GMRS repeaters
Repeaters listen on 467 MHz and simultaneously re-transmit on 462 MHz from a high hilltop or tower, extending handheld and mobile coverage across entire valleys and metro areas.
This is the GMRS-specific repeater guide within the broader Gear section. FRS and CB do not authorize repeaters, and MURS prohibits them. The hardware examples here describe common design choices rather than universal requirements.
01 · How GMRS Repeaters Work (+5 MHz Offset)
GMRS repeaters use a fixed +5.000 MHz frequency offset. When you key up on a repeater channel (such as Channel 20R), your radio transmits on 467.6750 MHz (the repeater input) and listens on 462.6750 MHz (the repeater output).
| Repeater Pair | Input (Radio Transmit) | Output (Radio Receive) | Standard Power Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15R | 467.5500 MHz | 462.5500 MHz | 50 Watts |
| 16R | 467.5750 MHz | 462.5750 MHz | 50 Watts |
| 17R | 467.6000 MHz | 462.6000 MHz | 50 Watts |
| 18R | 467.6250 MHz | 462.6250 MHz | 50 Watts |
| 19R | 467.6500 MHz | 462.6500 MHz | 50 Watts |
| 20R (Travel) | 467.6750 MHz | 462.6750 MHz | 50 Watts |
| 21R | 467.7000 MHz | 462.7000 MHz | 50 Watts |
| 22R | 467.7250 MHz | 462.7250 MHz | 50 Watts |
02 · Typical site components
Common functions in a duplex repeater installation; the exact hardware follows the site design and duty cycle.
Functions to plan for
- Transmit/receive isolation: A duplexer or other engineered antenna arrangement must provide enough isolation for the frequencies, power, equipment, and site.
- Repeater Controller: Manages keying logic, station CW/voice identification, timeout timers, and CTCSS/DCS decoding.
- Antenna system: Choose pattern, gain, mounting height, feed line, and connectors for the intended coverage and site constraints.
- Power and thermal design: Size the supply, backup system, enclosure, ventilation, and cooling for the measured load and duty cycle.
- Site protection: Design bonding, grounding, surge protection, weather sealing, and structural support for the location and applicable requirements.
Learn about repeater etiquette, the 1-second PTT pause, and CTCSS tone settings on our Operating Tips page.
Explore the 22 GMRS/FRS simplex channel numbers and 8 GMRS repeater pairs on the Frequencies chart.