Need a highly-reliable outdoor wireless network with decent range.

[Bleeding Jawa]

I am pretty much a total noob when it comes to wireless, and for the longest time, I simply haven't trusted it. I've wired my house (and my previous house) with Cat5 becaue none of my wireless experiments have gone well...granted, I haven't actually tried in several years.

The time has come where I have a situation that would genuinely benefit from a GOOD wireless network, but I am still a bit fearful that I won't have the solid connection that I need.

What I am looking to do is run a high-speed photofinish camera for timing track & field races. The camera would be placed outdoors near the finish line, usually run off AC power. I would like to be able to maintain my primary computer in the pressbox (out of the elements) 200-300 feet away. I can run Cat5 and probably keep it under 300 ft, but it would be a pain to do it for every meet, and I worry about rain messing with the cables as well as people tripping over them or messing with them if I can't get them completely out of the way. I envision working at different sites, so not every situation will be the same, and permanent cables won't be an option.

I need my transmission from the camera to the pressbox to be nearly as rock-solid as a wired connection would be. The other stations need access, but a little interferance is not a life-or-death thing. If I need to have multiple antenas or anything at certain locations, then I can probably hook up those sorts of things easier than running 300 ft cable every time.

Here is the setup I am looking at:

Camera at position "1" outdoors, at ground-level near the track.
- Camera normally is hooked up directly to Computer "A" via standard ethernet connection. I would be replacing this direct connection with a wireless one.

Computer "A" at position "2", probably in a pressbox about 200ft away (usually) with a fairly unobstructed view of the camera except for the walls/windows of the pressbox itself, and people walking around. Computer "A" will communicate directly with the Camera, and (the way it was explained to me) if the data from the Camera is not received by Computer "A" in a wireless situation, then the data is NOT resent and is essentailly lost forever. THIS WOULD BE A DISASTER. The camera is sending the photo-finish results and the race times to the computer operator. If they are not picked up, then the results are lost.

Computers "B" & "C" also at position "2". These computers do not need to communicate with the camera direclty, but they will communicate with Computer "A" and may utilize a wired-connection if that is easiest. These computers will be taking saved data from Computer A and will be using that data in a seperate software program to create meet results. They will need printer access, possibly on the network.

Computer "D" & "E" at position "3", probably within a couple hundred feet of Computer "A". These computers will take the saved data from Computer "A" and will use that data to create picture printouts for sale to customers at a different location. They may, at times, need to be hooked up to as many as 2-3 printers (possibly on the network) at that location to keep up with demand.

With the data that I will be working with, speed is not a concern. Files will generally be a few MB or less. Range and reliability are everything.

First off which network type (if any) should I look at?
Are there specific hardware recommendations that I should look into?
I could use info on anything from routers, to antenas to laptop cards/adapters...whatever I might need.
I don't have a specific budget (and I will probably be working with a wired setup to start with), but if I had to come up with a number, maybe $2000? But, it should be noted that I DON'T have money to burn, so less (or much less) is always good as long as I can get the reliability I am looking for.

I hope this all makes some sense.

 

[spidey07]

It somewhat makes sense but I REALLY need a diagram of what you want to accomplish. From what I'm reading you need a network solution that involves wireless. If you want to do this right, it will cost you - if you skimp then you will get what you pay for. In all honesty it sounds like you need a pro to help you and this isn't something that can be tackled on a message board. I need to totally see and understand the application and process to assist. Wireless is just the transport.

I'm just trying to set expectations. Wireless can be extremely reliable - if the correct gear and design is used to meet the requirements.

 

[heymrdj]

I can help you with the camera...computers a-c, but D & E bother me. Are these printers and computers in a whole nother building? There's ways to get tremendous rangers, even whole acres at a time, but what I need to know if if buildings are getting in the way of things.

 

[Bleeding Jawa]

Computers D & E would typically be outdoors, under a tent, or in a small pole-barn type building, usually a couple hundred feet from the main computer "A."

