[HamWAN PSDR] Getting connected to HamWAN

Fri May 28 15:27:33 PDT 2021

As far as point to point, that can be done entirely on Part 15 frequencies and not utilize the amateur spectrum (and thus not be required to comply with amateur rules/limitations). If that is your primary interest, setting it up is relatively easy, and depending on what equipment you use, can achieve short, medium, or very long range links. You can of course also set it up on amateur frequencies if you prefer.  If your link distance is fairly short, you can use higher frequency devices. I just set up a 60GHz link which is working flawlessly, over a distance of about 800 feet (and is rated for over twice that distance). The advantage of that is  you can get higher bandwidth/thru put than on 5GHz. The disadvantage is it is even more susceptible to any type of blockage, including potentially heavy rain.

Carl, N7KUW

From: PSDR <psdr-bounces at hamwan.org> On Behalf Of Jesse Victors via PSDR
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2021 2:29 PM
To: wa7jh at outlook.com; psdr at hamwan.org
Subject: Re: [HamWAN PSDR] Getting connected to HamWAN

Thanks Jamie!

I heard about HamWAN several months ago, but I thought about realistic options in connecting to it after getting my license. I'm aware that's its not an ISP, its an interesting data ring for fallback/emergency communications, APRS Internet bridges, connecting the repeaters used in Puget Sound Repeater Group, and other traffic in line with Part 97 rules.

It interests from a technical standpoint and my main use case is connecting to the remote cameras discussed on the homepage and learning the process of how to set up a point-to-point link. I might be able to connect my node to my 20TB RAID array and provide storage, if there's such a need after I get connected.

I appreciate you posting the links and running through some of the procedures there, much appreciated. I'll look into my options and see what the best mounting solution might be. Certainly a high-gain dish is less tolerant of a wobbly mast than an HF dipole, so if I decide to pull the trigger on one of those Streakwave links then I'll need to make sure that I have a reliable mount and a LOS to the other node.

I'll certainly get back to you and this group once I nail down a plan here, though I'm not in any particular hurry.

Jesse
KJ7YLS

Sent from ProtonMail mobile

-------- Original Message --------
On May 28, 2021, 12:00 PM, Jamie Hughes < wa7jh at outlook.com <mailto:wa7jh at outlook.com> > wrote:

Hi Jessie,

I’ve seen the responses so far and I think you deserve a little more.

5 GHz requires unobstructed Line of Sight (LoS) this means if you can’t see it, you can’t work it (reliably). While it is wireless and penetrates through things, the process for going through things causes signal distortion, degradation, attenuation, fading, and multipath. All bad things when dealing with data over the air. Also, not sure what your planned use would be, but HAMWAN isn’t your typical internet service provider.

Out of your options #1 seems the best, but if those windows are tinted, then, you are SOL.

The LHG HP5 is a great choice: MikroTik Routers and Wireless - Products: LHG HP5 <https://mikrotik.com/product/RBLHG-5HPnD> 

You will likely desire a mounting option: MikroTik Routers and Wireless - Products: solidMOUNT <https://mikrotik.com/product/solidmount> 

I recommend Streakwave

MikroTik RBLHG-5HPnD-XL 5GHz LHG 27dBi 802.11an 2x2 ROW (streakwave.com) <https://www.streakwave.com/mikrotik-rblhg-5hpnd-xl-5ghz-lhg-27dbi-802-11an-2x2-row>  This is the high-power version for $81

MikroTik solidMOUNT Advanced Pole Mount Adapter for LHG (streakwave.com) <https://www.streakwave.com/mikrotik-solidmount-advanced-pole-mount-adapter-for-lhg> : Mount for $27.55

You will need to email a copy of your amateur license to William Book William.Book at streakwave.com <mailto:William.Book at streakwave.com>  to prove you’re a ham.

Super easy to work with. Shipping is where they will get you, so be ready for that.

My club runs 3 dishes, all purchased from Streakwave with the help of Bill.

Feel free to reach out direct if you need anything else.

Jamie Hughes

WA7JH

Phone:  <tel:+13603408886> (360) 340-8886

From: PSDR <psdr-bounces at hamwan.org <mailto:psdr-bounces at hamwan.org> > On Behalf Of Jesse Victors via PSDR
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2021 9:51 AM
To: psdr <psdr at hamwan.org <mailto:psdr at hamwan.org> >
Subject: [HamWAN PSDR] Getting connected to HamWAN

Hey everyone!

HamWAN has been on my radar for a couple months and I wanted to get connected. I have a couple options.

1) if 5 GHz can pass through double-paned glass, then I could point an antenna through the window from my work office in downtown Seattle, connecting with the hubs nearby or across the water.

2) if 5 GHz can pass through tree leaves, I could mount the dish on the mast holding the center of my HF fan dipole, as shown here: https://www.qrz.com/db/kj7yls <https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.qrz.com%2Fdb%2Fkj7yls&data=04%7C01%7C%7C3304a5184ed24c1fad6c08d921f8ea6e%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637578175237522509%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=5xMsIP5GX5dWJYB5p6ypVv97hVe52MvZaZb%2FOeWxc3s%3D&reserved=0>  At a height of 30 feet it might be able to connect with Paine.

3) if 5 GHz can pass through a thin piece of plywood and tree leaves, I could mount the antenna in my attic. That should be tall enough to jump over my neighbors house I think.

Which of these would work? I'm leaning towards the first option. The second would work but it would just be more logistically difficult. I believe the third option would suffer significant signal degradation, yes?

As far as antennas go, the LHG 5 seems to have pretty good performance, is within my hobby budget, and should work for the links that I have in mind, yes? It should also be lighter and more wind-resistant since its hollow. I should be able to mount that on a pole, connect PoE, and then work on the routing, correct? If this is a decent choice, where is a good place to order the International edition?

Thanks for any advice with this!

Jesse
KJ7YLS

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