How GMRS Repeaters Work & How to Connect to One

[@rlic9206]

I like this channel. Full of information, to the point and no b.s..

[@royrobinson4636]

Yes, very well-explained GMRS Repeater info! 🤠 Our small and very rural foothill community has a network of 12 GMRS Radios, I've been considering building a repeater station for the past year or so, but wasn't exactly sure how to make that work and now I do! Great job!😎

[@citizensurvivalplan]

I am glad this helped!

[@rlic9206]

I'm new at this and learning. GMRS license is in the mail. Getting ham next.

[@dtrane663]

They don't mail a GMRS license

[@roygrisham7663]

You need to print out this license online.

[@neilspector9221]

Congratulations on studying for your HAM license! You will love it!

[@Don-oo3om]

Thank you! Finally somebody explained with clarity and I understand much more. Great job!

[@ratchetman]

This is great information. I did not know that was how the frequencies worked. subscribed.

[@michaelbattin]

I am still so confused

[@CajunBoyJake]

Dude: THANKS A MILLION!

[@kidvision564]

Very well explained for the people who already know -which defeats the purpose of a basic video for beginners

[@koniconga]

Wow you have clarified so many questions I had for my GMRS radio, thanks so much 😊

[@DIYJim-wx6hq]

Here is another way to look at it: the repeater is actually two radios wired together. One radio listens (receives) 5 Mhz high and the second radio repeats it (transmits) at the lower frequency. Because it recieves 5 mhz high you need your radio to transmit 5 mhz high. Because the repeater transmits at the lower frequency you need your radio to receive at the lower frequency. The CTCSS tone is called sub-audible. This means you do not hear it, but the repeater can. The repeater only re-transmits the signal if it hears or detects the tone. This keeps the repeater from re-transmitting every thing it hears, only message with the tone. The repeater builder selects the tone he wants. If you don’t understand you might need to read this again.

[@wolfmaan]

This is fantastic information. Thank you!

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@r3df1ns]

Thank you for the great info. I was able to program some local repeaters! I guess now I need to RTFM to figure out how to save additional repeater channels since my radio stops at Repeater channel 22 then jumps to NOAA channels

[@akamalov]

Thank you very much indeed. It was very informational and I enjoyed it . Thank you again.

[@chad4853]

Sudo ditto the below and any other THANK YOU COMMENTS. This makes so much more sense. Much Respect Sir.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Thanks!

[@royrobinson4636]

Thanks!

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Thanks for the support it means alot!

[@user-vk6ff9wz7u]

the content is really spot on! You have explained it really well to a an inexperienced person who would like to use repeater for a long time. Get a teleprompter brother so so can look directly in the camera, just a suggestion.

[@gregradaj4427]

Very informative and easy to understand. Thanks

[@brucethomas6296]

Great explanations, much appreciated !

[@IGTTMBLUES]

Just a thought. The music is annoying to ME. Finally found a great repeater guy. Etc. Subscribed. Thanks! Peace.

[@mcole.5593]

🎉😁🤸‍♂️🤸‍♀️🤸Thank you so much for this video!! I finally got my radio able to transmit! I'm celebrating, lol. I've been trying to figure it out for a couple wks now. Thank you! 😘

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Glad it helped!

[@nats50]

At 9:47, this is where people, newbies, get confused. According to the picture, say on Repeater 15, the table says TX (Transmit) 467.5500. But that's the radio operator's TX or transmit frequency on account of the +5 offset. That is, if you're on VFO mode or Frequency Mode, when you key in on 462.5500, the radio "adds" 5.0000, transmit on 462.5500, the repeater receives it on 467.5500, right? But the picture says the opposite. You get what I'm driving at? I do understand what's really happening, it's just that the picture or table is counterintuitive for those new or unfamiliar with the concept.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

This is why before that chart is shown i go in depth and show that your radio is tx is 467. I do demos of it and explain it....

[@Big_d_garage]

Very good video!

[@IGTTMBLUES]

HOLY MACKERAL! GOD BLESS YOU SIR!

[@michaelsipos5023]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m learning and your explanation is awesome. One question though, in the example of connecting to a repeater the chart shows an uplink tone of 141.3 but doesn’t state in that example if the uplink is a ctcs tone or a digital. Is there some way to discern which it is. You said it looked like a ctcs tone how would a newbie know? Thank you

[@trava4156]

I’m still confused

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Everything in the begining to middle of the video is just info on how it works. The end of the video shows you how to connect to a repeater. If you need help send me the repeater info that you are trying to connect and i can help....

