Question on Homeworks RF Repeater

[gvw99]

Does anyone have any practical experience with slightly stretching the maximum distance between Homeworks QS RF repeaters? The stated maximum distance is 60 feet through typical construction materials. I have a repeater which is mounted in a garage and want to mount another repeater in an outbuilding. The distance measures 65 feet. The signal would have to cross two walls, the garage and the outbuilding, both 2x6 construction with drywall and plywood sheathing. It would be wonderful if this would work reliably. Any practical experience?

 

[dar1437]

Not sure about repeaters, but if you're just needing the internet in the outbuilding, try powerline adapters (providing you have a power source out there?

 

[gvw99]

Thanks but I want to have RF Homeworks QS controls in the outbuilding which speak to the processor in the main building. That requires a Homeworks repeater there, and said repeater is supposed to be within 60 feet of another repeater (in the main building). I'm interested in stretching the 60 feet to 65 feet. I don't care about internet there.

 

[wavelength]

I don't have any practical experience, but maybe antenna physics can help. The standard antenna of the repeater covers a range of 360 degrees around it. If you replace if with a more directional antenna, like for example with a panel antenna that covers 180 degrees, it'll increase the signal strength. That way you should be able to go beyond the 60 feet specified by the manufacturer. The drawback is that you also reduce the range covered by the repeater from 360 to 180 degrees.