Using Repeaters

A repeater is a radio station, usually on a hilltop, tower, or tall building, that receives your signal on one frequency and simultaneously retransmits it on another. This extends your effective range from a few miles to potentially 50+ miles. For family groups and road trips, a repeater is the difference between staying in touch across a city and losing contact a few blocks away.

How the +5 MHz offset works

GMRS repeaters always use a fixed +5 MHz offset. Your radio transmits on the input frequency (the R channel), and the repeater rebroadcasts everything it hears on the output frequency, which is 5 MHz lower.

• Channel 19R (467.6500 MHz) is the input - your radio transmits here
• Channel 19 (462.6500 MHz) is the output - everyone listens here
• The repeater links the two: it hears 467.6500 and instantly rebroadcasts on 462.6500
• All 8 GMRS repeater pairs follow this same pattern (channels 15R–22R)

Most GMRS radios handle the offset automatically when you select a repeater channel. If you're programming a frequency manually, set the transmit frequency to the R channel and the receive frequency to the standard channel. See repeater offsets explained for the full frequency chart.

CTCSS and DCS tones

Most repeaters require a CTCSS tone (a sub-audible continuous tone your radio transmits alongside your voice) or a DCS code (a digital squelch code) to open the repeater. Without the correct tone, the repeater ignores your transmission even if it hears you clearly. This is intentional - it keeps the repeater from being triggered by noise, distant signals, or radios on adjacent systems.

To use a repeater, look up its required tone in the repeater directory and program it into your radio as the transmit tone (sometimes labeled T-CTCSS, TX Tone, or Encode). You don't usually need to set a receive tone unless you want your radio to squelch on other traffic.

Tone values vary by repeater - common ones are 141.3 Hz, 100.0 Hz, and 88.5 Hz, but there's no standard. Always check the listing. See CTCSS and DCS explained for more detail, and use our CTCSS/DCS cross-reference tool to translate tone codes between radio brands.

Programming a repeater into your radio

The exact steps vary by radio, but the general process is the same:

1. Find the repeater's output frequency, input frequency (or just the offset), and CTCSS tone from a directory like myGMRS.com
2. On your radio, select the correct repeater channel (15R–22R) or enter the output frequency manually
3. Set the transmit offset to +5 MHz if your radio requires it (most preset this automatically)
4. Set the transmit CTCSS tone to the value listed for that repeater
5. Save the channel with a name you'll recognize (e.g., "W5XYZ Rptr")

If you have several repeaters to program, CHIRP is the fastest way to do it - you can edit a spreadsheet-style table and write everything to the radio at once.

Open vs. closed repeaters

Not all repeaters are available to every licensed GMRS user.

• Open repeaters welcome any licensed GMRS user. These are the most common type and are usually listed publicly on myGMRS.com.
• Closed repeaters are private - typically used by a family, club, or business. They may use a non-standard or unlisted tone, or require prior arrangement with the owner. Using a closed repeater without permission is bad practice even if you happen to know the tone.
• Semi-open repeaters allow general use but may ask you to introduce yourself or follow specific local procedures.

When in doubt, listen before you transmit. If you hear active traffic, pay attention to how users identify themselves and follow their lead.

Making your first call on a repeater

Repeater etiquette is simple. Before transmitting, listen for a few seconds to confirm the repeater is not already in use. Then:

• Key up briefly and say your callsign: "KG5XYZ monitoring" or "KG5XYZ, anyone on?"
• Wait a second or two after releasing the key - other stations may be waiting to respond
• If calling a specific person: "KG5ABC, this is KG5XYZ"
• Identify with your callsign at the end of each conversation, and at least every 15 minutes during extended use (per 95.1751)
• Keep transmissions concise - long keyups tie up the repeater for everyone

For a full rundown of dos and don'ts, see repeater etiquette.

Can hear the repeater but can't access it?

This is a common problem and usually has a straightforward fix. The most likely causes are a wrong or missing CTCSS tone, transmitting on the wrong frequency, or not enough power to reach the repeater's input. See can't access the repeater for a step-by-step checklist.

Simplex vs. repeater - when to use each

Repeaters aren't always the right tool. Use simplex (direct radio-to-radio, no repeater) when:

• You're close to the other party - a few blocks or across a campground
• You want a private conversation on your own channel
• The repeater is busy with other traffic
• You're in an area with no local repeater coverage

Use a repeater when you need range - across a metro area, on a road trip, or when terrain would otherwise block your signal. The two approaches complement each other, and most GMRS users do both.

Finding repeaters near you

The best resource is myGMRS.com, which maintains a nationwide directory with frequencies, tones, coverage maps, and owner contact info. You can filter by state or zip code. See finding repeaters in your area for more search strategies, including how to identify open repeaters and what to do if coverage is thin where you live.