Re: [AFMUG] First attempt
This is a very nice video, while longer than most it was very easy to follow, audio and video quality was much better than a lot of YouTube videos I have watched. I know they take a long time to produce so kudos to you for making the effort. Please let us know as you make more, one can always pick up a few bits of information by watching these types of things. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mathew Howard Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2016 2:16 PM To: af Subject: Re: [AFMUG] First attempt I see where you're going with 5 minute videos, but I'd really like to see more of these longer videos too. I really enjoyed it, and I would've watched the whole thing even if it had been twice as long. On Sun, Feb 14, 2016 at 10:05 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: Happy Valentines day to you too! And thanks for all the kind words and feedback. I will work on learning how to edit video to make it look a bit less clunky. I am surprised it had 64 views this morning. Terribly long for a product info video. I gotta learn how to make 5 minute or less videos about each product to include in my web pages. So, day before yesterday did the chocolate and flowers. Yesterday did steak and prime rib. This morning made the bed (I do that everyday anyhow...). So I think I might have this valentines day in the bag. From: Adam Moffett <mailto:dmmoff...@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2016 8:28 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] First attempt Loved the educational part. Loved it to bits. I *heart* this video. On 2/13/2016 10:52 PM, Chris Fabien wrote: Really enjoyed the video, quite educational and easy to follow with an engineering background. For a more general audience maybe little too deep of a dive. Would it be easy to set up a test of yours vs a competitor showing ethernet errors due to saturation? That could drive the point home in a way most could understand without needing so much background. Some better close-up would help when trying to show the jumpers etc. Even a still image would be fine. On Feb 13, 2016 7:34 PM, "Chuck McCown" wrote: Too long. Almost usable audio. Need to work on lighting. Lots of problems, but I do like Microsoft Movie Maker much better than GoPro Studio. https://youtu.be/j7RP8fnbJQo
Re: [AFMUG] HAMSs and Internet
Unless they are trying to host a voice repeater conference server they do not need anywhere near that kind of bandwidth. A conference server would host multiple connects all at the same time, if they needed 500k per connection that would add up. I would not let them host a conference server on your wireless network, that stuff is better placed in big data centers. I am an amateur radio operator and have data and voice networks I maintain for the clubs locally. Honestly 1 to 3 meg is more than enough for what they will need. Anything more than that and they will likely be doing things that they should be paying for on your network. They may be trying to do some live video stuff but you don't need to shoulder that burden, they can do live TV broadcasts on spectrum they have available, not as easy to do as IP cams and Ethernet but they can do it. If you have the tower space you might consider offering them places to put their own links if all they need is bandwidth between sites. There are amateur radio spectrum allocations in the 3.3 GHz band as well as 5.9 GHz, and I am pretty sure they can load international firmware and run their own links on MicroTik or Ubiquiti radios. This would keep the traffic off your network and possibly discourage them from putting up links legally licensed in the bands you are using for your business. Technically they have licensed rights and could knock you off the air. Best not to start that war, they can operate in the 900, 2.4 and 5 GHz bands legally at much higher power. If you can get them off on to the spectrum that does not overlap the unlicensed bands everyone wins. They also have their own IPv4 space available (ampr.org). Feel free to hit me up off list and/or have them contact me if you need to. I will happily try to explain how they can create win-win for everyone. Here is a link to a frequency chart that shows amateur radio licensed allocations. Remember they are considered licensed incumbents and you cannot interfere with their operations. http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Hambands_color.pdf Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jerry Head Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2016 9:05 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] HAMSs and Internet I think a few of the list members out there are HAMs so I need some advice please. I support our local HAM group and have allowed them to place repeaters on two of my towers at no charge to their group. Now one of their members has asked for Internet service at one of the sites for HAM use. I have heard something about HAMs using the Internet to "talk" so I guess this is not unusual. For me the kicker is that he is asking for 20x20Mbps service...I certainly have the capacity but that just seems excessive. Opinions anyone?
Re: [AFMUG] HAMSs and Internet
quipment. Ham radio operators are allowed to design, build, test, and operate wireless projects across a vast range of frequencies. They are able to, among other things, hack together Wi-Fi routers that can operate over longer distances and use more power than standard, commercial Wi-Fi. Adding amateur radio technology to their projects opens up whole new vistas for today’s DIYers. “It blows me away what can be done, and for cheap,” says maker-blogger Rich Holoch <https://ky6r.wordpress.com/page/2/> , who experiments with microcontrollers and projects based on Arduino <https://www.arduino.cc/> and Raspberry Pi <https://www.raspberrypi.org/> devices. “It opens up the whole matrix of what you can do.” “It’s amazing all the things that are out there that you can do with ham radio,” concurs Christine Axsmith, president of HacDC Radio Club <http://www.hacdc.org/> , part of HacDC, a Washington, D.C.-area maker group. “But with Raspberry Pi, it just blew the lid off.” HacDCers are working on projects that include microwave networking and remotely controlled 3D printing — all using wireless radio technology. Dennis Kidder came to that ham-maker nexus from the other direction. A longtime ham radio operator, he was unprepared for what he found when he went to his first maker faire in San Mateo a few years ago. “We were overwhelmed with the DIY electronics and the robotics,” he says. He was so energized by the experience that he helped write (with Jack Purdum) a book on the subject, <http://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Projects-Amateur-Radio-Purdum-ebook/dp/B00O2A7I5O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454621169&sr=8-1&keywords=dennis+kidder> Arduino Projects for Amateur Radio. Putting ham radio to good use One thing a lot of these maker-hams talk about is the potential use of their hobby for public service. “Our team is working on a project to turn any cellphone into a shortwave radio,” Axsmith says, explaining that once the work is done, it could be used to help provide communications in developing areas. Other makers are contributing their skills to the American Radio Relay League <http://www.arrl.org/> ’s (ARRL) National Parks on the Air event, in which ham radio operators try to raise awareness about national parks and the work done by the National Park Service. Others are developing new emergency communications networks as backups for when cell service disappears. Some maker spaces now offer ham radio activities. A few, like HacDC, have their own radio shacks and experimental equipment and offer ham radio license classes. Meanwhile, ARRL is ramping up its efforts to spread the word about ham radio in the maker community. “We support a lot of ham radio operators who go to maker faires,” says Bob Inderbitzen, ARRL’s sales and marketing manager. The combination of ham radio and the maker movement could even help the former shed its amateur status. Inderbitzen says familiarity with both could be a real plus when it comes to getting hired as an engineer. Hands-on experience with radio frequency engineering is extremely valuable these days but also hard to find. He says he’s seeing “a significant boost in employment opportunities” for hams who know how to make stuff. Read More So, just as the hams of a hundred years ago eventually provided the foundations for the professional radio business, the maker-hams (ham-makers?) of today could find their personal passions paying off too. Wayne Rash is senior columnist for eWEEK and can be reached at wa...@rash.org. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jerry Head Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 8:21 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] HAMSs and Internet Hmm he sent a few pictures, does this look like a conference server? <https://www.dropbox.com/s/lm7yqdblb6mri0l/Screenshot%202016-02-19%2007.16.28.png?dl=0> https://www.dropbox.com/s/lm7yqdblb6mri0l/Screenshot%202016-02-19%2007.16.28.png?dl=0 <https://www.dropbox.com/s/e2u283gy05fgt9i/Screenshot%202016-02-19%2007.18.23.png?dl=0> https://www.dropbox.com/s/e2u283gy05fgt9i/Screenshot%202016-02-19%2007.18.23.png?dl=0 <https://www.dropbox.com/s/51jov0xxmybov37/Screenshot%202016-02-19%2007.19.32.png?dl=0> https://www.dropbox.com/s/51jov0xxmybov37/Screenshot%202016-02-19%2007.19.32.png?dl=0 I have not applied the Google to research that device in the third picture...yet. On 2/19/2016 12:59 AM, Brian Webster wrote: > Unless they are trying to host a voice repeater conference server they do not > need anywhere near that kind of bandwidth. A conference server would host > multiple connects all at the same time, if they needed 500k per connection > that would add up. I would not let them host a conference server on your > wireless network, that
Re: [AFMUG] HAMSs and Internet
