Review RT97L GMRS REPEATER

General Description

The RT97L is the new 25W GMRS Portable Repeater by Retevis.
It is the Big Brother to the RT97 and the RT97S (10W).

The compact size allows it to easily be wall mounted, run as a mobile, or used as a portable for special events.

The repeater is FCC Part 95E certified for GMRS use in the US and comes pre-configured with all GMRS repeater channels.


The Shipment includes

- RT97L GMRS Repeater
- Mounting Brackets and hardware
        for outside cabinet mounting
- AC Power Power Supply (10A)
        w/AC Power Cord
- 12VDC Power Cord (Lighter Plug)
- USB Programming Cable
- Microphone (Optional)
- 16 Page User Guide

FCC Part 95E certified - 2ASNS97L

RT97L Specifications found Here

Frequency Range

The 8 GMRS Repeater Channels (25W)
462.550 - 462.725 (TX)
467.550 - 467.725 (RX)
Channels are preprogrammed and front panel selectable.

Features Include

- All preprogrammed GMRS frequencies
- Internal Factory Tuned Duplexer
- Absolutely no assembly required
- Wall mounting Hardware
- Powered by both AC and 12VDC

Enclosure and Mount

- Main chassis size:
   11.2" (285mm) Wide
    7.3" (185mm) Deep
    2.7" ( 68mm) High

- Weight:    7.9lb (3563g)
- Antenna Termination: SO-239

The outer case is a heavy heat sink. This is Not a lightweight carry box. It is meant to handle continuous duty operation.

Front Rear

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Display

The front panel has is a larger 2.5" LCD display than prior models showing the channel, frequency and power level as well as front panel menu interface.

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Transmitter / Specifications

I tested the repeater using the DC Power cable into my 120VAC power supply. Audio test reports are excellent. The high power rating is projected to be 25W on high power (5W on Low). Running the repeater into my calibrated Bird Wattmeter showed a solid 22W on High and 6W on Low.

Continuous Duty

The repeater has High Temperature protection to assure continuous operation. If the internal temperature exceeds 60C (140F) the repeater will automatically switch to low power operation.
If the temperature drops below -15C (5F) an internal heater turns on to keep the repeater functioning in the coldest of weather. This provides for a 100% duty cycle regardless of the weather conditions.

This portable GMRS repeater is also rated IP66 waterproof allowing it to be mounted outside in virtually all weather conditions.

Receiver / Specifications

Receiver sensitivity is excellent, and with the included duplexer there was no desense on incoming signals.

Speaker and Microphone

There is no internal speaker, so the Spkr/Micr is a worthwhile option. Without it you will need to have a handheld nearby to hear the activity.
This was done by design as a speaker would negate the IP66 rating allowing water to penetrate the case.

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Programming

The DB-9 connector on the side used for the microphone is also used for attaching the programming cable. The software is very straight forward and easy to use.

Right Left Program Cable

The RT97L comes with 16 pre-programmed repeater channels.
- Channels 1-8 set to CTCSS 136.5, Hi Power, WB.
- Channels 9-16 set to CTCSS 136.5, Hi Power, NB.

Here is a Factory CPS Image
These can be easily reprogrammed with the software.
Here is a link to the Software and Firmware.

Once programmed, the selected repeater channel can be locked to avoid accidental frequency changes.

Firmware

The RT97L firmware is also upgradable. The current firmware can be found at the link above.

Controller and Identifier

The repeater controller is basic and does not include a voice or Morse code identifier. The RT97L is however Raspberry Pi compatible allowing this feature to be used as an Add On.

Power Supply

The included 10A AC supply provides more than enough current to run the repeater at full power.
The current drain on transmit is 5.1A on high power and 2.4A on low. The receiver only draws 180mAh.

AC Supply 12VDC Cord

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Duplexer

The RT97L includes a full internal 25W UHF duplexer factory tuned to GMRS repeater frequencies.
462.5 - 462.8MHz and 467.5 to 467.8MHz, allowing full duplex operation with a single antenna.
Note: The duplexer does NOT need to be retuned when changing to an alternate GMRS channel.

In Summary

Once the RT97L is setup, it performs perfectly with 25W of power with clean audio. Identifiers can be added externally via a Raspberry Pi. For portable use, it's perfect.

For field trips, special events, large properties, farms and local family coverage, this is a great option, but remember, Height is Might. The antenna is the second part of the equation.

I didn't take pictures of the inside as I didn't want to possibly defeat the IP66 waterproofing.