What a repeater does

Your radio transmitsOn a 467 MHz input channel (shown as 15R–22R)
The tower hears youIts antenna sits high, often 100 feet or more
It retransmits instantlyOn the matching 462 MHz channel, with more power
Everyone in range hears itEven family members miles beyond your handheld's reach

Height is everything in radio. A repeater lends you its height.

The numbers

5 MHzgap between what you send and what you hear

8repeater channels (15R–22R)

20–50miles of typical coverage

50 Wmaximum repeater power

Repeater inputs are for licensed GMRS users only; plain FRS walkie-talkies can't use them.

Sources: Wikipedia: General Mobile Radio Service; FCC GMRS rules, 47 CFR Part 95

Search myGMRS.com or RepeaterBook for towers near you and the ranch

Most repeaters are privately owned; the owner decides who may use them

Repeaters need a specific access tone; the listing gives it

Others share it; pause between messages so someone can break in

Use repeaters for range, but always have a radio-to-radio plan that works without one.