This is NOT a crossband repeater, but a simplex repeater, which is basically a simple digital answering machine made for two-way radios.

GMRS rules do NOT allow any type of digital solutions, including message recording and forwarding in this fashion, as far as we know.

I’m new to the whole radio setup, but how does the Retevis repeater work? This is basically the same principle as you’re using simplex so it will receive and transmit on the same frequency. I understand that the Retevis repeater is a duplex system, but I would think this could work on a GMRS frequency when using a GMRS specific radio. I’d be curious to see if it could be made to work with it (obviously within the scope of legality by the FCC). I’m looking into this as a preparation scenario. And thank you for the fast reply!!

A complete duplex repeater is totally different, which IS allowed in the specified GMRS channels. You need 2 transceivers and an automated solution for station identification in order to make it completely legal. There are companies that offer "turn-key" ready to go GMRS repeater systems, however, they are quite costly. Of course, you can build your own solutions and there are radios which offer repeater functions, and they cost a lot less, but you still need a very good duplexer, high quality antenna and cables, power source, etc. But yes, you can build your own, but make sure you request a permit from your local coordinator and set up your duplexer for the provided frequency in order to avoid interference with already operating GMRS repeaters in the area.

With the updated rules by the FCC, the GMRS service as such, indeed, has become a much better and more attractive option compared to the previous rules, however, the HAM license comes with a HUGE variety of options, frequency bands and services that GMRS could never match in any shape or form! And that's just an undeniable fact! BUT, it is true, that for the HAM license people MUST study, since the test is very technical and takes serious efforts and time to properly prepare. But once done, it's done for LIFE! So in the end, all the extra invested efforts easily justify the benefits!

Glad you enjoyed it!

Hold down the call button

Thanks man!

There is no "privacy" on two-way radios.

Thanks for the visit

As long as both have the same frequency programmed into them, sure thing.

@@Ham4All the problem is you can no longer program the new bf 888s models

The transmit antenna should go higher for maximum coverage in our opinion.

Completely different setup. If you use Duplex with 2 radios, their setup can make or break the system. They must have significant distance between the 2 units both horizontally and vertically, otherwise they cancel out each other's signals. Also, a Duplex setup, by law, qualifies as a "repeater", which is governed by strict rules and must be registered if the system is a permanent one, and must be coordinated with the local coordinator. Simplex, on the other hand, does NOT qualify as a "repeater", and can be setup much easier without all the legal hassles.

We still have ours and never had any problems with any of our units.

Range always depends on the particular area and the antenna installation / location for best coverage. Power supply could be achieved by using a power brick hooked up to a solar charger, but that's a different topic. Check out advices and ideas posted about the subject on KZbin.

@@Ham4All this unit has over 20 watt of power. Does that helps when u don't have good antenna signal , to push power signal further

Power does NOT help you without a good antenna. All you achieve is to flood the local immediate area with powerful radio signals, but they will NOT be able to increase the actual range. Antenna IS the "power distributor", which is more important than power itself!

That's just a generic, inexpensive but pretty good little external speaker we use. Here is our Amazon seller link: amzn.to/3nT4ecr

@@Ham4All Thanks, appreciate it.

@@Ham4All Got this speak in the other day, sounds pretty good actually. Glad I picked it up.

You're welcome!

Glad it was helpful!