How to Tune Into Two Meter Repeaters

Two-meter recievers or VHF scanners can tune into 2-meter repeaters.

Portable and walkie-talkie or handie-talkie ham radio is possible because of 2-meter repeaters. A repeater functions by receiving a signal on one frequency and transmitting at high power on another, thus boosting the range of low-power portable radio operators. Most communities with active ham radio operators have 2-meter repeaters, with some operating on FM. Other repeaters operate on cross-band mode, receiving on 2 meters and transmitting on other bands. Some repeaters may take advantage of satellites. By listening in, you can listen to actual two-way radio traffic and pick up the jargon and techniques of ham radio operators.

Things You'll Need

• VHF FM receiver
• VHF scanner

Instructions

1. Turn on your VHF FM receiver or scanner. Tune above 144 megahertz or below 148 megahertz to select a station.

2. Determine to which end of the repeater you are listening. Most repeaters operate on a frequency split of 600 kilohertz. If the received signal strength is weak, you may be listening to your repeater's input frequency and should adjust your receiving frequency by 600 kilohertz.

3. Adjust your squelch setting to pick up weak stations if needed. Listen and document for periodic repeater station identification. Identification may include Morse code or programmed synthesized speech.

4. Position your antenna for maximum signal strength, typically as high as practical. This will enable you to pick up as many repeaters as possible. Tuned antennas work best, such as quarter, half or 5/8-wave antennas.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding an antenna to your receiver can greatly extend your listening range. Kits and cables are available including directional antennas, towers and antenna rotors. Pre-amplifiers can boost incoming weak signals.

• Listening while traveling may put you within or outside of the range of your local repeaters.

• Repeaters may be useful for emergency preparedness organizations, and listening in can yield helpful information.

• Postition your antennas to prevent electric shock if it lands on electrical transmission lines or transformers.

• Secure antennas per the manufacturer instructions.

• Use a grounded lightning arrester on your antenna and cable protect your receivers.

References

• "The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications"; American Radio Relay League; 2009
• "The ARRL Repeater Directory 2011/2012"; American Radio Relay League; 2011

Resources

• The American Radio Relay League