Antenna questions

az2k · 08-20-2002

We are making good progress on selecting a T-1 provider so now we are looking at what would be the best antenna. We have decided on a 120 degree sector antenna as the best fit but the question is what gain would be reasonable. The maximum distance is probably 1500 feet.

I have put together a "cantenna" and it works quite well. What type of weather proofing is common? I was figuring on putting in some PVC and capping the ends but I wonder how much attenutation there would be through the PVC.

Thanks,

Keith

Thorn · 08-20-2002

Keith,
SWAG on the antenna: 14 - 15dBi. (SWAG = Scientific Wild Assed Guess

)

About the PVC: It should be OK, but the best way to check is to place a short length in a microwave, with a glass of water. Zap it for thirty seconds. If the PVC feels warm (aside from any water vapor) it has absorbed some RF, and will therefore cause a loss. If is cool, then it hasn't absorbed enough to cause a significant loss. (The glass of water is used to prevent damaging the oven in case the RF is NOT absorbed by the PVC.)

az2k · 08-20-2002

Is your SWAG based on the end user having a directional antenna or based on them having whatever antenna comes with the device?

Thanks,

Keith

Thorn · 08-20-2002

Sorry, I should have made that a bit clearer. At 1500 feet, the device antenna will probably work, although a small exterior antenna would make life easier. It depends on the CPE. Some CPE have better antennae than others.

08-20-2002	#1 (permalink)
az2k Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 21	Antenna questions We are making good progress on selecting a T-1 provider so now we are looking at what would be the best antenna. We have decided on a 120 degree sector antenna as the best fit but the question is what gain would be reasonable. The maximum distance is probably 1500 feet. I have put together a "cantenna" and it works quite well. What type of weather proofing is common? I was figuring on putting in some PVC and capping the ends but I wonder how much attenutation there would be through the PVC. Thanks, Keith

08-20-2002	#2 (permalink)
Thorn Did you do the math? Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Villa Straylight Posts: 10,096	Keith, SWAG on the antenna: 14 - 15dBi. (SWAG = Scientific Wild Assed Guess ) About the PVC: It should be OK, but the best way to check is to place a short length in a microwave, with a glass of water. Zap it for thirty seconds. If the PVC feels warm (aside from any water vapor) it has absorbed some RF, and will therefore cause a loss. If is cool, then it hasn't absorbed enough to cause a significant loss. (The glass of water is used to prevent damaging the oven in case the RF is NOT absorbed by the PVC.) __________________ Thorn "I'm The Doctor. I'm a Time Lord. I am from the planet Gallifrey in the constellation Kasterborous. I'm 903 years old and I am the man who is going to save your lives and all 6 billion people on the planet below... You got a problem with that?"

08-20-2002	#4 (permalink)
Thorn Did you do the math? Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Villa Straylight Posts: 10,096	Sorry, I should have made that a bit clearer. At 1500 feet, the device antenna will probably work, although a small exterior antenna would make life easier. It depends on the CPE. Some CPE have better antennae than others. __________________ Thorn "I'm The Doctor. I'm a Time Lord. I am from the planet Gallifrey in the constellation Kasterborous. I'm 903 years old and I am the man who is going to save your lives and all 6 billion people on the planet below... You got a problem with that?"

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08-20-2002	#3 (permalink)
az2k Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 21	Is your SWAG based on the end user having a directional antenna or based on them having whatever antenna comes with the device? Thanks, Keith