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 Subject :Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-13- 19:13:19 
VE4AAI
Member
Joined: 2014-03-01- 15:50:04
Posts: 11
Location

I've got an 8db omnidirectional antenna on order from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000VIA4CA/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

Nothing too fancy but I figure it should be a step up from the stock wrt54g antennas...   



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 Subject :Re:Re:Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-13- 21:09:35 
KH2SR
Member
Joined: 2014-02-20- 03:44:15
Posts: 37
Location: Saratoga, CA

The more people you can get interested in this stuff the better. Putting up a node in Mountain View would definitely be cool!

I configured a cheap little netgear wifi router as a normal wifi access point. Any wifi router will do. Then I plugged a ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports on the BBHN node into the WAN port of the netgear wifi router. I then connected my iPhone to the netgear wifi access point just as you would normally connect your iPhone to any wifi. Then I simply typed in the address to access the BBHN node into my iPhone web browser and thats that. Works great!

First I drove down the two main roads around the complex to see if I could pick it up from there. That didn't work. Probably because the nodes need better antennas and more time to connect. You can't drive slow enough on those roads to stay in range long enough. I then drove around the apartment complex streets and was able to connect while several hundred feet away from various different positions. I wasn't using any of my directional antennas for this. Just the little stock antennas.

I know that the node will keep the "previous list" data for at least 4 hours. I haven't tested it any longer then that yet.

I have been trying to promote this technology to more hams. So far I have found a few that are interested.

There will be a south bay event where BBHN will be demonstrated on April 12th. Unfortunately I will be working that day. Here is some info on the details of the event. I have been informed you must register to attend. Registration is free:


Edith Morly Park

563 Campbell Technology Pkwy, Campbell, CA

https://scc-ares-races.org/activities/eventdetail.php?id=417

https://www.scc-ares-races.org/activities/

If you happen to go to the event. Take some photos of the different node setups and post them on here. I am really curious how they will have their nodes setup.





[VE4AAI 2014-03-13- 13:45:59]:


I know there is an amateur group at work; I wonder if I can drum up enough interest that we can convince the company to let us put up a node there..  That'd be Mountain View.

Hey neat idea of connecting from your car.  Did you use two nodes so you could get access via your iphone?  

Cool!  Nice to see you could pick me up.  I wonder why I don't have anything showing up in my mesh "recent history" list.  I guess it must clear itself periodically or something.  

How far in to the complex did you need to go to contact my node?  Right near the building?  Or were you able to stay on one of the main roads?


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 Subject :Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-13- 21:14:00 
KH2SR
Member
Joined: 2014-02-20- 03:44:15
Posts: 37
Location: Saratoga, CA

Looks like a nice antenna!

Just be sure to keep your coax cable as short as possible. Lots of losses at these frequencies. Keep one of your stock antennas on the router until you can replace it with a second gain antenna. 



[VE4AAI 2014-03-13- 19:13:19]:

I've got an 8db omnidirectional antenna on order from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000VIA4CA/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

Nothing too fancy but I figure it should be a step up from the stock wrt54g antennas...   




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 Subject :Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-19- 17:55:17 
KX7M
Member
Joined: 2014-03-16- 23:24:36
Posts: 1
Location
Hi all, Just loaded FW to WRT54G, and named it KX7M-1. I submitted my QTH to the map, but have to wait until the map is updated. The router is currently indoors. It will take me some time to put it in a waterproof box, on a rooftop, and get some better antenna, possibly to point to VE4AII/W6. 73, Denny, KX7M
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 Subject :Re:Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-19- 20:33:17 
KH2SR
Member
Joined: 2014-02-20- 03:44:15
Posts: 37
Location: Saratoga, CA

Welcome to the club! Looking forward to aiming my antenna your way eventually. Keep up the good work and post photos of your progress.

73!

James - KH2SR



[KX7M 2014-03-19- 17:55:17]:

Hi all, Just loaded FW to WRT54G, and named it KX7M-1. I submitted my QTH to the map, but have to wait until the map is updated. The router is currently indoors. It will take me some time to put it in a waterproof box, on a rooftop, and get some better antenna, possibly to point to VE4AII/W6. 73, Denny, KX7M

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 Subject :Re:Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-20- 03:31:03 
K5KTF
Admin
Joined: 2010-01-18- 23:04:04
Posts: 266
Location: 5' from this webserver
  

Its on there now Denny. Entry #495...


