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How Far can a DMR Radio Transmit?
 
These estimates are based on a 5W handheld
transceiver with a handheld antenna.

 
Type of
Operation
Environmental
Surroundings
Approx
Maximum
Distance
Brief
Explanation
Inside Car /
   Inside Car
Average < 1/2 mile
< 1 km
Your car is a metal shield
 Radio/Radio Metro Area 1-3 mi
2-5 km
Based on obstruction and buildings
 Radio/Radio Suburbs 3-6 mi
5-10 km
Based on the amount of leaves on trees
 Radio/Radio Flat Desert or
Over Water
6-12 mi
10-20 km
Based on line of sight to the horizon
 Radio/Radio Mountain to
Valley
15-20 mi
25-30 km
Based on height of mountains and terrain below.
 Radio/Radio
Direct
Mountain to
Mountain
30-35 mi
48-55 km
Based on height of mountains. Possible, but definitely not typical.
Radio/Radio
via a Single
Repeater
Average 30-75 mi
50-100 km
Example: 15 miles to a repeater, plus 20 miles to the other radio would = 35 mi
Radio/Radio
via Repeater
Network
Once connected to a repeater, the coverage of the Network takes over. Coverage is now determined by the repeater's network and selected Talk Group.
Once connected to a repeater, the coverage of the Network takes over.

 
Elevation and obstruction are the two key factors in determining expected distance. A better antenna will also increase the range of your radio, but remember, there is no 'Magic Antenna'.
 
 
 


Your elevation and lack of obstructions will determine the overall distance you can achieve.  Trees and buildings are not your friends when trying to reach great distances.
 
 

 
This is where the repeater comes into play. A repeater is a two-way radio system that listens to one frequency an rebroadcasts what it hears on another frequency simultaneously. Where the terrain prevents direct communications, a repeater greatly extends the overall coverage of your contact.
 



John 'Miklor'

 

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