GMRS Repeater Setup Guide
A 5W GMRS handheld has a practical range of 2–5 miles in most terrain. Use a repeater and that same radio can reach 30–75 miles. Repeater access is one of the biggest advantages of GMRS over FRS — and it's available to any licensed user. Here's how to find repeaters and set up your radio to use them.
Before You Start
Required to use repeaters. $35, 10-year term, no exam. Get your license →
Must support channels 15–22 and CTCSS/DCS tone programming. Not all GMRS radios qualify.
Find one at myGMRS.com. Coverage varies by region — urban areas have many options, rural areas fewer.
How GMRS Repeaters Work
A repeater is a fixed radio station — usually located on a hilltop, tower, or tall building — that listens on one frequency and simultaneously re-broadcasts what it hears on another. The result: your 5W handheld's signal reaches the repeater (a few miles), and the repeater's 50W output covers the entire surrounding area.
Transmit on 467 MHz
Receive 467, retransmit 462 MHz at 50W
The Frequency Offset
GMRS repeaters use a 5 MHz frequency offset: you transmit on the input frequency (467 MHz range) and receive on the output frequency (462 MHz range). Your radio handles this automatically when you program a repeater channel — just enter the output frequency and your radio adds the 5 MHz offset for transmit.
GMRS Repeater Channels: 15 Through 22
Repeaters operate exclusively on channels 15–22. These channels have a 5 MHz split between transmit and receive. Channels 1–14 are simplex-only (no repeater access).
| Channel | Output (Receive) | Input (Transmit) | Also Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 462.5500 MHz | 467.5500 MHz | Simplex also allowed |
| 16 | 462.5750 MHz | 467.5750 MHz | Simplex also allowed |
| 17 | 462.6000 MHz | 467.6000 MHz | Simplex also allowed |
| 18 | 462.6250 MHz | 467.6250 MHz | Simplex also allowed |
| 19 | 462.6500 MHz | 467.6500 MHz | Simplex also allowed |
| 20 | 462.6750 MHz | 467.6750 MHz | Simplex also allowed |
| 21 | 462.7000 MHz | 467.7000 MHz | Simplex also allowed |
| 22 | 462.7250 MHz | 467.7250 MHz | Simplex also allowed |
Channels 15–22 can be used simplex (direct radio-to-radio) or through a repeater. When a repeater is on a given channel, it listens on the input (467 MHz) and retransmits on the output (462 MHz). If no repeater is active, you can still use these channels for direct communication.
Understanding CTCSS and DCS Tones
Most repeaters require you to transmit a CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) tone alongside your voice audio. This sub-audible tone — inaudible during normal playback — tells the repeater your transmission is intentional and not interference.
CTCSS (Analog Tone)
A continuous sub-audible tone from 67.0 Hz to 254.1 Hz. The most common type. Listed as a frequency in the repeater directory (e.g., "141.3 Hz").
DCS (Digital Code)
A digital data code transmitted as part of the audio signal. Less common on GMRS repeaters than CTCSS. Listed as a 3-digit number in the directory (e.g., "023").
Wrong Tone = No Repeater Access
If you program the correct frequency but the wrong CTCSS tone, the repeater won't respond to your transmission. Always check the exact tone required at myGMRS.com for your specific repeater. Some repeaters use carrier squelch (no tone required) — these will accept any GMRS signal on the right channel.
Step-by-Step: Finding and Accessing a Repeater
Find Repeaters at myGMRS.com
Go to mygmrs.com/repeaters and search by zip code or state. Each listing shows the output frequency, CTCSS/DCS tone, location, elevation, and access policy (open, registered, or closed). Focus on repeaters within 10–15 miles of your typical operating area.
Note the Frequency and Tone
Write down the repeater's output frequency (what you'll receive on) and the CTCSS or DCS tone. You'll need both to program your radio. If the listing shows "no tone" or "carrier squelch," you can transmit without a tone.
Program Your Radio
On most GMRS radios, navigate to channel 15–22 (or a custom memory channel), set the frequency to the repeater's output, enable the 5 MHz transmit offset, and program the CTCSS tone. The exact steps vary by radio — refer to your manual. For Wouxun and Radioddity radios, CHIRP software makes programming much easier.
