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UV-5R Repeater Setup
Get your local repeater into the UV-5R and avoid the classic "hear but not heard".
How a repeater works
A repeater uses two frequencies: the downlink (what you hear) and the uplink (what you transmit). The gap is the Offset. You send to the uplink; the repeater retransmits on the downlink, extending coverage.
Method 1: store RX/TX separately (recommended)
Steps: Frequency Mode, enter the downlink → set the tone (Menu 11/13) → Menu 27 save as a channel (e.g. CH001, shows RX SAVE) → enter the uplink → Menu 27, same CH001, save again (TX SAVE). No need to think about offset direction.
Method 2: SFT-D + OFFSET
Steps: Frequency Mode, enter downlink → Menu 25 SFT-D set direction (+/−) → Menu 26 OFFSET set value (e.g. 005.000) → Menu 27 save. The radio computes the uplink.
Check & common mistakes
- Hear but not heard: missing/wrong transmit tone (T-CTCS / Tone) → repeater ignores you.
- Dead silence: receive tone (R-CTCS) accidentally on — clear it.
- Offset reversed: +/− mismatched the listing — swap it.
!
Offset direction follows your local repeater listing. Some regions use negative split (downlink below uplink, e.g. RX 438.450 / TX 439.110), US versions often positive. Never copy foreign parameters blindly.
Saved but can't reach the repeater?
Check: ① transmit tone matches the repeater; ② offset direction & size correct; ③ frequency step lands accurately (STEP 5kHz).
Which method is better?
Method 1 (separate RX/TX) is most reliable across firmware — best for beginners; Method 2 is quicker but relies on auto-calculation.
Where do I get local repeater info?
Your national repeater directory, RepeaterBook, or the local radio society listing — use the official published values.