WHAT IS A REPEATER?

A Beginners Guide to Repeaters,
Questions and Answers...
By Kevin K. Custer  W3KKC (AKA The Repeater Builder)

What is a Repeater?
A duplex repeater, in concept, is not really a complicated device.  It's a 'duplexed' two-way radio set that listens on one frequency, then re-transmits what it hears on another; at exactly the same time.  These systems are usually located in places of high elevation (on mountains and tall buildings) and are equipped with large - efficient antennas, extremely low loss feedlines, and a transmitter and receiver that is very durable and rated for continuous duty. The end result? People using a repeater get much greater range from their radio equipment than would be possible talking simplex. This is how an individual with a portable walkie-talkie (handheld) transceiver can communicate with people many miles away with good clarity.  A ham (Amateur) repeater is often times referred to as "a machine" or "the machine".  Repeaters are used in Commercial (Business)Communications, Emergency Communications (either by 'hams' or by Federal or Local Government agencies), and even Pleasure Communications.  These machines might have multiple sources of power, including batteries for when commercial power is lost.  Repeaters can be built that are extremely power efficient, and may run exclusively from batteries; recharged by solar, wind or water power.

LINK TO MORE INFORMATION
By Kevin K. Custer  W3KKC (AKA The Repeater Builder)