Baofeng UV-5R+ Repeater problem...

[photoguy2]

The UV-5Rs will make an ok low power CROSS BAND repeater (VHF to UHF, etc) but will not work when repeating within the same band unless you have an actual duplexer or two antennas with lots of separation and band pass cavities. Even a pair of Motorola XTS5000s will not work as a GMRS repeater using two antennas that are very close to each other.
prcguy

Actually, I (respectfully) disagree.

I have done this before for much the same reasons as the op (camping). No, it is not was good as dedicated repeater, or even some GM300s tied together, but it works.

I used the baofeng for transmit, and a wouxun for receive. (Tighter front end). I positioned the radios with about two feet of vertical separation (right on top of each other), and used a high gain antenna on both. The key (IMO) is the 5mhz offset in the 400 band. Obviously this would not work at all in 140.

And, it lasted a week, no blown finals. The reason being, it was a low duty cycle. 15-20 seconds of talk, and then 2 two hours of standby. Obviously if you used this for public safety or ham rag chewing, it would not last an minute.

My $0.02

Matt

 

[iepoker]

And we used it exactly like that. Many moons of stand by compared to TX time. I also concur that it would not be good for a deadicated repeater, PD/FD or Ham. It is, as I intended it to be, a DAMN FINE low wattage extender to your GMRS or, yes Part 95 snivlers, 440 Ham. I am not a fan of 2m/VHF, so I wont go there.

 

[EmilyWolf]

Just so you're aware, what you're trying to do isn't legal with the UV-5R. It's not FCC Part 95 approved equipment for GMRS use.

Yeah no one haw nor will they ever care. Its perfectly fine and most of them are used that way. You dont properly read the GMRS rules.

 

[WB4CS]

Yeah no one haw nor will they ever care. Its perfectly fine and most of them are used that way. You dont properly read the GMRS rules.

Well I would argue with her, but since she's now "Banned for the Greater Good" I'll just say :lol:

For those that read this thread in the future, please know that I have read the GMRS rules properly and have provided the correct information.