A repeater, simply put, is a base station that retransmits what it receives.

A community repeater is a repeater that uses multiple codes (either tone or digital) to separate users. This allows multiple users to share the repeaters' resources, therefore the term Community Repeater.

The operation of a repeater is accomplished by using radio waves on different frequencies (a frequency pair), therefore allowing the repeater to transmit and receive at the same time.

By using the power of the station, the antenna gain and height, the range of communications is increased. For example, two mobiles may be able to communicate to each other at a range of 5-10 miles. By using a repeater, these same two units may communicate 20-50 miles. This is accomplished simply by the repeater re-transmitting what it receives. Therefore, if you can transmit to the repeater site, the repeater will retransmit using its output power, antenna gain and antenna height to increase the range of communications. See our diagram below.



Where Are Our Community Repeaters?

Our repeaters are located on some of the highest hills and mountain-tops throughout West Virginia and southeastern Ohio. We have over 100 Community Repeaters servicing numerous businesses 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. To view a map of our repeaters, click here.

The Range Advantage of Repeaters.

Range is dependent on terrain, power output and antenna type. As we have stated, using a repeater will increase the range of mobile or portable units in the field. If a user can reach the receiver of the repeater, the user can then utilize the transmit range of the repeater. Repeaters, at these high locations, maximize the range potential of lower wattage units such as mobiles and portables.

To better understand this principle, look at this example. Two 4 watt portables have an average talk range of about 2-5 miles (and this would be excellent range for our state).   By using a repeater, a 4 watt portable will use the talk range of the repeater not the portable. As long as the transmit of the portable can reach the repeater, it will be retransmitted using the transmit range of the repeater. Therefore, the effective transmit range of the portable is not 2-5 miles, but is now effectively 20-50 miles.

If you have any additional questions on Community Repeaters, please you may email us or call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-788-3867.