Before getting into the question “how does a VHF radio repeater work,” we’ve to understand what a radio repeater is.
So basically, when we operate a radio system, it sends radio waves. And these waves travel in a straight line. It can pass through things, but this can affect pretty badly the strength of the signal and clarity.
Which is a big problem. This might cause more problems when you’re operating a built-in radio or from high places like mountains.
Well, here comes the Radio Repeater.
A radio repeater receives a radio signal and re-transmits it at higher power to cover greater ranges. With the help of this, you can communicate between two radio users at a greater distance with obstacles.
Repeater stations want to cover long ranges, so they’ve their antennas installed in high places like tall buildings and mountains most of the time.
A radio repeater boosts the signals and enhances the clarity of the transmission.
What is VHF radio?
VHF stands for “Very High Frequency.”
Its signal fills the lower end of the radio frequency spectrum. The greater the wavelength of VHF allows it to travel further than UHF (Ultra High Frequency).
This radio is good for you if you’re looking for two way radio for outdoor uses. Mostly this is used by the marines, ground maintenance workers, golf courses, and security environments.
VHF signals are not good with passing through the concrete structure and metal stuff. On the other hand, UHF is pretty good with passing through these things.
How Does The Vhf Radio Repeater Work?
If you read the upper section of the paragraph of this article, you most likely know how this works. Still, I would like to add more details to the information.
VHF repeater is not different from other repeaters. Processes are the same.
It receives the signal and re-transmit it with some higher power and from the top places like buildings and mountains to provide some greater connection range and clear signals.
VHF and UHF both repeaters hugely spread the operating range of amateurs using mobile and hand-held transceivers like walkie-talkies.
Why Is Repeater Important For A Two-Way Radio?
There are so many benefits of having a repeater installed with your Two-way radio; however, the most common advantage is a repeater takes disappointing performance signals and re-sends them at higher power that help them cover bigger ranges without deterioration.
Apart from these, a good repeater comes with the power of eliminating additional background noise, so you’ll always get a clear message while communicating with others.
How to Install a Repeater?
If you’re a beginner and don’t know how to install a repeater for a VHF radio, you may think that installing a repeater is a tough task, but believe it or not, you can do the job yourself by following the below guide.
Installing a Repeater:
Step #1: Install a repeater by placing the repeater on a solid surface and enabling clearance of the breeze ports and fans.
Step #2: The next step is mounting and positioning the antenna in an upright position.
Step #3: You have to add the additional antenna to the TX socket on the repeater.
Step #4: Remember that if your radio is running on A/C, you only should add the 240v mains lead to your repeater, but if for any reason your radio uses a D/C power source, this will be added to the D/C port or terminals.
Step #5: if everything goes well, A LED will light up if the system supports the light.
Summing-up:
It is easy to understand the working process of a radio repeater because they receive a signal and re-submit it at a higher power to cover a bigger distance.
Hopefully, your asked question, “how does a VHF radio repeater work?” is now clear, but if you have any queries, let us know in the comment box!