BridgeCom Systems Guide to Repeater Systems, With An Emphasis On Duplexers.
Have you ever wondered what makes a repeater system? Or interested in setting up your own system? This article will explain all the components of a repeater system. With an emphasis on duplexers and why a person would get one.
Parts of a repeater system
A repeater systems contains 5 core parts. They are the power supply, Repeater, duplexer(optional), feed line, and a antenna(s). We will breakdown all of the parts in the next few paragraphs
Power Supply.
Most electronic devices require DC(Direct current) Power. The electricity that comes out of your wall socket is in fact AC (alternating current). Your power supply is responsible for converting the AC into DC. It is also responsible for getting the correct power to the device. Your power supply will regulate the current and prevent surges from destroying your equipment. Duracomm Power supplies work fantastically for any radio application.
You can find them at the bottom of the article.
Repeater
The purpose of a repeater is to extend the range of other radios. Think of it as a signal amplifier. For example; A handheld or mobile radio in a vehicle will transmit to the the repeater. The repeater will then receive that signal and then immediately transmit it over a much larger area. Repeaters are generally mounted on high altitude locations relative to the surrounding area.
Duplexer
A duplexer is a tunable pass, pass/notch, or notch filter. It separates the transmit and receive signals. A repeater With a duplexer can transmit and receive simultaneously. Using a duplexer allows you to use only one antenna instead of two. And thus half the feed line. The advantage of using only one antenna saves money but also is quite helpful on congested tower sites. Where it may not be possible to get two antenna locations.
Feed Line
Feed line is simply a specialized wire that transmits signal from the repeater to the antenna and back.
Antenna
The antenna is where the signals go in and out. If you have a duplexer, only one antenna is required. If not, two are required. One for transmit, and one for recieve.
Why A Duplexer:
Cost Savings - Use only 1 antenna and feed line.
Using a duplexers enables the use of only one antenna and feed line. Eliminating the second antenna and feedline set. This can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars in equipment!
Convenience - Do half the work.
By only having to mount 1 antenna. You are cutting the amount of work in half. This gets the system up faster and leaves more time to talk on the system.
Now you only need one antenna location. If you have a tower you can now use the top instead of having to use the top and a lower location on the tower. Using the top enables maximum coverage.
Accessibility - Only secure one tower spot.
In a lot of areas tower space is in high demand, very limited, and expensive. It can be hard to get a spot to mount 1 antenna, let alone 2. Having a duplexer makes getting a tower slot much easier and a lot cheaper. Leasing a slot for one antenna on a commercial site could cost $5000 a month! Double that or more for 2 antenas. If that isn't enough to convince you I don’t know what will.
Good news. -BridgeCom Systems has everything you need.
BridgeCom Systems Supplies all of those components, and will help find what you need. Not only is having a duplexer convenient. Getting an all included repeater system package from BridgeCom Systems is even more convenient! Please call us at 816-532-8451, send us an email at ContactUs@BridgeComSystems.com or visit our product selection.
Our Repeaters and Duplexers have been tried and tested all over the world.
Check out our testimonials page for proof
https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/blogs/bridgecom-brag-board-testimonials
Repeaters: https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/collections/amateur-radio-repeaters
Duplexers:
VHF: https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/collections/vhf-duplexers
220: https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/collections/220-duplexers
UHF: https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/collections/uhf-duplexers
Power Supplies
Desktop: https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/collections/desktop-power-supplies
Rack Mount:https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/collections/rack-mount-power-supplies
Feed line: https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/collections/heliax
Antennas
VHF: https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/collections/vhf-antennas
220: https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/collections/220-antennas
UHF: https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/collections/uhf-antennas
If you don’t find what you looking for. Call us at 816-532-8451 or send us an email at ContactUs@BridgeComSystems.com
If you have any input on the article, please leave a coment below.
18 comments
I hope I am picked for the system. I have the full support of the local township fire dept. and have 4 members of my CERT Team are ham’s. I am being told there is tower space I can use should I ever acquire a repeater. There is a lack of 220 operating machines in the Southeast Michigan area. Cannot wait for the drawing. The Clarkston group has a VHF BridgeCom system for there repeater, and it works very well.
73
Ted N8ZSA
Thank. You are an Amateur Radio fan.
Bob
I have been with my friend to work on the three repeaters that he owns. We have ran test on his repeaters from the location and away from the site. I know what it takes to get the repeater up and running and what all it involves from the power supply, the repeater, the duplexer, the feed line and the antenna, I also know the fees of where my friend has his repeaters located. One of his repeaters is a BridgeCom repeater so that would be a big plus in my favor. I do know that the BridgeCom is one of the best repeaters that he has and it is very reliable and it never has any issues. I would be proud to own a BridgeCom repeater. Thank you for giving me opportunity to say something about BirdgeCom and being able to register to win the repeater.
73’s
Tony Jones, N4ATJ
Wantabee repeater owners/hosts:
All you need to do is promote the advantages of having a repeater for emergency communication services for your local community. You would be surprised at what the city fathers might do to assist the in the setup of an amateur repeater. Most cities have their own water systems with water towers and they make great repeater locations and most likely “rent free” including the electricity to run the system.
Send any and all info possible. Thank You. Brian Dolan