Will the speaker-microphone from the RT97S work on the RT97L?

Yes. The speaker-microphone for the RT97S and RT97L are compatible and can be used interchangeably.

What is the height and wind resistance rating of the RT97L antenna?

The RT97L antenna is the MA09 fiberglass base station antenna for the 462-467 MHz range. Height: 175 cm (approx. 5.74 ft); wind resistance: 50-60 m/s; VSWR < 1.5; gain: 7.2 dBi; connector: SL16-K.

Can the antenna cable that came with the RT97S be used for the RT97L?

Yes. The 15-meter 50-3 pure copper coaxial extender cable for RT97 works with the RT97L. Note that the RT97L ships with an upgraded 15-meter 50-7 cable, which offers lower loss than the previous version.

Can I replace the SL-16 connector with an N-type connector on the RT97L?

Yes. We recommend using an SL16-to-N-type adapter: it is inexpensive and causes no signal loss. If you replace the connector yourself, use coaxial cable with a 4 mm outer diameter, and be careful not to damage the paint or the waterproofing.

Will the RT97L operate on all 16 GMRS channels?

Yes. The RT97L is pre-programmed with all 16 GMRS channels to GMRS standards, including dedicated GMRS repeater frequency points for full regulatory compliance. Channels 1-8 are set to wideband and channels 9-16 to narrowband, so you can switch bandwidth easily.

What is the password for the RT97L programming software?

When you click Read, a password box appears. Click Close to ignore it, or enter 288288. To set your own password, click Write, enter 288288 as the first password, then enter your new password.

What is the difference between 5W and 25W?

The difference is significant. With 5W, communication over a long distance may be weak or drop out; with 25W, range improves greatly for clearer, more reliable communication over much longer distances. Antenna height also matters: when elevation is unfavorable, higher power helps extend range.

Is the actual output power really 25W?

Factory output is 22W-25W. With a duplexer in line, power loss may reduce output to around 15W-22W, depending on the quality, thickness, and length of the feeder cable.

What is the GMRS repeater frequency range (TX and RX)?

The RT97L operates on the GMRS repeater pair: 462.550-462.725 MHz (repeater input) and 467.550-467.725 MHz (repeater output). These designated GMRS repeater frequencies deliver clear, uninterrupted signals.

How does using a Raspberry Pi enhance RT97L's functionality?

The RT97L is designed with flexibility in mind. Through its DB-9 interface you can connect a Raspberry Pi to expand the repeater's functions: easy programming and custom repeater behavior for your area, security, or performance tuning.

What is the current draw in TX and RX modes?

Receive mode draws about 180 mA; transmit mode draws about 5.5 A.

How is the RT97L waterproof even if the doors are uncovered?

The RT97L is rated IP66, so it withstands powerful water jets from all directions and keeps performing in harsh weather. For maximum service life, install it in a sheltered spot in areas with extreme weather conditions.

Does the RT97L have an internal duplexer?

Yes. The RT97L comes with an internal duplexer, letting it transmit and receive simultaneously through one antenna without interference.

How many channels does the RT97L have, and what does that mean?

The RT97L stores 16 channels, so it can switch quickly between up to 16 communication frequencies.

What is the RT97L's duty cycle?

The RT97L repeater duty cycle is 100%, built for continuous operation.

What is the DB-9 female connector used for?

The DB-9 port on the RT97L connects directly to the included speaker mic and is also compatible with a Raspberry Pi for custom repeater control and programming.

Does the RT97L work with handheld FRS radios, or GMRS only?

Due to FCC limits on FRS, this repeater works only with GMRS radios — both handheld and mobile GMRS radios.

Is the RT97L compatible with other brands of GMRS radios?

Yes. The RT97L is compatible with repeater-capable GMRS handheld radios, including models from other manufacturers such as BTECH, Radioddity, and Midland.

Can I program the dual daisy chain feature myself at home?

No. Dual daisy chain requires factory-installed hardware (a custom repeater and duplexer). It must be purchased as a pre-configured pair and cannot be set up manually from separate units.

RT97L 25W GMRS Repeater with Dual Daisy Chaining

Q: Can the antenna cable that came with the RT97S be used for the RT97L?

