Repeater Tutorial
What you need to know before buying a repeater system

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Repeater FAQ's

The correct application of a repeater system is to take existing good signal from outside a building and bring it inside where reception needs to be improved. A properly configured and operating repeater system is a wonderous thing! Placing calls from inside a building where you previously couldn't get reception seems almost like a miracle! However, there are a few things to know before you purchase a repeater system. A properly designed system will bring signal to the areas you want--an improperly configured system will likely provide disappointing results. Please read over the following information to learn how a repeater system may help your situation. This tutorial will provide you with much of the information you will need to purchase a repeater system. If after reading you still have questions, please call us. We'll be happy to help you. 1(800) 238-2811

You MUST have Minimum Signal Levels - IMPORTANT!!

You must have a minumum amount of signal present outside where you would install the Donor antenna. Failure to provide the repeater system sufficient signal will only result in a poorly performing system or will have absolutely no increase in reception inside the building. This is the number one consideration for a repeater system!

How to check your signal levels:

To check your signal levels, take the phone outside (preferrably on the roof) and observe the signal bars on the phone. It is also helpful to be on a call for immediate registration of the signal/reception. Carefully walk around the roof with the phone to see where the signal is best. The Donor (outside) antenna should be placed in the location where you get the most signal. Note: Placing the phone in test mode is NOT necessary. We have actually had better success simply observing the signal bar indicators on the phone.

A signal level outside of 50% or better is required for all CS and SR series repeaters. A signal level of 65% to 75% or better is required for the DA series repeaters. (3+ bars CS and SR series - 4+ bars DA series)

It is important to investigate and understand what is causing your reception difficulties. If your building is made of concrete, steel, steel roof, copper roof, brick, aluminum siding, concrete roofing tiles, metal roofing tiles or any other signal stopping material, a repeater is usually the ideal solution for your situation. Signal outside is 3-5 bars and falls off when you enter the building. This is an indicator that the building is the problem and a repeater system will usually solve that problem by bringing that reception from the outside to cover the inside of your building.

If your building is on the fringe of the cell site's coverage area and the signal is poor everywhere outside your building, a repeater system WILL NOT work for you. A minimum amount of signal is required in order to drive a repeater system. Repeater systems are not magical devices, they cannot merely create signal from little or nothing. If you are in this situation, you will want to investigate an external antenna directly connected to your phone or use a cellsocket device and external antenna if you have a compatible phone. Go here for all of the options available to you. You are always welcomed to call us for further options for your situation.

Basic Installation Instructions

Donor Antenna Patterns

Interior Layouts and Coverage Antennas to use

Other issues regarding repeater systems

Repeater System Differences - Which System to choose

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