GMRS repeater

As GMRS radios continue to grow in popularity, so does interest in expanding the range of the service for even greater coverage. The way to do this is through the use of repeaters.

Unfortunately, setting up a repeater can be time consuming, resource intensive and very expensive for many GMRS operators. To complicate matters further, there are not many repeaters out there that are specifically FCC approved for the GMRS.

Now, Midland is stepping up to the plate with a repeater of its own, and it may be a practical solution for all of those issues. It's the MXR10 Portable GMRS Repeater, a 10 watt repeater that can be set up in a home, a vehicle or just about any other clean and dry indoor location where such a radio range extender is needed.

The MXR10 is specifically tailored for repeater capable GMRS radios in three unique ways. First, it's a portable repeater, designed for use in a mobile or onsite environment where maneuverability is desired or needed. For instance, the MXT10 is ideal when setting up a base camp during a group hiking trip or other excursion in the wild. It is handy for extending communications during an offroading event. It can be used at in club activities and conventions. It's also great for use as a temporary range extender or backup repeater in case of a communications outage or other emergency. There are many practical applications for a mobile or portable repeater, and the MXR10 is made to fit those needs.

The MXR10 is also plug and play. It can be set up and taken down very quickly, with little effort and preparation. This is primarily due to the fact that the General Mobile Radio Service itself only has 8 sets of repeater frequencies, and these are generally pre-assigned to eight repeater channels. The MXR10 is pre-programmed with two sets of these eight channels, one in narrow band mode and a second set in wide band mode, for a total of 16 channels.

The channels can be easily customized further using PC programming software provided by Midland. This customization includes High and low transmit power selection, squelch level adjustment, repeater delay, and the selection of CTCSS tones and DCS codes. The Tones and codes can be programmed to transmit and receive independently, This feature is also known as split tones. Also, the programming software, if needed, is easy to setup up and use, and customizing the MXR10 repeater is fairly simple and straightforward. This alone makes the MXR10 a valuable asset in the field.

Most importantly, it's affordable. A traditional repeater alone can cost anywhere from $1800 on up. By the time you add the duplexer, antenna, cabling, power requirements and other expenses, the overall cost can be considerably higher. In contrast, the Midland MXR10 is only $459.99. Even factoring in the antenna, feed line, etc., the MXR10 is still a fraction of the cost of a full-fledged rack unit, and considerably less than the cost of a "home grown" GMRS repeater system.

But what about the wattage? A typical GMRS repeater is around 50 watts, the maximum allowed on the GMRS. The MXR10 is only 10 watts. Doesn't that make the MXR10 inferior?

Not at all.

While 50 watts is a significant power output compared to 10 watts, wattage alone does not determine the coverage or performance of a repeater. Location, elevation, antenna height, the feed line and reliable uptime all factor into the equation. Under the right circumstances, a 10 watt mobile repeater can conceivably match the performance of a 50 watt model. In fact, it can be an asset, as the lower wattage equates to a lower draw on power, which can potentially increase uptime, particularly when the power source may be limited or becomes compromised. Also, it's designed for mobility. The portability factor alone gives the MXR10 an advantage that the typical repeater station doesn't have. This can be especially useful in an emergency situation.

The MXR10 is compatible with all Midland GMRS two way radios with repeater capability. This includes the MXT Series mobile radios and the Midland GXT3000VP4 portable handheld GMRS radio. It will also work with any other repeater capable GMRS radio.

The Midland MXR10 includes the repeater, AC adapter, DC adapter, programming cable, owner’s manual, quick start guide, and a one year manufacturer warranty from Midland. All you need is an external antenna and a feed line (cable) to connect it to the unit.

Among the many features of both the original Wouxun KG-1000G and the KG-1000G Plus is the ability to connect one of these radios with a second one and build a working mobile or base repeater. It's easy to do, and we even made a video that shows you exactly how to make your own KG-1000G repeater.

One optional step that is not shown in the video is to connect a GMRS duplexer to both of the KG-1000G radios. While this is an optional step, it is highly recommended, as the addition of a duplexer eliminates the need for the radios to be connected to separate antennas for transmit and receive. This is much more efficient and eliminates other potential technical issues related to using multiple antennas.

If you are contemplating the use of a duplexer, Not any old one will do. Like an antenna, you will need to choose a duplexer that is tuned to the correct band and frequency that your repeater will be using. In the case of a GMRS repeater, it needs to support one of the 8 repeater frequencies reserved for the GMRS. We recommend the XLT DP-GMRS-50 Mobile Band Reject Duplexer. This is especially designed for GMRS radio repeaters and works with the KG-1000G Series radios.

When using a duplexer, it needs to be precisely tuned to that frequency. Yes, precisely. Of course, with a proper spectrum analyzer you could tune it yourself, but as shown in our video How to Tune a GMRS Duplexer, that sort of equipment is quite expensive and requires a modicum of expertise and patience to tune it just right.

