A repeater enables two-way radios to achieve better coverage, better penetration, and longer range than is possible without a repeater. How does it work? A repeater receives the radio signal on one frequency and simultaneously transmits the same signal on another frequency.
A simplex repeater records incoming transmissions and retransmits them at the same frequency. While a traditional repeater typically costs thousands of dollars and might be semi-portable at best, a simplex repeater can be set up with a single handheld radio and is battery operated.
Controller – at the heart of any repeater operation is a controller. It can intuitively activate the transmitter in timely fashion, identify repeater station ID using voice/CW signals, send out pre-recorded messages, announcements and performs many other programmable tasks.
All you have to do is place the repeater in a location that can receive your existing WiFi network, and then attach the power supply. You can then log into the WiFi repeater via your computer, and input the login details and password of your existing WiFi network, to allow the WiFi repeater to connect and extend.
While enthusiasts are unlikely to trace you, another potential group that may attempt to locate a broadcast location is law enforcement. Under F.C.C. guidelines, it is possible to use HAM radios in an illegal manner, either through operating without a license or improper use of the radio.
You will also typically hear the repeater identify itself with either Morse Code tone patterns or by recorded or electronic voice ID at least every 10 minutes.
EchoLink is a computer-based Amateur Radio system distributed free of charge that allows radio amateurs to communicate with other amateur radio operators using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology on the Internet for at least part of the path between them.
Technician Class Frequency Privileges in Ham Radio
| Band | Frequencies (In MHz) | Modes You Can Use |
|---|
| 40 meters | 7.025 – 7.125 | CW |
| 15 meters | 21.025 – 21.200 | CW |
| 10 meters | 28.000 – 28.300 28.300 – 28.500 | CW, RTTY/data, 200 watts PEP maximum power CW, phone, 200 watts PEP maximum power |
| Above 50 MHz | All amateur privileges | |
So what can you do with an Amateur Radio license?
- Talk to people in foreign countries.
- Talk to people (both local and far away) on your drive to work.
- Help in emergencies and natural disasters by providing communications.
- Provide communications in parades or walkathons and other public service events.
As a technician class licensee you will be unable to use echolink per their policy: Access is granted only to licensed Amateur Radio operators holding a CEPT Class 2 license, or equivalent. There is no CEPT class equivalent to Novice or Technician licenses.
These privileges include the very popular 2-meter band. Many Technician licensees enjoy using small (2 meter) hand-held radios to stay in touch with other hams in their area. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other interesting modes.
We know that the VHF and UHF bands for which Technician licensees have full privileges are generally limited to local communication because of line of sight propagation. Repeaters and/or tall antennas can extend this range but DX is not readily achieved using normal methods.
Q: How much does a portable repeater cost? A: Entry level, portable systems run anywhere from USD$2,500-$3,200.00 and between USD$3,200.00-$5,500.00 for a more advanced portable system.
Who is accountable should a repeater inadvertently retransmit communications that violate the FCC rules? Repeaters run on automatic control, and thus do not have a control operator present at a control point. Therefore the repeater's control operator can't be expected to watch all use of the repeater all the time.
You can realistically get about 2-18 miles of range with a handheld Ham radio unless you have a particularly powerful base station with a large antenna, in which case your range can be hundreds of miles.
