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How Far Can a UHF Repeater Go?

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radio signals are used for amateur (HAM or CB) radio. The range of UHF signals is limited to "line of sight," but repeaters can significantly extend the effective range.

Range Factors
- Many factors affect how far repeated UHF radio signals can travel. These include the weather, buildings or hills in the signal path and the height and size of antennas. Under good conditions, a repeater can reach 60 miles or more.
Benefits
- A UHF repeater allows two stations that cannot reach other to communicate through the repeater. The total possible distance for sending the signal is "first station to repeater" plus "repeater to second station." If the repeater has a range of 60 miles, the two stations could be up to 120 miles apart.
Potential
- Repeaters can be linked, which exponentially extends the possible range. There are several multiple-state HAM repeater networks in the United States. Australian CB repeaters are not linked. Some repeaters connect to local telephone networks.
Considerations
- If the signal reaching the repeater is poor quality, the repeater will rebroadcast the poor quality signal. Various rules and etiquette govern the use of repeaters, depending on your type of radio signal and country.

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