- Category: Tower Talk
- Hits: 27
RepeaterBook has recently partnered with radioid.net to aggregate DMR repeater talkgroup data for repeaters operating on a cBridge. DMR repeater owners can now add their talkgroup data to radioed.net and it will automatically be propagated to RepeaterBook. This means repeater owners only need to enter their data to a single location to propagate the data to other repeater data sites.
When DMR repeater trustees add their data to radioed.net, RepeaterBook grabs the talkgroup data and automatically displays it on the website in realtime. Talkgroup data is no longer entered directly on the RepeaterBook website. This puts the repeater manager in direct control of the talkgroup information displayed on the RepeaterBook app and used by the new RBConnect feature.
If you manage a DMR repeater and have not entered your talkgroup data onto radioid.net, please considering doing so. The RBConnect system will allow radio owners to “program” and access talkgroups on the fly as opposed to creating code plugs in advance. If the data resides on a dedicated repeater website somewhere and not within the RepeaterBook app, the feature to “dial-up” a repeater and talkgroup instantly without the use of a code plug will not function.
Data for BrandMeister repeaters is received directly from BrandMeister. BrandMeister repeater managers should periodically verify that there data is correct on the BrandMeister website.
About Radioid.net
Radioid.net is a website and service for amateur radio operators involved in DMR. The site provides a centralized database where licensed amateur radio operators can register for a unique Radio ID, which is required for operating on DMR networks.
Key features and services of RadioID.net include:
1. Radio ID Registration: Operators can register their callsign and obtain a unique DMR ID, which is necessary for using DMR networks worldwide.
2. Database Access: The website offers a searchable database where users can look up registered DMR IDs and associated callsigns, making it easier to identify other operators.
3. Tools and Resources: The site provides tools for managing and updating user profiles, as well as resources related to DMR and other digital modes.
4. Support for Other Modes: In addition to DMR, RadioID.net also supports other digital voice modes like NXDN and P25.
- Category: Tower Talk
- Hits: 118
By Ron Kochanowicz, BridgeCom Systems, Inc., BSEE, KCØQVT
There are many two-way radio repeaters on the market. It’s important to pick the right one for your application and budget. You definitely want to be happy with the result of your repeater buying decision. The following information is a brief guide of what I believe are five “MUST HAVES” to consider.
- Receiver – The repeater you purchase MUST have a good receiver. This requirement should be at the top of the list. If your repeater cannot ‘hear’ very well, then it’s not very good and range will be limited.
There are three key parameters to look for when considering a receiver: Receiver sensitivity, Receiver selectivity, and Intermodulation rejection:
A. Sensitivity - Is a measure of the minimum signal level required to produce a specified output signal of a specified signal-to-noise radio (SINAD). In repeater systems, this measurement is often given in microvolts or uV at 12 dB SINAD. The smaller the number in microvolt the more sensitive the receiver. For example: 0.25 uV at 12 dB SINAD is a very good receiver.
B. Selectivity – Is a measure of how well the receiver ‘hears’ only the wanted signal and rejects all other signals nearby in frequency. Selectivity is measured as a ratio in dB comparing the signal strength received against that of a similar signal on another frequency. The higher the number, the more selective the receiver.
C. Intermodulation Rejection – Is a measure of how well the receiver handles the various unwanted harmonics created by the receiver itself. When a receiver is doing its job, it creates unwanted signals that can interfere with the received signal. Intermodulation Rejection indicates how well the receiver rejects these unwanted products. The higher the number in dB, the better. When this number is 70 dB or higher, it indicates quality parts are being used in the receiver construction.
One more important fact: The repeater’s antenna should be mounted as high in the air as possible to make the system work optimally.
2. Transmit Power – This specification, measured in Watts, is probably the one Repeater specification that gets all of the attention. Having as much RF Power as possible has merit, however, many things must be considered when buying a repeater. The goal is to consistently get as much transmit power out of the repeater without destroying it or reducing its life. It’s important to consider how often the repeater will be transmitting and for how long. For example, if a repeater spec states it produces 50 Watts, the question to ask is: How long can it deliver 50 Watts without interruption? If not very long, it might only be good at 25 Watts. Therefore, it’s important to consider the manufacturers’ duty rating and cooling process and how it meets your application.
A. Systems Example: As transmit power is considered, power loss through the duplexer, power loss through the antenna feed line, and power gain at the antenna must also be considered. A simple example illustrates this point: If you have a 50-watt repeater, duplexer, 100 FT of LMR-400 feed line, and a 6 dB gain antenna. The loss through a duplexer is typically 1.5 dB. This brings the output down to 37.5 Watts to the feed line. The loss through the feed line brings the power down to 26 Watts. The antenna adds 6 dB of gain and now your effective radiated power (ERP) is 104 Watts.
B. Adjustable Transmit Power: The repeater you consider must have the ability to adjust the transmit output power. Can it be dialed from 0 Watts to Max? Adjustable output power provides for a lot of flexibility if you consider using the repeater as an exciter for an external RF Power Amplifier. External RF Power Amps are often specified as 10 Watts INPUT 100 Watts OUTPUT or 30 Watts IN, 100 Watts OUT. If you can dial your repeater back to 5 or 10 watts, it extends the life of your repeater and lets the external RF power amp do much of the work. C. Cooling: The next ‘must-have’ for a repeater transmitter is sufficient cooling. You need to make sure your repeater transmitter is kept cool. This will increase the lifespan of the repeater as it will not have to work as hard in delivering power. Cooling is very important. Forced air is the best. At least one fan is required, and two are even better. If the repeater is doing 5 Watts or more on a 50% duty cycle rating or higher, it is advisable to have forced air cooling your transmitter and power supply.