If computers D/E have a mediocre signal from the base of operation (computer A's location), then it is really no big deal. They are simply going to borrow files that are saved on the "A" computer to print out documents at a different location. Their operation is not time-sensitive, nor do they affect the administration of the meet.

The connection that must be rock-solid is the one between the camera and the main computer (or the router it is wired to or whatever).

For whatever it's worth, the camera can actually be upgrade to a "wireless option" with a built-in 802.11g, and they will sell you a netgear wireless router (I think) that they call something else. However, the upgrade alone costs $1300, and from talking to their tech guys, the existing basic solution doesn't sound fool-proof enough to convince me wireless is the way to go there. By creating my own solution, I am guessing that it could be done for less money and with better quality parts. I am particularly curious if good quality antenas at certain locations would significantly boost my reliable, but I don't even know how/where (if) they fit into the network, much less what kind of products I should be looking into. I also don't want to blow money on standard off-the-shelf netgear/d-link stuff if there are signicantly better solutions out there. By the same token, I don't want to blow thousands of extra dollars if it's actually a simple solution.


EDIT: Basic Diagram can be found HERE

 

[heymrdj]

I'll reply in a few minutes

 

[heymrdj]

Sry for the wait, had some issues.

I'm basing that the camera is standardly RJ45 ethernet interface. So to make the camera wireless need a access point with the camera to do RJ45 to wireless transaction, a high gain antenna in the booth to receive the signal and provide a link and sturdy carrier wave, switches for your hard wired connection, and a router to give everything identity. I recommend www.hyperlinktech.com for these antenna needs.

I drew you a picture. You can piece together the orders with the part numbers.

From HyperLink
(3) HG2415U-PRO
(3) CA-RSPNME020

From Newegg:
(1) N82E16833124022
(1) N82E16833122006
(15) N82E16812189032
(3) N82E16817201523

You can view my network mapping in a revised form of your image: http://img155.imageshack.us/im...orkbasicrevisedwv3.png

If i can be anymore help, please feel free to ask.

Oh yeah with shipping, estimate total costs to be 750-820$, somewhere in there i think.

 

[Bleeding Jawa]

heymrdj

SUPERB !!! Exactly the kind of advice I needed. I figured it wouldn't be too overly complicated, but as I said, I have shied away from WiFi for years (the next step in the recovery process will be giving up my 21" CRT monitor that is about to die - darn LCDs!!!).

Few things...

1. Antennas - These "look" perfect with the simple design and mounting scheme, I should be able to mount these easily, even when I am on the road.
(a) I assume the little plastic antenna unscrews from the back of the access point and the cable from the big antenna hooks in there?
(b) Are these antennas that can be left outdoors permanantly?

- The power-user in me has to ask:
(c) Would a more powerful antenna be beneficial, or overkill?
(d) Would using more than one antenna at the camera and/or router locations be beneficial, or overkill (even possible?)?
If I go with the specific antenna that you listed, I might actually buy the discounted 5-pack and use the extras for other stuff periodically. And, the Computer D/E station will not actually be in use all the time, only at certain large meets. Thus, I might have extra antennas "lying around" some of the time that could theoretically be used for something else.

2. Access points - one thing that worries me a little bit is that all the newegg descriptions state that the manuals are very hard to understand and that they are rather technical if you are not very network saavy. I'm not very knowledgable there. Also, when I am working on-site, I will not generally have internet access if I need to "look somethng up." Do you have personal experience with this particular product? Should it be pretty straight-forward when using it for this purpose? Might I consider another more novice-friendly brand, or does the performance (and/or price) on this unit outweigh that issue?

Is there any reason for me to consider a Wireless-N AP, or a higher-priced model (not the $500 ones of course)? In this particular case, I will definately be purchasing at least one extra to keep with me in case I have a problem on the road, so price is a consideration, but I don't want to skimp too much if there is a noticable difference. Thus far, the total project-price seems very reasonable to me.

Router/Switch - I would imagine pretty much anything would work here? Are these particular models highly recommended, or just examples? I assume that I could add another switch at the press box if I needed to hook up more stuff? And this router should have no problem addressing additional stations if I added another access point somewhere else, right?

