Archives March 2011

Repeaters

A Radio Repeater is a device that boosts communication range.

Repeaters receive a weak signal and retransmit it.

By retransmitting the signal at a higher power, further range is enabled.

Another reason to use repeaters, is obstacles.

Obstacles include both natural and manmade structures.

Examples of natural obstacles include hills and mountains.

Examples of mademade obstacles include buildings and bridges.

Obstacles matter to radio signals.

Basically they block or attenuate radio signals.

Attenuation means reduces the power of the signal.

Reducing the power of the signal, reduces communications range.

A classic use of a radio repeater is to overcome a hill.

Hills will block radio signals above 30 MHz.

Radio signals above 30Mhz are normally known as ‘line of sight’.

The term ‘line of sight’ is slightly misleading, as signals will pass through a building.

Therefore you don’t actually have to be able to see a clear path between transmitting and receiving radio.

However hills block radio waves, so a hilltop repeater overcomes this.

Placing a repeater on a hill allows signals to be received from one side of the hill, and boosted to both sides of the hill.

This is because the repeater antenna is physically above the top of the hill.

Radio signal propagation refers to the way in which radio signals travel through the environment. There are several factors that affect radio signal propagation, including:

Frequency: Different frequencies have different characteristics when it comes to signal propagation. For example, higher frequency signals (such as those in the microwave range) are more easily absorbed by buildings and trees, while lower frequency signals (such as those in the VHF and UHF range) can travel further and more easily pass through obstacles.

Power: The strength of a radio signal can also affect how well it propagates. Generally, a stronger signal will be able to travel further than a weaker one.

Antenna type: Different types of antennas are more or less efficient at transmitting or receiving a signal depending on the frequency, waveform and other factors.

Obstacles: Various types of obstacles, such as buildings, trees, and hills, can block or reflect radio signals. This can lead to signal shadowing, multipath or diffraction.

Weather conditions: The weather can have a significant effect on radio signal propagation. For example, ionized or charged particles in the atmosphere can reflect signals, allowing them to travel further. On the other hand, humidity and atmospheric gases can absorb signals.

Some common propagation methods are:

Ground wave propagation: the wave travels along the surface of the Earth, and it is mostly used by low frequencies.

Line of sight propagation: This type of propagation is generally limited to the horizon, and it requires a clear view between the transmitter and receiver.

Sky wave propagation: Signals are reflected by the ionosphere to travel over long distances. This method is used by medium and high frequencies.

Tropospheric propagation: Signals that travel through the lower levels of the atmosphere, it can be affected by temperature inversions and atmospheric pressure.

It is important to keep in mind that signal propagation can vary greatly depending on the specific environment, and it can be affected by many other factors. There are many tools and models available to help predict and understand signal propagation for a given scenario, such as ITU-R P.526 or Okumura-Hata.

Lincoln radio repeaters boost the communications range of two-way radios.

Location

If you plan to install a repeater around lincoln, there are coverage issues to consider.

There is a ridge at the top of lincoln.

This means that if you place a repeater at the top of the ridge, at somewhere like Cherry Willingham, you may not receive a signal on Carholme Road, Lincoln.

This of course works in reverse, so a repeater located in North Hykeham, may not reach Nettleham.

This can of course be overcome.

Height

Radio signals above a frequency of 30MHz (MegaHertz), are generally ‘line of sight’.

Line of sight basically means they travel in straight lines.

Objects such as hills, buildings, and ridges block or attenuate (reduce) the signal strength.

One way to improve the line of sight, is to put the antenna on a high mast, or location.

This can help overcome the curvature of the earth, but may not provide 100% coverage.

This is because in the case of the Lincoln ridge, there is a blackspot, that occurs, unless you had your repeater at the top of the ridge.

IP Connect

If 100% radio coverage around the lincoln area is crucial, IP Connect can be used.

IP Connect uses the internet to connect more than one repeater together.

This can be configured to create a wide area system, with full coverage.

