Amateur Radio Stack Exchange
Amateur Radio Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [repeater]

A device that receives a signal and re transmits it either in the same band or by re-modulating it in a different band.

Repeaters are usually used to boost the range of transmitters. For example, the range of a 5W hand held can be greatly increased. Repeaters designed for duplex operations have different transmit and receive frequency. The repeaters also have to be keyed on by sending certain tone frequency - or a sequence of tones.

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Why do people say, "get a nickel," on repeaters?

Sometimes, I'll hear someone say "wait a moment, I'm getting a nickel," and then drop the carrier only to resume talking. Why?
webmarc
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Why do repeaters use cavity filters?

Repeaters apparently often use large, expensive cavity filters to connect the receiver and transmitter to the same antenna. Why aren't typical electrical circuits, such as inductors and capacitors used instead? Wouldn't they be cheaper and smaller?
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How do I make a RF propagation map for a repeater?

Let's say I have a repeater. Knowing all of the information about antenna height and gain in each direction, as well as power, how can I create a map similar to this map I saw of a repeater in Illinois? Free options are always better!
Skyler 440
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OK to use any repeater?

There are a number of repeaters in my area, each belonging to a particular amateur radio club. These guys are all friendly and willing to chat but I was wondering if it was bad form to make use of a repeater belonging to a club you aren't part of…
s3c
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Is there any legal recourse against unauthorized usage of a private repeater in the USA?

Can the FCC revoke an amateur license for unwelcomed use of another amateur's private/closed repeater system? It's clear that private repeaters are allowed, per 47 CFR 97.205(e): Limiting the use of a repeater to only certain user stations is…
natevw - AF7TB
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Why can't I hear myself from a second radio when bouncing off a repeater?

I am a relatively new ham, and haven't joined any club yet or participated in any nets. I have, however, hit a repeater just to know I can do it. I was told my sound was scratchy (no surprise there) but I want to hear how bad it is. I tried…
Bernem-KG7NUB
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Is it illegal to key up and not identify?

So, I key up on a repeater to see if it works, or to see what cool courtesy tone they are using. I don't do anything else. Is it illegal or bad ham radio etiquette to just key up for a second, key down, and not do anything else? Where: USA, CO,…
Skyler 440
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Fastest Speed allowed for CW FM repeater ID in USA

What is the fastest legal WPM I can use for my repeater's Morse code identification? I am in the USA.
Skyler 440
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Operating proceedures: testing an HT against a repeater?

Assuming proper licensing for the frequency, what is the proper operating procedure to test whether an HT works and is within range of a (documented as open, 2M or 440) club repeater? Should one wait till someone comes on the repeater, and ask them…
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Advantage of 6 meter repeaters

6 meters seems to be a place where when the conditions are right, repeaters may interfere with each other from far distances, but when the conditions are normal, repeaters are similar to 2 meters. What is the advantage of installing repeaters on 6…
Skyler 440
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Building a portable event repeater

How does one go about building a portable repeater for use at events? Preferably at low cost, and with a minimum of bulky parts (so it's travel friendly). Obviously you'd need a pair of radios to handle RX and TX, taking into account that the TX…
Trevor Johns
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In-house repeater?

At one time I was active in the local SKYWARN program, but then we moved and I find myself 10 miles from the local repeater. Given the various obstructions between it and me, I can't really hit it unless I'm up in the attic or on the roof. To make…
J_C_R
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How to clean up profanity on airwaves

We have a repeater here in Southern California (Sylmar K6GE 147.435), and no matter what time of day or night there are a great many operators spewing tremendous profanity, disrespect and meanness toward one another. This is embarrassing and makes…
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What should I put on a QSL card for a repeater contact?

From time to time I'm a new ham's first contact - usually on a repeater. If I want to send the new ham a QSL card, how should I distinguish a repeater contact from a non-repeater contact? Is there a standard?
user3486184
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How do club codes stay secret?

To use auto patch, IRLP or other special repeaters, you need the club code from the local club I am part of, which is a DTMF code. But I was thinking, DTMF can't be very hard to decode, and if someone (like an unlicensed guy with a receiver) records…
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