Cables - The camera is RJ45, 100BT. I have boatloads of pre-made cat5 cables, and I also have two nearly full boxes of bare cat5, plus lots of connectors, etc in my closet. Is there any good reason to invest in Cat6 cables? Will it actually do anything for me in this particular situation?

Thanks again for all the help!!! If anyone else wishes to chime with advice or product recommendations, I am open to all suggestions.

 

[heymrdj]

Originally posted by: Bleeding Jawa
heymrdj

SUPERB !!! Exactly the kind of advice I needed. I figured it wouldn't be too overly complicated, but as I said, I have shied away from WiFi for years (the next step in the recovery process will be giving up my 21" CRT monitor that is about to die - darn LCDs!!!).

Few things...

1. Antennas - These "look" perfect with the simple design and mounting scheme, I should be able to mount these easily, even when I am on the road.
(a) I assume the little plastic antenna unscrews from the back of the access point and the cable from the big antenna hooks in there?
(b) Are these antennas that can be left outdoors permanantly?

- The power-user in me has to ask:
(c) Would a more powerful antenna be beneficial, or overkill?
(d) Would using more than one antenna at the camera and/or router locations be beneficial, or overkill (even possible?)?
If I go with the specific antenna that you listed, I might actually buy the discounted 5-pack and use the extras for other stuff periodically. And, the Computer D/E station will not actually be in use all the time, only at certain large meets. Thus, I might have extra antennas "lying around" some of the time that could theoretically be used for something else.

2. Access points - one thing that worries me a little bit is that all the newegg descriptions state that the manuals are very hard to understand and that they are rather technical if you are not very network saavy. I'm not very knowledgable there. Also, when I am working on-site, I will not generally have internet access if I need to "look somethng up." Do you have personal experience with this particular product? Should it be pretty straight-forward when using it for this purpose? Might I consider another more novice-friendly brand, or does the performance (and/or price) on this unit outweigh that issue?

Is there any reason for me to consider a Wireless-N AP, or a higher-priced model (not the $500 ones of course)? In this particular case, I will definately be purchasing at least one extra to keep with me in case I have a problem on the road, so price is a consideration, but I don't want to skimp too much if there is a noticable difference. Thus far, the total project-price seems very reasonable to me.

Router/Switch - I would imagine pretty much anything would work here? Are these particular models highly recommended, or just examples? I assume that I could add another switch at the press box if I needed to hook up more stuff? And this router should have no problem addressing additional stations if I added another access point somewhere else, right?

Cables - The camera is RJ45, 100BT. I have boatloads of pre-made cat5 cables, and I also have two nearly full boxes of bare cat5, plus lots of connectors, etc in my closet. Is there any good reason to invest in Cat6 cables? Will it actually do anything for me in this particular situation?

Thanks again for all the help!!! If anyone else wishes to chime with advice or product recommendations, I am open to all suggestions.

I'll do my best to help you.
1a. Yes the antenna simply screws in it's place. You'll see the numbers i selected for you gives you cables that have the RP-SMA end (that goes on the access point) and the N-MALE (which connects to the N-FEMALE of the antenna). Easy as pie to hook up
1b. Yes, they are outdoor grade antenna, although every few months you may wanna take some cleaner to them, mildew and mold can be a bitch to signal strength. Of course you need to take standard precautions. Don't let them set outdoors without a cable attached, or a end cap screwed in to protect the interface. And if you need to use them/leave them in the rain, put electrical tape tightly around the connection to preven water leakage hurting you. But remember your AP's AREN'T waterproof or even weatherproof, they must be cared for like any other delicate elctronic.
1c/d.Using more antenna is possible if your router/AP has multiple antenna ports (WRT54G router has two antenna terminals). This is not really necessary in high gain antenna setups, but can be beneficial when you need every ounce of performance. Again though, with the antenna's we're talking about, your distance is actually quite mute in comparison. We're talking antennas that at 24db can cover distances over a mile ominidirectionally. 15db is going to get you 1,000ft even through walls most likely even without an amplifier attached. I too noticed the 5 pack and thought it a good discount not to pass up, just remember, to use the antennas you actually ahve to have a router or AP to connect them to, they don't work by sitting on the ground