Listen First
Before transmitting, monitor the channel for a few minutes. You may hear existing users or the repeater's courtesy tone. If the repeater has an ID (many broadcast their callsign periodically), you'll hear it here.
Test with a Short Transmission
Key up briefly and say your callsign — "This is [callsign] testing." If the repeater opens (you'll hear a courtesy tone or the channel will become active), your programming is correct. If nothing happens, double-check the tone and frequency.
Which Radios Support Repeater Use?
Not all GMRS radios can access repeaters. A repeater-capable radio must: (1) support channels 15–22 with the 5 MHz transmit offset, and (2) allow programming a CTCSS or DCS tone for transmit. Basic FRS/GMRS blister-pack radios often lack one or both of these features.
| Radio Type | Repeater Channels | CTCSS Programming | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wouxun KG-935G | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (CHIRP) | Best handheld choice |
| Radioddity GM-30 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Good budget option |
| Midland MXT575 / MXT500 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Best mobile choice |
| Midland GXT1000 pair | ⚠ Limited | ⚠ Pre-set tones only | Basic repeater use only |
| Baofeng GMRS-9R | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (manual only) | Works, but tedious to program |
| Basic FRS "blister pack" radios | ✗ No | ✗ No | Cannot use repeaters |
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Repeater Etiquette
GMRS repeaters are shared resources, usually maintained by volunteers. Following basic etiquette keeps you welcome and the repeater useful for everyone:
Always Listen Before Transmitting
Check if the channel is in use before keying up. Interrupting an ongoing conversation is rude and can cause interference.
Identify with Your Callsign
FCC rules require you to give your callsign when using repeaters. Say it at the start and end of a conversation, and periodically during longer transmissions.
Keep Transmissions Short
GMRS repeaters are community resources. Don't monopolize the channel. Many repeaters have a time-out timer (typically 3–5 minutes) that cuts you off if you transmit too long.
Respect Access Policies
Some repeaters are "registered" or "closed" — meaning you need to contact the owner for access. If a repeater listing says it's not open, reach out rather than just using it.
Pause Between Transmissions
Leave a 1–2 second gap after the repeater's courtesy tone before transmitting. This allows other users to break in and keeps the conversation orderly.
Emergency Traffic Has Priority
If someone announces an emergency on the repeater, stop transmitting immediately. Emergency communications take absolute priority over all other traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GMRS frequencies do repeaters use?
GMRS repeaters operate on channels 15–22 (462.5500–462.7250 MHz output, 467.5500–467.7250 MHz input). The repeater receives your transmission on the input frequency (467 MHz range) and simultaneously re-broadcasts it on the output frequency (462 MHz range). Your radio must be programmed with both the output frequency and the CTCSS/DCS tone the repeater uses.
Do I need a GMRS license to use a repeater?
Yes. A valid FCC GMRS license ($35, 10 years, no exam) is required to use GMRS repeaters. Your license covers your immediate family. When using a repeater, you should identify with your callsign. See our GMRS license guide for the full application process.
What is a CTCSS tone and why does the repeater need it?
CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) is a sub-audible tone transmitted below the normal audio range. Repeaters use it to filter out interference — only signals with the correct tone open the repeater's squelch. Without the right tone programmed, your transmission won't key up the repeater. Each repeater's tone is listed in the myGMRS.com directory.
What range can I get using a GMRS repeater?
Repeater range depends primarily on the repeater's location and power. A well-sited repeater on a hilltop or tower can cover 30–75 miles radius. Your handheld simply needs to reach the repeater — typically 5–15 miles for a 5W handheld to a moderately elevated repeater. The repeater then re-broadcasts to all users within its coverage area.
My radio doesn't have CTCSS — can I still use repeaters?
Most modern GMRS radios support CTCSS. Basic FRS radios and some budget combo radios do not. If your radio lacks CTCSS programming, you cannot use most repeaters (some open repeaters use carrier squelch, but they're rare). The Wouxun KG-935G, Radioddity GM-30, and most mid-range GMRS handhelds all support CTCSS.
How do I find GMRS repeaters in my area?
The myGMRS.com repeater directory lists hundreds of repeaters across the U.S. with their output frequency, CTCSS/DCS tone, location, and access policy. Filter by state or zip code. Some repeaters are open (anyone with a GMRS license can use them), others require contacting the owner for access.