[@neilspector9221]

Maybe this will help, when he says that the repeater spits it out, he means that the repeater re-transmits the input frequency on another frequency. The tones that he is talking about can be thought of as a door key. The repeater would be the door that is locked. You can turn the door knob but the door will not open until you use the key. The key is akin to the CTCSS tone. GMRS automatically sets the repeater offset for you so that you do not have to do it yourself. GMRS makes using a repeater simple for you. The only thing you need to set is the tone and you are golden.

[@JaredSpink]

Me too

[@joeweberofficial]

If you’re using a certain repeater, let say Repeater 15. Does your other gmrs radio needs to be in same repeater’s channel? And if so and you manage to hear your voice on the other radio, that means you’re all set and ready to go? I tried that and I heard a voice asking me what am I testing. I can hear my voice on the radio but how come he can join our conversation?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

@@joeweberofficial some radios list the repeater channels as different numbers make sure you focus on the frequency not so much the channel.

[@EarnestKegler]

How do you get the second one ( the one you put on frequency mode) to transmit back to the first one( the one you set to the Repeater Frequency)?

[@nationwidewraps]

Great video bro

[@JoaoLuisSR]

On my Baofeng when setting the tone to 141.3 MHz using MENU No.13 (Transmitting CTCSS) and MENU No.11 (Receiving CTCSS) in Channel mode (MR), the value 141.3 MHz does not stay after exiting the menu. However, in Frequency mode (VFO), the value stays. Please, at @5.47 minutes did you use frequency mode (VFO) or Channel mode (MR)?

[@silver_inferno]

Great channel. I have the BTECH radios as I am licensed . Where did you purchase the taller battery for BTECH V2 ? Thanks

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Here you go thanks for watching. amzn.to/3Tur5hc

[@silver_inferno]

Thanks

[@StealthJackson12B]

Thank you. I watched your video discussing this. I have rockietalkie. Do you input the output/input frequency listed for the repeater ( ex 100hz input / 100hz output) or do you input the privacy code corresponding with the aforementioned (ex 12| 100 hz)

[@frankgeis6064]

So I thought GMRS was the way to go for me. I’m not interested in talking to people across the world so I went out and bought 4 -UV5R And then receive my GMRS license with call singn now I come to find out there is no GMRS repeaters anywhere near me. I have asked a couple of Ham radio operators and they look at me like I got the plague 🤣 my hometown is Bismarck North Dakota any suggestions? I would appreciate it very much thank you. God bless and be safe.

[@GrillMasterDadChef]

@frankgeis6064, following

[@kevinkornman]

seems I keep getting confused with the more I try to understand, to TX (I have 2 radios) will the radio(s) automatically link to a repeater set up in the HH using say CH'20'? OR does 1 radio have to TX in a RPT CH and will the 'other' radio automatically will pick up while let's say in scan mode?

[@WillieMakeit]

Hi thanks for your great info. why would a user want to build a repeater themselves? is this so the user can get longer range and connect with more people on a network they built?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

I like having my own repeater so I can set it anywhere and set my own tones for me and the people I want to be able to connect to it in an emergency. Here is a video of mine about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH2wko14hJZrl5Y

[@sgiff]

I am just getting in to GMRS and one thing Im not clear on, is adding new custom channels on my radio. Let's say I want to set up a repeater channel, I notice that the frequency of the repeater I am going to be using is 462.700 which corresponds to channel 21 on my radio. I also notice that channel 29 on my radio has that same frequency. Do I modify the one of those channels to have the correct PL (CTCSS) assignments, or do I use VFO and create a new custom channel with that same frequency and add the PL inputs. The reason I am asking is because I dont want to create a custom channel and get in trouble with the FCC, but also, what if I go to a different area and want to use another repeater someone is running, but it has the same frequency as the one in my area, so it seems that because repeaters in different areas can have the same frequency, the best solution is to create a new custom channel for that frequency for both locations, or do I need to just modify the existing channels and then when I go to a new area modify them again. In my situation since, and for anyone reading this, I am using the TD-H3 in GMRS only mode. I dont want to unlock it at this point to normal mode until I have more experience.

[@ScottAlanAnthony]

Excellent question.

[@JoaoLuisSR]

I have a question about using repeaters. If others are using the repeater at the same time, can conversations overlap and cause confusion?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Only one person can use a repeater at at time. Alot of times you can have a few people on as long as everyone is being patient. Repeaters and their groups will have nets it's more organized then you may think.