2. N is still draft, unless you need 100's of MB to transfer in seconds instead of a minutes, it's not worth it, especially at the cost. These cheaper AP's will perform well, but the more expensive will give you more reliabilty in terms of years of heavy use. Now my school uses 60 of those cisco models to blanket the school in G connectivity. The edimax were a recommendation by my friend Scott of USDC Servers cause he uses them in his office (10 stories, approx 100 emplyees mixing desktop stations and laptop mobile employees) I won't lie and tell you that AP's are easy, they aren't, you'll make it easy on yourself by forming a routine. Go to a field and connect all your AP's and antennas and program them with your router, learn your network. Make it easy on yourself. Once at the site, set up your AP's and antennas. Turn on your already programmed router (already programmed meaning you went out and set this up already), then turn on your AP's. Once they connect, connect your camera to the AP. Then connect your switches into the network so the rest of your computers connect. This should result in minimal issues.

Really you need statics for alot..feel free to use this chart if you wish.
router: 10.10.10.100
camera: 10.10.10.110
printers (these have to be static to work):10.10.10.120-10.10.10.126 (6 printers)
DHCP for computers on the network: 10.10.10.150-10.10.10.200

The AP is good, but I cannot personally vouch for it.

Router: "Just about" anything is good, but if you get too cheap it is more likely to fail. That router has very high success rates, that's why i recommended it. It should easily handle up to 253 assignments without fail (the use of one subnet..if you want to use multiple subnets (so instead of 10.10.10.xxx you could get more numbers with 10.10.xxx.xxx) you would need a much more expensive enterprise router..I don't think you're connecting 1,000 clients). The switch I personally own. I used it at Lan parties. 12 hours at 300Mbs from the servers (5 webservers and 2 load balanced Apache servers to share mods and stuff) with 20 clients total. They don't fail..they don't even get warm.

and finally cables. No no reason, I was covering all bases going by you had zip equipment. Feel free to leave them out .

Again sorry for the late reply. I'm ill with a bug and napping most of the day, so I'm replying when I have the stength to sit up here and think about it lol.

Anyways, if there's any more questions, let me know and I'll try to answer.

 

[Bleeding Jawa]

Thanks again mr.dj !!!

I hope you feel better soon.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Hey man, hey bro (heymrdj is my twin brother). I think you made good suggestions here. However, I'll add.

My first suggestion, is if you know where your systems are, and its only going to one point, a directional antenna would give you stronger coverage. For instance, if two antenna's are 15dBi, the directional antenna will send a signal much further and more reliably than an omnidirectional antenna. It will also lessen the chance of someone catching the signal and attempting to snoop (Though if this is important you should be using WPA2 AES encryption on both ends, or perhaps even a Radius server).

The design of the antenna is very important. Using a 180 degree panel antenna would allow you to split, and hit both the camera and your pole barn coverage as long as you angle the antenna so that everything is either in front or to the sides, nothing behind. Then use a directional grid at each end to point directly at the plane antenna.

180 degree panel antenna

The more that you can squeeze down that space, getting everything together, the closer you can squeeze the signal and the smaller the directional system you'd have to use, like a 120 degree or even 90 degree panel. Look at the horizontal patterns of the two to see where you'd squeeze in.

Here's the two directional antennas I'd use on each end.

15dBi grid. Very durable due to their design, good for the elements the camera will be near.

On each one, I would have a small amplifier to make up for the loss of cables, connectors, and interference. A 100 watt HyperAmp on the and the three APs will be better. Keep your AP's as absolutely close to the antenna's as possible. As it only takes a few feet of cable to completely negate having a high-power antenna in the first place.

The access points I recommend be D-Link DWL-3200APs. One at each antenna location. (One in the press box, one at the camera, and then one on the tent or pole barn.)