You ought to look in to the new rules to see if you can get your license renewed. I think if you can produce paperwork you might be able to get exam credit for being prior licensed but not positive on that. There was some new rule change in the last couple of years for something like that. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of ch...@wbmfg.com Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 5:44 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] HAMSs and Internet Back in my college days, I was the president of the college ham station. W7OHR. We did lots of things in conjunction with campus police and local search and rescue. 4th of July parade we helped with the pacing if the floats etc. We also passed traffic to and from folks involved in the earthquake in Mexico City in the 1980s. We had lots of emergency drills, and networks that we checked into every day or week etc etc. But the cold war was on too. I was even a member of ARES so the guvmnt wouldn’t shut me down when the ruskies invaded or bombed or whatever. So, yeah, we did some community service. I accidentally let my license lapse and never bothered to go get licensed again. I would take the cold war over ISIS any day. From: Lewis Bergman <mailto:lewis.berg...@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 3:04 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] HAMSs and Internet I call bullshit. That me be what they are supposed to be but not what most really are or can do. I must admit, they aren't as bad as storm chasers. I had one of those asshats demand I let him on my tower for free because they provide a public service. I told him to talk to the countries out there and have them pay for it. For some reason he thought that since he supposedly did something for the public good I was obligated to surrender my property to him. Socialist piece of shit. On Fri, Feb 19, 2016, 1:53 PM Brian Webster wrote: Ok this is one of the flavors of VOIP linked voice repeater systems. A couple of things to understand about hams, they love to play with technology, many like to have the latest and biggest for bragging rights, not much unlike other hobbies (cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, etc.) Because they can buy stuff like this many times they think they should build one and have it. These Wires systems are in the minority of linked networks, some guys just want to "HAVE" th3eir own conference server not really understanding the network and concepts. Reality is if they want to talk with other people they themselves will connect to the most popular conference servers to have someone to talk to. Too many conference servers and there is excess capacity. Ham put up their own repeaters like this in areas where there is already a number of existing repeaters that don't get much use, then they beg people to come talk with them on "their" repeater. It's an ego thing. Reality is if their repeaters or base stations have enough bandwidth to connect to a conference server that already exists then they have what they need. That is not 20 meg, 1 meg or less will do. As I mentioned before, conference servers belong in data centers, not tower sites for some guys house. They need good symmetric bandwidth with redundant paths and providers. Now why would you support these clubs? The amateur radio groups provide a lot of public service and disaster communications capacity in times of need. They do this on their own money and time. Local communities benefit a great deal. They have an tight associating with the national weather service and the SkyWarn storm spotter system. National Weather Service Office have their own amateur radio equipment in place and they will talk directly to storm spotter in the field during sever weather. All of their communications is noncommercial. They have a lot of spectrum available and the ability to do all kinds of things technically. It's not just Morse Code and shortwave radio. They have their own satellites, broadcast TV, digital packet radio networks and a nationwide vehicle tracking system (Google Amateur Radio APRS). They support many non-governmental agencies, Red Cross, Salvation Army, APCO and others. They have official memorandums of understanding in place that spell out their roles and support. They support bringing technology in to the classroom offering summer teaching courses for teachers who wish to use real technology to teach students about math, geography and other subjects. They have a major role in supporting the boy and girl scout programs and youth. The list goes on and on. They also have many members who have done a great deal of software and technology development. Now to Ken's point about them being old and grey, arrogant and pompous, there certainly are a lot of people like that, every group has them.
Re: [AFMUG] HAMSs and Internet
I was not stating that you should or might be obligated to give anything to them. That is entirely up to you and only you. There is no doubt you will find some asshats among the ranks of the amateur radio community. My post was just to help inform the list readers what types of things the amateur radio service has been offering communities for years. They are certainly not entitled to anything free just by the virtue of their community service offered and I never mean to insinuate that. Many people will think that amateur radio operators just play around and BS on the radio all of the time not offering anything productive. 95% of the time this is absolutely true, but it does keep them proficient in the operations of their equipment and other systems they utilize on a regular basis. Should they be called to offer community service at the drop of a hat they can take their equipment and put it to good use and know how to operate it effectively. I cannot say as much for many of the public safety backup and interoperability systems that have been purchased at great expense under homeland security grants. Since the agencies who own these rarely use them and neither do the operators in the field, they usually struggle in trying to make them work when needed and many times they fail to work at all. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Lewis Bergman Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 5:04 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] HAMSs and Internet I call bullshit. That me be what they are supposed to be but not what most really are or can do. I must admit, they aren't as bad as storm chasers. I had one of those asshats demand I let him on my tower for free because they provide a public service. I told him to talk to the countries out there and have them pay for it. For some reason he thought that since he supposedly did something for the public good I was obligated to surrender my property to him. Socialist piece of shit. On Fri, Feb 19, 2016, 1:53 PM Brian Webster wrote: Ok this is one of the flavors of VOIP linked voice repeater systems. A couple of things to understand about hams, they love to play with technology, many like to have the latest and biggest for bragging rights, not much unlike other hobbies (cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, etc.) Because they can buy stuff like this many times they think they should build one and have it. These Wires systems are in the minority of linked networks, some guys just want to "HAVE" th3eir own conference server not really understanding the network and concepts. Reality is if they want to talk with other people they themselves will connect to the most popular conference servers to have someone to talk to. Too many conference servers and there is excess capacity. Ham put up their own repeaters like this in areas where there is already a number of existing repeaters that don't get much use, then they beg people to come talk with them on "their" repeater. It's an ego thing. Reality is if their repeaters or base stations have enough bandwidth to connect to a conference server that already exists then they have what they need. That is not 20 meg, 1 meg or less will do. As I mentioned before, conference servers belong in data centers, not tower sites for some guys house. They need good symmetric bandwidth with redundant paths and providers. Now why would you support these clubs? The amateur radio groups provide a lot of public service and disaster communications capacity in times of need. They do this on their own money and time. Local communities benefit a great deal. They have an tight associating with the national weather service and the SkyWarn storm spotter system. National Weather Service Office have their own amateur radio equipment in place and they will talk directly to storm spotter in the field during sever weather. All of their communications is noncommercial. They have a lot of spectrum available and the ability to do all kinds of things technically. It's not just Morse Code and shortwave radio. They have their own satellites, broadcast TV, digital packet radio networks and a nationwide vehicle tracking system (Google Amateur Radio APRS). They support many non-governmental agencies, Red Cross, Salvation Army, APCO and others. They have official memorandums of understanding in place that spell out their roles and support. They support bringing technology in to the classroom offering summer teaching courses for teachers who wish to use real technology to teach students about math, geography and other subjects. They have a major role in supporting the boy and girl scout programs and youth. The list goes on and on. They also have many members who have done a great deal of software and technology development. Now to Ken's point about them be
Re: [AFMUG] OT Apple
Ok I will bite to keep the thread moving. Ponder this thought: Executive branch has the ability to direct the NSA to do domestic spying, may not be legal but they do it anyway. This includes spying on members of congress. We know politicians all have skeletons in their closets, makes them ripe for extortion and such. Executive branch uses the NSA to gather all these bits of juicy data that incriminates ANY and ALL politicians. Every time a critical vote in congress comes up, they study where the swing votes may be, then all you do in threaten to disclose any of these juicy details the NSA has gathered. End result is the vote goes the way you need it to. As the executive branch you use this power and tactic very carefully and sparingly so as not to raise suspicions or to cause legislative revolt. The public does not worry about this because they have the protection of the Supreme Court and the balance of powers. Then you think, but what if the executive branch does this to the judges too……… This level of power is something that once discovered would never be given up, it’s just too handy and powerful, no matter which party the executive may be from. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 9:03 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT Apple Yeah, I was being a troll when I started the thread. I knew it would get some traction. Tushar was right, I was bored. From: Jaime Solorza <mailto:losguyswirel...@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 7:01 PM To: Animal Farm <mailto:af@afmug.com> Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT Apple Hire a high school get to open phone. Geezh On Feb 19, 2016 3:45 PM, wrote: Treason?