[@franklopezsr5224]

Can you do a quick video on how to connect the Baofeng GMRS 9R to a repeater? My men instructions seem a little different.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

the gmrs 9 r connects the same way as in this video you repeater channels may just be labeled 23 to 30 and not 15 to 22 but just line them up and you should be good to go again go off repeater freq not channel number.

[@shaunteckno]

Is it possible to Google search the transmit code code for a certain area? There is definitely a repeater, because my FRS radio that I also have, is able to pick up on the chatter, through listening, of course. I just wonder if the tones/digital numbers are able to be searched? Thanks for any assistance.

[@jamalnettles4689]

New HA1G Ailunce GMRS. I live in Brooklyn and I wanted to know can I get to repeat it somewhere in Brooklyn if you can help me out that would be good thank you

[@brentnelle5728]

Would super appreciate some troubleshooting help. I have two gmrs radios on the same repeater channel and have set tones on both radios to what is listed for my local repeater. When I PTT and release I get the green light and beeps indicating I’m accessing the repeater. BUT, when I try to talk from my one handheld radio to the other the transmission does not go through. Any idea why the other radio can’t hear the radio even though all the tones are set the same and they’re on the same channel?

[@brentnelle5728]

I’m using the Rugged Radios GMRS2+ handheld radio

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Sometimes radios have programming errors it's possible it's not transmitting on that channel I have seen that before best way to test this is try using a different radio. That's what I would do.

[@hipolitoortiz6182]

Hi De WRVS650, NJ First off thank you for the video very instructive. I’ve a question my local repeater has frequency 462.700/467.700 PL IS 67.0 INPUT ...OUTPUT IS OPEN. Now My question is the input tone 67.0 goes to TX and in output tone open goes to RX where says open mining none ?? Because I hear traffic but when I PTT don’t hear the kickback from the repeater. Thanks !

[@citizensurvivalplan]

leave your rx tone off then. you may be out of range for your repeater meaning it can reach your but you are not using enough power or you need to stand somehwere higher up to hit it. IT sounds like your tones are ok. To test this you can move closer to the repater and test your settings.

[@hipolitoortiz6182]

Perfect !! Thank you so much for the info and replied back to me.@@citizensurvivalplan

[@dannunyas5642]

My instructions state to enter the node to connect to echolink. Where can the node be found?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

are you using a gmrs radio? i dont know any of these settings.

[@theoriginaldashriprock]

Why are you not using your gmrs call sign when using a repeater

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Ill never use it and you will never catch me! 🤠 call the fcc!

[@theoriginaldashriprock]

@@citizensurvivalplan as long as you're not using people's repeaters, then you're okay. But if you're using repeaters without a call sign, that would be a douche move.

[@roygrisham7663]

Not all GMRS radios have these same designations for repeater channels. Sometime the first repeater channel maybe called just that RPT1 which is also called channel 23. You might be confusing some people.

[@theonlysjc]

Just now got my license and just now getting into this and I've never been more confused lol

[@corykroeger2231]

The reality is you are the one confused.

[@James-hb8qu]

Would it be fair for me to assume that repeaters are unavailable during a SHTF because they are either unpowered or overly congested?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Yes my last video was kinda about just that and why you need your own repeater.

[@AmbassadorEarl]

I’m visiting near the dc area and can hear some repeater conversations but they can’t hear me. And I only have one radio with me.

[@TheTroutman85]

How do I know that I am connected to the repeater? I’m getting the same distance as if I’m using a frs walkie talkie… Please help. New here and I’ve run into all the step on your video.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Take another gmrs radio set on the same repeater channel with the same tones and settings turn the vol up set it near by so you hear it and try transmitting through the repeater to test it that how I test my home build repeaters.

