RT97L Customizable 25W Waterproof Analog Repeater

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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.

Description
Spec
Features
FAQ
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Description

Retevis RT97L Customizable 25W Waterproof Analog Repeater

The RT97L is a portable two way radio repeater that turns scattered handheld traffic into one connected site: park rangers on patrol, farm crews across sections, community GMRS groups on a shared net, and search and rescue teams staging in the field.

25W Output for All-Day Wide-Area Coverage

For crews that depend on the repeater through long shifts, that 25w power means no dropouts at peak traffic and no thermal timeouts mid-task. A High/Low power switch also lets you drop to 5W for short-range work to conserve power. With the antenna mounted high and in the clear, field results of 15-20 miles are realistic, and up to 15 km (about 9 miles) is achievable even through building obstructions; raise or lower the antenna and those numbers move fast.

Low-Temperature Heating Mode

When the temperature drops to -15 C, the internal heating system activates to keep the repeater operating through winter storms, and high-temperature protection guards the radio at the other end of the scale. Grain-elevator mounts, ski patrol huts, and unheated barns are all valid homes for this repeater.

Mount the RT97L in Four Steps

Installation is deliberately simple: peel the silicone pad, screw the bracket to the case, drill and insert the wall plug, then secure the repeater to the wall with screws. One person with a drill finishes the mount in minutes, and the LCD screen confirms channel and power status without opening a computer.

FAQ

1. RT97L repeater programming software has a problem when writing frequency?

When you click "Read", a password input box will appear. You can directly click "close" to ignore it, or input 288288.

If you want to set a password, click "write", the first "password" is 288288, then enter your "New Password".

2. 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.

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

The RT97L antenna model is MA09, operating in the 462-467 MHz frequency range.

Height: 175 cm (approximately 5.74 feet)

Wind resistance: 50-60 m/s

Additional specifications:

VSWR (Standing Wave Ratio) < 1.5

Antenna gain: 7.2 dBi

Connector type: SL16-K

Material: Fiberglass

3. 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 will work with the RT97L. However, the RT97L’s antenna cable has been upgraded to 15 meters of 50-7 cable, which offers lower loss compared to the previous version.

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

Yes, the RT97L can be adapted to use an N-type connector. We recommend the following two options:

Use an adapter: This is the most cost-effective and preferred method. The adapter is inexpensive and ensures no signal loss.

Replace the connector yourself: If you choose to replace the connector, please ensure that you use coaxial cable with an outer diameter of 4mm. Be cautious, as improper replacement can damage the paint and affect the waterproofing.

5. What’s the Difference Between 5W and 25W Power?

The difference in power between 5W and 25W is significant, especially when it comes to communication range. With 5W, communication over long distances may result in weak signals or no reception at all. In contrast, 25W power can significantly improve the signal range, allowing for clearer and more reliable communication over much longer distances. While power plays a crucial role, factors such as antenna height also impact range. In areas where elevation isn’t favorable, increasing the power to 25W helps extend the communication range and overcome obstacles.

6. Is the Actual Output Power Really 25W?

The factory output of the RT97L repeater is between 22W and 25W. However, when the repeater operates with an internal duplexer, some power loss may occur. As a result, the actual output power may range from 15W to 22W depending on the quality, thickness, and length of the feeder cable. While the power might fluctuate a bit, it still ensures solid, reliable performance in most conditions.

7. What’s the Customizable Repeater Frequency Range?

The RT97L allows for customizable frequency settings. You can choose between:

UHF: 400-470MHz
VHF: 136-174MHz

The offset should be ≥5MHz and ≤12MHz, and frequencies should be programmed within ±200 kHz.

8. What Is Amp Absorption in TX and RX?

Receive Mode Absorption: 180mA
Transmit Mode Absorption: 5.5A

9. How is the RT97L Waterproof Even if the Doors Are Uncovered?

The RT97L mobile repeater is rated IP66 waterproof, meaning it can withstand powerful jets of water from all directions. This rating ensures that it performs well even in harsh weather or environments with heavy water flow. However, to ensure optimal performance and longevity, it's always a good idea to install the repeater in a protected location, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions.

10. Does the RT97L Have an Internal Duplexer?

Yes, the RT97L portable repeater comes equipped with an internal duplexer, which is essential for enabling the repeater to work efficiently with an antenna. The duplexer allows the device to handle both transmit and receive signals simultaneously without interference.

11. How Many Channels Does the RT97L Have? And What Does It Mean?

The RT97L is capable of storing 16 different channels, which means it can quickly switch between up to 16 communication frequencies.

12. What is the RT97L's Duty Cycle?

The duty cycle for RT97L repeater is 100%.

13. What’s the difference between RT97S and RT97L?

That main difference between RT97S and RT97L is that RT97L is a 25W high power repeater while RT97S is 10W. And RT97L has the IP66 waterproof certification.

Spec

Specifications

Model: RT97L
Frequency: Customizable
Channels: 16
Power: 25W（High）/5W（Low）
Working Voltage: 13.8V
Waterproofing Grade: IP66
Weight: 7.86 lb
Dimension: 11.22 × 7.28 × 2.68

Features

● 16 Channels

● Channel Lock

● Scan Channel

● Volume Set

● Modem Set

● Squelch Level

● Repeater Delay

● High (25W) / Low (5W) Power Switching

● Backled Adjustment

● Low Temperature Mode

● 50 CTCSS codes/210 DCS codes

● Init Option

● Software Version