Use RepeaterBook to Find Local Repeaters and Program Your HT

By adminRepeater Info

1. Create a Free RepeaterBook Account

  1. Go to https://www.repeaterbook.com
  2. Click Login / Register at the top-right.
  3. Click Register.
  4. Fill out the form:
    • Username
    • Password
    • Email
    • Country
    • (Optional) Callsign, Grid Square, Name
  5. Check the terms box and complete the CAPTCHA.
  6. Submit the form.
  7. Open the confirmation email and activate your account.

Your account is now ready for exporting repeater data and using advanced features.

2. Using RepeaterBook’s Proximity Search

2.1 Open the Proximity Search Tool

  1. Log in to your RepeaterBook account.
  2. Click Repeaters → Proximity Search.
    • If available, you may also see Proximity Search 2.0.

2.2 Choose Your Location

You can search repeaters near a:

  • City (example: Springfield, MO)
  • Grid square (example: EM37wx)
  • Address
  • Latitude/Longitude
  • Your device’s live location (Proximity 2.0)

Enter whichever is easiest.

2.3 Set Your Search Radius

Suggested ranges:

  • 20–30 miles for local repeaters
  • 40–60 miles for normal HT coverage
  • 80+ miles in rural areas

2.4 Select Bands and Filters

Common selections for HT users:

  • 2m (144–148 MHz)
  • 70cm (420–450 MHz)

Optional filters include modes (FM, DMR, D-STAR, Fusion, P25) and features (AllStar, IRLP, EchoLink).
You can also choose “On-Air Only” if you want confirmed active repeaters.

2.5 Run the Search

Click Search.
RepeaterBook will show a list sorted by distance, showing frequency, offset, tone, mode, and repeater details.

3. Exporting Your Repeater List

3.1 Use the Export Options

Scroll to the top or bottom of the search results and select:

Export → CHIRP / CSV / RT Systems / ADMS / Excel / GPX / KML

3.2 Recommended Exports

  • CHIRP — Best option for most handhelds
  • CSV — Works with nearly any software

Download the file and save it somewhere easy to find.

4. Importing Repeaters Into CHIRP

You can get RepeaterBook data into CHIRP in two ways:
(1) importing the file you exported, or
(2) pulling data directly from RepeaterBook inside CHIRP.

4A. Pull Data From RepeaterBook Inside CHIRP

  1. Open CHIRP.
  2. Click Radio → Query Data Source → RepeaterBook.
  3. Enter your country, location, radius, and band filters.
  4. CHIRP loads your repeater list in a new tab.

4B. Import Your CSV/CHIRP File Into CHIRP

  1. In CHIRP, download your radio’s current memory image:
    Radio → Download From Radio
  2. Open your exported RepeaterBook file:
    File → Open
  3. You will now have two tabs:
    • Your radio’s memory
    • Your RepeaterBook list
  4. Select the repeaters in the RepeaterBook tab, copy them, and paste them into empty channels in your radio’s memory tab.
  5. Edit names, tone settings, and power levels as needed.

5. Uploading the Channels to Your HT

  1. Connect your radio with the correct programming cable.
  2. Turn the radio on.
  3. Click Radio → Upload To Radio in CHIRP.
  4. Confirm the radio model and COM port.
  5. Wait for the upload to finish.

Your HT is now fully programmed with nearby repeaters.