[@sgiff]

I guess my other comment on this video which I am confused about, I see you putting the tones in on the RPT channel, not the GMRS channel, and lets say I am talking to someone through a repeater. It would seem both radios would need to be programmed and using the repeater channel not the GMRS channel if you want to talk to each other. How can a person using a GMRS channel reply back to you on that channel if the GMRS channel has no tones programmed in to transmit.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Repeater channels listen on regular gmrs channels but transmit on another channel watch my offsets video it may give you some more insight on how this works. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmLWcqSIns1lqdE

[@sgiff]

@@citizensurvivalplan Yes, I watched that and I do understand how the offsets work, on GMRS apparently it does it automatically and it's always +5, but that wasnt really my question, in your overview you say if the person you are talking to through a repeater isnt actually doing anything but listening, they dont need any tones set on their radio in the GMRS only channel. But in almost all cases, I cant figure out when you would want someone that would only be listening, they would be talking as well responding back to you so that means they are also transmitting which means they would need to have the PL code programmed on their repeater channel and using the repeater channel not the GMRS channel. Which to me means the GMRS default channel is mostly useless for practical purposes communicating with another family member.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

The person you are talking with on another radio would have to enter a transmit tone to go through the repeater to talk to you but would not need a rx tone (receive) the regular gmrs channels are for simplex Radio to radio communicating if there is no repeater near by to connect to. Remember privacy tones only tone out other radios its not private.

[@Bill_Maine]

Thank you. Clear as mud. However, I see most comments saying it is very well explained. So the weak link in understanding this video is me, not you.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Watch the last segment where I show an example of how to do it the first parts of the video and middle are are about how it works.

[@olegig5166]

Looking a bit deeper into your video there is something I don't understand. At around 8:26 you show a table you've made. For repeater ch 20 you show it receives on 462.675, however on another video it said if one was listening on Channel 20 one might hear the conversation from Rep Ch 20 but could not talk to them. This indicates Rep Ch 20 transmits on 462.675. ???? Are you quite sure your table is correct?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Idk of another vids I made about repeaters but if you are on a repeater channel it listens on 462 and when you hit transmit it offsets it up to 467 this goes for all 8 gmrs repeater channels.

[@olegig5166]

@@citizensurvivalplan ok, but what I don't understand is if it's listening to 462.675 how does it know to ignore things on Channel 20 which broadcasts on 462.675?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

You would be using privacy tones that's how but if you did not you would hear people on repeaters on regular channels.

[@olegig5166]

@@citizensurvivalplan so the only difference between Ch 20 and Rep ch 20 is the tones?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

No channel 20 listens and transmitts on 462 repeater channel 20 listens on 462 but transmitts on 467 the repeater takes in you transmitting on 467 and spits it back out on 462.

[@chrisdove1489]

Im so confused...i have two btech gmrs v2 radios and want to be able to keep in contact with my wife if shit were to hit the fan. at the furthest were about 25 miles or so apart....i cant figure out have to ge the two radios synced together where we can communicate if need be

[@citizensurvivalplan]

You need a 20 to 50 watt base station with an antenna on your roof and may need to use a repeater to go that far. A gmrs v2 handheld will not go 25 miles.

[@chrisdove1489]

@@citizensurvivalplan thank you so much for the reply. I was under the impression that if there were a repeater around us, we could keep in contact. I have hear various people talking when I’m on the programmed gmrs and repeater channels.. although, I don’t think they hear me

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Sounds like you are in range of this repeater. Try watching this video to learn how to use the repeater you will need to enter the tones to access it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnfZe5aAeZlgf9U

[@chrisdove1489]

@@citizensurvivalplan thank you so Much for the reply.

[@carlstevens6670]

thank you

[@olegig5166]

Ok, let's see if I understand this. Let's say in my area there is only one repeater, repeater channel 20. So if I want to call my buddy through this repeater, I put my radio on repeater channel 20 and instruct him to listen on repeater channel 20 as well?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Yep. and make sure if it has tones you enter them into both of you and your friends radio.

[@olegig5166]

@@citizensurvivalplansounds like we might need a cell phone conversation before we can have a radio hookup

[@neilspector9221]

@@olegig5166Not necessarily. If you and your buddy set up the repeater in your radio ahead of time and just agree to meet on that repeater channel.

[@olegig5166]

@@neilspector9221 thanks for all your advice, but I must be honest with you. I first stepped into the world of GMRS seeking something that might lend more security because of communication when driving high mountain trails which are out of cell phone range. I have come to realize the GMRS works fine in a group, but if one is on their own, a GMRS system is just a hope and prayer that there is someone in range operating on the same platform and frequency. As yet I'm not confident a GMRS would fill our needs so I just purchased a sat phone with 300 minutes per month talk time.

[@lampwatcher9398]

My repeater has a DPL tone...what is that? I have a UV9G and two UV-5G.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

what are the codes, channel and freq its on i think i can help.

[@lampwatcher9398]

@citizensurvivalplan Thanks! Great video btw!!! 462.650-RX 467.650-TX RX & TX DPL Tone- 743

[@citizensurvivalplan]

use it as a dcs tone. should work my gmrs radio has that code in there as a dcs tone. Sometimes radio brands call things differnt from one brand to another.