Technologies

There a three types of repeater you will come across.

Analogue

Analogue repeaters are becoming less common now.

An analogue repeater receives a weak radio signal from an analogue transmission.

Then the repeater retransmits the signal, at a higher power.

This enables the radio communication range to increase.

An analogue signal consists of a ‘carrier’ signal, and a modulated variable signal.

The modulated signal is put onto the carrier, and contains the speech data.

Two types of modulation are common.

These are Frequency Modulation, and Amplitude Modulation.

Frequency Modulation

Frequency Modulation is more commonly known as FM for short.

FM is what traditional analogue repeaters normally use.

Amplitude Modulation

Amplitude Modulation is often abreviated to AM.

You are unlikely to see an AM repeater for sale these days.

Digital Repeaters

Digital repeaters are taking over from the older analogue repeater technology.

Digital repeaters work by transmitting digital ‘0’s & ‘1’s, rather than modulating a signal onto a carrier frequency (analogue).

Standards

The two main standards you will come across are dPMR & DMR.

DMR has become the more popular dominant standard.

This means that there is more equipment available using the DMR standard.

Trunked

Trunked repeaters are analogue, though pseudo trunking is availabke in digital systems.

All users of two way Land Mobile Radio Communications in Lincoln can benefit from the local lincoln Radio Repeaters available through Yesway.

The radio repeater allows two way radio messages to be broadcast and received over a wider area than would be possible with ordinary radio to radio communications.

The repeater can link mobile to mobile, mobile to base station & even link handheld walkie talkie style radios.

This system often only needs a small base station aerial to access the repeater, which can often be mounted discretely in a loft for example.

At yesway we are confident that the  trunked repeater system that we offer is superior to rivals conventional CBS radio repeaters in terms of coverage, and cost.

If you have been quoted to have a system based on anyone else’s repeater system in the Lincoln area then contact us, and we are confident we will beat any genuine written quote.

Author: Craig Miles

For keeping in touch on the ground and in the air, why not consider a PMR 446 handheld  radio from Yesway Communications. They are the perfect paragliding radios in Spain.

We can supply fantastic serious kit, built to military standards of durability.

We also supply the headsets and accessories to allow you to communicate safely while in the air or on the ground.

Fly the Yesway-Way, with our fantastic communication solutions.

Walkie Talkie Snowboarding radios need to be chosen carefully, to ensure maximum range.

One thing that radio waves don’t like is obstacles, such as hills. This means that unless you use  a hilltop repeater to boost the signal to the other side, communications will be line of sight.

For the snowboarder, you are probably looking for something light and compact, that does not need a licence.

The pan European standard, known as PMR 446 is ideal. Radios that comply with the PMR 446 standard are cheaply available from around £25 for a basic Motorola, such as the TLKR4.

PMR 446 walkie talkie snowboarding radios can be used in all EU countries, and are great for short range communications, for instance from the bottom of a slope to the top.

Durability is a key requirement for snowboarding walkie talkies, so the cheapest option, can be a false economy.

IP, or Ingress protection is a rating given to walkie talkies.

The IP rating is an indication of how well the walkie talkie , will keep out dust and moisture, from getting inside the casing.

The higher the IP rating number, the better the radio will be at resisting dust and moisture.

Obviously snow is not as wet as water, however a radio with a higher IP rating will be a good option.

The radio in our opinion should have an IP rating of at least IP55.

An IP55 radio will successfully resist being dropped in snow for short periods, however for total peace of mind a radio with IP67 would be best (can be dropped in water).

ATEX Radios.

Atex radios are probably going to be ‘overkill’, for most snowboarders needs.

ATEX, or ‘Intrinsically Safe’ radios, are designed for safe use in potentially explosive environments.

Therefore unless you will be operating in and around areas that contain flammable liquids, such as gas, then you shouldn’t need ATEX radios.