Re: [AFMUG] OT Apple
Absolutely Chuck, I think this is why smart companies have what I think is called “A Canary Statement” on their web sites. While one cannot disclose legally the receipt of existence of a national security letter having been presented to them, they do publish a statement somewhere on their web site that they have never received a national security letter or been required to respond to a similar type request. So if a company or person where to all of the sudden get a letter, a simple deletion of that statement from their web site might be a good indication that they have since received a letter. Only problem is this has not seen massive adoption so that it would become a re3liable system/method. The whole secret court thing is beyond comprehension and again I make my statement that absolute power corrupts absolutely. One party created the law, the other party had the opportunity to let it expire yet they chose to renew the law…… Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Macenski Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 9:26 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT Apple WIthout taking a public position one way or the other, this need to be settled in the courts so that we all have some idea of what rights we do or do not have; we should not be required to guess about what the government can and can't do; if we can't be trusted to know what the government can do, then it can be argued that we have no rights. I am reminded of the national security letters which are arguably unconstitutional, but, any attempt to present that argument to the judicial branch can result in your imprisonment. my 2 cents On Fri, Feb 19, 2016 at 8:21 PM, Brian Webster wrote: Ok I will bite to keep the thread moving. Ponder this thought: Executive branch has the ability to direct the NSA to do domestic spying, may not be legal but they do it anyway. This includes spying on members of congress. We know politicians all have skeletons in their closets, makes them ripe for extortion and such. Executive branch uses the NSA to gather all these bits of juicy data that incriminates ANY and ALL politicians. Every time a critical vote in congress comes up, they study where the swing votes may be, then all you do in threaten to disclose any of these juicy details the NSA has gathered. End result is the vote goes the way you need it to. As the executive branch you use this power and tactic very carefully and sparingly so as not to raise suspicions or to cause legislative revolt. The public does not worry about this because they have the protection of the Supreme Court and the balance of powers. Then you think, but what if the executive branch does this to the judges too……… This level of power is something that once discovered would never be given up, it’s just too handy and powerful, no matter which party the executive may be from. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 9:03 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT Apple Yeah, I was being a troll when I started the thread. I knew it would get some traction. Tushar was right, I was bored. From: Jaime Solorza <mailto:losguyswirel...@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 7:01 PM To: Animal Farm <mailto:af@afmug.com> Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT Apple Hire a high school get to open phone. Geezh On Feb 19, 2016 3:45 PM, wrote: Treason?
Re: [AFMUG] Tessco Show
One of the big reasons amateur radio systems tend to stay on line when all others fail is due to the simple fact that the amateur radio operators build and maintain their own networks. Public Safety Systems rely on commercial contractors to maintain and repair their systems. The agencies rarely have any good understanding of their systems when there is an outage and therefore they don’t have ways to overcome the problems. They deal with this by pouring a lot of money in to redundant and backup systems. In large scale disasters these commercial repair contracts get spread thin real fast and have soo many problems to fix all at the same time. Amateur radio systems have been put together with more creative solutions that cost little to nothing because it’s an all-volunteer effort. When things break they don’t just throw money at the problem to fix it. Jamie, the reason you don’t hear talk of amateur radio systems as shows like you are at is because they provide services for almost free, that does not sell equipment and services for the commercial vendors. I am not saying public safety systems should not have backup systems in place mind you, just stating the obvious that may not be so obvious to most. If you were selling stuff to make a living would you tell a potential client how to not purchase what you are offering? Do you see the cable companies showing consumers how to get free off the air TV? Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 11:34 PM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Tessco Show Yes as in anything we have good and not so good...my point was that HAM folks have had systems operating when no one else did and it makes sense that emergency agencies have knowledge and relationship with local folks just in case your state of the art system fails. Look at how thinking out of the box saved astronauts way back then...or poor analogy...when UFC first came out...all these high rank black belts got whooped by skinny juijitsu guynow they have adapted and evolved...same thing to me...fuck the politics... make it work. Period On Feb 24, 2016 8:46 PM, "Colin Stanners" wrote: Well it's true there's a huge variety of people and experience in the ham community, it's certain there will be some that suck, and so it's a risk getting involved without good research first. But in general, they - or I should say us hams- have a very nice combination of tower sites, active hardware, spare hardware, RF knowledge and eagerness for community service so as to respond rapidly in any situation. I just hope more hams will evolve from old voice / kilobit-speed packet networks to new 2.3 / 5.9ghz IP systems so as to keep pushing boundaries and advancing the hobby. On Feb 24, 2016 9:00 PM, "Mike Hammett" wrote: I'm guessing Lewis and one or two others have had some sort of bad dealing with a HAM and now hate the all forever for any impractical reason. - Mike Hammett <http://www.ics-il.com/> Intelligent Computing Solutions <https://www.facebook.com/ICSIL> <https://plus.google.com/+IntelligentComputingSolutionsDeKalb> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/intelligent-computing-solutions> <https://twitter.com/ICSIL> <http://www.midwest-ix.com/> Midwest Internet Exchange <https://www.facebook.com/mdwestix> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-internet-exchange> <https://twitter.com/mdwestix> <http://www.thebrotherswisp.com/> The Brothers WISP <https://www.facebook.com/thebrotherswisp> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXSdfxQv7SpoRQYNyLwntZg> _ From: "Lewis Bergman" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 8:33:56 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Tessco Show FirstNet is a joke. Hardly anyone has reached DHS' level 6 interoperability and they are going to replace all that hardware at a cost by some estimates of over $10 billion.There have been several hair brained schemes to pay for it but nobody has proposed a plan that is likely to succeed. The only viable option seems to let the carriers do it. Great, just what we need: a public safety system with all the reliability of our cell systems. Back on the HAM topic huh? The reason they don't like running exercises with them is that they are a crap shoot. Some are great, some are complete jokes. Nobody wants to be graded with the wildcard in the mix. On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 5:34 PM Jaime Solorza wrote: well I attended some interesting sessions. The Public safety one had several speakers from industry , gov't and academia... Learned allot and will share some important items later but I asked a question that really caught them off guard.there was no mention of any testing or w
Re: [AFMUG] Tessco Show
But to Lewis’ point there can be some jerks and know-it-alls in the ranks of the amateur ranks for sure. It’s a group dynamic thing. Most times in the strong ham radio communities you will find that the commercial radio shops are also hams and have volunteered their time and equipment to build and maintain the systems, so in reality they are just as professionally trained and certified for a lot of their critical infrastructure such as repeaters on tower sites. The real big thing that amateur radio can bring to the public safety arena is the ability to use their HF systems for large area communications without any need for infrastructure other than their antennas and radios. It’s not real sexy and not portable or handheld use but it brings a big capability to emergency situations that rarely have any systems in place to do that. They each have their place, neither one is a magic bullet and the only way amateur radio offers any real community benefit is to have trained and experienced radio operators who understand the incident command system. After the emergency has started is not the time to bring a rookie in who does not know their place and with who and how to properly communicate to the benefit of all involved. