A guided radio system using CATV amplifiers and pressure taps on CATV cable to feed distributed antennas

CATV equipment is being used for boosting radio signals in 155 mHz mobile systems in Canada and in a 380 mHz system in Saudi Arabia. Recently, CATV line extender amplifiers with passband frequency response beyond 500 mHz have become available and are suitable for boosting VHF and UHF radio signals. Several UHF radio signal booster systems have been installed and are operating in cargo containerships. Economical radio signal booster systems can be constructed using cavity filters for selectivity, CATV line extender amplifiers for amplifying the radio signals, and inexpensive CATV cable for transmission lines with pressure taps attached to feed distributed antennas. CATV equipment is very reliable, the enclosures are gasketed to exclude dust and moisture, power for the amplifiers is carried by the coaxial cable, the equipment is mass produced and it is inexpensive. The amplifiers can be readily type accepted to comply with FCC Rules and Regulations.