I just became aware of a similar non-ham application called Commotion.   .http://commotionwireless.net

Using OSLR to create mesh networks on Ubiquiti radios to provide internet access to impoverished neighborhoods.   There's some interesting stories about its use in Tunisia.

Perhaps Ham radio should be reaching out to the Commotion community to offer support and assistance in what seems like a very worthwhile endeavor......

Take a look at this link: http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/hsmm-mesh-forums/view-postlist/forum-2-hardware/topic-180-wrt54gtm.html

Howdy,

So I found myself with a WRT54G-TM, an interesting device was wondering if the firmware would load on it. Nope it wouldn't so I thought I'd try to install dd-wrt but for some reason I must have borked something.

I did a factory reset to the linksys firmware. Following these instructions: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=212455#212455

I loaded in the CFE and it went ok, however after that it just kind of got stuck with the power light blinking. I seemingly can tftp into it, and put firmware on to the device but it doesn't do anything. Won't reboot won't update etc. I was wondering if anyone could give me a hand/insight?

Howdy,

So I found myself with a WRT54G-TM, an interesting device was wondering if the firmware would load on it. Nope it wouldn't so I thought I'd try to install dd-wrt but for some reason I must have borked something.

I did a factory reset to the linksys firmware. Following these instructions: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=212455#212455

I loaded in the CFE and it went ok, however after that it just kind of got stuck with the power light blinking. I seemingly can tftp into it, and put firmware on to the device but it doesn't do anything. Won't reboot won't update etc. I was wondering if anyone could give me a hand/insight?

My first thought is this actually an M2 and not just a Bullet2.

After that my next thought is did the file get corrupted during download perhaps.

If both of those are good it could be a limitation in the AirOS GUI (what version of AirOS?) and you may just need to TFTP install instead.

Got another wrt54g today from an auction. This time a v2. With just a few minor obstacles, got it up and running. thanks for the responses.

Bob

I apologize in advance for a second post today, however, a flashing issue has arisen.

In loading bbhn-1.0.1-ar71xx-ubnt-bullet-m-squashfs-factory.bin to a Bullet M2 HP I get as far as uploading the bin file then get a "Bad Firmware Image Update" error. I have rebooted the bullet and logged in to Air-OS again, then tried the upload but still no joy.

Where am I going wrong?

Well, the wavelength on 2.4ghz is a very short distance (12cm) so going out does not have to be very far to avoid distortion of the RF field.

The bigger item is actually the shielding the tower will add. 

Consider anything that would go through the tower itself as if it is 100% shielded and that you will not be able to make contact. Some signals may get through because of the gap in a room tower but I would advise considering anything in that direction as a NULL for planning purposes.(I tend to plan pessimistically on RF out of habit to increase my margins )

The further out you go the less degrees potentially nulled out by the tower.

The NanoStstion will indeed run on 12v setup as long as the voltage at the far end of the cat5 cable is kept above 10.5v (though I've heard they can handle drops below intermittently it's not a guranteed state)

Here is a link to Specifications (including power) from Ubiquiti http://dl.ubnt.com/UBNT-AOS_prod-specs-gen_4.pdf

Just keep ohms law in mind (or use an online POE) calculator if the cat5 run has a potential of a couple volts drop due to length.

if your going to run a long distance you may consider a 12v to 16v or 12v to 24v DC-DC converter to reduce loss and allow longer cable runs ,  but short runs shouldn't be an issue.

Inside the Ubiquiti gear is a Switch Mode Power Supply that allows it to tolerate these wide voltage shifts making them ideal for field deployments. 

Thanks!

All,

We have the possible opportunity to get our area's first truly wide area node installed. The site is well above average terrain of the metro area with good line of sight.  The node, as envisioned, will be a Chinese made 18dbi (although I rather think that is an optimistic measurement) whip fed from a Ubiquity Bullet M2 HP fed by outdoor rated CAT 5.  All well and good so far. The rub is that we cannot get placed at the top of the Rohn 45 tower now offered.  The owner is fine with a side mount which raises some questions.  

How far out from the tower should we place the whip?

There will be pattern distortion no matter what I fear, but has anyone done a similar install and give guidance?

Anything we might be missing?

Thanks in advance!

Dave KM2O

I'm planning on getting a couple of Nanos to play with in dropboxes, replacing the Linksys routers I had been using. The Nanos come with their own PoE injector which runs at 24v. Has anyone done any research to see if the Nano will run on 12v? I'd like to use the same battery/charger configuration I had with the 54's. Any stories about how you solved this particular little dilemma?

Thanks.

Hello at Broadband-Hamnet,

Anyone here who have advanced experience in adjustment of P2P parameters in Ubiquity M5 and Bullet WLAN equipment?

Best regards
Peter
OX3XR
Nuuk
Greenland

Hello at Broadband-Hamnet,

Anyone here who have advanced experience in adjustment of P2P parameters in Ubiquity M5 and Bullet WLAN equipment?

Best regards
Peter
OX3XR
Nuuk
Greenland

UH, what Yagi are you referring to?

I have dishes (commercially bought from Titan/Fab-corb/L-com).

I DO have 2 Cushcraft Yagis (in radomes) out back, heavily grounded (as in laying on), needing repair--a buddy borrowed and appeared to him that the feedline came loose from the driver element. I personally havent looked (no gumption or time)

The MFJ yagis are inexpensive and work fairly well, when enclosed in a radome or stiffened up--being stamped aluminum, it will sway in a breeze spraying the signal.

Jim