POCSAG data loss in repeater?

[irishlad]

Hi All,

I'm setting up a POCSAG paging system in my town shortly...mainly for hobby.

Most POCSAG transmitters than you can pick up are below 2W, anything around the 25W mark cost above $1,800.

I'm wondering, would there be too much data loss if I was to try and setup the system running through 2 GM350's set up as a repeater?

If so, is there something better that could be recommended?


Thanks guys.

[Essexsaxo]

Hi,

I use a Motorola GM380 as a Pocsag transmitter and it works perfectly, I only use it at 0.5 watts but it would quite happily transmit at 25w. What encoder will you be using?

[Jim202]

Hi All,

I'm setting up a POCSAG paging system in my town shortly...mainly for hobby.

Most POCSAG transmitters than you can pick up are below 2W, anything around the 25W mark cost above $1,800.

I'm wondering, would there be too much data loss if I was to try and setup the system running through 2 GM350's set up as a repeater?

If so, is there something better that could be recommended?


Thanks guys.

You have to take into account that there is a finite amount of delay involved with the transmitter coming up, then the repeater coming up, decoding the CTCSS being received and then keying up the repeater itself. So you need to delay the transmission of the POCSAG data for at least 300 to 500 milliseconds. This way all the radios are up to speed and on the air so to speak, before you try sending the data. It might take even longer depending on the device that is trying to receive the data. If you are not using a time delay, you will never get it to work.

The other problem might be the point in the transmitter where your trying to inject the data. You need a point where the audio is flat and not being processed by the audio circuit in the originating transmitter.

Jim