EP2186203A1

EP2186203A1 - Portable repeater

Info

Publication number: EP2186203A1
Application number: EP08788745A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jennifer Leigh Cushion; Clive Adam Cushion
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-03
Filing date: 2008-09-03
Publication date: 2010-05-19
Also published as: GB0717074D0; WO2009030946A1

Abstract

A portable repeater comprises an antenna; a receiver for receiving modulated signals; a transmitter for transmitting modulated signals; a power source; and a coupler for opening a signal path for the transmitter when said receiver begins receiving.

Description

PORTABLE REPEATER

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to portable repeaters, waterproof cases incorporating a repeater, buoys incorporating a repeater and explosion resistant junction boxes incorporating a repeater.

Background to the Invention

When working in hazardous environments reliable communications are paramount. Portable two-way radios generally provide the best means of communication in such environments; however loss of signal due to solid structures, distance and weather conditions can make communications unreliable.

The following prior art documents are acknowledged:

• KR200616015A • KR200439560A

• GB2247379A Summary of the Invention

In its broadest independent aspect, the invention provides a portable repeater comprising an antenna; a receiver for receiving modulated signals; a transmitter for transmitting modulated signals; a power source; and a coupler for opening a signal path for the transmitter when said receiver begins receiving.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the communication to be maintained between two radios despite there being solid structures between the radios, and excessive distance between the radios for direct communication and hostile weather conditions. When placing the portable repeater at a point between the radios, the portable repeater effectively allows the signal to be bent around a structure. Since the portable repeater is displaceable it may be placed in any suitable location for a particular application. The coupler configuration envisaged is also particularly advantageous because it interfaces a receiver component, incorporated within a repeater, with a transmitter component incorporated within the same repeater.

In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, the repeater comprises the housing which primarily contains the following components: said receiver, said transmitter, a power source, and a coupler. This allows the repeater to be relatively light weight when compared with prior art systems.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said housing incorporates a panel with an opening; and said antenna incorporates a cable which is mounted into said opening in a waterproof mount. This allows the components within the housing to be shielded, allowing the repeater to operate in hazardous environments where weather conditions would ordinarily damage the components located within the housing.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said waterproof mount is a compression gland which forms a seal with the housing's panel. This would allow the antenna to be changed dependent upon particular applications whilst achieving the necessary seal. In a further subsidiary aspect, said antenna incorporates a portion which protrudes from said housing; said protruding portion being principally of relatively flexible plastics material. This would allow the antenna to protrude sufficiently for improved reception and transmission whilst also being sufficiently compliant to resist occasional knocks.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the repeater further comprises a duplexer operating in conjunction with a single antenna; wherein said duplexer is configured to direct receive and transmit signals into and out of said single antenna. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it limits the antenna requirement to a single antenna and therefore reduces the complexity of the repeater in order to achieve an improved lightweight portable repeater.

In a further broad aspect, the invention envisages a waterproof case comprising a repeater according to any of the preceding aspects. This would allow the repeater to be submersible in order to enable its use in all weather conditions. It would also allow the repeater housing to be overall not only weather-proof but become fully waterproof once placed within the case.

In a subsidiary aspect, said waterproof case incorporates foam padding. This would allow the electronic components to be protected from impact. It would also allow the electronic components to be shielded from extreme temperature variations. In addition if the foam padding is selected to be of the closed foam category, it may also contribute to the buoyancy of the repeater.

In a further broad aspect, the invention envisages a buoy comprising a repeater according to any appropriate preceding aspect.

This would allow the portable repeater to be placed at an appropriate location at sea. For use during the installation and maintenance of offshore renewable energy systems such as wind, tidal and wave.

In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, a solar and/or wind and/or wave energy to power converter and a connection between said converter and the battery of said repeater is envisaged. This would allow the repeater to operate without requiring maintenance for extended periods.

