Retevis RT97S GMRS Repeater - Portable Full Duplex Long Range

Our review of the Retevis RT97S GMRS Repeater finds it best suited for teams and communities that need a compact, portable base station to extend two-way radio reach. The single biggest reason to consider the RT97S is its full duplex design with a built-in duplexer, which lets one antenna receive and transmit simultaneously and supports chaining multiple units for wider coverage. In testing and hands-on use it proved sturdy and straightforward to operate, with simple channel switching and volume controls that make it practical for schools, farms, outdoor teams, and remote sites.

Key Features

• Full duplex operation: The built-in duplexer allows simultaneous transmit and receive on one antenna, simplifying installation and enabling continuous relay communication.
• DB-9 connector: The RT97S includes a DB-9 female port for direct microphone connection and Raspberry Pi compatibility for customized integrations.
• Interconnectable repeaters: Multiple RT97S units can be linked to extend communication distance across larger areas when additional components are added.
• Portable, durable build: An all-aluminum alloy shell delivers good heat dissipation and impact resistance for long-term field use.
• Simple controls: Channel switching with a long-press and brief presses for volume make day-to-day operation quick to learn.
• GMRS base station ready: Ships with 8 default GMRS channels and compatibility with popular handsets like RT76, RT76P, and RB26.

Who It's For

The RT97S is aimed at small organizations and outdoor users who need a compact base station to extend the range of handheld GMRS radios. It is particularly useful for school activity coordinators, farm managers, and outdoor teams operating in remote or mountainous terrain where handheld range is limited.

It is less suitable for users who expect a plug-and-play network with included antennas or those who need a fully finished repeater kit out of the box; additional antennas and linking components are required to build larger networks and are not supplied in the package.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Full duplex capability with a single antenna setup simplifies installation and supports continuous communication.
• DB-9 female connector enables microphone hookup and Raspberry Pi compatibility for custom projects.
• Rugged aluminum housing offers good heat dissipation and resistance to everyday impact.
• Works well with common GMRS handsets and improved communications across tested setups.

Cons

• Package does not include an antenna or additional linking components, so further purchases are needed for full deployment.
• The duplexer introduces some power loss that can slightly reduce effective range compared with separate TX/RX systems.

Specifications

Product type	GMRS repeater base station
Channels	8 default GMRS channels
Connector	DB-9 female (microphone / Raspberry Pi compatible)
Duplex	Built-in duplexer, full duplex operation
Housing	All-aluminum alloy shell
Compatibility	RT76, RT76P, RB26 and other GMRS radios
Package notes	Antenna and extra linking components not included

Our Verdict

The RT97S is a sensible choice for users who need a portable, durable GMRS repeater that supports full duplex relay and simple expansion via multiple units. It offers good value when paired with separately sourced antennas and linking hardware, and its DB-9 port and Raspberry Pi compatibility make it attractive for customized installations in schools, farms, and outdoor operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the RT97S include an antenna?
The package does not include an antenna; you must provide a compatible antenna for transmission and reception.

Can multiple units be linked to extend coverage?
Yes, multiple RT97S repeaters can be interconnected to expand range, but additional components for linking are not included.

Is the RT97S compatible with handsets?
It is compatible with several GMRS radios such as RT76, RT76P, and RB26 and operates on 8 default GMRS channels; contact the seller for custom frequency needs.