3. Power Supply with built-in battery charger: For ease of use and install, the repeater you purchase must have a built-in power supply. Having a built-in power supply will alleviate a lot of aggravation because you won’t have to obtain the correct power supply to run your repeater. The manufacturer has already done this for you! The repeater should also have the ability to be connected to an external DC source like a battery or external power supply. In addition, if there’s a built-in battery charger, then the internal power supply can trickle charge the battery.
4. Built-in Controller: Your repeater must have a controller and the repeater you purchase should have a basic built-in repeater controller. This will save you the task of connecting the repeater to an after-market controller. The ideal controller features that should be built in are:
1. Decode / encode CTCSS tones and DCS codes.
2. CW station ID.
3. Courtesy Tone.
4. TX Timer Timeout and TX Hang Timer.
5. DTMF remote management capability.
6. Narrow (12.5 kHz) and Wide band Capable.
7. Ease of programming
5. Accessory Port/Expansion - This feature is a BIG ‘must have.’ The accessory port is where the magic can happen and can make a repeater very versatile and flexible. For example, do you want to connect an external controller that allows for voice updates? Do you want to connect a digital modem and turn your repeater into a digital repeater? If so, are the proper connections available? Here are the 5 signal input / outputs the repeater accessory must have:
1. Receiver Discriminator Output – Unsquelched, unfiltered based band flat audio.
2. COS Output / COR Output - Received a carrier or decoded a CTCSS or DCS code.
3. PTT Input – External PTT Input line to cause repeater to transmit.
4. TX Audio Input – Audio to be transmitted by the repeater.
5. TX BASEBAND Audio Input – Unfiltered TX DATA or AUDIO.
While this list is not exhaustive, it does bring to mind five key MUST-HAVES when considering purchasing a new repeater. Warranty and customer service / support is also of strong consideration. You want to make sure you have somebody to call in the event there’s a problem.
MUST-HAVE SUMMARY:
1. Good Receiver – less that 0.25 uV at 12 dB SINAD
2. Solid, consistent transmit Power with adequate cooling
3. Built-in Power Supply with built-in battery charger
4. Built-in Controller
5. Accessory Port/Expansion
If you would like to explore more information about repeaters, consider reaching out to the good folks at BridgeCom.
- Category: Tower Talk
- Hits: 176
A New Voice in Amateur Radio News
Amateur radio enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate with the launch of Tower Talk, the latest newsletter from RepeaterBook. Known for its comprehensive repeater database, RepeaterBook is expanding its offerings to include broader news and information within the amateur radio community. This new newsletter aims to keep hobbyists informed about the latest developments, events, and technological advancements in the world of amateur radio.
What to Expect from Tower Talk
Tower Talk is designed to be more than just a newsletter; it is a resource for all things amateur radio. Here are some key features you can look forward to:
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Industry News and Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest news in the amateur radio world. From regulatory changes to advancements in technology, Tower Talk will cover it all.
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RepeaterBook Updates: Get the latest information about new features, updates, and tips for using the RepeaterBook site and app. Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to the platform, there’s always something new to learn.
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Event Announcements: Keep track of upcoming hamfests and conventions. Tower Talk will provide a calendar of major events so you never miss an opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
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Technical Tips and Tricks: Learn new skills and improve your amateur radio setup with expert advice and technical how-tos. From antenna building to software configuration, Tower Talk will feature articles that help you get the most out of your equipment.
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User Stories and Interviews: Read inspiring stories and interviews with fellow amateur radio operators. Learn about their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the hobby.
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Product Reviews: Get unbiased reviews of the latest amateur radio equipment and software. Find out what works best for your needs and budget.
Spotlight on RepeaterBook
RepeaterBook has been a trusted resource for amateur radio operators for years, offering a detailed and user-generated database of repeaters worldwide. Here are some highlights of what RepeaterBook provides:
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Comprehensive Database: RepeaterBook’s database includes thousands of repeaters from around the globe, providing vital information such as frequencies, offsets, tones, and coverage areas.
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User-Generated Content: The platform relies on contributions from users to keep the database up-to-date, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
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Mobile App: The RepeaterBook app is a must-have for any amateur radio operator on the go. Available for both iOS and Android, the app provides easy access to repeater information, even offline.
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Advanced Search Features: RepeaterBook’s search functionality allows users to find repeaters by location, frequency, band, and other criteria, making it easy to find the right repeater for any situation.
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Mapping and Navigation: The site and app include mapping features that help users visualize repeater locations and coverage areas, assisting in trip planning and mobile operations.
The Future of Tower Talk
With its launch, Tower Talk is set to become an indispensable resource for amateur radio operators. By combining news, technical tips, and community stories, the newsletter will foster a greater sense of community and knowledge-sharing within the hobby. RepeaterBook’s commitment to innovation and user engagement promises that Tower Talk will continually evolve to meet the needs of its readers.
To subscribe to Tower Talk, just sign up for the newsletter. Don’t miss out on this exciting new way to stay connected with the amateur radio world.