Happy Meshing!

KTF



[KX7M 2014-03-19- 17:55:17]:

I submitted my QTH to the map, but have to wait until the map is updated. The router is currently indoors

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B-) Jim K5KTF EM10bm Cedar Park, TX :star:
 Subject :Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-20- 20:46:51 
KK6INS
Member
Joined: 2014-03-06- 04:40:57
Posts: 7
Location: Fremont, CA

Hi KE6TIM,  Joe Pistritto, this KK6INS, Aaron Robertson also from Fremont, Ca. I noticed your post. Thanks for getting interested in the Broadband-Mesh Ham Network. As you can see I posted a node in Fremont. If you already have your node, would mind by posting the node on the map. That would be greatly appreciated.

My Friend, KH2SR, James and I, KK6INS, are trying to build up the Bay Area slowly to have wide-spread HSMM network.

Thanks

73!!!



[n3ckf 2014-03-01- 07:59:02]:

Hi, this is Joe Pistritto, N3CKF in Fremont.

I have a spare Ubiquiti NanoStationLocoM2 that i was thinking of putting online.  Anyone else in Fremont/Newark with a HSMM node?

(KE6TIM) i saw your node down in Milpitas but i'm pretty sure thats too far for me since i cant put my node outside, just in my attic).



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 Subject :Re:Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-21- 08:47:32 
VE4AAI
Member
Joined: 2014-03-01- 15:50:04
Posts: 11
Location

Hey, you look to be quite close by to me.  I'm also close to Homestead (corner of Homestead and N. Stelling).  My node is currently indoors, but my new antenna comes this weekend so I'll have to give a shot at getting our nodes to link up.  

It would sure be nice if our mesh was more than just disconnected nodes! :)




[KX7M 2014-03-19- 17:55:17]:

Hi all, Just loaded FW to WRT54G, and named it KX7M-1. I submitted my QTH to the map, but have to wait until the map is updated. The router is currently indoors. It will take me some time to put it in a waterproof box, on a rooftop, and get some better antenna, possibly to point to VE4AII/W6. 73, Denny, KX7M

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 Subject :Re:Re:Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-21- 09:29:23 
KH2SR
Member
Joined: 2014-02-20- 03:44:15
Posts: 37
Location: Saratoga, CA

Your two nodes are really close! Just a heads up, I know of another node going up in Sunnyvale. It will be someplace north of you up by the bay and near Lockheed. Not sure when it will be getting on the air. Hopefully soon. I believe he plans on posting it to the map so keep an eye out.

As far as my node goes, The node is finished and in a waterproof container with a directional and omni antenna. I have a mast for it and a location in my side yard to put it up. All that is left to do is a visit to the hardware store to figure out the best way to mount the node to the mast.

Hopefully It will be finished and aiming your direction this weekend!

James - KH2SR 



[VE4AAI 2014-03-21- 08:47:32]:

Hey, you look to be quite close by to me.  I'm also close to Homestead (corner of Homestead and N. Stelling).  My node is currently indoors, but my new antenna comes this weekend so I'll have to give a shot at getting our nodes to link up.  

It would sure be nice if our mesh was more than just disconnected nodes! :)




[KX7M 2014-03-19- 17:55:17]:

Hi all, Just loaded FW to WRT54G, and named it KX7M-1. I submitted my QTH to the map, but have to wait until the map is updated. The router is currently indoors. It will take me some time to put it in a waterproof box, on a rooftop, and get some better antenna, possibly to point to VE4AII/W6. 73, Denny, KX7M


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Last Edited On: 2014-03-21- 09:35:13 By KH2SR for the Reason
 Subject :Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-21- 14:37:56 
VE4AAI
Member
Joined: 2014-03-01- 15:50:04
Posts: 11
Location

The antenna is VERY nice.  Much bigger and better built than I thought.


Of course I bought the wrong cable.  I got an R-SMA to N cable.  The antenna has the N connector.  Turns out the Linksys has an R-TNC connector.  Ooops.

I'll make a trip to Frys and see if I find an alternative adapter so I can give a shot this weekend...



