Operational maneuvers in subterranean and dense urban settings will increase as populations migrate to urban environments and threats increasingly derive from unpredictable sources. Therefore, it is critical to develop rapidly deployable, affordable, lightweight measures that extend the range of radio frequency systems. Current solutions are economically unrealistic for widespread use, are relatively bulky, often proprietary, and are significantly degraded in subterranean or dense concrete environments.

SOF operators have a need for rapidly deployable, interconnected repeaters that can transmit and receive a 1775-2250 MHz range of RF energy that may include near-real time video, audio, and modulated digital data messages. The system of interconnected repeaters should be easily extendable by inserting additional repeaters.  The goal is not to demodulate the incoming RF signal but to pass on and amplify the raw RF signal, while minimizing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) decay.  Repeated RF signals must additionally be backhauled cleanly without interfering with one another.

Specifications:

• Universal RF Repeater handles all possible waveforms, modulations, and frequency hopping in the range of 1775-2250 MHz.
• Economical/disposable/consumable: cost should be minimal so an operator can effectively abandon repeaters if needed.
• Multiple repeaters can be linked together to communicate around corners and around dense obstacles.
• Low power, battery operation that can operate on a single charge for hours in harsh environments.

Resources:

• Video with additional background on the challenge  (Password — sofwerx)
• FCC Part 15
• Conference call scheduled for open Q&A on Wednesday August 15th from 4-5PM EST!  Details posted below and on Q&A tab as well.
  • To join the Meeting:  https://bluejeans.com/8136935599109 or via phone only: 1.408.740.7256 (US (San Jose) or 888.240.2560 (US Toll Free)
  • Conference ID : 8136935599109
  • Please email questions in advance to teamwerx@sofwerx.org or ask during the call.