How do VHF 2-way radios work with "repeaters"? What are repeaters?

Question

I have several Motorola Radius M1225 2-way radio base stations that were discarded by a manufacturing plant. This plant had "repeaters" and the radios worked in the plant. But away from the plant, the radios don't appear to be able to send or recieve. Since these radios are programmable, is it just a matter of re-programming them so that they can talk to each other?

Answer 1

First, yes, assuming that they are still in working condition, they may have been abandoned for other reasons (someone dropped on in a toilet or another one simply got dropped and there is a broken connection now, etc.).

Second, you may not have the full set or there may be security settings. Contact the manufacturer to see if there is someone to talk you through the set up. It may cost a few bucks and once you find out how much, you may want to opt for cell phones with a walkie-talkie feature.

Answer 2

FRS and GMRS are UHF radios. hand-held ham radios would not be lots different than GMRS 5 watt fashions. selection is regularly line of sight for handhelds. With a competent 5db earnings antenna, you're doing nicely to get 15 miles between 5 watt UHF handhelds, whether you are able to locate one yet another. The 30 unusual mile selection you notice on some GMRS radios is nonsense.