19.7 GMRS repeaters

A repeater is a fixed station, normally on a tower or tall building, that receives your signal on an input channel (467 MHz, 5 MHz above the output) and retransmits it with more power on the output channel (462 MHz). That way two radios that can't hear each other directly can communicate across many miles.

• You need a GMRS license and a radio that has the repeater channels (marked 15R to 22R or similar).
• Repeaters belong to individuals or clubs. Ask the owner for permission before using one; many require an access tone (CTCSS or DCS) that they give you once you are approved.
• Directories: there are online listings of GMRS repeaters by area (for example, myGMRS.com). Look up the ones in your area, request access, and test from your apartment.
• Don't count on them as your only option: if they lose power or get overloaded, you're back to direct range. Always have an agreed “simplex” (radio to radio) channel.