Yes. The 15-meter 50-3 pure copper coaxial extender cable for RT97 works with the RT97L. Note that the RT97L ships with an upgraded 15-meter 50-7 cable, which offers lower loss than the previous version.

Q: Can I replace the SL-16 connector with an N-type connector on the RT97L?

Yes. We recommend using an SL16-to-N-type adapter: it is inexpensive and causes no signal loss. If you replace the connector yourself, use coaxial cable with a 4 mm outer diameter, and be careful not to damage the paint or the waterproofing.

Q: Will the RT97L operate on all 16 GMRS channels?

Yes. The RT97L is pre-programmed with all 16 GMRS channels to GMRS standards, including dedicated GMRS repeater frequency points for full regulatory compliance. Channels 1-8 are set to wideband and channels 9-16 to narrowband, so you can switch bandwidth easily.

Q: What is the password for the RT97L programming software?

When you click Read, a password box appears. Click Close to ignore it, or enter 288288. To set your own password, click Write, enter 288288 as the first password, then enter your new password.

Q: What is the difference between 5W and 25W?

The difference is significant. With 5W, communication over a long distance may be weak or drop out; with 25W, range improves greatly for clearer, more reliable communication over much longer distances. Antenna height also matters: when elevation is unfavorable, higher power helps extend range.

Q: Is the actual output power really 25W?

Factory output is 22W-25W. With a duplexer in line, power loss may reduce output to around 15W-22W, depending on the quality, thickness, and length of the feeder cable.

Q: What is the GMRS repeater frequency range (TX and RX)?

The RT97L operates on the GMRS repeater pair: 462.550-462.725 MHz (repeater input) and 467.550-467.725 MHz (repeater output). These designated GMRS repeater frequencies deliver clear, uninterrupted signals.

Q: How does using a Raspberry Pi enhance RT97L's functionality?

The RT97L is designed with flexibility in mind. Through its DB-9 interface you can connect a Raspberry Pi to expand the repeater's functions: easy programming and custom repeater behavior for your area, security, or performance tuning.

How Far Can the RT97L Dual Daisy Chaining Function Reach?

The RT97L dual daisy chaining function can significantly extend communication range, but the exact distance depends on terrain, antenna height, and coaxial cable quality. Under ideal conditions - good line-of-sight, high-quality antennas, and minimal interference - the system can extend communication range up to 60 km. Real-world performance varies with the specific setup and environment, so plan antenna height and cable runs before deployment.

Why Choose the RT97L Dual Daisy Chaining Repeater?

The RT97L dual daisy chaining repeater offers five key advantages for users who need reliable long-range communication in challenging environments:

1. Extended Coverage: two repeaters to be linked together, two factory-paired repeaters link together and carry calls across large areas such as farms, construction sites, and emergency zones - one channel plan, two sites.
2. Seamless Communication: It ensures uninterrupted communication, signals relay from one repeater site to the next, so crews keep talking in remote or obstructed locations where direct radio-to-radio calls fail.
3. Powerful Performance: With 25W output, the transmitter carries signals across long distances, and the 5W low-power setting covers short-range or local work.
4. Easy Setup: Its plug-and-play design simplifies installation, match the frequencies, enable dual-channel scanning, and connect the antenna - steps both experienced operators and first-time buyers can complete.
5. IP66 weather resistance: the housing stands up to harsh outdoor conditions, which suits unattended sites in agriculture, construction, and emergency services.

The RT97L dual daisy chaining repeater serves large farms and ranches, hunting grounds, wildfire response, and hurricane-season communication in residential communities. In each scenario, two linked repeater sites carry calls past the terrain that blocks direct handheld-to-handheld contact.

How to Set Up the Dual Daisy Chaining System?

The entire process can be completed in just three simple steps:

Set the Frequencies: Ensure that the transmit/receive frequencies of the two radios and two repeaters are correctly matched.
Enable the Scanning Function: Both repeaters should enable dual-channel scanning to monitor and relay signals in real time.
Connect the Antenna: The antenna must be connected before transmitting from the repeater to prevent damage to the equipment from an unloaded transmission.