[@lampwatcher9398]

@citizensurvivalplan ok will try. Also I have a Retevis RT97...good option?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

the rt 97 is a repeater right? yeah im sure there good.

[@B.91.10]

Always program Rx and Tx tone reduces interference greatly.

[@duaneshuster6366]

Good Video Its been likd 15 years sincd promo of gmrs and no loxal repeater to use here hand held coverage and loxal stores ralk on 462.725,700 650 peopkes kids hitting buttons awful in SW PA i wish it would of took off.

[@joeweberofficial]

Do you need to ask permission before you can use a repeater?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

I would say if it is listed on the internet as open to the public with the tones listed out you are good to go.

[@silverandblackentertainment]

Do you have to have permission to use a repeater?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

if it is listed on the internet as open you are good to go.

[@terryparker1694]

@@citizensurvivalplan The owner can still shut you down.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

@@terryparker1694 Yes someone can kick you off their repeater by changing the channel and or tones idk why they would if its listed on the internet as open to the public but sure could happen....

[@DAN-n8i4t]

👍

[@valentinchiriac9117]

Usually, when a repeater frequency is listed, it's transmitting frequency is listed and then the offset . The receving frequency. All these by the point if view of the repeater, NOT of the radio !!!

[@985shane]

Gmrs is the new wave getting rid of the dinosaur test for ham license requirements and actually getting a license for repeater use.

[@MikhelKovak]

Lol. I don't get it. First he said that repeaters are already pre set into the radio and then he said we have to search for a repeater and type it into the radio .

[@citizensurvivalplan]

The repeater channels are preset into your radio but you would have to do an internet search to find what channels are active or who has one set up to use it. Or you can set up your own repeater.

[@MikhelKovak]

@@citizensurvivalplan I tried looking up a repeater frequency in my area but it was in the 9000.00 n that didn't make sense. That didn't match any channel frequency range. I am in Wisconsin near Milwaukee.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

make sure you are looking at gmrs repeaters and select by state here is a link choose state and see if you can find any repeaters.www.repeaterbook.com/gmrs/index.php?state_id=none@@MikhelKovak

[@MikhelKovak]

@@citizensurvivalplan so I found a frequency for Wisconsin Dodge county 462.600 and a tone up of D244 and something called a 'location' 103.5. What is the next step. I also found that 462.600 is on a gmrs chart for channel 17.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

I looked up this repeater it is on REPEATER channel 17 not regular gmrs 17 just enter your tones and you should be good to go as long as you are in range of this repeater.@@MikhelKovak

[@PhilipRaines]

Great video. Please kill the music. It's very distracting.

[@M_Samp]

I’m totally confused. I don’t believe I’m going to be buying one of these radios after all.

[@daveengstrom9250]

You made this information very confusing. What you attempted to explain was a "split". Rx and TX on separate frequencies. PLL tones are basically permission to use the repeater (which belongs to someone else who has paid a lot of money for that system). And its CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System), not ctcs. Read a book before you make videos.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

If people are listing their repeaters on the internet as OPEN TO THE PUBLIC you can use them. Maybe learn how things work before you comment. Go take a nap boomer.

[@baileymoto]

Absolutely nothing about this video was even a little confusing.

[@terryparker1694]

@@citizensurvivalplan Not if the owner decides they don't want you on their repeater. Maybe learn how things work before outing yourself. Go pay your rent.

[@citizensurvivalplan]

@@terryparker1694 I do not rent. I missed you're video about how this worked.....

[@williamlowry9585]

You did not tell anyone that they need to get permission from the person who owns the repeaters before using them. Most repeater owners do not like others to show up and start using them without permission. Yeah you need to give you call whether you want to or not. I saw your comment about never using your call sign and call the FCC. Do you not think you can't be traced by these videos?

[@citizensurvivalplan]

🤣😂🤣👮‍♂️

[@williamlowry9585]

@@citizensurvivalplan I will boot you off my repeater in a minute you arrogant jerk!

[@valentinchiriac9117]

Completely wrong all video.

[@migueltj6931]

couldn't get past the music or whatever that noise is

[@AkilezNewEngland]

I figured it out on my UV-5R i used a channel mode to communicate with another UV5R but the receiver is Frequency mode with the same channel. Took me almost 4 hours to figured it out. I only use it for Emergency just in case the grid goes down.