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2016 8:23 PM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Tessco Show Yep... On Feb 25, 2016 6:18 PM, "Brian Webster" wrote: One of the big reasons amateur radio systems tend to stay on line when all others fail is due to the simple fact that the amateur radio operators build and maintain their own networks. Public Safety Systems rely on commercial contractors to maintain and repair their systems. The agencies rarely have any good understanding of their systems when there is an outage and therefore they don’t have ways to overcome the problems. They deal with this by pouring a lot of money in to redundant and backup systems. In large scale disasters these commercial repair contracts get spread thin real fast and have soo many problems to fix all at the same time. Amateur radio systems have been put together with more creative solutions that cost little to nothing because it’s an all-volunteer effort. When things break they don’t just throw money at the problem to fix it. Jamie, the reason you don’t hear talk of amateur radio systems as shows like you are at is because they provide services for almost free, that does not sell equipment and services for the commercial vendors. I am not saying public safety systems should not have backup systems in place mind you, just stating the obvious that may not be so obvious to most. If you were selling stuff to make a living would you tell a potential client how to not purchase what you are offering? Do you see the cable companies showing consumers how to get free off the air TV? Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 11:34 PM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Tessco Show Yes as in anything we have good and not so good...my point was that HAM folks have had systems operating when no one else did and it makes sense that emergency agencies have knowledge and relationship with local folks just in case your state of the art system fails. Look at how thinking out of the box saved astronauts way back then...or poor analogy...when UFC first came out...all these high rank black belts got whooped by skinny juijitsu guynow they have adapted and evolved...same thing to me...fuck the politics... make it work. Period On Feb 24, 2016 8:46 PM, "Colin Stanners" wrote: Well it's true there's a huge variety of people and experience in the ham community, it's certain there will be some that suck, and so it's a risk getting involved without good research first. But in general, they - or I should say us hams- have a very nice combination of tower sites, active hardware, spare hardware, RF knowledge and eagerness for community service so as to respond rapidly in any situation. I just hope more hams will evolve from old voice / kilobit-speed packet networks to new 2.3 / 5.9ghz IP systems so as to keep pushing boundaries and advancing the hobby. On Feb 24, 2016 9:00 PM, "Mike Hammett" wrote: I'm guessing Lewis and one or two others have had some sort of bad dealing with a HAM and now hate the all forever for any impractical reason. - Mike Hammett <http://www.ics-il.com/> Intelligent Computing Solutions <https://www.facebook.com/ICSIL> <https://plus.google.com/+IntelligentComputingSolutionsDeKalb> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/intelligent-computing-solutions> <https://t
Re: [AFMUG] Tessco Show
I have extensive experience in public safety systems. Used to design, sell and build them when I worked for a Motorola MSS, I was also a 911 dispatcher. In addition I worked for years (and continue to) in the public safety systems as the county RACES officer and am part of the county EOC staff. I also sat on our county telecommunications committee as a volunteer, having helped work through the fire and public safety radio system upgrades and evaluated the consulting company that worked on the system I feel a decent amount of qualification to speak. Over 25 years in these arenas have given me a lot of real world experiences from all sides of the issue (not to mention 20 plus years military experience from the reserves). I still consult with the chairman of our county board on these issues. One of the things that I find from the public safety personnel is that much of their knowledge comes from learning from their vendors. Not many are true communications enthusiasts and eat live and breathe the stuff like most of us do. If the vendor/shop they rely on and trust, is not pro-amateur radio the public safety person typically is not. If the vendor/shop is, the public safety agency tends to embrace things through amateur radio more. The success or failure of amateur radio implementation in any community, is in most cases personality and trust related when it comes to the emergency management staff knowing who those amateur radio operators are, and if they like/trust those people to do a good job, and that they will stay within their role and purpose and if they keep from doing anything that would embarrass any government officials. With regards to trying something for free, I have heard the elected officials balk at that believe it or not. They would rather have a company they can sue and/or point fingers at when something goes wrong. Case in point locally, when my county wanted to evaluate their systems and have recommendations made for system improvements and upgrades, they scoffed at my offering to do it free (I am a taxpayer, parent and at the time a firefighter). The county attorney said we can’t do that because they wanted someone to be able to shoulder liability. In a litigious society things like this happen. Those old sayings like nobody ever got fired for hiring IBM or nobody ever got fired for buying CISCO still ring true. Lewis, you bring up a good point about people who get paid to do things. My take on that is that too many WISP’s have never put a true dollar value on their time in relation to a per hour value. When a startup is broke and cash is scarce but time is plentiful, they do things for themselves thinking it’s a good thing because they didn’t have to spend money doing the task at hand. That works in the beginning but over time there are too many things one person must do in a day to get them all done. Too often I find that WISP’s don’t do a true evaluation of what might be cheaper to hire out and what they can do themselves to save the company money or have the necessary skill sets to do so. Coming from a high concentration of Alpha Males types, this industry many times will not do that honest evaluation. If for instance a WISP operator finds that their time is really worth $60 per hour to the company (not unreasonable and in many cases still too undervalued), they may find it cheaper to hire that electrician at less than $60 per hour get that task done AND they still have time to get the other important business tasks done to keep the company moving forward. This also follows through to where a WISP will do the things they like to do and ignore things that need to be done to grow their company. Marketing is a great example of this, WISP’s will blow that off and chase service tickets justifying to themselves that the ticket is an emergency and they need to keep their customer happy. Truth is they can hire that work out cheaper and then their can focus their efforts on marketing and increasing their customer counts and revenue much faster. It’s so easy to stay in the trap of I can do it myself and not spend any money, but rarely does anyone really look at the true amount of time they spent on learning to do that task and what it would have cost to just hire it out and spend on those hours on some other revenue producing thing for the company. A great exaggerated example would be, you don’t need to hire a lawyer to answer to charges in a court, you have the right to self-represent and you can study case law and the laws on your own and not spend the money to hire the lawyer. Given enough time anyone could do that, but do you have the time before you might have to sit in front of a judge and jury to do a good enough job to defend yourself? Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Lewis Bergman Sent: Thursday, February 25
Re: [AFMUG] When do you need permits to put an antenna on a tower?
Go research the local tower zoning laws for the municipality the tower is located in. That will tell you if you need to so anything. He may be confused and thinking things like FAA approvals. Is this tower a FAA previously approved site? If so technically any time you add new frequencies to a tower you have to refile. Nobody does but it is required. Not only does the FAA study for airspace obstructions but they also do RFI studies for their RADAR and radio navigation systems. So each new addition to a tower gets studied for RFI if the height is not changed. If you did not install a meter for your own equipment then you should not have to pull an electrical permit. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Rory Conaway Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 1:10 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] When do you need permits to put an antenna on a tower? A Podunk town with a population of 1500. We found the biggest jerk and put equipment on his tower. Now he wants permits 3 months later. We are looking elsewhere for another tower now. Rory From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mike Hammett Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 9:59 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] When do you need permits to put an antenna on a tower? Depends on local regulation? - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com _ From: "Rory Conaway" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 11:57:49 AM Subject: [AFMUG] When do you need permits to put an antenna on a tower? Rory Conaway • Triad Wireless • CEO 4226 S. 37th Street • Phoenix • AZ 85040 602-426-0542 r...@triadwireless.net www.triadwireless.net <http://www.triadwireless.net/> “Progress always involves risks. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first. “~Frederick B. Wilcox
Re: [AFMUG] Franchise agreements
I believe the answer is in the fact that they deliver video services. Not positive though, if a cable company went to data only I think they would not need the franchise anymore. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 2:06 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Franchise agreements Why does the cable company need a franchise agreement to use the muni's right of ways where the phone and power companies don't? Anybody know for sure on that one?
