How a repeater works
- You transmit on its inputUsually 600 kHz away from the output on 2 meters
- It checks your toneThe right CTCSS tone opens the repeater
- It retransmits on its outputFrom a tall tower with more power
- Everyone in range hears youAcross a whole county or more
Offsets
2 meters: 600 kHz, plus or minus. 70 centimeters: 5 MHz, usually plus.
Repeaters to program first
| Repeater | Output | Offset | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| W4CAT Nashville | 146.955 | + | 114.8 |
| K5PXP Mount Nebo (ranch) | 146.820 | – | 131.8 |
| N4OEM Nashville ARES | 442.750 | + | 100.0 |
| N5XMZ Magazine Mountain | 443.250 | + | 114.8 |
Listings change. Check RepeaterBook before you rely on one, and listen first.
Good repeater manners
Listen first
Make sure no one is using it
Pause between turns
Leave room for someone with an emergency
Say your call sign
'W4JUM monitoring' is all it takes
Keep it short
Many repeaters time out after a few minutes
Sources: RepeaterBook listings; ARRL repeater guidance
Remember
Right frequency, right offset, right tone; then listen before you talk.
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Answer key
- What is the standard repeater offset on 2 meters?600 kHz2-meter repeaters use a 600 kHz split.
- What is the usual offset on 70 centimeters?5 MHz70 cm repeaters usually use a 5 MHz split.
- Why do most repeaters need a tone?To open the repeater only for intended usersThe CTCSS tone keeps stray signals from triggering the repeater.
- What should you do before keying up on a repeater?Listen to make sure it's not in useAlways listen first.
- Why pause between turns on a repeater?So someone with an emergency can break inA short pause lets others, especially emergencies, get in.