Research Local Repeaters
1 hourCollect output/input frequencies, tones, and coverage notes for your area.
Beginner2-4 hours
Repeater Operation Guide
Complete guide for repeater operation — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
mobile operatorsnew hamsnet participants
Workflow
Estimate Coverage to Repeater
45 minutesModel path to repeater site including antenna height and terrain.
Account for Feedline & Duplex Loss
30 minutesInclude coax and duplexer losses when comparing handheld vs mobile access.
Operate on Nets & Simplex Backup
1 hourCheck into weekly net and verify simplex fallback if repeater fails.
Tools Used
- Repeater Range EstimatorPrimary
Estimate whether your station can reliably access the repeater.
- Coax Cable LossPrimary
Include feedline loss when comparing antenna setups.
- Decibel (dB) ConverterSupporting
Convert dB loss to power fraction for link planning.
- Free Space Path LossSupporting
Baseline path loss to repeater site before terrain factors.
- Frequency to WavelengthReference
Confirm offset direction matches band plan.
Checklist
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Configuration
Validation
Redundancy
Operations
Equipment
Procedures
Reference Materials
Standard Repeater Offsets (US)Table
Common input/output spacing by band.
| Band | Offset | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| 2 m | ±600 kHz | Often 100.0–114.8 Hz |
| 70 cm | ±5 MHz | Check local band plan |
| 1.25 m | −1.6 MHz | Less common |
dB LossFormula
Power out = Power in − loss(dB); 3 dB ≈ half power
Repeater EtiquetteStandard
Identify, pause for breakers, keep transmissions concise — long monologues block emergency traffic.
Listen First
Monitor 30 seconds before transmitting — avoids doubling and colliding with nets.
Upgrade Mobile Antenna
A ¼-wave on the roof beats any rubber duck inside the car.
Linked Systems
Some repeaters route to wide-area nets — know when your signal goes beyond local coverage.
Safety Notes
- Do not use repeaters for non-amateur or commercial traffic — Part 97 applies to all transmissions.
- Pull over before configuring radio memories while driving — distracted driving laws still apply.