 12/13/2024 at 2:26 PM, WSDU214 said:

@WRTC928, I forgot to mention that I had a splitter in place feeding from the same antenna to a stand alone radio that connects without issue to the ER repeater 30 miles away at the same time to my new repeater. Went to sleep just woke up & decided to take away the split set up & just connect the antenna cable to my repeater and I was able to extend the range to the area of interest a mile away. So, it seems I can't use the same antenna to feed both at the same time since it affects the range? After checking my notes, the pole mass I am using on top of the rooftop is 10.5ft plus the GMRS antenna 4.5ft log. Would it help my set up if I replace the pole to a 15 or 20ft pole to raise the antenna higher? Again, my offer stands to whomever wishes to reach out to me directly to answer my questions and guide me. 

uh...what kinda spliter ? A RF switch ? If ypou just used a T you will damage the other radio. Please explain what you were doing. Also I dont recall seeing what cabl you are using and how long it is. 

[WSDU214]

@gortex2I hope I did not damage the repeater. I believe its a T but each time I used them did it while other device is off.  Its it possible you can text me & give me heads up you will call me so I can show you a video of my set up?  I am willing to make a contribution for your time. 863-640-2468