Can radio repeaters and computer servers be together?

[Fallowt]

Hi All,

I'm a non-sworn employee of a small police department in South Florida. We're adding equipment to our computer server room, and we want to put a repeater or 2 in some of the racks. There is a question about whether or not a repeater might interfere with computer equipment that is close by. We operate in the public safety band (low 800 MHz) and will also add a 700 MHx repeater in the future. Any opinions? I know most manufacturers claim that their repeater components are shielded. Please post this eleswhere if this is not the proper section. Thanks!

[Marconi]

In south Florida I would be more concerned about lightning damage to the computer equipment than interference.

If you use a good commercial brand of radio equipment you probably sill not see any interference problems.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

[Fallowt]

Thanks for the response, and the welcome. Oh yes, lightning is a major factor down here. We have lost a lot of equipment for that reason. As for the interference question, I haven't been able to find out much on the subject, so I'm going to proceed with the assumption that it's not a big issue as long as (like you said) decent equipment is used along with common sense. Another person cautioned that RF cabling shouldn't be bundled with data lines, and if a repeater shares a rack with a computer, then the repeater should be on top (heat perhaps?) Other than that, I'm not finding anything. A Harris Master V unit is looking good right now.

[Radioman]

The Master V is good stuff and you shouldn't see any interference from it. You definently do not want anything bundled with your RF jumpers. All radio wiring should be kept separate from all other cableing. A good grounded bulkhead at the coax entrance is also a must.

If there is any way you can have a separate rack for radio stuff and another for computer you would help ensure that a lightning strike on the tower would not harm the computer equipment. I know shelters can be tight.