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Broadband-Hamnet™ Forum :: Problems & Answers |
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Subject :Bad range with wrt54g..
2011-12-07- 10:56:33
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Subject :Re:Bad range with wrt54g..
2011-12-07- 11:47:11
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| KD5MFW |
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Joined: 2010-01-18- 23:02:11
Posts: 104
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If the front panel LEDs are on, then you have power and POE is probably OK. If the LEDs are not on, check the POE mods. Check cables going from mesh node to antenna. Are the feed lines longer than 3 feet? Loss at microwave frequencies is HUGE. HF / VHF / UHF coax may have too much loss. Any problem with a single connection could be enough to waste all your signal.
You can turn on one antenna at a time or both. Which is your mesh node set for? Is the 24dB dish antenna turned on in the node.
I get 10 - 15 mile range with my WRT54G, 24dB BBQ grill antenna, no amp, 3 foot long LMR-200 coax with factory tested connectors.
If the LEDs are on, your antenna connections / feed line are suspect. The factory rubber duck antennas should get you a block or more, with clear line of sight.
Also check for window tint. Some window tint is done by putting metal powder in the glass and this is a shield to RF.
Try other test gear if you have any available to compare and contrast results. Provide any info you find, even if it seems small or unimportant.
-Glenn
KD5MFW |
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Subject :Re:Bad range with wrt54g..
2011-12-07- 12:00:01
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| KF5KWE |
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Joined: 2011-09-06- 19:18:00
Posts: 7
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Was trying to connect to KF5MFL's node. The LED's etc all work, I can login to the web interface just fine and all seems ok on the firmware front. Not sure where to set which antenna to use, is there a spot in the firmware for that or are you just referring to plug/unplugging them? My current limitation is testing the equipment to make sure it can link up, I plan to install on my roof ~28'AGL once everything is tested working. The cable is <3' of LMR-400, per antenna. The connectors are 2 chassis mount BNC female on the wrt54g and appropriate connectors leading to the antennas. I was worried somehow the BNC connectors are bad, I have no way to plug the stock rubber ducks into the router now that it has BNC connectors so I don't think I can test that.
I am running a custom build of the latest svn repo so maybe I will just flash over vanilla just to rule that out. |
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Last Edited On: 2011-12-07- 12:04:25 By KF5KWE for the Reason |
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Subject :Re:Bad range with wrt54g..
2011-12-07- 12:16:35
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| KD5MFW |
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Joined: 2010-01-18- 23:02:11
Posts: 104
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The power out of the WRT54G is low. I would also try to check the connectors that were changed. They are hard to solder, even if you have experience. The BNC connectors will probably work, but check their microwave ratings - most go to a N, SMA / RSMA or TNC / RTNC for microwave, not BNC connectors.
Antenna selection is on one of the configuration pages presented by the firmware. You can select, left, right or both (for diversity) mode.
I would try a standard build of the firmware. Without that, we have no baseline for testing. It is entirely possible for the wi-fi part of the device to be off or easily misconfigured and that could be the problem.
Let us know what you find.
-Glenn
KD5MFW |
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Subject :Re:Bad range with wrt54g..
2011-12-07- 12:42:57
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| KF5KWE |
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Joined: 2011-09-06- 19:18:00
Posts: 7
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Still no change with a standard build of hsmm, I don't have any other way to test wifi. |
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Subject :Re:Bad range with wrt54g..
2011-12-07- 13:23:54
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| KD5MFW |
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Joined: 2010-01-18- 23:02:11
Posts: 104
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If you have a PC running windows, you can download inSSIDer from metageek. A google search will turn up a link to inSSIDer.
This will use the wi-fi card in your pc to show wi-fi signals. It is super useful. Do you have a PC that runs windows with wi-fi capability? If so, you have the basis for a piece of test gear.
-Glenn
KD5MFW |
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Subject :Re:Bad range with wrt54g..
2011-12-07- 13:39:52
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| KF5KWE |
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Joined: 2011-09-06- 19:18:00
Posts: 7
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Unfortunately no, but I plan on doing some more testing tomorrow when it's light after work. I guess I will have to lug the dish out there on the lawn to eliminate the possibility of the window affecting it. I can't think of anything else to work on for testing/fixing the range.. |
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Subject :Re:Bad range with wrt54g..
2011-12-21- 13:00:31
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| KF5KWE |
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Joined: 2011-09-06- 19:18:00
Posts: 7
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Ok I flashes DD-WRT, did some testing and it looks like my router is busted. The signal improves non-at-all with or without antennas. Will need to grab another WRT54g and rp-tnc connectors to figure out if it's not the antennas.
Thanks KD5MFW anyways. |
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Subject :Re:Bad range with wrt54g..
2012-01-22- 03:42:41
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| KD4MZM |
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Joined: 2012-01-08- 04:10:43
Posts: 16
Location: Sarasota, Florida |
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Hello,
Just wondering if anyone has been able to really see the true power output from a wireless router? Like by using a rf meter or something along that line. I have a really good QRP meter for 5 watts or less, but it's only for the H.F. bands. would like to get a QRP meter for 2.4 gig or even a low power slug for the Bird meter. Anyway, just asking.
73's de Eric...
Sarasota Node KD4MZM-100 |
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Sarasota Node KD4MZM-100
Mobile Node KD4MZM-300 (runs 24-7 from my truck) |
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Subject :Re:Bad range with wrt54g..
2012-01-22- 08:43:00
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| KC4BQK |
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Joined: 2010-10-09- 10:20:10
Posts: 34
Location: Henderson KY |
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Here is a link to a homebrew one:
kc4bqk.blogspot.com/2010/08/homebrew-24ghz-vswr-meter.html
73
Jim
KC4BQK |
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