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Last Edited On: 2014-03-21- 14:39:51 By VE4AAI for the Reason
 Subject :Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-21- 17:17:54 
KH2SR
Member
Joined: 2014-02-20- 03:44:15
Posts: 37
Location: Saratoga, CA

If you can't find the right connectors at frys you might try one of these stores in the area: 


HSC Electronic Supply

3500 Ryder St

Santa Clara



WeirdStuff Warehouse

384 W Caribbean Dr.

Sunnyvale



Ham Radio Outlet

510 Lawrence Expy. Unit 102

Sunnyvale



[VE4AAI 2014-03-21- 14:37:56]:

The antenna is VERY nice.  Much bigger and better built than I thought.


Of course I bought the wrong cable.  I got an R-SMA to N cable.  The antenna has the N connector.  Turns out the Linksys has an R-TNC connector.  Ooops.

I'll make a trip to Frys and see if I find an alternative adapter so I can give a shot this weekend...


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 Subject :Re:Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-21- 19:41:48 
VE4AAI
Member
Joined: 2014-03-01- 15:50:04
Posts: 11
Location


Thanks I'll have to try one of those. Frys didn't pan out. They only have tnc to N,  but I need reverse tnc,  which is...  Backwards.   Yesh...    I'll call tomorrow.  I'm going to guess Ham Radio outlet will be the best bet. 



[KH2SR 2014-03-21- 17:17:54]:

If you can't find the right connectors at frys you might try one of these stores in the area: 


HSC Electronic Supply

3500 Ryder St

Santa Clara



WeirdStuff Warehouse

384 W Caribbean Dr.

Sunnyvale



Ham Radio Outlet

510 Lawrence Expy. Unit 102

Sunnyvale



[VE4AAI 2014-03-21- 14:37:56]:

The antenna is VERY nice.  Much bigger and better built than I thought.


Of course I bought the wrong cable.  I got an R-SMA to N cable.  The antenna has the N connector.  Turns out the Linksys has an R-TNC connector.  Ooops.

I'll make a trip to Frys and see if I find an alternative adapter so I can give a shot this weekend...



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 Subject :Re:Re:Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-21- 20:07:03 
KH2SR
Member
Joined: 2014-02-20- 03:44:15
Posts: 37
Location: Saratoga, CA

I actually made my adapters myself by cutting apart the little stock antennas that come with the linksys routers and soldering the proper N-type connectors to coax cable built into the little stock antennas. It took a bit of work but seems to work fine. The other option is Amazon, Ebay, or some other online retailer. 

If you happen to find a place that carries them locally please post on here where you found them.

Thanks!



[VE4AAI 2014-03-21- 19:41:48]:


Thanks I'll have to try one of those. Frys didn't pan out. They only have tnc to N,  but I need reverse tnc,  which is...  Backwards.   Yesh...    I'll call tomorrow.  I'm going to guess Ham Radio outlet will be the best bet. 



[KH2SR 2014-03-21- 17:17:54]:

If you can't find the right connectors at frys you might try one of these stores in the area: 


HSC Electronic Supply

3500 Ryder St

Santa Clara





WeirdStuff Warehouse

384 W Caribbean Dr.

Sunnyvale





Ham Radio Outlet

510 Lawrence Expy. Unit 102

Sunnyvale



[VE4AAI 2014-03-21- 14:37:56]:

The antenna is VERY nice.  Much bigger and better built than I thought.


Of course I bought the wrong cable.  I got an R-SMA to N cable.  The antenna has the N connector.  Turns out the Linksys has an R-TNC connector.  Ooops.

I'll make a trip to Frys and see if I find an alternative adapter so I can give a shot this weekend...




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 Subject :Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-23- 14:49:43 
KH2SR
Member
Joined: 2014-02-20- 03:44:15
Posts: 37
Location: Saratoga, CA

My outdoor weatherproof node is finally finished! I have a 16db gain directional and a 8.5db omni on a 21 foot pole in the back yard and its ready for action.

If anyone else in the SF South Bay Area sets up a node with directional antennas let me know and we can try aiming our nodes at each other.

Here are a few photos of my node as I assembled it and after it went up the pole.



