Signal Booster vs Coupler/Repeater - Which One?

[Duck69]

In the quest for knowledge please explain the pros & cons of Signal Boosters & Coupler/Repeaters.

It seems to me that boosting the signal along with a phase coupler would be the better solution as the original signal would be sent at a higher voltage. Wouldn't this allow signals that are now marginal at the receiving unit to be stronger and therefore more reliable ?

On the other hand a CR receiving a weak signal will send the signal again improving reception. BUT.
Wouldn't a CR cause problems if something else also sends the signal ? What about 2 way modules, wouldn't they also cause problems.

As I understand it a CR needs to be as close to the panel as is possible. What about a booster ? I imagine it would need to be as close to the sending unit as possible.

Your input would help not only my understanding but also my decision on which way to go.

Thanking you.   
Jim

[Charles Sullivan]

Duck69:
A number of people have reported problems of one sort or another with repeaters.  The only one I tried was a Smarthome 4827 BoosterLinc - it didn't cause any problems but I can't say it accomplished anything useful either and I gave up on it.

I would opt first for a passive coupler with the possible addition of a signal booster like Jeff Volp's XTB  <http://jvde.us/xtb_index.htm> at the source.  Of course this could get expensive if you have multiple sources like Mini- or Maxi-Controllers around your house in addition to the computer interface, although it helps that these plug-in controllers transmit a high voltage signal than the computer interfaces.

[JeffVolp]

I would opt first for a passive coupler with the possible addition of a signal booster like Jeff Volp's XTB  <http://jvde.us/xtb_index.htm> at the source.  Of course this could get expensive if you have multiple sources like Mini- or Maxi-Controllers around your house in addition to the computer interface

You might also look at the XTB-II as an alternative.  That can boost the signal from your main controller, and it also includes a basic repeater capability when using the TW523 mode.  The Mode Options document describes its functional capabilities pretty well.

Jeff