Radio waves essentially travel in straight lines and they can penetrate solid structures and travel through them but this can impact their strength significantly reducing the clarity and quality of the signal. A lot of noise and interference can also reduce the quality and strength of signals.
It can be a serious problem when transmitting signals through hilly areas or areas with a lot of high buildings or just over a large area. To resolve this issue repeater systems are used to improve connectivity over a greater distance or across giant structures such as hills or sets of skyscrapers.
A repeater system is a portable two-way radio which is generally in a fixed location to receive signals, boost them, cleanse them of noise and then send them out to the other device. They are popularly used by emergency services, commercial businesses operating on large built-up areas, and transport services.
How does the Repeater System work?
Repeater radios receive signals in what is called “input frequency”.
They are extremely powerful radios that can work anywhere from 5 watts up to 50watts or sometimes even 100 watts. Repeaters are attached via cable to a large antenna mounted on a large steel station or top of a building. With the help of a duplexer one single antenna can receive the input frequency and send out the outgoing frequency.
In a digital communication system, several repeater systems can be placed at certain locations at a set distance from each other to boost the coverage area. This way once the repeater system sends out the signals that are received by the next repeater system, boosted and forwarded, this goes on until the signal reaches the final destination.
What are the Benefits of the Repeater System?
A repeater system has several benefits and uses listed below:
- Repeater Systems strengthens the signals and increase the coverage area.
- It reduces and even eliminates noise to ensure clear communication with better sound quality.
- They are also helpful in multiband communication.
Different types of Repeater System?
Repeater systems can be analog repeaters and digital repeaters depending upon the type of signals they work for. There are various kinds of radio repeater systems including broadcast relay stations, microwave relay stations, passive repeater, cellular repeater, and amateur radio repeater which are suited for various applications as indicated by their name.
How to Install a Repeater System?
Before installing a repeater system a site survey is conducted to locate the position where the repeater system will give the optimal performance. After locating the point where the signal is strongest you can start assembling the system. For installation, you would require a bi-directional amplifier (a repeater), donor antenna, coverage antenna, a tripod, coaxial cables, and a Power Supply. Place the antennas at chosen locations and connect them with the repeater. Attach the power supply with a repeater.
