Broadband-Hamnet … May “How to”

Our last meeting on Wednesday 20 May built on the April meeting where we got the theory.  The May meeting  we got some insight into the practice …   How to get Hamnet up and running at our own QTH.

James ZL2ET, Mike ZL1AXG, John ZL2HD and Bernard ZL2BD set up a multitude of Wi-Fi devices around the hall … then showed how the Amateur Radio software for these devices (each a node in a common network) could be used to do a variety of things – from checking on how many Wi-Fi links were out there (there are dozens in the building’s vicinity, and the display number grows as devices report on what they’re connected to) to a digital camera watching Col ZL2COL preparing supper out in the kitchen. In between James and Mike talked us through the control and application layers. These things are fast; the bulletin board software leaves Packet for dead!

There are a range of available devices (even using old Link Sys routers); with the right units and antennas line of sight contact over distances up to 15km is possible. Wellington’s problem is its hills and valleys, so more nodes are needed to propagate the signal.

A possible application (also being developed) is a “redundant” communications system for when the local civil defence network is compromised (in a major earthquake). Ham-net Wi-Fi using remote cameras might capture useful data for supply to the local authorities. With the Government moving to “social networks” for its emergency communications with the public in general, the possibilities for an Amateur Radio input appear endless.

Summary courtesy of Doug ZL2AOV

Also, check out James new ZL Hamnet website

Screen Shot 2015-04-28 at 8.04.10 pm

Kordia equipment donated to QHUG

Kordia has kindly donated some surplus equipment for the QHUG future remote site. This includes two Datron 1Kw linear amplifiers and associated 28V power supplies as indicated in the images below.  These will be straight forward to connect up to amateur transceivers at the remote site.  We were also gifted two Datron transceivers that could be used for a range of purposes (e.g. beacon stations or for fixed frequency digital mode use) and a Furuno receiver.    These donations are huge boost to the project!

Linear amp photo #1Linear Amp Photo #2

Bernard ZL2BD has been busy

Experiments with equipment for a remote site continue …  Bernard has now completed breadboards for connecting his Four Square remote controllers to Arduinos (both Mega and Uno arduino boards are on the breadboard) at each end (remote site and in Wellington).   Now, for writing the software …

Bernard Arduino Breadboard #4 Bernard Breadboard #3

Hamnet: A new communication mode for WARC members

ZL1AXG now on Hamnet a Mesh Network for amateur radio operators
ZL1AXG now on Hamnet – a Mesh Network for amateur radio operators

Three WARC members have recently established a Mesh Network (Hamnet) on 2.4Ghz using Ubiquiti Nanonstation M2 equipment and Linksys WRT-54 routers.   These pieces of wifi equipment operate on WiFi channel 1, but because this is in the amateur 2.4Ghz spectrum we are able to load mesh software developed by amateurs and, if necessary, operate on higher power and with gain antennas.  The Nanonstation M2s seem to have good signals over 2Km paths with just 500mW of power, allowing 130Mps traffic.  The Linksys devices have a more limited range and lower speeds.

An IRC chat node, webserver, bulletin board and demonstration video application are up and running!

For further information contact James ZL2ET to get yourself connected as a new node.   Cost is around $170.  You will need a computer!

Temporary installation of Ubiquiti Nanostation M2 equipment running on Hamnet
Temporary installation of Ubiquiti Nanostation M2 equipment running on Hamnet