Retevis RT97S GMRS Repeater Brings Reliable Communication to Remote Community
Retevis RT97S GMRS Repeater Brings Reliable Communication to Remote Community
For communities in the Sonoran Desert’s rugged terrain, reliable communication has long been a challenge. Retevis teamed up with an off-road expedition group to bridge this gap using GMRS repeater technology. The result? A game-changing network connecting isolated ranchers, travelers, and emergency responders across vast desert and mountain regions.
The Challenge
Expedition leaders, who navigate some of the most remote trails in the region, saw firsthand how unreliable cell service and limited radio coverage impacted safety.
“Families here live with constant uncertainty,” one guide explained. “Herdsmen travel miles from home, and if an accident happens, they have no way to call for help. Storms can cut off entire areas without warning, leaving people stranded.”
The harsh environment only made things worse—temperatures soaring above 100°F by mid-morning, steep canyon trails accessible only by 4x4 vehicles or horseback, and long distances between settlements. Traditional communication methods simply failed to meet the needs of people living and working in these conditions.
The Solution
In early 2025, the expedition team deployed Retevis RT97S GMRS Repeaters atop strategic peaks and ridges throughout the region. These compact, 10W full-duplex repeaters dramatically extended radio coverage, ensuring stable communication across desert valleys, mountain passes, and even coastal areas. With their lightweight, plug-and-play design, these repeaters were perfect for quick and efficient installation in remote locations. 
Retevis RB26 and HA1G radios provided additional support, enabling seamless handheld communication among travelers, villagers, and emergency responders. With its easy programming and versatile power options, the RT97S mobile repeater became the backbone of the new communication network.
RT97S GMRS Repeater And RB26 6 Pack With Six Way Multi-Unit Charger
Installation Against the Odds
Deploying the repeaters required adaptability and perseverance. The team faced extreme heat, rough terrain, and logistical challenges:
“We had to transport equipment on horseback through narrow ridges. At one point, we considered canceling a climb, but the RT97S’s portable and rugged design made it possible,” one team member recalled.
Despite these challenges, the repeaters were successfully installed, and thanks to their low power consumption, they were integrated with solar power solutions, allowing them to operate in completely off-grid locations.
Real-World Impact of the GMRS Repeater
Almost immediately, local communities and travelers started using the system for daily communication:
- Ranchers coordinated supply runs and shared information on livestock movements.
- Fishermen radioed updates to their families, ensuring safer trips.
- Emergency responders quickly transmitted alerts, improving response times.
“It was incredible to hear normal conversations happening over the repeater channels,” one team member said. “It’s not just about emergency use—this system is giving people peace of mind.”
Introducing the RT97L – A New 25W GMRS Repeater with IP66 Waterproofing
Building on the success of the RT97 series, Retevis is launching the RT97L GMRS repeater, featuring 25W high power output for even greater range and coverage. Designed for extreme outdoor conditions, the RT97L also boasts an IP66 waterproof rating, making it ideal for adventurers facing unpredictable weather. Whether used for overlanding, search-and-rescue missions, or emergency preparedness, this new repeater is built to deliver reliable and robust communication in the most challenging environments.
RT97L 25W Waterproof GMRS Repeater
Why Retevis Won Their Trust?
The expedition team praised the RT97S for its ease of use:
“We’re not radio experts, but setting up the repeater took just minutes.”
Its lightweight build and built-in duplexer meant fewer components to manage. During field tests, a Retevis handheld even survived 12 hours submerged in saltwater and still worked.
“That’s the kind of reliability we needed.”
Today, previously disconnected communities now enjoy a communication lifeline they can depend on—proving that modern radio technology can thrive even in places where cell towers and electricity can’t reach. The Retevis RT97S GMRS repeaters are making off-grid communication more accessible than ever, one connection at a time.
GMRS Repeater Kit for sale:
RT97S GMRS Repeater: https://www.retevis.com/rt97s-full-duplex-portable-gmrs-repeater-us
RT97S GMRS repeater with RB26 (six pack) bundle: https://www.retevis.com/rt97s-and-rb26-with-six-way-charger-us
RT97L GMRS repeater: https://www.retevis.com/25w-rt97l-gmrs-long-range-waterproof-full-duplex-repeater-us
