Batboard

Hello all,

I did a search first, but didn't find the information I'm looking for. I'm wondering if I can run multiple repeaters on the same freqs and PL codes to extend my coverage. Or, would they try to over run each other? I only have one repeater att, so I can't run my own tests. Using Quantar repeaters and GP/GM360 radios. RSS is version R14.04.00, codeplug version 14.

Also, related I promise, is there anything hardware related that would cause serious coverage issues, while giving the impression everything is okay? Antenna's are 25' up, coverage is <2 miles. GM output is 30W (measured), and repeater output is 125W (measured). We are in a valley, with lots of RF noise. I'm thinking the noise floor is substantial, however I have no test equipment to verify. All I have is a multimeter and a wattmeter. Yay me. Comm System Analyzer is on order, but who knows when that will arrive. I am pretty sure the issue is repeater related, as well as star alignment and oceanic current. It's an ongoing hit and miss problem.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

-CTolley

Yes. An unsynchronized simulcast system sounds pretty rough. If you kept a common output pl (or csq), but used different input pl's, and cut your hang time to one second, then you could increase your footprint without creating your own interference.

On your noise - yes, you need someone with a service monitor and some experience to help you out.

As Bill has mentioned, you would be better off with using a common output tone if you desire, but use different Pl tones on each repeater. This
way you could selectively pick which repeater you wanted to bring up depending on your location. A number of forestry agencies use this kind
of plan when trying to cover large areas. Plus you don't have to remember which channel to select as your driving around. Only when you
have to talk will you need to select the channel.

Also as Bill mentioned, in keeping the tail timer on the repeater drop out short, you won't miss as much traffic from another repeater if it is being used.

Jim

That's exactly what goes on around here. The talk out on most repeaters is further than their talk in. And since System 90 multiple PL heads are a thing of the past, you have to go through each mode to kerchunk a repeater to see if it's in range or not because nobody remembers which mode is for which hill. We've used JPS site steering voting with some success if you can keep the levels (and thus the receiver noise) equalized. Inappropriate voting does occur. OTOH, for statewide nets where the hilltops do not overlap, the multi-site voting based on input site is pretty good.

Or you can simulcast if you like the punishment. You'll have a job for life.