Re: [AFMUG] Towers near airports
It’s actually pretty complex to figure out. Many factors such as if you are near the end, or the side of the runway come in to play. Other issues such as submitting a good 1A survey letter to have a ground elevation for the tower so the FAA will not add a margin of error to your height make a big difference. I used to do a lot of this work for a tower company about 17 years ago. Had some real advanced software to calculate the instrument approaches to see the maximum heights we could build towers. Different types of approaches are approved for various airfields. Our towers near airports always rented well J. TOWAIR is a good first pass for the easy stuff. If you need to do some harder work I recommend that you work with the folks at www.airspaceusa.com. The founder is a retired FAA guy and knows the best way to get things done. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Glen Waldrop Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 9:00 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Towers near airports Towair says I'm good, but what are the distance requirements before it is an issue? I'd like some ballpark guidelines at least. Any tips? Something not in this horrible FCC tech/legaleze nonsense? - Original Message - From: Glen Waldrop <mailto:gwl...@cngwireless.net> To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 7:56 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Towers near airports There is one at 140ft closer to the airport than my planned one will be, only looking for a 50ft mini pop to hit a few houses behind a hill. I'll check out the site. Thanks guys. - Original Message - From: Sean Heskett <mailto:af...@zirkel.us> To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 7:35 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Towers near airports i like safely landing rather than getting snagged outa the air by a tower ;-) seriously though, the FCC and the FAA work together to make sure the national airspace is safe for everyone. there are ways to get a tower near an airport if they are in the right spot and/or not too tall as to create a problem. -sean On Wed, Oct 28, 2015 at 6:32 PM, Jeremy wrote: It is quite a distance away where you are still required to pass the glide slope, and notify them of any frequency changes. I know that every tower that I have looked into building within a couple miles has failed the test in towair. Still looking for alternatives. I just hate all the red tape. On Wed, Oct 28, 2015 at 6:30 PM, Jeremy wrote: Put it in to the towair website and see if it passes or fails. On Wed, Oct 28, 2015 at 6:22 PM, Glen Waldrop wrote: What is the legality of towers near airports? How high, how far does it need to be from the airport, etc?
Re: [AFMUG] Checking Comcast Availability on a Per Address Basis?
If they do have a place you can qualify addresses they will cut you off after so many lookups from a particular IP address. We is to prevent web scraping efforts. Even with those tools they are not very accurate. I have run in to cases when their customer service say they do not service an area yet the local market guys know in fact they do. It’s another case of garbage in and garbage out from the database. If you have GIS tools you can download the shape files for your state at the national broadband map web site. It’s not perfect but it gives you details down to the census block level. Census blocks are bordered by roads typically and/or municipal boundaries. If you think it is overstated consider the borders of the block and see if they might be serving a road frontage on just one edge of the block. That method was not perfect but it got the US a data set they never had before. There was no what in hell you would ever get any telecom provider to give up their proprietary outside plant maps. Errors in stated coverage will likely be near the edge of the service area. When looking at the maps you could probably consider the coverage is really just inside the blocks on the border areas. Having built the national broadband map data for Illinois for all carriers and examined the data from just about every other state, it’s as good as you are ever going to get without actually driving and looking on the poles. If you need to know a specific neighborhood and don’t want to drive it, use Google Street view and Bing street view images. So long as it’s overhead plant you can see it on the poles. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Christopher Gray Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2015 1:14 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Checking Comcast Availability on a Per Address Basis? It is all on poles. Driving is what I do now, it would just be nice to import the data into my GIS system and have a quick visual. The next town I'm looking at has nearly 80 road miles. On Wed, Nov 4, 2015 at 9:03 AM, Ken Hohhof wrote: Is the coax cable in the area on poles or buried? If it’s on poles, a little driving might answer your question. From: Christopher Gray <mailto:cg...@graytechsoftware.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2015 7:16 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Checking Comcast Availability on a Per Address Basis? Does anyone know of a way to check Comcast service availability on a per-address basis? I'd like to be able to check a list of addresses (text file) and get information on the services available (text file with added information). I can do this with Verizon services, but I'm considering moving into some Comcast areas and would like to know the extent of their coverage. [When moving into an area, I like to check which competing services are available. I only have to to deal with Verizon and Comcast, and they have limited coverage in my area (typically only centers of towns, but not the outskirts).] Thanks - Chris
Re: [AFMUG] OT 2-way radio systems
P25 or Project 25 was a Motorola proprietary technology that was developed in the 80s. They championed it to APCO to become the digital standard for public safety radio systems. APCO would not adopt it until Motorola agree to license it to other manufacturers. That delayed the process a very long time and Motorola went kicking and screaming in to the agreements at first. It was not cheap for a manufacturer to go that way but APCO did not want a single vendor solution. In the rest of the world the Tetra standard was adopted but again this are older technologies. Now the push is for LTE and Voice over LTE. When the FCC mandated narrowbanding for analog VHF and UHF radio systems they gave a 15 year window to migrate. Even with that much lead time big cities like NYC, Boston, DC and others did not make the deadline because it was typically a complete system replacement. These big cities got waivers with a plan to migrate, those plans were special licenses for the Firstnet spectrum and the plan to develop a public safety grade/reliable voice over IP type network to become their primary dispatch radio system in conjunction with their data deployments. That VoLTE development is ongoing. They need a lot more reliability than what Nextel and CDMA push to talk cellular solutions currently deliver. Given that VoLTE development and the push for FirstNet systems, many folks argue that its a waste of money to go P25 at this point. There are even some Tetra deployments now in the US. Seems to me a standard that follows LTE and will also work in the narrowband spectrum of public safety radio systems is more productive. I started my wireless career in public safety radio designing and selling Motorola systems. I think they build a great product but P25 radios are way too expensive for smaller agencies to afford them. With the proliferation of sub $100 FCC approved Chinese radios out there, its real hard to justify these digital systems when one is on a budget. P25 radios are in the $1500 per radio price range. Small fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies have a hard time paying those prices. There are benefits to digital systems but in all honesty many users dont take advantage of them. The cost of the central site controllers for the system really pushes the price tag up. To add insult to injury almost all federal grant programs now state that if there are radios involved, they HAVE to be P25 compliant. The DOD has mandated all radios be P25 compliant. If Utah is getting grant money that is probably why they are going P25. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of ch...@wbmfg.com Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2015 4:56 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT 2-way radio systems Thanks, that is helpful. From: George Skorup <mailto:geo...@cbcast.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 2:50 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT 2-way radio systems Illinois has state-wide P25 (owned and operated by Motorola Solutions). Interoperability between agencies and all of the other P25 stuff is nice, but every little town can't afford it and that's why we still have little dispatch centers that represent small communities and make use of regular old analog VHF. Plus, a lot of users on the state system say the coverage sucks, and that would be Motorola not building enough sites. On 11/4/2015 1:16 PM, ch...@wbmfg.com wrote: In Utah, there is a very very large proposal to change all the 2-way radios for public safety out to a P25 system.� Some of the opponents say this is an outdated system.� I had not heard that before.� Looking for opinions.�
Re: [AFMUG] VoIP/Dial-Tone/Old Alarm setup question
You can buy an ObiHai device and use a free google voice account. I have one here just for kicks. It works well and no monthly cost for the phone number. http://www.obihai.com/ http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Rory Conaway Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2015 6:56 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] VoIP/Dial-Tone/Old Alarm setup question Thank you Chuck. The next question though, is what service uses an ATA that a customer can purchase. Rory From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of ch...@wbmfg.com Sent: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 4:11 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] VoIP/Dial-Tone/Old Alarm setup question ATAs provide dial tone. From: Rory Conaway <mailto:r...@triadwireless.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 4:04 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] VoIP/Dial-Tone/Old Alarm setup question I have a customer with a very old alarm that needs dial-tone. Are there any VoIP devices with service that are out there that can do that? Rory Conaway • Triad Wireless • CEO 4226 S. 37th Street • Phoenix • AZ 85040 602-426-0542 r...@triadwireless.net www.triadwireless.net <http://www.triadwireless.net/> “I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen.” ~Baseball saying by: Bob Lemon
Re: [AFMUG] OT 2-way radio systems
