RT97L Repeater Review: A Solid Performer for Outdoor Adventures

If you're looking for a reliable GMRS repeater that’s easy to set up and offers solid performance, the Retevis RT97L might just be what you need. One of our customers recently tested the RT97L, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Here's a breakdown of their experience and why the RT97L could be an excellent choice for your communication needs.

Easy Setup with Software Support

Setting up the RT97L compact repeater was a breeze, as our customer mentioned:

"Setup was a breeze using the software downloaded from the Retevis website. There is no software included, but the download was no big deal. There aren't a whole lot of things to set or change, so it's hard to goof it up too much."

The user-friendly software simplifies the process, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users. It’s clear that the RT97L has been designed with ease of use in mind, so you won’t waste time with complicated configurations.

Antenna Performance: Surprising Results

Our tester didn't have a GMRS-specific antenna for their initial tests but decided to use a few dual-band antennas instead. The results were interesting:

"I didn't have a GMRS-specific antenna to test it with because my truck is loaned out, so I tried it with a few dual-band antennas. The Comet 2x4 had an SWR of 2.04, a couple of others had ~1.69, and once again, the much-maligned Nagoya UT-72 came out on top with an SWR of 1.23."

The Nagoya UT-72 proved to be the best performer in terms of SWR (Standing Wave Ratio), which is crucial for efficient power transfer. This antenna, despite its reputation, delivered the best results, highlighting how antenna quality can impact performance.

Retevis RT97L Repeater

Power Output: Consistently Strong

Power output is a key factor when choosing a repeater, and the RT97L did not disappoint. The tester measured the power output at around 21-24 watts with most antennas, with the Nagoya UT-72 providing a surprising 26-27 watts.

"Power output was good -- 21-24 watts with all the antennas except the Nagoya. For some reason, I consistently got a reading of 26-27 watts with the UT-72."

This power output ensures solid performance, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Whether you're out camping or on a long hiking trip, this kind of power output ensures reliable communication.

Excellent Repeater Functionality

One of the standout features of the RT97L is its performance as a repeater. As noted by our customer:

"I wasn't able to test range, but I did confirm that it does indeed perform as a repeater. It doesn't 'kerchunk' which surprised me a little. Not that I really care, but it was unusual."

The RT97L mobile repeater doesn’t emit the typical “kerchunk” noise, which can be a sign of a good, stable repeater system. This means you can count on clear, uninterrupted communication when you need it the most.

Impressive Range with Basic Setup

While the customer didn’t have the ideal setup, they still managed to achieve some impressive results using a Nagoya UT-72G antenna on a pizza pan about 9 feet off the ground. Here’s what they observed:

"Using an HT, I was able to get about 3 miles to the east and 1-2 miles to the south and southwest. Not spectacular, but not bad for an unfavorable setup."

For a basic test, those are solid results. What's even more surprising is that the repeater worked in areas blocked by a tall hill:

"To my surprise, there were a couple of places about a mile to the west where I could access the repeater. I was surprised because there's a tall hill to my west. I guess there are a couple of places where radio waves can sneak around it."

This demonstrates the RT97L’s ability to overcome obstacles and deliver a reliable signal, even in challenging terrain.

Future Expectations with Better Setup

With plans to use the RT97L portable repeater with a better antenna on a 25' mast attached to a truck or RV, the customer expects significantly better range and performance:

"I plan to use it with a better antenna on a 25' mast attached to my truck or RV, so I expect much better distance under those circumstances. I just couldn't resist testing it. TBH, for a lot of purposes, i.e. camping, 2-3 miles is plenty. Still, I should be able to better that considerably with a gain antenna and more height."

For those looking to extend the range, using a higher gain antenna and adding height can make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts: Ideal for Outdoor Activities

In conclusion, the Retevis RT97L is a highly capable GMRS repeater that’s easy to set up and offers excellent performance in various conditions. Whether you're camping, hiking, or engaging in other outdoor activities, the RT97L repeater could be the communication tool you need. It’s reliable, powerful, and versatile, and it offers a great value for the performance it delivers.

For more information and to get your RT97L today, check out the product page on our website: https://www.retevis.com/products/rt97l-gmrs-long-range-waterproof-full-duplex-repeater-us#US-A9150KX1