Radio repeater how to#
Radio repeater license#

They receive signals at one frequency, called the input frequency, and transmit at another frequency, which we call the output frequency. We know by now the Ham radio repeaters work on two different frequencies. Ham Radio Repeater Frequencies and Offset This entire process is monitored and controlled by the controller, which serves as the вЂњbrainвЂќ of the repeater. The duplexer isolates the signals, so the transmitter and receiver signals donвЂ™t intermix.ДЇrom the duplexer, the signal then travels through the feedline back to the antenna and is broadcasted in all directions. Now, to ensure that the transmitter and receiver donвЂ™t interfere with each otherвЂ™s signals, Ham radio repeaters use a duplexer. A power amplifier boosts this frequency to a higher level so the signal can travel farther without degradation. The audio signal goes to the transmitter, where an exciter modulates it to the transmit frequency. The antenna transfers the signals it receives to the receiver, turning it into an audio signal. So, in this section, IвЂ™ll explain the complex working of Ham radio repeaters in simple terms.ДЄ Ham radio repeater typically comprises an antenna that transmits and receives signals, a transmitter and a receiver, a duplexer, a feedline, and a controller. And knowing that, you might be wondering how they do what they do. In essence, the higher the elevation of the repeater antenna, the better the footprint or coverage of the repeater. Common places where you may find these repeaters include mountain tops, communication towers, and atop high-rise buildings. This is why Ham radio repeaters are mostly installed on high elevations. This is important because these systems work on radio waves, which in turn depend on line-of-sight propagation, and any obstruction in their path may lead to the destruction of the wave and severed communication. Ideally, Ham radio repeaters should be placed where they could communicate directly with other stations. Having said that, they may vary from repeater to repeater. Of course, these ranges are just approximations based on several factors. If the repeater is located on an elevated building and you live in a relatively flat geographic region, you can expect your repeater to pick up signals from 15-30 miles away and transmit them over 50-100 miles. Therefore, the antenna should rise above all obstructions to receive and transmit signals effectively.ДЄpart from these technical aspects, there are certain geographic and topographic elements as well that can influence the range of the repeater. Ham radio repeaters can operate on 50 watts, 100 watts, and even 500 watts.Д«ut regardless of how high the power is, if the antenna isnвЂ™t high enough, the repeater may not be able to broadcast over an appreciably broad range. The technical factors include the deviceвЂ™s power and the height and quality of the antenna being used. The reach of a ham radio repeater depends on several technical and non-technical factors. If you have a technician class license, you can put up your own ham radio repeater, expand your radio reach and help other Hams in your community connect with a wider audience. Without them, you may not be able to communicate to and from far-off areas on your regular VHF/UHF frequencies. These efficient devices have different receiving and transmitting frequencies and greatly supplement ham radio communications. They have a transmitter and receiver working simultaneously to receive weaker signals, strengthen them, and transmit them over a wider area, ensuring that the signals get better coverage without degradation. Ham radio repeaters are two-way radiocommunication devices. And in this article, I will share all you need to know about them. These devices are called Ham radio repeaters.

Someone else has already done the hard part of buying and setting them up!

Radio repeater how to#

There are pre-installed, ready-to-use devices that can help you communicate well beyond your locality, even when using a low-powered radio.ДЄnd the best part? You only have to learn how to use them.

Radio repeater license#

You also have your FCC Ham radio license and your own call sign and are ready to communicate without relying on conventional communication channels.Д«ut will your little ham radio be able to transmit to a station on the other side of the city? Not likely.Дoes that mean you can never reach out to the Ham radio enthusiasts outside your vicinity?

You have bought a nifty little Ham radio.