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Last Edited On: 2014-03-23- 16:49:07 By KH2SR for the Reason
 Subject :Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-29- 14:07:38 
KD6VZQ
Member
Joined: 2014-02-04- 16:11:07
Posts: 2
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
 
KH2SR Nice little setup you got there... That pole seems a little flimsy.. I was thinking you should tie it down some to keep it from flapping in the wind a little. Not sure where you got the Velcro tie downs. I'll have to look for those. I like the way you integrated the flat high gain antenna to the back of the box. and added a small power light at the bottom so that you can see if the unit is on. I've got my node working about that same time yours was working. Though I'm in an apartment complex with Omni Directional 9.5 dBi. I don't think that too many other hams will be able to see this station. I did post it on the map. It looks likes I'm in the middle of the other three already list. Just not close enough to each other. I built mine to be a portable / demo unit to take around and share. I have plans for two other units to build. Each will be different. The photos you see here you'll notice a loose wire. its got an Anderson plug to allow for an external power source. what ever that source might be. Can put it up on a pole with a solar panel if need be. It would run day and night no problems. :) KD6VZQ at Gmail is my email address.. I've put up photos on my G+ account there.. not too sure how to post photos in this forum.. Tracy
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Tracy Thibault

KD6VZQ.com
General Class License Expires 2023-10-19
Latitude 37.405854 (37° 24' 21'' N)
Longitude -122.078375 (122° 4' 42'' W)
Grid Square CM87xi

--... ...--
 Subject :Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-03-29- 14:18:49 
KD6VZQ
Member
Joined: 2014-02-04- 16:11:07
Posts: 2
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
 

Here is what I started with.

Here are the end results.


as you can see I found a picture function in the forum.. :)


This box is also my first attempt at painting Camouflage onto something. It did not turn out as well as I had hope it would. but I thought it was a good start.. :)


Enjoy


KD6VZQ -- Tracy

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Last Edited On: 2014-03-29- 14:27:22 By KD6VZQ for the Reason
Tracy Thibault

KD6VZQ.com
General Class License Expires 2023-10-19
Latitude 37.405854 (37° 24' 21'' N)
Longitude -122.078375 (122° 4' 42'' W)
Grid Square CM87xi

--... ...--
 Subject :Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-04-01- 12:10:56 
VE4AAI
Member
Joined: 2014-03-01- 15:50:04
Posts: 11
Location
I FINALLY got the right cable to hook up the antenna to my WRT-54g. Now if only it'd stop raining so I could try and see if I can reach anyone! :)
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 Subject :Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-04-05- 07:15:06 
VE4AAI
Member
Joined: 2014-03-01- 15:50:04
Posts: 11
Location
Okay ve4aaiw6 is on the air in Cupertino. Looking at the map kx7m and kd6vdq are the closest nodes to me. I'll leave the node up up for now unless it looks threatens to rain (haven't waterproofed the node yet.. This is about as good as I'm going to get for height (8ft) as I'm in an appt. Let me know if anyone can see me. I see nobody yet.
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 Subject :Re:Re:Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-04-07- 14:04:19 
KH2SR
Member
Joined: 2014-02-20- 03:44:15
Posts: 37
Location: Saratoga, CA

Glad to hear that you got your node on the air. I will aim my node north and with any luck one of the 4 nodes in the Sunnyvale/Cupertino area will try aiming south and we can link nodes.

Now if only we could get some more nodes on the air between here and there.



[VE4AAI 2014-04-05- 07:15:06]:

Okay ve4aaiw6 is on the air in Cupertino. Looking at the map kx7m and kd6vdq are the closest nodes to me. I'll leave the node up up for now unless it looks threatens to rain (haven't waterproofed the node yet.. This is about as good as I'm going to get for height (8ft) as I'm in an appt. Let me know if anyone can see me. I see nobody yet.

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 Subject :Re:Saratoga, Fremont, San Jose Mesh network plans.. 2014-07-14- 11:55:39 
KD7OFR
Member
Joined: 2014-06-04- 16:30:03
Posts: 1
Location
KD7OFR here. I am in the south bay, and have an Ubiquiti Nanostation M2, which I picked up second-hand for $43 shipped I am at the southern end of the CM97AH grid square, just north of Hamilton Ave near San Tomas Expy, and would like to experiment with connecting to others in the area.
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