How Repeaters Work - Extend Your Radio Range Further

Two-way radios like FRS and GMRS operate via line of sight and obstructions such as trees, hills, mountains, etc. can directly impact just how far your radio range extends. However, the use of a repeater can drastically improve your range.

How do Radio Waves Work?

Radio waves travel in straight lines. These waves can navigate through some obstructions, but this will impact the strength (range) and clarity of communication. This is a problem in areas with mountains or a lot of hills, or with a lot of buildings or trees.

Also, on flatter terrain, just the distance between the two radios can weaken the radio range. 

What is a Repeater and How Do They Work?

Repeaters act as a combination of a radio receiver and radio transmitter. They receive a signal and transmit it so that two-way radios can cover longer distance and navigate obstruction. This makes repeaters the "middle man" and why they're so important in improving radio range. 

The higher you mount the antenna, the better coverage you can get. Thus, repeaters are typically installed high up on a building or hill in a centrally located area. The better the spot of repeater installation, the better the radio range.

A repeater won't just push radio range further, but it'll also improve the clarity of two-way radio transmission.

What are Repeater Channels and How Do They Work?

To the average consumer, a walkie-talkie might as well work on the same frequencies an AM/FM radio does. to GMRS and two-way radio purists, that could not be further from the truth. Since GMRS requires an FCC license and call sign, many two-way radio users restrict themselves to the lower power FRS channels that can be used by the general public. 

So, what are the benefits of accessing GMRS repeater channels? 

GMRS repeater channels access the extensive national network of repeater towers and can greatly increase the range of a GMRS radio, no matter the wattage. Repeater towers act as both a radio receiver and transmitter, receiving low powered signals and then blasting them out with even more power and covering long distances without degradation of the origin signal, allowing users to communicate clearly while miles apart.

These repeater channels are especially useful in terrain where there may be obstructions between radios, dramatically reducing the radio's broadcast range. The advertised ranges of 25-38 miles are based on direct line of sight and two-way radio communication is greatly diminished when obstructions are present. In a dense urban area or hilly back country, a radio that has an advertised optimal range of 32 miles may only reach a quarter to a half mile. With repeater channels, that range is maximized as long as the radio and user are within range of a repeater tower. Theoretically one could broadcast a signal halfway across a large state like Texas when within range of repeater towers. 

It is important to note that these towers are also privately owned and operated, so be sure to ask permission from the owner before accessing these towers.