The router I would choose is the D-Link DI-604UP. The integrated Print Server will enable you to have a networked printer of your choice that can be shared amongst everyone, though I would recommend using printers with built in networking ports.

For adding more wired space, I recommend business Linksys unmanaged gigabit switches with as many ports as you think you'll need.

Understand I haven't added any extra equipment, only recommended products and design. I worked on this for several hours but I digress I'm taking care of my own illness plus studying for a psychology exam If I can help more I will be glad to.

EDIT: Almost forgot one of the more important things. You need NEMA approved outdoor enclosures for your electronics if they will be outside. For instance, your camera box area will need an enclosure that holds the access point and amplifier along with the wiring to shield them from the elements as they go to the antenna.

You can find good enclosures here. Look for the models that are 120V powered, so you'll be able to run things inside. Or, since most routers and amps alike all use 12V power, you can get a 12 V model that transforms the power and then run custom cables into the router and amp. For simplifying, I just recommend getting a larger 120V unit so you can fit the power bricks inside.

 

[heymrdj]

The router had too few ports bro. He needs 7 so far in the press box, the 8th can be used to link another switch when he wants to expand.

Due the the nature of his setup, his locals are unknown. Going with an antenna that broadcast everywhere could be periodically problamatic.

I do agree he may want to look at an amplifier, and shorter cables if he can hack it, I picked the 20ft models cause I didn't know how far he needed to get those antenna's around/over/through/past /since (woah preposition diarrhea...darn that English song...)

He doesn't really need gigga, unless all his computers are giga capable and he really needs the speed.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: heymrdj
The router had too few ports bro. He needs 7 so far in the press box, the 8th can be used to link another switch when he wants to expand.

Due the the nature of his setup, his locals are unknown. Going with an antenna that broadcast everywhere could be periodically problamatic.

I do agree he may want to look at an amplifier, and shorter cables if he can hack it, I picked the 20ft models cause I didn't know how far he needed to get those antenna's around/over/through/past /since (woah preposition diarrhea...darn that English song...)

He doesn't really need gigga, unless all his computers are giga capable and he really needs the speed.

IMO, he should focus on using a router for just that, routing, and leave switches to do the job of switching. While it leaves an initially higher cost, it will allow him to more readily upgrade his components should he need to, as well as leave room for a more robust switching infrastructure.

For the antennas, its best to run Ethernet as far as possible. Some people using POE (Power over Ethernet) to deliver power and signal. Fact is, coaxial sucks for power loss over the length of the cable, and it only takes a view feet to lose antenna power. Unless you go with LMR-400 cable or equivalent. That's around 60-80 cents a foot so it can be expensive to run lots of it but its the only way to run anything over I'd say 12 feet. Remember, every 3dB of loss your signal is cut in half. If you run 10 feet of RG-58 cable, you lose 1.9dB. If you run 20 feet, you lose roughly 3.8dB! Using only 20 feet of cable, you've effectively cut whatever power your signal would have in half! With one cable! You start running it through connectors, (which you'll have one at the access point, amp in, amp out, antenna in) plus the use of the amps themselves which introduce noise, you can rack up signal loss VERY quickly.

Make sure to use LMR-400 cable for long runs, which after even 20 feet only loses about 1.3dB of signal power. And keep your access point outside in a high quality NEMA approved enclosure as close to your antenna as possible (I usually recommend mounting it on the same pole, use LMR-400 to run up the pole from the enclosure box near the ground up to the antenna if you dont want to use a ladder to service the thing) If you live in a cold area make sure the enclosure is temperature controlled with fans to cool it in the summer and an electronically controlled heating system for winter conditions. Then simply run Cat 6 (no reason not to run that stuff now just for future upgrades) to the access point from a port on the switch. You could also do this with POE using port injectors and taps, but IMO you only want to do that if you have absolutely no method of getting AC power to the area. Do any of your locations not have any AC power nearby? If so, then a POE design on one or more of the APs might be worth looking into. Otherwise, using AC power is by far an easier method.

