Choosing a Repeater Location
Location is the single most important factor in a repeater's effectiveness. A mediocre antenna on a perfect hilltop will outperform an excellent antenna at ground level every time.
Elevation is everything
Radio waves travel in straight lines. The higher your repeater, the farther it can see before the curvature of the earth and obstacles block the signal. Every additional meter of height extends the radio horizon.
Location types — best to acceptable
Hilltops and ridgelines
The gold standard. A repeater on a hilltop with unobstructed 360-degree views can cover a 20–25 mile radius. Even a modest hill of 100–200 feet above the surrounding terrain makes a significant difference.
Rooftops
Excellent for urban and suburban coverage. The highest accessible rooftop in a neighborhood, mounted on a pole or parapet wall, provides clear line-of-sight in most directions.
Communications and water towers
Already optimized for radio coverage. Many amateur radio operators and property owners are open to hosting community infrastructure.
Tall trees
A practical option for rural or forested areas. Mount as high as safe access allows and ensure the solar panel receives adequate sunlight throughout the day.
Balconies and upper-floor windows
The minimum viable option when rooftop access is unavailable. Orient toward the direction offering the clearest line of sight. Even a second-floor position is meaningfully better than ground level.
What to avoid
- Low ground — valleys and depressions block signal in nearly all directions
- Dense tree cover at antenna level — trees absorb 915 MHz signals significantly
- Large metal structures nearby — HVAC equipment and metal roofing reflect and detune signals
- Fully indoor placement — walls absorb a significant fraction of signal strength
Testing before committing
Before a permanent installation, test with a temporary mount. Walk around the intended coverage area while watching signal on a paired phone. Tools like HeyWhatsThat can help visualize the theoretical radio horizon from a given point, though they do not account for buildings or vegetation.