Repeater Systems

Repeater Systems

Repeater systems are used when two-way handheld or mobile radios cannot offer the coverage the customer needs. They are deployed using Analog, DMR, or P25 technology. There are 4 main repeater system designs based on the number of repeaters used and how frequencies are shared among users.

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.

Alert

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.

Metrotalk offers repeater systems from 3 worldwide recognized brands: Tait, Simoco, RCA, and Hytera. Their open standard two-way radio solutions provide the opportunity to design repeater systems integrating radio products from different manufacturers.

Tait Communications

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
Simoco

Headquarters (UK and Australia)

SIMOCO repeater systems are known for their software-driven design that allows repeaters to be easily upgraded when the need arises.

  • Radio Standards: ANALOG, DMR, P25 Phase 1.
  • Hardware upgrade: NONE
  • Software licenses: Available to upgrade repeaters to different formats and requirements.
  • Server: NONE REQUIRED-Software driven internal to the repeater
  • Repeater applications: Regular Analog, DMR Tier 2, DMR Tier 3, DMR IP CONNECT, Voting, Simulcast, P25 Phase 1.
RCA

Headquarters (USA)

RCA repeater systems are known for their Slim design.

  • Radio Standards: ANALOG, DMR
  • Hardware upgrade: NONE
  • Software licenses: Available to upgrade repeaters to different formats and requirements.
  • Server: NONE REQUIRED
  • Repeater applications: Regular Analog, DMR Tier 2, DMR Tier 2+(proprietary), DMR Tier 3, DMR IP CONNECT.
Hytera

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.

Let us know what kind of two-way radio coverage you need.

Contact or call us at 1-800-268-4098 for a free consultation and free site survey.