As for giga, again it's upgradeability. Giga doesn't have much cost over Fast Ethernet, with much higher magnitudes of performance, I'd say it's worth it to use since you'd run to run Cat 6 anyways through your infrastructure.

 

[Bleeding Jawa]

Directional antennas - Do you have to have a directional in one place and a grid on the other? I could have a directional at the camera location and point it toward the press box. The press box, however would be my base of operations, and depending on the particular site, my mounting option will vary, and also the satellite station with computers D/E may vary in it's location. So the antenna(s) at the press box needs some versatility. Could I use a directional antenna at the camera, have it pointed at the press box, and then use omni-directional antennas at other locations? As I said, the signal from the camera to the press box is the key. The press box to other locations can afford a little interference.

Access Points - I like the looks of that DLink AP. It looks like a solid build, with two antenna jacks, and it is still within a somewhat reasonable price range. I've also had good success in the past with Dlink stuff, though I have gotten much into the technical side on those things.

Router / Switches - I am not opposed to a 4-port router as long as I can just add a bigger switch to it. I didn't like the newegg reviews on the lynksys. A lot of people reported that they had to unplug them on a regular basis and they would reset themselves and such. That scares me a bit.

Switches - I don't think I'll really have any need for Giga routers unless the price is the same. 100BT is even overkill.

Amplifiers / Antenna Cables - The cable at the press box might need to be long (20+ feet) depending on the site and my mounting options. If I can mount it inside without too much interference, I might not need the length. If I mount it outside, I'll need enough cable to come down off the roof in most cases and in to my AP. At the other locations, I should be able to keep the cables fairly short. I guess I'll try to look into the higher quality cables, at least for the longer runs. I am not opposed to the amplifiers if they are necessary, though that is definitely an added expense at $150 each (especially if I spend an extra $90 each on the Dlink routers).

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: Bleeding Jawa
Directional antennas - Do you have to have a directional in one place and a grid on the other? I could have a directional at the camera location and point it toward the press box. The press box, however would be my base of operations, and depending on the particular site, my mounting option will vary, and also the satellite station with computers D/E may vary in it's location. So the antenna(s) at the press box needs some versatility. Could I use a directional antenna at the camera, have it pointed at the press box, and then use omni-directional antennas at other locations? As I said, the signal from the camera to the press box is the key. The press box to other locations can afford a little interference.

Access Points - I like the looks of that DLink AP. It looks like a solid build, with two antenna jacks, and it is still within a somewhat reasonable price range. I've also had good success in the past with Dlink stuff, though I have gotten much into the technical side on those things.

Router / Switches - I am not opposed to a 4-port router as long as I can just add a bigger switch to it. I didn't like the newegg reviews on the lynksys. A lot of people reported that they had to unplug them on a regular basis and they would reset themselves and such. That scares me a bit.

Switches - I don't think I'll really have any need for Giga routers unless the price is the same. 100BT is even overkill.

Amplifiers / Antenna Cables - The cable at the press box might need to be long (20+ feet) depending on the site and my mounting options. If I can mount it inside without too much interference, I might not need the length. If I mount it outside, I'll need enough cable to come down off the roof in most cases and in to my AP. At the other locations, I should be able to keep the cables fairly short. I guess I'll try to look into the higher quality cables, at least for the longer runs. I am not opposed to the amplifiers if they are necessary, though that is definitely an added expense at $150 each (especially if I spend an extra $90 each on the Dlink routers).

To your antenna inquiry, that was my exact suggestion. At the press box, use the 180 degree panel antenna. That means it will see everything to the front and to the sides but nothing behind it. Since you don't have anything behind you, it's not necessary to. That cuts out 180 degrees of area that would be wasted in signal loss and focuses it on the 180 degree area that you DO need to focus on.

If you can squeeze it down even more, you might see if you can mount only a 120 degree or even 90 degree panel. The more you can squeeze it down, the cheaper it can be. a 180 degree panel cost from $400-$500. Squeezing down to a 120 degree panel cuts costs by at least $150.