Fortunately, when you purchase the XLT duplexer from us, you can choose the option to have us tune it for you at no charge. This will not only save you time, but the headache of doing it yourself.

That's great and all, but once you receive your duplexer and it is tuned precisely to the GMRS repeater channel you want to use, how do you do it? How do you connect it to your two KG-1000G radios correctly?

This is the simplest part of all. It only requires you to set up your repeater according to the instructions in the video, know which radio is set up as the transmitter and which is the receiver, connect the duplexer to both, and connect the completed repeater system to the antenna.

Here's how to do it:
1. Connect the TX radio (462 MHz transmit frequency) to the connector on the LOW side of the duplexer.

2. Connect the RX radio (467 MHz receive frequency) to the connector on the HIGH side of the duplexer.

3. Connect the antenna to the middle port marked ANT on the duplexer.

That's all there is to it.

We get comments and questions from customers who are interested in GMRS repeaters and want to set up their own. Such is the case in regards to our Wouxun KG-1000G repeater video tutorial. Some of this feedback comes from hams who are familiar with the rules of using repeaters on the amateur radio service, with the natural assumption that the FCC rules for GMRS repeater stations are the same as those for amateur radio. While this is mostly true, there are some exceptions that make owning and operating a GMRS repeater a little different, and perhaps easier, especially if it is for private use.

To clear up the confusion and separate fact from fantasy, here is the truth about GMRS repeaters.

According to the FCC rules under § 95.1751 GMRS station identification, "Each GMRS station must be identified by transmission of its FCC-assigned call sign at the end of transmissions and at periodic intervals during transmissions except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section. A unit number may be included after the call sign in the identification."

A GMRS station refers to any Part 95E type accepted device that transmits and receives signals on the GMRS radio service. This includes portable handheld walkie talkies, mobile radios and base station units. It also includes GMRS repeaters.

The rules also specifically state how the call sign (ID) must be transmitted, as outlined below:

(a) The GMRS station call sign must be transmitted:
(1) Following a single transmission or a series of transmissions; and,
(2) After 15 minutes and at least once every 15 minutes thereafter during a series of transmissions lasting more than 15 minutes.
(b) The call sign must be transmitted using voice in the English language or international Morse code telegraphy using an audible tone.

So, yes, just as with a ham radio repeater, a GMRS repeater is required to transmit a call sign. However, as simple as it sounds, it is this specific point that seems to cause some confusion.

Most publicly accessible repeaters operate unassisted, without a station operator present 24/7. This means that in order to comply with the rules, there must be a system in place to automatically transmit the call sign or station ID at the required intervals. In fact, such a system has long been used by amateur repeaters everywhere, and is generally the accepted norm among members of the ham community. Therefore, it stands to reason that some sort of auto ID controller would be required to operate a GMRS repeater as well. And for the most part, this is correct.

However, there are scenarios in which an auto ID isn't necessary at all. According to subpart (c) under the same section:

(c) Any GMRS repeater station is not required to transmit station identification if:
(1) It retransmits only communications from GMRS stations operating under authority of the individual license under which it operates; and,
(2) The GMRS stations whose communications are retransmitted are properly identified in accordance with this section.

In simple terms, the repeater does not need to auto ID if it's intended for use as a private or closed repeater system.

Consider, for instance, a family farm or ranch. Since a GMRS license covers the entire family, the repeater does not have its own callsign. The repeater is also identified by that family license. each family member using the repeater provides the call sign and their station ID over the repeater every fifteen minutes, which suffices for the repeater ID.

To repeat, pun intended, if it is a private repeater operating solely between operators of the same GMRS license such as a single family, and each operator is properly identifying their individual stations as required by their license, the repeater itself does not need to transmit an ID. This is simply because the station ID is automatically being transmitted by each individual operator relaying the call sign.

An automatic repeater ID function is only necessary if people other than those covered by your license are also using the repeater. And that's the truth.

If you've wanted your own GMRS repeater but didn't know where to begin, here's the video you've been waiting for. This quick and easy tutorial shows you how to turn the Wouxun KG-1000G GMRS Base/Mobile Two Way Radio into a real, working, fully functional GMRS repeater!

To make the repeater, you will need:

• Power Supply (20W or higher recommended)
• 2x Wouxun KG-1000G Mobile Radio
• 2x GMRS Mobile Antennas or GMRS Base Station Antennas*
• 2x Antennas Mounts*
• One UHF Mobile Duplexer (optional)
• Antenna/Duplexer Cables

All of these components are available from Buy Two Way Radios.
*Only one is required if using a duplexer.

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

It's been a long time coming, but now the wait is finally over. the ultimate GMRS mobile radio is here! Get a quick introductory overview of the new the Wouxun KG-1000G GMRS Base/Mobile Two Way Radio!

In this video, we provide a close up view of this mobile, list some of its exciting key features and explain why we think it's the most advanced GMRS mobile transceiver available today. It's now in stock and available exclusively at Buy Two Way Radios!

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!