Repeater Search

A repeater is a radio relay station, usually on a hilltop or tower. It receives your signal on one frequency and retransmits it on another, extending your range from a few miles to 50+ miles!

The offset is the difference between the repeater's receive and transmit frequencies.

• +0.6 MHz = You transmit 0.6 MHz higher than listed
• -0.6 MHz = You transmit 0.6 MHz lower than listed
• Your radio handles this automatically once programmed

A CTCSS tone (also called PL tone) is a sub-audible tone your radio sends. The repeater only opens when it hears this tone - it prevents interference and unauthorized use. You must program the correct tone or the repeater won't respond!

• 2 meters (144-148 MHz) = Better range, penetrates buildings, most common
• 70cm (420-450 MHz) = More repeaters in cities, smaller antennas
• Most hams use both! Get a dual-band radio.

• FM = Standard analog voice (works with any radio)
• D-STAR = Icom's digital mode
• DMR = Digital Mobile Radio (Motorola standard)
• Fusion/C4FM = Yaesu's digital mode

Digital modes require compatible radios but offer better audio quality.

1. Program the frequency, offset, and tone into your radio
2. Listen first to make sure it's not in use
3. Press PTT and say your callsign: "This is [CALL] listening"
4. Wait for a response, then have a conversation!

Common issues:

• Wrong tone - Double-check the CTCSS tone is programmed
• Wrong offset - Make sure + or - is correct
• Too far away - VHF/UHF is line-of-sight; hills block signals
• Antenna - The rubber duck antenna on HTs has terrible range!
• Low power - Try high power mode if available

• Better antenna - A $20 Nagoya NA-771 is 10x better than the stock rubber duck
• Go outside - Buildings block VHF/UHF badly
• Higher ground - Even walking uphill helps
• Mobile antenna - Mag-mount on your car = massive improvement
• External antenna at home - J-pole or Slim Jim mounted high

Rule: Antenna improvements give you more bang for your buck than more power!