{"product_id":"retevis-rt97s-gmrs-repeater-portable-full-duplex-long-range","title":"Retevis RT97S GMRS Repeater - Portable Full Duplex Long Range","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull duplex operation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The built-in duplexer allows simultaneous transmit and receive on one antenna, simplifying installation and enabling continuous relay communication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDB-9 connector:\u003c\/strong\u003e The RT97S includes a DB-9 female port for direct microphone connection and Raspberry Pi compatibility for customized integrations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterconnectable repeaters:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multiple RT97S units can be linked to extend communication distance across larger areas when additional components are added.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePortable, durable build:\u003c\/strong\u003e An all-aluminum alloy shell delivers good heat dissipation and impact resistance for long-term field use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSimple controls:\u003c\/strong\u003e Channel switching with a long-press and brief presses for volume make day-to-day operation quick to learn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGMRS base station ready:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ships with 8 default GMRS channels and compatibility with popular handsets like RT76, RT76P, and RB26.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFull duplex capability with a single antenna setup simplifies installation and supports continuous communication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDB-9 female connector enables microphone hookup and Raspberry Pi compatibility for custom projects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRugged aluminum housing offers good heat dissipation and resistance to everyday impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWorks well with common GMRS handsets and improved communications across tested setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePackage does not include an antenna or additional linking components, so further purchases are needed for full deployment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe duplexer introduces some power loss that can slightly reduce effective range compared with separate TX\/RX systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGMRS repeater base station\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChannels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 default GMRS channels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDB-9 female (microphone \/ Raspberry Pi compatible)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDuplex\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuilt-in duplexer, full duplex operation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHousing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAll-aluminum alloy shell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRT76, RT76P, RB26 and other GMRS radios\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePackage notes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAntenna and extra linking components not included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the RT97S include an antenna?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe package does not include an antenna; you must provide a compatible antenna for transmission and reception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan multiple units be linked to extend coverage?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, multiple RT97S repeaters can be interconnected to expand range, but additional components for linking are not included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the RT97S compatible with handsets?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retevis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48669187997915,"sku":"B0CTKHTCWR","price":339.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/619lXc87X7L._AC_SL1234.jpg?v=1778660720","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/retevis-rt97s-gmrs-repeater-portable-full-duplex-long-range","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}