Repeater Systems
01
Basic
The basic repeater system only requires one repeater to supply the needed two-way radio coverage. This type of repeater system can supply usable access and coverage for up to 3 groups.
02
Trunked
A trunked system uses multiple repeaters interconnected together, allowing many groups to share the repeaters. These repeaters may be connected by software or hardware. Software-driven systems rely on software included in each repeater and/or radio to coordinate which users can share the repeaters. Hardware-connected systems rely on software and a database stored in a server that controls which users can share the repeaters.
03
Simulcast
A simulcast repeater system is made up of multiple repeaters interconnected by an IP link. These repeaters are in different locations within a territory. A GPS antenna must be used at each repeater location to coordinate the radio signal. A simulcast repeater system can be used by one or multiple groups, depending on the system design (Basic or Trunked). One key factor of simulcast systems is they reuse the same frequencies at each of the repeater locations, and all the repeaters send two-way radio signals at the same time. They are primarily used by Government Agencies and Public Utilities due to the few frequencies available for this type of design.
04
Voting
A voting repeater system is used when one repeater location allows the radio signal to reach everywhere the customer needs, but it is too far away for two-way handheld or mobile radios to respond. This design requires the use of RECEIVE-only repeaters placed in areas where the two-way and mobile radios cannot reach the main repeater location. The RECEIVE-only repeaters relay the signal back to the main repeater to complete the communication. This system also requires hardware or software at the MAIN repeater location to coordinate and filter two-way radio calls picked up by multiple receivers. These signals are sampled, and only the strongest received signal is used by the main repeater. The weaker signals are stopped and prevented from creating interference. There are multiple styles of Voting systems depending on frequency availability and type of terrain.
Repeater systems require a valid FCC license to use the equipment legally. Failure to operate with an FCC license can result in fines and confiscation of equipment.
Headquarters (New Zealand)
Tait repeater systems are known for their modular design that allows for easy service and multiple power options.
- Radio Standards: ANALOG, DMR, P25 Phase 1 and Phase 2.
- Hardware upgrade: Available to change repeater Power output and number of channels on TB9100/9300/9400 repeater radio series
- Software licenses: Available to upgrade repeaters to different formats and requirements.
- Server: Required for DMR IP connect and P25 trunking.
- Repeater applications: Regular Analog, DMR Tier 2, DMR Tier 2+ (proprietary), DMR Tier 3, DMR IP CONNECT, Voting, Simulcast, P25 Phase 1 regular and Trunking, Phase 2 Trunking.
Headquarters (China)
Hytera repeater systems are known for their featured filled and long-running repeaters.
- Radio Standards: ANALOG, DMR
- Hardware upgrade: NONE
- Software licenses: Available to upgrade repeaters to different formats and requirements.
- Server: Required for DMR Tier 3 Trunking
- Repeater applications: Regular Analog, DMR Tier 2, Pseudo Trunking (proprietary), DMR XPT Trunking (proprietary), DMR Tier 3, DMR IP CONNECT, Simulcast.
Headquarters (Melbourne, Florida)
L3Harris repeaters are designed to meet the most stringent requirements needed by first responders.
- Radio Standards: ANALOG, APCO P25 Phase 1 and 2
- Hardware upgrade: NONE
- Server: Required for IP connection and P25 trunking operation.
- Repeater applications: Voting, Simulcast, P25 Phase 1 regular and Trunking, Phase 2 Trunking.