At the camera and pole bar, you'll use directional parabolic grid antennas. These things have a *very* narrow beam. (Usually no more than 17 degrees) so you must point them directly at the panel. However, in doing so, they are very cheap, and send a very strong signal compared to a panel antenna and especially an omni-directional antenna. The narrower an area you have to focus on, the stronger the signal your have for the same signal power. Look at the abhorrible illustration I drew in class with paint :\ Panel + Grid antenna system.

To use an omni-directional antenna, you would need a powerful setup. A good 15dBi antenna along with 200-500mw of amplification.. I would stick with a 180 degree panel antenna. That means you'll be able to catch anything as long as its in front of the antenna. The only time you need an omni-directional antenna is when you know you'll have something you need to catch behind the antenna. Otherwise panel and grid antennas are much more efficient.

For a good router that you can be sure won't fail, look at the Cisco 871 router. It doesn't have wireless and you don't want it. That's the APs jobs. It will be rock stable though. It also has 2 USB ports that you can use for external storage or printers. About $500-600. If you dont want to use the ports, and wish to stick to networkable printers (my personal preference), then just stick to the 851. Far cheaper at $250-$300. Then just stick to using networkable printers.

You DO need an amp on at least the pressbox. 100mw should be fine. On the grids, since their beams are so focused, you could *probably* do without them. It might depend on the conditions they're transmitting in. I do know that if you're transmitting over 20 feet of cabling, you definitely need an amp. I can understand wanting to keep the AP / amp box near the ground for service, but you still need to keep that box as absolutely close as possible to the antenna. It really can determine whether or not your whole setup will work.

 

[Bleeding Jawa]

I could put a directional antenna at the camera location no-problem because it will either (a) point toward a press box in the same general location, or (b) i will set up my main computers inside the track and just use a wired setup.

However, using a directional (even 180 degree) antenna at the press box could be problematic because I don't know where my satellite stations will be set up. In the meets where I will most likely have other station(s) operating, they will be away from home and the venues will have different setups. I can't predict what directions I will need to point.

With that in mind, could I use a narrow directional (or even grid) at the camera location, pointed at the pressbox, then at the pressbox, have a powerful omni-directional (with amp) at th pressbox?

Then, I am not sure about the outer computers...something flexible I guess.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: Bleeding Jawa
I could put a directional antenna at the camera location no-problem because it will either (a) point toward a press box in the same general location, or (b) i will set up my main computers inside the track and just use a wired setup.

However, using a directional (even 180 degree) antenna at the press box could be problematic because I don't know where my satellite stations will be set up. In the meets where I will most likely have other station(s) operating, they will be away from home and the venues will have different setups. I can't predict what directions I will need to point.

With that in mind, could I use a narrow directional (or even grid) at the camera location, pointed at the pressbox, then at the pressbox, have a powerful omni-directional (with amp) at th pressbox?

Then, I am not sure about the outer computers...something flexible I guess.

You would definitely want to use a directional grid antenna at the pole barn too. You *could* use omnidirectional. But it will have to be powerful.

One option is to use a combination of this along with the 100mw amp. You *should* get the coverage you need.

Another option is an array using signal splitters. You would use for instance, 4 panel arrays each with a 90 degree field and about a 15dBi gain. These are for maximum omni-directional carrying. When put in only B transmission mode, and fed with a 25 watt (yeah, that's 25,000mw) in amplification, and mounted on a 25-50 foot pole at a slight down-tilt to compensate for earth curvature, you could probably hit several miles out (probably 5-8 miles if the other antenna is the same array or a lower power grid antenna).

You shouldn't have to use an array, but you're definitely going to have to amp that 15dBi antenna and you *should* have no problems reaching the 400 feet out you're requesting. Just keep it mounted high. At least 10 feet up for clearance.

That does remind me, it should be obvious, but ALL of these antenna systems are based on line-of-sight. If you have any trees or anything else in the way from directly seeing these antennas, you might as well forget about directional systems and all but the most powerful omnidirectional systems.