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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/ham-reverse-function

What does the reverse function on a VHF/UHF radio let you do?

Listen on the repeater's input frequency.

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  1. Listen on a repeater's output frequency
  2. Listen on a repeater's input frequency ✔
  3. Reduce power output

Why: Reverse swaps your transmit and receive frequencies, so you hear what goes into the repeater. If you can hear a station directly, you may be able to switch to simplex.

Huh, didn't know that: If you hear a repeater but cannot get in, check your offset and your CTCSS tone or DCS code.

The dad joke
Why did the ham hit the reverse button? He wanted to back up his signal.
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References

Answer: Listen on a repeater's input frequency. Reverse swaps your transmit and receive frequencies, so you hear what goes into the repeater. If you can hear a station directly, you may be able to switch to simplex.

  1. HamStudy 2026-2030 Technician pool, section T2B hamstudy.org/browse/E2_2026/T2B
    To listen on a repeater’s input frequency
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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