I have a 14 year old FT-857d radio that I use as a base station radio.? I have a high gain omni-directional antenna up at 50 feet on a mast with LMR-400 coasx inbetween.? There is a repeater that is about 30 miles away.? It is linked to a number of other repeaters in the state.? On receive I get an S9 meter reading.? I can hear the repeater just fine but can't raise the repeater.? I have checked the tone several times and know it is right. I had raised the repeater once out of many many attempts.? I am wondering - my meter on transmit shows me transmitting a full 50 watts on 2 meters.? Does that necessarily mean what the output of the radio is?? Would a watt meter on the coax show me anything different if at the radio?? I am really scratching my head as to why I get a strong receive on the repeater but can't raise it 99% of the time.? Strangely there is a repeater in NW WI that is about 60 miles away and I can easily raise that repeater.? Thoughts...? sounding like a rookie but I got my license back in 2006 and am an Extra Class operator.? Thanks!? I have brought this to the attention of those that control the repeater in question and they swear there is nothing wrong with it and that it is not receive challenged.