Splitting Output from GPS Repeater - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / rf-microwave

author: canadaboy25
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2023, 09:27:16 pm
content: Hi all,I am currently using one of these units:https://www.ebay.ca/itm/163763825509to provide a GPS signal indoors for IOT device testing. The repeater works well.I now need a signal in another part of the building, however, the signal from the repeater does not reach.I would like to avoid buying more units and then having to have multiple antennas outside with cables running into the building.What kind of RF splitter would I need to split the signal outputted from the repeater to multiple antennas?

author: KE5FX
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2023, 12:45:20 am
content: Take a look at theGUS from TAPR, maybe.Disclaimer: I have one but haven't put it together yet, so don't know how well it actually works.

author: fourfathom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2023, 01:03:37 am
content: Quote from: KE5FX on October 03, 2023, 12:45:20 amCoincidentally I also have one of these and also haven't yet put it together. I have studied the schematic and have talked with the designer, so I expect that it will work as advertised. A friend of mine has an assembled one and is successfully using it with multiple SDR receivers that require GPS input.

author: canadaboy25
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2023, 04:36:49 pm
content: I ordered one of these splitters and now I'm looking at how to configure it.By default it gets its power from the receiver connected to output 1, then passes that power to the LNA and also the RF input.Since I am connecting antennas to the outputs, there will be no voltage there and I will have to use an external supply. Also, since my source signal is a repeater, I don't want to feed power back into it.So my plan is to disconnect the jumpers to isolate the input RF and channel 1 output from the power supply and just power the LNA on the splitter from the external supply.Does this sound reasonable?

author: fourfathom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2023, 07:07:19 pm
content: Have you looked at the GUS documentation? This shows how to set it up for an external power supply.Since my last post I tried the GUS, using the default "port 1" power-source, and it works as advertised. I've not measured the loss or gain, but my multiple receivers were happy sharing one puck antenna via the splitter.

author: canadaboy25
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2023, 07:19:39 pm
content: Quote from: fourfathom on October 25, 2023, 07:07:19 pmYes, I have looked through the documentation and schematics.The reason just powering it through port 1 won't work for me is that I am just plugging antennas into the outputs which will not provide any power to the GUS.I will set it up with an external power supply and see if it works.

author: fourfathom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2023, 12:16:01 am
content: Quote from: canadaboy25 on October 25, 2023, 07:19:39 pmWhat I was trying to say is that the documentation shows you how set it up for an external power supply. Some parts have to be changed or selected, depending on the supply voltage. I haven't tried this myself.