If you've wanted your own GMRS repeater but didn't know where to begin, here's the video you've been waiting for. This quick and easy tutorial shows you how to turn the Wouxun KG-1000G GMRS Base/Mobile Two Way Radio into a real, working, fully functional GMRS repeater!
To make the repeater, you will need:
- Power Supply (20W or higher recommended)
- 2x Wouxun KG-1000G Mobile Radio
- 2x GMRS Mobile Antennas or GMRS Base Station Antennas*
- 2x Antennas Mounts*
- One UHF Mobile Duplexer (optional)
- Antenna/Duplexer Cables
All of these components are available from Buy Two Way Radios.
*Only one is required if using a duplexer.
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The video is outdated and does not show the connectivity for the current KG1000 Plus units; the menus have changed. The instruction manual, so far as I can tell, is incomplete on how to make these work together. There's no discussion of how to program the frequency to select for whatever repeater channel you want it to become (either in VFO or CH mode). There's no discussion about whether or not it wants a standard ethernet cable or the provided crossover cable (the one you'd use to remote-mount the head). I haven't had any luck trying to use any of the videos or manual, or some combination thereof by using what would seem to be appropriate menu functions in order to make these talk. It seems that the one you program as TX will always just be in simplex, however you lose a bunch of functions when in repeater mode. The RX dedicated unit doesn't really seem to do anything and doesn't indicate it is receiving per LED, or speaker actuation.
I was seriously considering purchasing a duplexer and another KG-1000 to pair with my current one as a repeater. However, I am reading a lot of negative comments regarding performance with this setup. I don't want to spend this amount only to be frustrated. Do you have any comments regarding the negative comments?
Hi Colin, there is some misunderstanding with the overall purpose of this setup. Although some do use it as a repeater for personal or hobby applications, there are those who try to use it as a full repeater system in place of an actual repeater that is specifically designed for that purpose. This setup isn't intended to replace a dedicated, professional repeater. It's a nice feature for limited use on personal property or temporary use in the field or in an emergency. For those who use it as intended it usually works quite well. In fact, we have a KG-1000G repeater system set up for our own use at Buy Two Way Radios. However, we use it for specific, limited purposes in an environment suited for it. If you want a repeater to extend range on your property for home and family use, or you set up a base of operations for a weekend camp or other group activity, it will generally work. If you want to set up a permanent repeater system for around-the-clock public operation, we recommend that you invest in a repeater.
Is there any way to program a "tail" into the transmit side? it would help to reduce picket fencing.
try setting the RPT-TONE on the transmitting radio.
Have you all ever considered selling a boxed kit to build a KG-1000G based repeater setup ? I.e. like the "Prepper", "Farm Radio" or "Value Pack" kits you sell with this and Wouxun handsets? I.e. toss in a pair of the KG-1000G, antennas, cables, power supply, etc.
Maybe an option to have a duplexer or not, varying the number of antennas, amount of antenna cable as appropriate.
That seems like it could be an appealing product/set/kit.
Also including some instructions/guidelines for how to set up and safely wire the antennas.
We appreciate the suggestion! Yes, we have considered it, and we agree that it can have appeal. Although it seems like a no-brainer, it isn't actually as simple as tossing in a pair of KG-1000G radios to make it happen. However, it is something we have pondered quite a bit.
OK so I was able to get my 2 10000G hook up as a repeater. But after 2 hours the transmit 1000g was very hot and the receive 1000g was cool. Is that normal? Both 1000G are set on a shelf with plenty of ventilation and AC room. But, the transmit 1000G is HOT after 2 hours and will not communicate which I assume because it is hot.
The transmitting radio is going to be considerably warmer than the receiving radio during normal operation simply because it is exerting the power needed to transmit the signal. In contrast, all the receiver is doing is receiving the signal. However, if the the transmitting radio is becoming unusually hot but is not transmitting a signal, this is not normal operation and indicates there may be an issue. Give us a call at 1-800-584-1445 weekdays so we can assist in troubleshooting it.
Ok so I am just a little unclear with the repeater setup. So you used a 550 repeater the Receive Freq is 462.550 and Transmit Freq 467.550. But, later you indicated we would transmit on 462.550 and receive on 467.550???? is this correct.
Confused
No, that is incorrect. As stated in the video, the Receiving unit needs to be set to receive on 467.550 and the transmitting unit needs to be set to transmit on 462.550. Both radios need to be in repeater mode, not Radio mode when programming these frequencies into each unit. All you need to do is set the receiver to the receive frequency and the transmitter to the transmit frequency. You do not need to set a transmit frequency on the receiver because it is in receive only mode and does not transmit. Likewise, you do not need to set a receive frequency into the transmitter because it is transmitting only.
If you have configured your transmitting unit to transmit on the same frequency as the receiving unit and and the radios are physically connected together with the cable, this may explain the overheating issue you described in your other comment, as the transmitter would be attempting to transmit on the same frequency on which the receiving unit is attempting to receive simultaneously while these radios are linked together.
Ok, so I set up two 1000G as a repeater one receive and other transmit. If I want to use it as a regular base station and not as a repeater would I need to set one 1000G to receive and the other 1000G to transmit lets say on Channel 16 462.5750 or directly connect the antenna connection to any one of the 1000G.
If you want to use one as a stand alone base station, it should be in Radio mode with an antenna connected directly to the unit.
I feel like having a mobile unit is overkill as a receive radio. If there another option for the receive side that will link the same way?
No, it is specifically designed and wired for two KG-1000G radios to link together.