In a further broad aspect, the invention envisages an explosion resistant junction box comprising a repeater according to any appropriate preceding aspect. This unusual combination of features would allow the repeater to operate in a potentially explosive atmosphere or other housing according to the EU AREX Directives (94/9/EC and / or 99/92/EC), so preventing or reducing the likelihood of ignition of hazardous atmospheres within which the repeater may be positioned.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a prior art communications system between radio A and radio B with an obstruction between the radios.

Figure 2 shows that the communications system of Figure 1 with the addition of a portable repeater.

Figure 3 shows the electronic components in a circuit.

Figure 4 shows the circuit of a modem adapted for use in the repeater.

Figure 5 shows an antenna and panel portion assembly in side view with the panel portion and antenna mount viewed in cross-section.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows radio A which is transmitting an audio modulated radio frequency signal F1 which encounters a barrier 1 located between radio A and radio B. The signal is prevented from reaching or only intermittently reaches radio B. As illustrated in Figure 2, the operator of radio A places a portable repeater 2 in a location for example above the obstruction so that both radio A and radio B are capable of two-way communication with the repeater. Radio A communicates with the repeater employing audio-modulated radio frequency signals F1 whilst radio B communicates with the repeater using audio- modulated radio frequency signals F2.

In a further preferred embodiment, the portable repeater 2 establishes a two way radio communication between radio A and radio B around an obstruction.

In another further preferred embodiment, the portable repeater 2 establishes an analogue two way radio audible communication between radio A and radio B around an obstruction.

Figure 3 shows the inter-relationship of the various components of the portable repeater in a circuit 3. A bank of batteries 4 feeds the circuit. A bank of batteries 4 incorporates preferably a plurality of lithium ion cells which do not or only marginally suffer from memory effect and generally hold a charge for greater durations than conventional rechargeable cells. The capacity of the rechargeable cells is a compromise between capacity and size; a typical rechargeable cell may have a capacity of 6000 imAh. This cell capacity may increase, as advancements are made in rechargeable cell technology. A preferred battery is manufactured by Varta. The bank of batteries 4 is provided to primarily power modems 5 and 6.

Modems 5 and 6 can jointly receive and retransmit audio modulated radio frequency signals. Modem 5 is specifically programmed to operate as a receiver whilst modem 6 is configured to operate as a transmitter. The modem is preferably lightweight, is audio enabled, may either be available in VHF and UHF, and incorporates a D-type connector to improve the audio and signalling access. One of the suitable modems may be D200 which may be supplied from Mobile Expertise Limited.

A repeater coupler 7 is provided in communication with both the receiver and transmitter and is adapted to open audio path and PTT (Push To Talk) the transmitter when the receiver begins receiving.

A duplexer 8 is provided between the receiver and transmitter and is adapted to direct, receive and transmit radio frequency signals into and out of a single antenna. The duplexer may be a six-resonator miniaturised duplex filter adapted to duplex radio telephones. The duplexer may be tuned within the band of 130MHz and 180MHz with duplex spacing between 4 and 15MHz. The duplexer preferably incorporates temperature compensated helical resonators with discrete-component interconnections. Its housing is preferably of extruded aluminium with a number of connectors with Teflon insulation. The filter may also be preferably black vinyl coated in order to prevent corrosion.

Alternatively, the duplexer may be tunable within a range of 400 to 500MHz.

A particularly suitable duplexer has been identified as the MPX70/66-Resonator Mini- Duplexer, available from Procrom A/S.

The duplexer is in circuit with antenna 9 which provides both reception and transmission of audio modulated RF signals.

The portable repeater would also incorporate a switch 19 which may be operated manually or through a remote control. The portable repeater would also preferably incorporate a charger for the bank of batteries.

Figure 4 shows the detail of the circuitry of a modem which is envisaged as either a receiver or a transmitter.

