More Important Things
¢Connectors
lSMA to X
lBNC to X
¢Noise reduction devices
lHeadset/ear bud
lBoom mic/speaker mic
¢Reference material
lFrequency charts
lRepeater guide/Net guide
•Connectors: you will need a series of connectors that go from your radio to <blank> where blank is probably a female BNC or male VHF (PL-259) connector.  If your radio is SMA, it is suggested that you get a piece of cable with SMA on one end to act as strain relief, rather than going directly into a connector.
•Most environments are noisier than you want them to be (and the sending signal is less clear than you want it to be).  A headset and boom mic can make things easier for all parties.
•Make sure you have a current set of frequencies in use in your area.  Create a quick reference card and carry it with you (even though you already have the frequencies programmed into your radio).  It is also helpful to carry a copy of the repeater guide and the net guide.