Baofeng UV-5R | Part 12: Programming For A Repeater

Milt Reynolds KJ7PPX

In the previous episode we looked at the basics of repeater configurations. Now we will step through the process of programming our radio to receive and transmit signals from and to a repeater station.

10-Step Checklist - Programming a Repeater:

1. Frequency Mode, Display Line A
2. Set CTCSS/DCS menu items OFF (Menu 10-13)
3. Dual Watch/Dual Standby Mode OFF (Menu Item 07)
4. Delete desired channel (Menu Item 28)
5. Enter downlink (input) frequency
6. Enter offset direction and value (Menu 25-26)
7. Enter transmit tone (Menu Item 12 or 13, CTCSS or DCS)
8. Save downlink (input) frequency to desired channel (Menu Item 27) [EXIT]
9. Toggle Reverse Mode with SCAN button and save uplink (output) frequency to the same channel (Menu Item 27)
10. Toggle Reverse Mode off with SCAN button

The following method allows a quick contact with a repeater station without storing it to memory:

1. Enter VFO mode
2. Select A or B to program in
4. Enter the input frequency of the repeater
5. Enter tone: Menu 13
6. Enter Offset Shift: Menu 26
7. Enter Offset Direction: Menu 25

You can do this for display line A and B, allowing you to have temporary access to two different repeater stations. The UV-5R will retain these until the information is overwritten.

Remember the [MENU] numbers - 13, 26, 25:

Unlucky Number = 13
Double Unlucky = 26
Back Off (-1) = 25

When finished communicating through the repeater, remember to re-set the Menu items back to OFF! Otherwise, the offset and one configuration will continue to affect all of your communications when in VFO mode!

Alternate Method - Skip the offset and shift:

Let's say a nearby repeater station transmits out on frequency 146.000 MHz, with an offset of -0.600 MHz, and a tone of 100.0 Hz. We'll need to set our receiving frequency to 146.000, and our transmit frequency to 146.000:

1. Choose an empty channel (let's say it's Channel 7)
2. Set T-CTCS to 100.0
2. Select VFO mode
2. Select the upper display line: A
3. Enter your receive frequency: 146.600
4. Store to Channel 7 (voice confirmation says "Receiving Frequency")
5. Enter your transmit frequency: 146.000
6. Store to Channel 7 (voice confirmation says "Transmitting Frequency")