What is a wireless repeater?

In short a wireless repeater is a device that extends the range between a wireless transmitter and the receiver, (detector to control panel).

On some occasions, it may be necessary to install a detector   in a location where it is just too far away to trigger the alarm system reliably.  Repeaters can effectively double the range of a transmitter.

Some wireless alarm systems offer repeaters, but usually no more than one in the entire system.  The reason is that having more than one requires the repeater to operate with some level of intelligence.  If the system had more than one, you could end up with a transmission loop in which the repeaters kept talking to each other with the same message over and over.

Visonic have overcome this problem by using intelligent repeaters.  Visonic repeaters only listening to repeaters with a higher number, up to 16 repeaters can be used in the one system giving the control panel a theoretical range of 8klm.  Starting at ‘0’ for the panel, ‘1’ for the first repeater, ‘2’ for the second and so on.  They don’t need to be in a straight line, just as long as they can reach any lower numbered repeater or the panel.  It’s unlikely that any installation would require such a straight line range, but in some commercial applications where buildings are separated by lane ways and roads, repeaters can be very useful. 

It must also be remembered that each repeater, although having a small backup battery installed, must also be connected to mains power.

Repeaters are a useful tool in the installers bag, and are generally used to overcome range problems associated with the building construction, such as multiple concrete walls and floors, or remote buildings.