I wasn't sure where to post this question...Just wondering if there is any legal way to put up a VHF repeater for non licensed individuals to use? We cam across some vhf commercial radios programmed in the 157Mhz range Marine band and would like to set up and use a repeater with them. I know MURS channels does not allow repeater use. Can repeaters be used in the marine band frequencies legally? thanks. I know GMRS would be our best bet but the radios are currently available for a reasonable price. thanks
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VHF Repeater for non-licensed individuals
- Thread starter Wdsracer
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nd5y
Member
If you are located in the US then there is no legal way to operate a VHF repeater without a license.
Simply put, if it transmits, you must have a station licence.
No, you can't put up a repeater for marine band and what of those even exist are licensed to bridge authority.
Your only hope with your radios is go to a radio shop/dealer that has VHF repeater channels for lease and have them program the radios. they can grant you the needed licensing.
You have a boat, you can use marine channels with no license as long as you abide by the rules for such use.
Ship Radio Stations | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov)
No, you can't put up a repeater for marine band and what of those even exist are licensed to bridge authority.
Your only hope with your radios is go to a radio shop/dealer that has VHF repeater channels for lease and have them program the radios. they can grant you the needed licensing.
You have a boat, you can use marine channels with no license as long as you abide by the rules for such use.
Ship Radio Stations | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov)
As the others mentioned, you need a license to cover the frequencies you'd want to use.
However, you don't need everyone to be individually licensed like GMRS or Amateur Radio. You can apply for an FCC itinerant business license that would cover the operation of the repeater and the users. You can easily get a VHF repeater pair (such as 151.7 / 158.4) that are shared with other users but you'd be licensed and legal for.
When you're a HAMmer, everything is a nail that needs amateur radio. That's simply not true.
I have not specifically checked the rules but there is a chance a simplex repeater on MURS might be legal. They can be frustrating to use but if the radio with the simplex repeater box is at a high location it can give some impressive range and no expensive radio or duplexer is needed.
Thanks, yes I looked into those simplex repeaters I don’t like them because the people that are on your side of the hill will hear your transmission 2x.
Ok I did not know about the Itinerant license. I will look into that thank you.
powerlineman
Member
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- Jul 25, 2005
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You could all chip in and get one license and make the repeater a FB4, FB6 or FB7 depending on your situation.
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