Batboard

Hi everyone,

Forgive me if my question is simple, but I am new to this...

I am using some HT1250's (combo of 1250 and LS versions).

We use them in downtown toronto on the companies UHF freq. What are my options for getting more range out of these radios. Currently I'm getting about 1km or less in the downtown core.

I've read about repeaters & trunked systems a little. What are my options? Is there anything aval. that is low cost or better yet (dare I say) free?

Any info would be great!

Thanks
NIck

If you are in the downtown area, there's little hope to "boost" your range. Signals are subject to reflection and scattering off the buildings and multipath effects will significantly degrade your signal. I would say your best bet is to buy/rent a repeater.

Sorry for the newbie questions...

If I buy/rent a repeater, where would I locate it?
Can I rent access to existing systems?

One radio company offered me a trunked service for a monthly cost....

You'd have to do some research on your own to find a suitable location. On top of a high building, or renting tower space are both options. Both are going to cost you money.

You could also try locating your repeater antenna on top of your residence if you have access to it. If you live in a small single or 2 story house, don't expect much in performance, height is always your friend.

Renting space on an existing system is probably your best bet. You may have to provide proof that you are eligible to use a business band (or whatever band) you're using. There are many trunked systems out there, maybe our friends up there can point you in the right direction to find a suitable company. If you just want basic personal communications, try GMRS or Ham radio. Both are more suited for that (no commercial use and licenses required for both)

Your chances of finding free business repeater access is probably about 0%

The persons with the first two answers are assuming a lot of conditions

Are you having range problems from HT to HT, from HT to mobile, or from HT to base?

If from HT to HT, do you HAVE to use HT's? Can one station be a mobile, or base, with improved antenna?

If the times of poor communications are not that often, maybe you can get by with simple magmount antennas added to the HT's on your vehicles?

We need to know more about the constraints of your operations. Setting up a repeater is a big, expensive, deal. You may run into licensing problems, and time getting the license may be an issue.

I don't know how crowded the RF spectrum is in your area, for all I know a repeater frequency "pair" may not even be available.

The kill all solution is not always "a repeater."

Nick, just to give you an idea of what it costs for me to rent a repeater in Iowa.... I pay $450 a year, they take care of the repeater and such, and I own all my mobiles and portables. It's at 200', and I get about 30 miles of mobile range, and about 18 miles of HT range. (From the repeater). Your range depends on how high your repeater is, and terrain.

witthoft wrote:Nick, just to give you an idea of what it costs for me to rent a repeater in Iowa.... I pay $450 a year, they take care of the repeater and such, and I own all my mobiles and portables. It's at 200', and I get about 30 miles of mobile range, and about 18 miles of HT range. (From the repeater). Your range depends on how high your repeater is, and terrain.

How many units are on your system?

7 to 10 people, based on time of year and amount of hired help. I have probably 7 portables and 10 mobiles. Wasn't sure if you meant persons, or radios.

Sorry, I did mean radios. Not a bad price, I may want to go that route myself in the near future.

Betcha ya not going to find a deal like that in NJ or most anywhere else.