Dreaming in white? Then you may be a Skier off to the Piste. Forget that expensive mobile phone for your on and off piste communications.

Why not buy one of our fabulous licence free PMR 446 handheld radios, and a matching headset so that you can be in contact with your friends free of charge.

PMR 446 radios are great for keeping in contact with your family and friends while Skiing and you don’t have to pay expensive phone charges, or wait to be connected.

Communication in an instant!

A durable radio, which conforms to Military standards is the Kenwood TK-3301T UHF PMR446 FM Transceiver, though we can supply similar equipment from most major manufacturers based on your needs (and not ours).

PMR 446 radios are legal in Austria, the uk & many other european countries, so you can use them at home too!

You have bags packed, cycle clips on & even air in your tyres.

5 4  3 2  1  & off you go from the UK to Bulgaria or what ever takes your fancy. Mile after mile of freedom to explore. The only problem is that your group of friends will soon get tired of shouting at each other when you spot something of interest, or heaven forbid, you get a puncture.

Imagine that you are tired, and at the back of your group of cycling friends, and hear the dreaded hiss of air escaping from that tyre (tire). Your friends carry on ahead blissfully unaware that you stranded at the side of the road.

You could shout, but they are too far ahead now.

You could use your mobile phone, but those international call charges and anyway they may not hear it in their pocket.

The answer my friends is two way PMR 446 two way radios from Yesway Communications.

PMR 446 is allowed in many European countries & does not need a special licence to use. The calls are free, and you can be kitted out with a headset allowing you to talk with your friends as you travel along.

Remember, your only costs are the batteries, or even the electricity to charge them, which you can get free from hostels, or even use solar chargers as you ride.

Quality durable hand held radios from Yesway Communications such as the Kenwood TK-3301T UHF PMR446 FM Transceiver  will soon pay for themselves, and unlike the cheap and nasty variety of walkie talkie available from supermarkets can be hooked up to headsets and other accessories.

Get in touch, and we will find a YES-WAY!

Marine communication systems are used to provide communication between ships, boats, and other vessels, as well as between vessels and shore-based stations.

These systems include both wired and wireless communications systems, and can be used for a variety of purposes, including navigation, safety, and operations.

VHF marine radio: The most common type of marine radio is the VHF (very high frequency) marine radio, which is used for both ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications.

VHF radios operate in the frequency range of 156 to 174 MHz and have a range of around 20 to 25 nautical miles.

They allow for voice communication, DSC (Digital Selective Calling) for distress signals, and also for AIS (Automatic Identification System) that provides location and vessel information to other vessels and shore stations.

Single sideband radio: SSB (Single Sideband) radios are used for long-range communication, typically beyond the range of VHF radios. They operate in the frequency range of 2 to 30 MHz and can have a range of several thousand miles depending on the conditions.

SSB radios are used for both voice and text communications, including weather forecasts and navigation information.

Inmarsat: Inmarsat is a global communications system that provides voice, data and internet connectivity to ships, offshore platforms and other remote locations.

Inmarsat operates a fleet of geostationary satellites and uses a variety of frequency bands to provide communication services. There are several services offered such as FleetBroadband, Classic Aero, Maritime Safety, and many others.

Iridium: Iridium is another satellite-based communications system that provides voice, data and internet connectivity to ships, offshore platforms and other remote locations.

It uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and offers several services such as Iridium Pilot, Iridium OpenPort, Iridium Push-to-Talk and others.

AIS: Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a system that uses VHF radio frequencies to transmit location, course, and speed information between ships and shore-based stations. AIS is intended to increase safety and improve navigation by providing real-time vessel tracking information.

Marine communication systems are critical for the safe and efficient operation of vessels, and must meet and regulations.

It is also important for vessels to have backup communication methods in case of emergency or equipment failure.

handheld walkie talkie radios for Theatre events.

Contact us for a great performance.

Radios for Event Security are available to hire from £7 per radio/ per week, or to buy from £170/ per radio.

Let us know your requirements