GMRS Repeaters: The essential guide to extending your reach
By: Audry Jean. Contributions by: Steve Gonzalez
Prepare to tune in, turn up, and Go Further™ with your Rugged GMRS Radio
In the world of two-way radio communication, GMRS repeaters play a crucial yet often overlooked role, significantly extending the range of handheld and mobile radios far beyond their usual limits.
After acquiring your GMRS license and callsign, you’re probably wondering, what’s next? How can I extend my range while on the trail? As adventurers, we recognize that the landscape within a single-day adventure can vary greatly. So, how can we guarantee that our communication remains uninterrupted and without restrictions? We can’t! However, we can take steps to get the most out of our communication gear.
Let's explore the realm of GMRS repeaters and learn how to enhance the performance of your radio by using them.
What is a GMRS repeater? And WHY should I know how to use one?
A repeater acts as a range enhancer for GMRS frequency radios. It operates by receiving and then rebroadcasting radio signals, allowing them to cover a wider area than what a standard handheld or mobile radio can achieve on its own. These devices are best installed at elevated locations to guarantee the broadest possible signal distribution, letting it transmit above and over obstructions that would normally block signals at ground level.
Powerful and advanced, these towers receive, amplify, and retransmit signals across vast distances, enabling seamless communication in diverse and challenging terrain.
Two-way radios, including GMRS, function best when there's a direct line of sight between them. For example, with zero obstructions, a walkie-talkie can provide clear communication over distances of 5, 10, or even 15-plus miles. The presence of barriers such as trees, hills, and mountains can greatly reduce any radio's range.
One of the major benefits of utilizing GMRS is the ability to use a GMRS repeater for maximum range in difficult terrains. To make this happen, you will need a repeater-capable mobile or handheld radio. You can check out our GMRS radio lineup here.
With over 1,700 repeaters nationwide, a repeater-friendly radio could get you a maximum range where cell signal is impossible.
How to Find a Repeater
Steps for accessing a repeater
After obtaining your GMRS license and call sign, the next steps are straightforward. If you find yourself having trouble gaining access to information regarding your GMRS license, FRN number, or call sign, please check out this article on mygmrs.com.
Click on the steps below to view a step-by-step guide to mygmrs.com
Step 1: Visit www.MYGMRS.com
Step 2: Register for an account or Login if you already have one.
Step 3: Navigate to the repeater map
Use the MAP feature on the menu to find and select a repeater within the region of your exploration. While some repeaters are accessible to all, many require prior authorization.
Step 4: Find and select the repeater you'd like to connect to
Step 5: Click View Details
Once you click on "View Details" you will have access to important repeater information, such as the repeater name, type, owner, frequencies, tone codes, and whether or not special permissions are required.
Step 6: Request Access
Check the “TYPE” section to see if permission is needed. If permission IS NEEDED, click the “Request Access” button on that screen.
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Note: If permission is not required, the input and output tone will be accessible on this page. If you request access, an email will be sent to your registered email with the tone codes you need to use the repeater.
Step 7: Fill out the Repeater Request Access Form
When finished, click “Submit Request”
- Note: You can view your repeater requests in the right sidebar labeled “My Requests” on any page of mygmrs.com.
Step 8: Check your email
Check the email you used to register your mygmrs.com account. The repeater information, including frequencies and tone codes, will be sent there once the request is granted.
Already Know Your Repeater Info? Start Here!
Step 9: Find your repeater channel
Compare the frequency of the repeater you wish to use to our Rugged Radios repeater channel chart. The repeater channels on this list are pre-programmed on every Rugged GMRS Radio. Select the correct channel on your radio according to this chart.
- Note: If you are using a different brand of radio - check your manual for repeater channel information.
Step 10: Input your tone codes
Now that you have input your repeater channel, that same email will include the necessary tone codes for receiving or transmitting on the repeater channels. Compare this information with the chart below to find the correct tone code number for your radio.
Step 11: Radio Check!
Radio Check!
You've successfully connected to your repeater and can now transmit further than ever before.
Take this opportunity to learn about radio etiquette and transmitting on a repeater.
Let's Cut Through the Chatter... Tone Codes aren't scary
Using tone codes on a GMRS repeater can significantly enhance communication clarity and reduce traffic. Tone codes, also known as CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) or DCS (Digital-Coded Squelch), help PREVENT interference from other users by only allowing radios with the matching tone to communicate. All Rugged brand GMRS Radios have the ability to use cross-tone (C-CDC) and separate transmit (T-CDC) or receive (R-CDC) tones. Additionally, using tone codes can extend battery life by reducing unnecessary radio transmission and reception. Remember- although they are often referred to as "privacy tones" in the realm of radios, THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE!!
Go Further™ with GMRS repeaters
By now, you should feel confident and prepared to make the most of your handheld or mobile radios in the world of GMRS repeaters. If you have any remaining questions, don't hesitate to reach out to one of our team members. We look forward to hearing your voice on the radio waves.