long distance in Perth

[Geoff Watts]

People,

Yesterday we managed a 26.4km link from Doubleview to Lesmurdie in
Perth.  Best S/N we observed was -80dbm and the whole thing was done
handheld.  Elevation at Lesmurdie was 198m, and at Doubleview around 140.

Next weekend we should have an antenna mounted somewhat more permanantly,
and we're looking at putting an access point up there if performance is as
good as things are looking.

We'll let you know how we go, and this could potentially be really good
news for linking the smallish (and spread out) Perth networks together.

Vital Stats:

Doubleview
140m elevation
10dbi omni pacsat antenna
apple airport, 30dbm output model with pigtail straight into antenna
Pole mounted from chimney mount (observe: www.innaloo.net/~wattsg)

Lesmurdie
198m elevation
24dbi conifer antenna
FCC 30dbm cabletron roamabout card, very short (3m?) RG8
Hand-held antenna

Total Distance: 26.4km
Best S/N: -80dbm (good for 5.5mbps easily)

I'm also pleased that the lobes coming out of that omni seem to be high
enough that we're getting a decent signal.

Thanks to Matt Lambie and Steve Bennett for assistance.

cheers,
geoff