Rules note: You need an FCC license to transmit on GMRS (47 CFR 95.1705). Use only FCC-certified GMRS radios, and stay within the power and channel limits for your station type. This is general information, not legal advice. The eCFR text of Part 95 Subpart E is the authority.
A repeater is the biggest range upgrade in GMRS. It listens on one frequency and retransmits what it hears on another, from a high site, at up to 50 W. Here’s how repeaters work under the rules, and what the FCC does and doesn’t allow.
On this page
How a repeater works
- Your radio transmits on a 467 MHz main channel, the repeater input. Mobile and handheld units may transmit there “only when communicating through a repeater station or making brief test transmissions” (95.1763(c)).
- The repeater receives your signal and retransmits it on the paired 462 MHz main channel, the output. Repeaters may transmit only on the 462 MHz main channels (95.1763(a)).
- Everyone listening on the output hears you, across the repeater’s whole coverage area.
The input is always 5 MHz above the output: 462.5500 pairs with 467.5500, and so on up to 462.7250 and 467.7250. Our repeater offset and tone planner does the math.
Power and height
Repeater stations may run up to 50 W transmitter output (95.1767(a)). Height matters more. A repeater antenna 200 ft above the surrounding terrain has a radio horizon of about 20 miles, versus about 3.5 miles for a handheld at head height (radio horizon math).
Tones: CTCSS and DCS
Most repeaters only respond to signals carrying the right subaudible tone (CTCSS) or digital code (DCS). This keeps them from relaying interference or stray traffic.
- Subaudible tones (300 Hz or below) may be sent continuously during a conversation. Audible tones above 300 Hz are limited to 15 seconds at a time (95.377).
- Split tones: the input tone and output tone can differ. Midland’s MXT275, MXT575 and GXT67 Pro are listed as split-tone capable (MXT575, GXT67 Pro).
The tone isn’t encryption and doesn’t make a channel private. It only controls access and squelch.
Who can use a repeater
The licensee decides. The rules let a repeater owner allow anyone to use it, limit it to specific people, or disallow specific users (95.1705(d)). You still need your own GMRS license to transmit, unless you’re an immediate family member operating under the owner’s license (95.1705(c)). Ask permission first.
Remote control and automatic operation
- Repeaters may run under automatic control (95.1747).
- Repeater, base and fixed stations may be operated by remote control (95.1745).
- They may connect to the phone network or other networks only for remote control (95.1749).
The linking ban
The FCC is explicit that repeaters “may not be linked via the internet—an example of an ‘other network’ in the rules—to extend the range of the communications across a large geographic area.” Linking repeaters so that a distant repeater retransmits your signal violates 95.1733(a)(8) and 95.1749, according to the FCC GMRS page. The FCC adds that linking “is not in the public interest” because GMRS spectrum is a shared commons meant for local use.
Identification
A repeater must identify unless it only retransmits stations under its owner’s license and those stations identify properly (95.1751(c)). A repeater open to the public should identify, and many do so automatically.
Sharing a repeater
Licensees may share stations without charge, on a non-profit cost-sharing basis, or reciprocally, under a written agreement kept with the station records (95.1705(f)). The licensee must keep access to and control over the station.
Setting up your own repeater
If you’re licensed, you can run a repeater under your individual license. The rules that apply:
- Transmit only on a 462 MHz main channel, listening on its 467 MHz pair (95.1763).
- Stay at or below 50 W transmitter output (95.1767(a)).
- Use a certified GMRS transmitter (95.1761).
- Decide who may use it (95.1705(d)).
- Identify unless the repeater only serves stations under your license (95.1751(c)).
- Keep control. Automatic and remote control are allowed, but networks may be used only for control, not to link communications (95.1745, 95.1747, 95.1749).
- Check the site rules: structures over 200 ft, or near airports, may need FAA and FCC review (95.317).
Pick the pair after listening to what’s already in use locally, since channels are shared (95.359).
FAQ
Do I need a special radio?
Your radio must be able to transmit on the 467 MHz main channels with tones. Look for “repeater capable” and split-tone support.
Can FRS radios use repeaters?
No. They can’t transmit on the 467 MHz main channels.
How do I find repeaters?
Ask local GMRS users or clubs, or use community directories. Always confirm permission and tones with the owner. See how to use a GMRS repeater.