At its core, a Radio Repeater extends the reach between two or more radios. A Ritron Radio Repeater is a full-duplex transceiver, meaning the radio transmits and receives simultaneously.
Ritron developed the Liberty Radio Repeater models to specifically fill a niche below the expensive and high-powered repeaters that are likely overkill for many simple but common coverage problems that are experienced in a typical radio system. For example, at Ritron we designed and manufacture our own built-in, compact duplexer for each repeater. Other brands require a separate and typically third-party, externally located duplexer, which makes installation cumbersome and increases cost.
How would I know if I need a Radio Repeater?
When you’re at the far reaches of your radio range, you’ll notice a weaker and weaker signal, or a transmission may drop completely at the receiving end. If this is the case, you may need a repeater to extend the range of your communication.
Under what conditions might a radio repeater help me?
- Obstructions: If you have physical structures or thick, reinforced concrete walls or steel panels blocking line of sight transmissions causing dead spots in your reception, you can use a repeater to help overcome this problem. The repeater is placed at a high location where both the transmitting and receiving radios have more direct line of sight to the repeater.
- Distance: As a range extender, a radio repeater allows you to increase the distance of your radio transmissions. Cover your entire school or hospital campus, or a series of warehouses or factory buildings with a thoughtfully placed repeater and extend the benefit of your radio network.
How do I implement a Radio Repeater in my radio network?
A radio repeater is added to your 2-way radio system in a strategic, static location based on the desired coverage you want to reasonably achieve. The coverage area is determined by transmit output power, antenna type, and optimal placement of the antenna. Typically, Ritron Radio Repeaters are designed to cover a single campus, a single building, multiple buildings, a warehouse, or a school and the surrounding grounds, for example. A more complex situation may require more than one repeater or a higher gain antenna.
Do I need an antenna with a Radio Repeater?
Yes. Ritron has found that an antenna mounted in the 10-25 foot range (depending on location) to be most effective. This height generally avoids the interference found when mounting in the 30-50 foot range.
What power levels are available in Ritron Radio Repeaters?
We have designed our repeaters to perform in the 2 Watt, 5 Watt, or 2-10 Watt (as measured at the antenna port) adjustable range featuring excellent receiver and transmitter performance for the price. A radio coverage site survey will best determine your requirements.
Learn More and Find Technical Specifications:
- 2-Watt Analog Repeater
- 5-Watt Analog Repeater
- 10-Watt DMR Digital Repeater
- 10-Watt NXDN Digital Repeater
All Ritron Radio Repeaters are designed and manufactured in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radio Repeaters
Where do I place a radio repeater?
Take a look at your physical plant, and the entire area you want to cover with your radio transmissions. The repeater should be located high, away from obstructions, in a central area where it’ll do its best job of retransmitting the signals it receives. The external antenna may also be strategically placed for best coverage. The process to determine the best radio coverage with all the elements of your network in play is called a radio coverage site survey. The downloadable user manual contains details on how to conduct a site survey.
What are some creative ways I might use a repeater to extend the range of my current radio network?
You may use your radio network for a variety of communications – from portable to portable, or from a base station radio to your employees on the factory floor. Here’s an idea – If you are increasing the footprint of your radio coverage, don’t forget to include the loudspeaker system (Ritron sells a Loudmouth portable PA system) in your plans. Adding a repeater specifically assigned to the radio based loudspeaker system would extend your ability for mass communication indoors or out.
How does a repeater help my bottom line?
Using radio frequency technology along with a repeater eliminates the need for hard wiring a communication system, making this a cost-effective choice when adding buildings, or installing or upgrading an existing radio communications system.
Contact Ritron to discuss your application and find the right repeater for your needs.