Figure 5 shows antenna 9 in further detail. It is attached to a mounting panel 10 which is part of the housing of the portable repeater. The antenna is equipped with an N-plug 11 for attaching to a duplexer. A coaxial cable 12 extends between plug 11 and compression gland assembly 13. A threaded connection 14 is provided between gland 13 and mounting panel 10. A washer 15 creates at least a weather-proof seal between the compression gland assembly and the panel. A protruding portion 16 extends from the compression gland assembly which incorporates a black flexible plastics material sheath. A chamfered portion 17 gradually reduces the protruding portion in diameter. An end-cap 18 is bonded onto the sheath 16 at the free extremity of the antenna.

The antenna assembly may be fitted with a VHF or UHF antenna. At least three categories of antenna are envisaged: 66 to 88MHz, 136 to 174MHz and 400 to 470MHz. Figure 6 shows a component diagram of the portable repeater 20 which incorporates an antenna 21, a duplexer 22, a transmitter 23, a receiver 24, a battery 25, a control board 26, an "On / Off" channel switch 27 and a battery charge programmer 28.

A further embodiment of the invention envisages the selection of a waterproof case which may be sized and shaped to receive the portable repeater. A case would preferably be equipped with a housing of copolymer-polypropylene structural resin. The case would preferably have a temperature rating comprised within the range of minus 30^° Celsius to plus 99^° Celsius and incorporate a foam layer of polyester. It would preferably incorporate a purge valve of ABS with a Gore-Tex membrane. The case would incorporate latches of ABS. An O-ring of neoprene sponge is also envisaged. Pins of stainless steel are also provided. The case would incorporate a handle and/or wheels for ease of transport. The case would preferably be submersible.

A particular kind of case may be obtained from PeIi Products.

A further embodiment of the invention would be to select a data buoy of sufficient size and configuration to house the repeater. A suitable data buoy may be obtained from Planet Ocean Limited. The adaption of the repeater may also involve a connection between the bank of batteries and a solar energy to electricity converter such as solar panels. A particularly advantageous combination would be to combine the bank of batteries with wave energy to electricity converter. In addition, the embodiment also envisages the incorporation of a light so that the repeater may be safely left at sea over night.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a junction box for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere is sized and shaped to accommodate the portable repeater. A particularly advantageous junction box would be GUB-23 available from CE-TEK.

Claims

1. A portable repeater comprising an antenna; a receiver for receiving modulated signals; a transmitter for transmitting modulated signals; a power source; and a coupler for opening a signal path for the transmitter when said receiver begins receiving.

2. A repeater according to claim 1 , wherein said signals are radio signals.

3. A repeater according to either of the preceding claims, wherein said receiver incorporates a modem.

4. A repeater according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said transmitter incorporates a modem.

5. A repeater according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a housing which primarily contains the following components: said receiver, said transmitter, a power source, and a coupler.

6. A repeater according to claim 5, wherein said housing incorporates a panel with an opening; and said antenna incorporates a cable which is mounted into said opening in a waterproof mount.

7. A repeater according to claim 6, wherein said waterproof mount is a compression gland which forms a seal with the housing's panel.

8. A repeater according to either of the preceding claims, wherein said antenna incorporates a portion which protrudes from said housing; said protruding portion being principally of relatively flexible plastics material.

9. A repeater according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a duplexer operating in conjunction with a single antenna; wherein said duplexer is configured to direct receive and transmit signals into and out of said single antenna.

10. A portable repeater substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures.

1 1. A waterproof case comprising a repeater according to any of the preceding claims.

12. A waterproof case according to claim 1 1, wherein said case incorporates foam padding.

13. A waterproof case substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures.

14. A buoy comprising a repeater according to any of claims 1 to 10.

15. A buoy according to claim 14, comprising a solar and/or wind and/or wave energy to power converter and a connection between said converter and the battery of said repeater.

16. A buoy substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures.

17. An explosion resistant junction box comprising a repeater according to any of claims 1 to 10.

18. An explosion resistant junction box substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures.