Breaking Communication Barriers: RT97L Portable Repeater and Solar Power Solution

How to connect and use a solar powered radio repeater​

A broken, intermittent sound comes from the walkie-talkie, as someone struggles to convey vital information. Then, silence. When your walkie-talkie stops working, the situation is extremely dangerous.

Whether you're a project manager on a remote construction site, a disaster relief team leader, or an explorer venturing into the wilderness, reliable communication is your lifeline.

Complex terrain, remote locations, and scarce power resources make communication even more difficult. How can these obstacles be overcome?

Today, we introduce a revolutionary solution that not only amplifies your signal but also powers it with solar energy: the Retevis RT97L High-Power Portable Solar-Powered Repeater.

After briefly introducing the RT97L's features, we'll explain the connection process in detail.

Meet the Game-Changer: Retevis RT97L High-Power Portable Repeater

Lightweight and portable: A perfect companion for any occasion.

The Retevis RT97L transcends being just a signal booster; it serves as a portable communication hub, resolving weak signal issues outdoors.

This compact GMRS repeater measures only 11.2 × 7.28 × 2.68 inches, making it easy to carry and meeting your network signal enhancement needs in emergency rescue, camping, outdoor adventures, and forest communications.

Power Unleashed: Unprecedented Range and Clarity

At the heart of the RT97L lies its 25W GMRS power output. In open environments, this portable GMRS repeater achieves a communication range of up to 15 kilometers (approximately 9.3 miles).

When teams are operating in forests or mountainous areas with no signal, deploying repeaters allows exploration teams to maintain communication with each other and with the base camp, improving both efficiency and personnel safety.

Built for the Elements: Rugged and Ready for Anything

Floods, landslides, and other natural disasters often destroy fixed communication base stations. The RT97L, with its IP66 waterproof rating, allows rescue teams to quickly deploy portable repeaters without worrying about damage from harsh environments. This enables the rapid establishment of a temporary communication network covering the entire disaster area, ensuring coordination and dispatch between different teams.

Eternal Power: Making Your Repeater Truly Off-Grid with Solar

High-power repeaters require energy to operate around the clock, but grid connection is nearly impossible deep in forests or deserts.

However, the RT97L can be seamlessly integrated with solar panels, transforming it into a self-sufficient, uninterrupted communication station.

The solar panels transfer energy to the batteries, which in turn power the RT97L (this system works in conjunction with a charge controller), forming a complete power supply system.

How to Connet Solar Pannel with RT97L Repeater： https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE-rz3Wx7Yc

RT97L Solar Power Repeater Driver Set/Install 

Hardware upgrade：https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OEpN7e26ZO8

Driver installation：https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WY3Vbl7zaoA

RT97L Battery Power Requirements:

The RT97L relay requires 12V 3A, or 36W, power. Since the battery directly powers the RT97L.

Selecting a battery：

① Voltage: The RT97L requires 12V, therefore a 12V battery must be selected.

② Capacity: Capacity determines the amount of energy the battery can store and directly affects the duration the RT97L can operate continuously without sunlight.

For example, selecting a 12V 20Ah battery:

Total Battery Energy: 12V × 20Ah = 240Wh

RT97L Power Consumption: Approximately 36W

Theoretical Range: 240Wh ÷ 36W ≈ 6.7 hours

Solar Panel Selection:

When selecting solar panels, pay attention to the following two indicators:

① Power: Although the RT97L has a power consumption of 36W, the output power of a solar panel can be affected by factors such as dust, shade, temperature rise, and controller wear. Therefore, the selected solar panel should have a power output greater than 36W; it is recommended to choose a solar panel with at least 50W.

*Differences in solar panel power: A 50W solar panel takes longer to fully charge a battery than a 100W solar panel; Cost: A 100W solar panel is more expensive; A 100W solar panel is better suited for cloudy days or insufficient sunlight than a 50W solar panel.

② Peak Voltage:

A solar panel charging a 12V battery has a peak voltage of 18V. Therefore, the voltage of the solar panel is greater than 12V but not higher than 18V.

MPPT Controller Selection:

The MPPT controller must meet the following two key requirements:

① System Voltage: The system voltage of the MPPT controller must match the battery voltage. Select a controller that supports a 12V battery.

② Rated Charging Current: The rated charging current of the MPPT controller should be greater than the maximum output current of the solar panel. The calculation method is: Total power of the solar panel ÷ System voltage.

For example, for a 50W solar panel, the theoretical charging current is: 50W ÷ 12V = 4.16A.

To ensure system stability and safety, it is recommended to select an MPPT controller with an A rating of 20A or higher.

Daily Power Consumption under Different Usage Intensities

With battery power, the RT97 operates at 12V; standby current is 85mA, and operating current is 6A.

Standby power consumption = 12V × 0.085A = 1.02W; standby energy = 1.02W × 24h = 24.48Wh.

Operating power consumption = 12V × 6A = 72W. Since it operates for 1 hour per day, operating energy = 72W × 1h = 72Wh. Daily power consumption = 24.48Wh + 72Wh = 96.48Wh

Actual output power of the relay under solar panel power supply. Solar panel [50W 18V]; Battery [12V 9Ah]