[MVMA] Looking to get into Mesh

[bobf at omegaiq.com]

Chuck,

 

I’m going to plan on trying for Miami Valley. I did not realize it was that high up. I definitely will have more questions later.

 

Bob French PMP, ACP

AC8ZU

 

From: mvma-bounces at mailman.qth.net <mvma-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Chuck Gelm
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 8:27 AM
To: mvma at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [MVMA] Looking to get into Mesh

 

On 4/17/21 9:00 PM, bobf at omegaiq.com <mailto:bobf at omegaiq.com>  wrote:
> Hi,

> I’m new to the list and Mesh. I attended a meeting about 18 months ago but never got back into it. I like to setup a node. I do have limitations because I live in a HOA. There should be options as long as it can be stealthy.

For stealthy, a good option is a Mikrotik LDF (Lite Dish Feed)
https://www.amazon.com/MikroTik-Wireless-Satellite-Antennas-RBLDF-5nD-US/dp/B072LQMD7N/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 <https://www.amazon.com/MikroTik-Wireless-Satellite-Antennas-RBLDF-5nD-US/dp/B072LQMD7N/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1544293892&sr=8-1&keywords=mikrotik+ldf+5nD&linkCode=sl1&tag=arednmesh-20&linkId=e09a575c59ea6035b0d2da191cbfaec9&language=en_US> &qid=1544293892&sr=8-1&keywords=mikrotik+ldf+5nD&linkCode=sl1&tag=arednmesh-20&linkId=e09a575c59ea6035b0d2da191cbfaec9&language=en_US
~$54.
A mount adapter may also be needed.
This will make your device 'look like' a TV satellite dish system.

> At minimum I like to purchase a portable setup.

The Mikrotik hAP is a minimum portable device with maximum function.
https://www.amazon.com/d/Wireless-Access-Points/MikroTik-Dual-concurrent-Access-Point-RB952Ui-5ac2nD-US/B019PCF3QY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 <https://www.amazon.com/d/Wireless-Access-Points/MikroTik-Dual-concurrent-Access-Point-RB952Ui-5ac2nD-US/B019PCF3QY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1542424142&sr=8-1&keywords=hap+ac+lite&linkCode=sl1&tag=arednmesh-20&linkId=c63c6837b88b3c518c349dea517aea2a&language=en_US> &qid=1542424142&sr=8-1&keywords=hap+ac+lite&linkCode=sl1&tag=arednmesh-20&linkId=c63c6837b88b3c518c349dea517aea2a&language=en_US
$50.

If your are thinking of a HT/Mobile<>Repeater this is not how a highspeed intranet can function.
This is more like a subset of cellular telephone coverge.
A portable/mobile would likely need to be within 1 mile of an existing high profile station.
Cellular towers may have 9 diretional antennas, the ability to negotiate channels changes with mobiles,
and internet access. Errr, we are not that well equipted. 

The equipment compatible is mostly outdoor rated commercial Wi-Fi devices,
the devces a commercial WISP would use to provide intra/internet to a campus or a rural location.
However there are some very nice multiple function indoor rated equipment.
e.g. https://www.amazon.com/d/Wireless-Access-Points/MikroTik-Dual-concurrent-Access-Point-RB952Ui-5ac2nD-US/B019PCF3QY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 <https://www.amazon.com/d/Wireless-Access-Points/MikroTik-Dual-concurrent-Access-Point-RB952Ui-5ac2nD-US/B019PCF3QY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1542424142&sr=8-1&keywords=hap+ac+lite&linkCode=sl1&tag=arednmesh-20&linkId=c63c6837b88b3c518c349dea517aea2a&language=en_US> &qid=1542424142&sr=8-1&keywords=hap+ac+lite&linkCode=sl1&tag=arednmesh-20&linkId=c63c6837b88b3c518c349dea517aea2a&language=en_US

> My location elevation at ground level is approximately 1003 feet .My location 39.587719, -84.188087
>
> It looks like the node for me to hit, based on terrain and distance is NC8Q or KE8MVM-MVHS (less likely).

Actually, more likely Miami Valley Hospital South (120' elevation) than NC8Q (40' elevation)
AC8ZU<>MVHS
<image in separate email>
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AC8ZU<>NC8Q
<image in separate email>
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Current best AC8ZU<>DaytonMall
<image in separate email>
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> What is the best configuration to get started with?

Obtain a Mikrotik 'hAP'
https://www.amazon.com/d/Wireless-Access-Points/MikroTik-Dual-concurrent-Access-Point-RB952Ui-5ac2nD-US/B019PCF3QY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 <https://www.amazon.com/d/Wireless-Access-Points/MikroTik-Dual-concurrent-Access-Point-RB952Ui-5ac2nD-US/B019PCF3QY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1542424142&sr=8-1&keywords=hap+ac+lite&linkCode=sl1&tag=arednmesh-20&linkId=c63c6837b88b3c518c349dea517aea2a&language=en_US> &qid=1542424142&sr=8-1&keywords=hap+ac+lite&linkCode=sl1&tag=arednmesh-20&linkId=c63c6837b88b3c518c349dea517aea2a&language=en_US
$50
and the LDF mentioned above.

> Does each node need a connection to the internet or is a totally self-contained network?

Each node is capable of joining a network by RF (preferred) or internet(*).
(*) Requires a VLAN 802.1Q capable switch (the 'hAP' provides this).

Wait for more comments from others. ;-)

> Thanks in advance for your help
> Bob French, PMP, ACP
> AC8ZU

Chuck nc8q

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