Wireless Project No2

Hi all

I know Admin had a wireless project a while back but I'm wondering if there is not some newer technology out there? Or maybe some genius in the field have joined the forum?

Here is the scenario.

Friend of mine lives on farm and there is only EDGE/2G reception. On a hill, in direct line of sight, 2,6km away there is full 3G reception.

1. How do I get 3G to the house?
2. I've though about routers but some people say it bogus while other say its all worth it?
3. One on the companies said I must just place a massive antenna on the roof and that will do the trick. I dont understand how you can amplify a signal that is not there in the first place?

Any input would be much appreciated!

Admin should be able to help, I don't work with outdoor equipment...

Maybe read over Admin's post about it again... as he had the drawings, and different combinations to try etc etc.

LSJ wrote:

Hi all

I know Admin had a wireless project a while back but I'm wondering if there is not some newer technology out there? Or maybe some genius in the field have joined the forum?

Here is the scenario.

Friend of mine lives on farm and there is only EDGE/2G reception. On a hill, in direct line of sight, 2,6km away there is full 3G reception.

1. How do I get 3G to the house?
2. I've though about routers but some people say it bogus while other say its all worth it?
3. One on the companies said I must just place a massive antenna on the roof and that will do the trick. I dont understand how you can amplify a signal that is not there in the first place?

Any input would be much appreciated!

This is my field of expertise...

Ok, this is exactly what problem I had, only thing is that my signal had to travel 3Km by cell tower and another 6Km by Wifi.

The only way you can extend your range if you fall outside of the 3G cell is by using a static router within the 3g range and then transmit the internet via wifi.

It is impossible to connect to the tower with 3g if you fall outside the cell range by using high gain antennas. This is bullshit some companies will sell you. This is how it works in "hamburger terms".

The cell tower is like a person talking and listening at the same time. It is talking using RF waves and listening for RF waves on the HSDPA frequency.
Your 3G modem is listening to the towers RF signal and talking back once the connection is made.
When you connect an antenna its like adding a bigger ear so that your modem can listen better, but the size of the modem's mouth will not get bigger because for that you will need an amplifier. (Which is illegal on 3G)
So even if you connect an antenna it will do shit because there is nothing to listen to in the first place.

Oh yeah, my setup have been running for over a year now without interruption, other that the times I ran out of airtime.

It survived the lightning during summer with no issues even if it is on a hill. The reason for this is because it is enclosed in a small vault made of steal and that is conducting the electricity around the sensitive electronics into the ground. Just like your car will protect you if it is hit by lightning.

@LSJ: I can help to build this if you like?

admin wrote:

Oh yeah, my setup have been running for over a year now without interruption, other that the times I ran out of airtime.

It survived the lightning during summer with no issues even if it is on a hill. The reason for this is because it is enclosed in a small vault made of steal and that is conducting the electricity around the sensitive electronics into the ground. Just like your car will protect you if it is hit by lightning.

@LSJ: I can help to build this if you like?

Would be much appreciated!!

What did your system cost at the end of the day?

How long does it take to build a system?

Total cost were about R12K.

Cool thing is that the entire farm is one big hotspot now, so I can surf the web while chasing around cows. I'm also going to add wifi security cameras and connect it to the same network and then I can surf the web on my iPhone, while spying on the lazy farm workers and still chase cows around.

I actually bought a green laser at Nampo today so I can align the antennas better.

LSJ wrote:

What did your system cost at the end of the day?

How long does it take to build a system?

Will it be solar powered like mine, because that is the most expensive part of all.

It's not a long process and the longest holdup was waiting for the equipment to arrive.

Must say I'm bit jealous, first year I cant go to Nampo and see what new gimmicks there are

Sounds like you're going for complete e-farm!

What is needed for the system?

I might be able to get the solar stuff cheaper - what are the specs needed?

12K bit much - any way to get away cheaper?

Chasing around cows. lol !!! that sounds so funny, ps: my dog is the best sheep herder in the country... Mr Trixie! I am going to go do farming AKA war this weekend.