How Retevis RT97S Repeater Transforms Farm Communication in Rugged Terrain?

Montana farmer Riley Slivka recently tested the Retevis RT97S GMRS Repeater on his family’s 3,000-acre farm in the Missouri River Breaks. The results underscore how advanced two-way radio technology can address communication challenges on rugged agricultural landscapes.

Farm Operations Demand Reliable Communications

Slivka AG grows wheat, barley, and pulse crops while managing 150-200 cattle across dramatic landscapes with 1,000-foot cliffs. Three generations of the family work together, using Retevis Mobile Radio devices, but the terrain often creates communication barriers between equipment operators and grain truck drivers.

“The canyon areas created dead zones,” Slivka explains. “When hauling grain 60 miles to elevators with poor cell service, we needed a more reliable way to stay connected.”

Mobile Testing Reveals the Potential of RT97S Repeater

The Retevis RT97S gmrs repeater system arrived with antenna mounts, coaxial cable, and a 12V adapter. Slivka initially installed it in a pickup truck to test various locations. The mobile tests showed impressive results with 12-14 miles of coverage, even with 1,000-foot elevation changes.

“We could communicate from canyon floors to hilltops that previously blocked signals. The radio repeater worked like a bridge, maintaining clear communication,” he notes.

Permanent Installation Strategy

After testing several locations, Slivka selected a TV antenna pole on the highest hill of the farm. The location offered:

• 360° signal coverage
  Existing power access
  High elevation above crops
  Protection from weather damage

Farm crews now use Retevis NR30S Mobile Radios to connect seamlessly through the RT97S portable gmrs repeater. “It’s simple to set up—just mount the repeater, connect power and the antenna, and you’re good to go,” Slivka says.

Key Agricultural Benefits

• Expanded Coverage: Connects distant fields up to 20 miles apart
  Terrain Penetration: Bridges communication gaps in canyons and hills
  Enhanced Safety: Maintains contact in case of equipment breakdowns
  Efficient Crop Management: Coordinates harvest teams across large areas
  Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for cellular data in remote zones

Real-World Impact

During spring planting, the RT97S Radio Repeater was crucial for:

• Guiding fertilizer trucks across unmarked fields
  Alerting crews about approaching storms
  Coordinating the work of three combines running parallel rows
  Tracking livestock movements in expansive pastures

Slivka concludes: “For under $500, we solved communication headaches that previously cost us hours every week. On a farm, reliable radios are just as vital as good tractors.”

Introducing the 25W Waterproof RT97L: Even More Power for Greater Range

In addition to the RT97S, we also offer the RT97L waterproof repeater, a new addition to our GMRS repeater lineup. Designed for even greater coverage, the RT97L offers:

• Powerful 25W Output: The RT97L repeater provides a stronger signal with its 25W output, allowing for expanded communication range over longer distances.
• IP66 Waterproof: Built with ruggedness in mind, the RT97L is IP66-rated waterproof, making it a perfect solution for outdoor use in all weather conditions.
• Expanded Coverage: With its higher power and robust construction, the RT97L is ideal for even larger areas such as farms, construction sites, and remote locations that require maximum signal range.

GMRS Repeater Kit for Sale Now:

RT97S GMRS Repeater: https://www.retevis.com/rt97s-full-duplex-portable-gmrs-repeater-us

RT97L Waterproof Repeater: https://www.retevis.com/25w-rt97l-gmrs-long-range-waterproof-full-duplex-repeater-us

RT97S + Speaker Mic + Antenna + Coaxial Cable: https://www.retevis.com/rt97s-portable-repeater-and-frp-antenna-bundle-us

RT97S GMRS Repeater Kit + NR30S: https://www.retevis.com/retevis-nr30s-radio-with-rt97s-repeater-gmrs-long-distance-communication-solutions-us