Lewis, You are correct in that P25 is the only real DIGITAL radio viability right now. Problem is many people still don’t see the need to go digital. The high cost of a project 25 systems typically requires buy in from all agencies to share the system and costs involved with such a deployment (that central site controller is a big nut to crack on price for one agency). While the cheap Chinese radios are not high grade for some applications I agree, the analog radios from manufacturers like Motorola and other are still less than half the cost of a P25 radio and just as durable and reliable if not more so than P25. It’s a tough sell for most smaller agencies and don’t even get me started on how helpless they become if their core network goes down on a digital or trunked radio system. After Hurricane Katrina the city of New Orleans couldn’t communicate because the core system went down. They had so little understanding of their radio system they did not realize that they did have some ability to communicate without the central control working. Too much complexity tied in to one standalone system for public safety really puts their communications at risk when a disaster strikes. A good old analog radio voice dispatch network, a separate digital/data network and then cell phones gives multiple separate methods of communication. All with their plusses and minuses but looking at the odds of all those systems being down at once versus a single all in one radio communications system….I’ll take the separate systems, been through too many disasters in my life as a public safety dispatcher and ham radio operator to put my eggs all in one basket. The Motorola sales reps would obviously disagree……and since all that company really has left to sell is public safety radio systems, expect them to get more aggressive about trying to sell these systems. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2015 9:27 PM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT 2-way radio systems For my tower work I am happy with Cheap radios... Public safety is another world...but the point I so poorly tried to make Is that I like the sound of my Icoms over the Motorola ones used around my area...but again I didnt like the Harris digital voice either. Its me.. Okay...stop making sense ...my head will blow up Jaime Solorza On Nov 4, 2015 6:56 PM, "Lewis Bergman" wrote: Firstnet is still an 8 billion dollar pipe dream. VoLTE is still vaporware. P25, like it or not, is really the only viable option right now. Sure, twenty years from now P25 might not be the right option. But right now, show me another? Tetra isn't an option because there aren't enough 25KHz channels to make a large system work in most cases. And if you want to see expensive try out a tetra terminal. They make P25 look reasonable. By the way, Motorola invented Tetra too. Blaming Motorola for inventing something, and then not wanting to give it away is simply rediculous. Would you do that? Lastly, you are not seriously comparing a $100 Chinese piece of crap to a piece of gear you would bet your life on are you? Really? About the cheapest P25 portable you can get is $1250 while the same model without P25 is about $855. So the license to do P25 is about $400. Pretty pricey no doubt. Maybe to much, but also reliable. But, not everyone wants the reliability, interoperability, or the price tag that goes with it. I honestly think DMR TIER 3 has some compelling arguements at a better price point. But like most other protocols it is late to the party. On Wed, Nov 4, 2015, 6:21 PM Chuck McCown wrote: Thanks Brian. No, Utah is asking the taxpayer for $236 million... Lots of people arguing against it. From: Brian Webster <mailto:i...@wirelessmapping.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2015 4:57 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT 2-way radio systems P25 or Project 25 was a Motorola proprietary technology that was developed in the 80’s. They championed it to APCO to become the digital standard for public safety radio systems. APCO would not adopt it until Motorola agree to license it to other manufacturers. That delayed the process a very long time and Motorola went kicking and screaming in to the agreements at first. It was not cheap for a manufacturer to go that way but APCO did not want a single vendor solution. In the rest of the world the Tetra standard was adopted but again this are older technologies. Now the push is for LTE and Voice over LTE. When the FCC mandated narrowbanding for analog VHF and UHF radio systems they gave a 15 year window to migrate. Even with that much lead time big cities like NYC, Boston, DC and others did not make the deadline because it was typically a complete system replacement. These big cities
Re: [AFMUG] OT 2-way radio systems
For the DOD I was referring more to the domestic use of radios on bases. Their security/law enforcement and other uses like public works and such all have to utilize P25 radios, that has been mandated for over 10 years now. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Eric Kuhnke Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2015 12:49 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT 2-way radio systems Re: your last paragraph, about the DOD, I'm pretty sure P25 is just another software load on a software defined radio. For military use things like the SINCGARS radios (Harris) are software defined and only talk to other DOD radios. I could see them wanting to have the ability to talk to public safety agencies in a major disaster situation but I do not think the DOD uses P25 natively. On Wed, Nov 4, 2015 at 3:57 PM, Brian Webster wrote: P25 or Project 25 was a Motorola proprietary technology that was developed in the 80’s. They championed it to APCO to become the digital standard for public safety radio systems. APCO would not adopt it until Motorola agree to license it to other manufacturers. That delayed the process a very long time and Motorola went kicking and screaming in to the agreements at first. It was not cheap for a manufacturer to go that way but APCO did not want a single vendor solution. In the rest of the world the Tetra standard was adopted but again this are older technologies. Now the push is for LTE and Voice over LTE. When the FCC mandated narrowbanding for analog VHF and UHF radio systems they gave a 15 year window to migrate. Even with that much lead time big cities like NYC, Boston, DC and others did not make the deadline because it was typically a complete system replacement. These big cities got waivers with a plan to migrate, those plans were special licenses for the Firstnet spectrum and the plan to develop a public safety grade/reliable voice over IP type network to become their primary dispatch radio system in conjunction with their data deployments. That VoLTE development is ongoing. They need a lot more reliability than what Nextel and CDMA push to talk cellular solutions currently deliver. Given that VoLTE development and the push for FirstNet systems, many folks argue that it’s a waste of money to go P25 at this point. There are even some Tetra deployments now in the US. Seems to me a standard that follows LTE and will also work in the narrowband spectrum of public safety radio systems is more productive. I started my wireless career in public safety radio designing and selling Motorola systems. I think they build a great product but P25 radios are way too expensive for smaller agencies to afford them. With the proliferation of sub $100 FCC approved Chinese radios out there, it’s real hard to justify these digital systems when one is on a budget. P25 radios are in the $1500 per radio price range. Small fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies have a hard time paying those prices. There are benefits to digital systems but in all honesty many users don’t take advantage of them. The cost of the central site controllers for the system really pushes the price tag up. To add insult to injury almost all federal grant programs now state that if there are radios involved, they HAVE to be P25 compliant. The DOD has mandated all radios be P25 compliant. If Utah is getting grant money that is probably why they are going P25. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of ch...@wbmfg.com Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2015 4:56 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT 2-way radio systems Thanks, that is helpful. From: George Skorup <mailto:geo...@cbcast.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 2:50 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT 2-way radio systems Illinois has state-wide P25 (owned and operated by Motorola Solutions). Interoperability between agencies and all of the other P25 stuff is nice, but every little town can't afford it and that's why we still have little dispatch centers that represent small communities and make use of regular old analog VHF. Plus, a lot of users on the state system say the coverage sucks, and that would be Motorola not building enough sites. On 11/4/2015 1:16 PM, ch...@wbmfg.com wrote: In Utah, there is a very very large proposal to change all the 2-way radios for public safety out to a P25 system.� Some of the opponents say this is an outdated system.� I had not heard that before.� Looking for opinions.�
Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS
www.broadbandmap.gov At the top of the map you can turn different technologies on and off. The underlying map is not the greatest for visual references once zoomed in but it should save you a lot of work. http://broadbandnow.com/Florida analysis of the state https://www.fcc.gov/maps/connect-compete-home-broadband-coverage-map this map from the FCC is a little more useable but these are only the carrier who participate in the connect to compete program. http://a.tiles.mapbox.com/v3/fcc.connect2compete/page.html#10/28.5417/-81.8303 full screen version of the map above http://wireless-isp.info/FL.html A listing of WISP's in Florida, not real accurate Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Steve Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2015 8:32 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS The issue is we found the WISP map and where all the coverage is. The areas we are looking at do not have coverage or anyone nearby really. However I'm pretty sure they have DSL there. So its a bit of a scouting party looking for somewhere to start up where things are needed to provide a service to people or improve service in an area where DSL is really bad. We also don't want to step on anyone's toes and respect others territory. - Original Message - From: "Tyler Treat" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 6:48:48 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS Sign me up. What I'd give for some sustainable green field areas.. ___ Mangled by my iPhone. ___ Tyler Treat Corn Belt Technologies, Inc. tyler.tr...@cornbelttech.com ___ > On Nov 25, 2015, at 5:04 PM, Steve wrote: > > > Any Florida WISPS out there? Around the Naples area? Just curious because > we have been looking for a startup area but it looks pretty covered by > Cable/DSL. But so much of it is spread out and treed I imagine its a > difficult gig to get started down there. Any success stories? What sort of > hardware are you using etc?
Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS
You are welcome, I do this type of stuff for a living ;-) Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Steve Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2015 2:28 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS Awesome thanks for the link! - Original Message - From: "Brian Webster" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2015 12:28:15 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS www.broadbandmap.gov At the top of the map you can turn different technologies on and off. The underlying map is not the greatest for visual references once zoomed in but it should save you a lot of work. http://broadbandnow.com/Florida analysis of the state https://www.fcc.gov/maps/connect-compete-home-broadband-coverage-map this map from the FCC is a little more useable but these are only the carrier who participate in the connect to compete program. http://a.tiles.mapbox.com/v3/fcc.connect2compete/page.html#10/28.5417/-81.8303 full screen version of the map above http://wireless-isp.info/FL.html A listing of WISP's in Florida, not real accurate Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Steve Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2015 8:32 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS The issue is we found the WISP map and where all the coverage is. The areas we are looking at do not have coverage or anyone nearby really. However I'm pretty sure they have DSL there. So its a bit of a scouting party looking for somewhere to start up where things are needed to provide a service to people or improve service in an area where DSL is really bad. We also don't want to step on anyone's toes and respect others territory. - Original Message - From: "Tyler Treat" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 6:48:48 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS Sign me up. What I'd give for some sustainable green field areas.. ___ Mangled by my iPhone. ___ Tyler Treat Corn Belt Technologies, Inc. tyler.tr...@cornbelttech.com ___ > On Nov 25, 2015, at 5:04 PM, Steve wrote: > > > Any Florida WISPS out there? Around the Naples area? Just curious because > we have been looking for a startup area but it looks pretty covered by > Cable/DSL. But so much of it is spread out and treed I imagine its a > difficult gig to get started down there. Any success stories? What sort of > hardware are you using etc?
Re: [AFMUG] OT: 35mm Slide Scanner
My flatbed HP scanner has a slide adapter in the lid to do just this. If you don't have that I am pretty sure you can skill use a flatbed scanner for this. Mine also will scan negatives and set the proper colors. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Nate Burke Sent: Friday, November 27, 2015 1:14 AM To: Animal Farm Subject: [AFMUG] OT: 35mm Slide Scanner I was out at the 'rents today, and they pulled out a bunch of their 35mm slides. Some of them are great family pictures, and historical to the area where they live. I'd love to be able to scan them so they're more easily viewable. Looking for recommendations for a good and easy to use Slide scanner that hopefully won't break the bank. Also, is there a file format which is better to use to be able to add notes to the picture. Like Date it was taken, and who is in the photo?
Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS
All of the wireline technologies are reported by blocks served, just like WISP’s are now required to report for Form 477. If you look at the service area you are questioning, look at the border areas for the blocks. Most blocks boundaries are roads and other logical lines like municipal boundaries. It is quite possible there is a road where there is service along the inner boundary of a block that now includes that whole block as served. They did not have to serve the whole block to deem that area covered. Some carriers reported more accurately than others, some states did a better job at verifying data against some other sources than others. If your fiber is not on the map, did you ever report it to your state broadband mapping agency for the 5 years they ran that program? Since I ran the Illinois data collecting program I still have access to all the carrier data we gathered for the program, I do not see any for Veloxinet in any of my files, did it get reported under another company name?. If there was nothing reported it will not show up on this map and that data gathering program has now been closed as the grant funding expired. At some point this map will get updated with carrier reported FCC 477 coverage data (you are reporting your service area by block correct?). Given that three rounds of data have been collected, and only the first reported round (that had a lot of problems and little Quality control) of data was released in the last month, the FCC is not staffed to handle this data and release it to the public like the state broadband mapping programs were. If you would like to know the exact methodology that Illinois employed in the data collection process, you can review the methodology documents here. There are notes about changes to the mapping data by carrier from round to round, http://www.broadbandillinois.org/Methodology.html Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jason McKemie Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2015 5:16 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS These maps seem pretty inaccurate in my area. Specifically the DSL and fiber coverage. It doesn't even show my fiber network, but lists one where one does not exist. Also, it shows DSL reaching far beyond where it is offered. On Thu, Nov 26, 2015 at 11:28 AM, Brian Webster wrote: www.broadbandmap.gov At the top of the map you can turn different technologies on and off. The underlying map is not the greatest for visual references once zoomed in but it should save you a lot of work. http://broadbandnow.com/Florida analysis of the state https://www.fcc.gov/maps/connect-compete-home-broadband-coverage-map this map from the FCC is a little more useable but these are only the carrier who participate in the connect to compete program. http://a.tiles.mapbox.com/v3/fcc.connect2compete/page.html#10/28.5417/-81.8303 full screen version of the map above http://wireless-isp.info/FL.html A listing of WISP's in Florida, not real accurate Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Steve Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2015 8:32 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS The issue is we found the WISP map and where all the coverage is. The areas we are looking at do not have coverage or anyone nearby really. However I'm pretty sure they have DSL there. So its a bit of a scouting party looking for somewhere to start up where things are needed to provide a service to people or improve service in an area where DSL is really bad. We also don't want to step on anyone's toes and respect others territory. - Original Message - From: "Tyler Treat" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 6:48:48 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS Sign me up. What I'd give for some sustainable green field areas.. ___ Mangled by my iPhone. ___ Tyler Treat Corn Belt Technologies, Inc. tyler.tr...@cornbelttech.com ___ > On Nov 25, 2015, at 5:04 PM, Steve wrote: > > > Any Florida WISPS out there? Around the Naples area? Just curious because > we have been looking for a startup area but it looks pretty covered by > Cable/DSL. But so much of it is spread out and treed I imagine its a > difficult gig to get started down there. Any success stories? What sort of > hardware are you using etc?
Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS
Using the census block method was as close as we were going to get to the carrier disclosing their network capabilities without actually disclosing their full plant details. It’s not perfect but it is a whole lot better than nothing. The method and the national broadband map did so much to allow the WISP industry to play a defensive game in Washington with regards to USF and the new CAF rules. If it were not for the mapping program so many WISP’s would have been overbuilt by USF/CAF funded networks where they had already built adequate unsubsidized systems. WISPA did a lot of fighting in DC on the industry behalf and these maps/data were a huge part of being able to prove where these funds should not go. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2015 8:57 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS Like Brian Webster explained earlier: If they service a road touching that census block, then then entire census block is "covered". That's even if it includes uninhabited mountaintop peaks. It is not particularly accurate, but I'm sure they had their reasons for doing it that way. On 11/28/2015 7:59 PM, Jeremy wrote: Comcast claims the same thing for the entire state of Utah...including on mountaintop peaks. On Sat, Nov 28, 2015 at 4:48 PM, Tyler Treat wrote: Yeah I'm not sure how CWLP claims gigabit in the entirety of Chatham. ___ Mangled by my iPhone. ___ Tyler Treat Corn Belt Technologies, Inc. tyler.tr...@cornbelttech.com ___ On Nov 28, 2015, at 4:16 PM, Jason McKemie wrote: These maps seem pretty inaccurate in my area. Specifically the DSL and fiber coverage. It doesn't even show my fiber network, but lists one where one does not exist. Also, it shows DSL reaching far beyond where it is offered. On Thu, Nov 26, 2015 at 11:28 AM, Brian Webster wrote: www.broadbandmap.gov At the top of the map you can turn different technologies on and off. The underlying map is not the greatest for visual references once zoomed in but it should save you a lot of work. http://broadbandnow.com/Florida analysis of the state https://www.fcc.gov/maps/connect-compete-home-broadband-coverage-map this map from the FCC is a little more useable but these are only the carrier who participate in the connect to compete program. http://a.tiles.mapbox.com/v3/fcc.connect2compete/page.html#10/28.5417/-81.8303 full screen version of the map above http://wireless-isp.info/FL.html A listing of WISP's in Florida, not real accurate Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Steve Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2015 8:32 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS The issue is we found the WISP map and where all the coverage is. The areas we are looking at do not have coverage or anyone nearby really. However I'm pretty sure they have DSL there. So its a bit of a scouting party looking for somewhere to start up where things are needed to provide a service to people or improve service in an area where DSL is really bad. We also don't want to step on anyone's toes and respect others territory. - Original Message - From: "Tyler Treat" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 6:48:48 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS Sign me up. What I'd give for some sustainable green field areas.. ___ Mangled by my iPhone. ___ Tyler Treat Corn Belt Technologies, Inc. tyler.tr...@cornbelttech.com ___ > On Nov 25, 2015, at 5:04 PM, Steve wrote: > > > Any Florida WISPS out there? Around the Naples area? Just curious because > we have been looking for a startup area but it looks pretty covered by > Cable/DSL. But so much of it is spread out and treed I imagine its a > difficult gig to get started down there. Any success stories? What sort of > hardware are you using etc?
Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS
For the last round of mapping Comcast reported the ability to deliver download of 100 meg up to 1 gig, with DOCSIS 3.1 this is very possible. For Illinois if you want to see a listing of who is serving a spot on the map you can still use this site http://www.broadbandillinois.org/maps/index.html#find-me You can search by address or coordinates, it will take a while to run the query bet then you will get the listing of carriers, on the right you can click on "see expanded results and you will see a map with that particular block highlighted along with the results. Also you can download GeoPDF maps for each carrier in the state from this page http://www.broadbandillinois.org/maps/Carrier-Maps.html, just above all the carrier listings there is a link to download the GeoPDF plugin for adobe which gives you a lot of features and layer control of these PDF maps. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Tyler Treat Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2015 2:01 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS Well Chatham is I think around 10k population. Probably not the same census block. Cwlp is the Springfield Municipal power/water/electric that also happens to have fiber. They've got fiber into Springnet/EOS's data center on the north side of town, but that's as far south as it goes afaik. Not saying Brian's assessment is wrong, but it will be eye opening if the mapping is accurate to coverage for that particular situation. ___ Mangled by my iPhone. ___ Tyler Treat Corn Belt Technologies, Inc. tyler.tr...@cornbelttech.com ___ On Nov 29, 2015, at 11:33 AM, Brian Webster wrote: Using the census block method was as close as we were going to get to the carrier disclosing their network capabilities without actually disclosing their full plant details. It's not perfect but it is a whole lot better than nothing. The method and the national broadband map did so much to allow the WISP industry to play a defensive game in Washington with regards to USF and the new CAF rules. If it were not for the mapping program so many WISP's would have been overbuilt by USF/CAF funded networks where they had already built adequate unsubsidized systems. WISPA did a lot of fighting in DC on the industry behalf and these maps/data were a huge part of being able to prove where these funds should not go. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2015 8:57 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS Like Brian Webster explained earlier: If they service a road touching that census block, then then entire census block is "covered". That's even if it includes uninhabited mountaintop peaks. It is not particularly accurate, but I'm sure they had their reasons for doing it that way. On 11/28/2015 7:59 PM, Jeremy wrote: Comcast claims the same thing for the entire state of Utah...including on mountaintop peaks. On Sat, Nov 28, 2015 at 4:48 PM, Tyler Treat wrote: Yeah I'm not sure how CWLP claims gigabit in the entirety of Chatham. ___ Mangled by my iPhone. ___ Tyler Treat Corn Belt Technologies, Inc. tyler.tr...@cornbelttech.com ___ On Nov 28, 2015, at 4:16 PM, Jason McKemie wrote: These maps seem pretty inaccurate in my area. Specifically the DSL and fiber coverage. It doesn't even show my fiber network, but lists one where one does not exist. Also, it shows DSL reaching far beyond where it is offered. On Thu, Nov 26, 2015 at 11:28 AM, Brian Webster wrote: www.broadbandmap.gov At the top of the map you can turn different technologies on and off. The underlying map is not the greatest for visual references once zoomed in but it should save you a lot of work. http://broadbandnow.com/Florida analysis of the state https://www.fcc.gov/maps/connect-compete-home-broadband-coverage-map this map from the FCC is a little more useable but these are only the carrier who participate in the connect to compete program. http://a.tiles.mapbox.com/v3/fcc.connect2compete/page.html#10/28.5417/-81.83 03 full screen version of the map above http://wireless-isp.info/FL.html A listing of WISP's in Florida, not real accurate Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Steve Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2015 8:32 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Florida WISPS The issue is we found the WISP map and where all the coverage is. The areas we are looking at do not have coverage or anyone nearby really. Ho
Re: [AFMUG] OT to Win10 or not to Win10
I think there is some terms of use on what they look at with the new OS that might cause you to violate NDA's you may have executed. If they are pursuing through files and such to give you that better experience. Just a thought worth noting. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Monday, November 30, 2015 3:16 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT to Win10 or not to Win10 ug -Original Message- From: Ken Hohhof Sent: Monday, November 30, 2015 1:15 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT to Win10 or not to Win10 I got a warning that if I upgraded to Win10, I would have to upgrade my Quickbooks as well. -Original Message- From: Nate Burke Sent: Monday, November 30, 2015 2:14 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT to Win10 or not to Win10 I've only used it on 1 netbook, but have had a lot of Wired ethernet problems so far. I think there is a physical switch in the RJ45 port that enables/disables the port and windows10 gets realy confused. On 11/30/2015 2:11 PM, Josh Reynolds wrote: > From win7 or win8? > > On Mon, Nov 30, 2015 at 2:10 PM, Chuck McCown wrote: >> Should I upgrade to Windows 10?
Re: [AFMUG] Feeling Christmas spirit
Nice chuckle out of that one J Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Friday, December 11, 2015 11:35 AM To: Animal Farm Subject: [AFMUG] Feeling Christmas spirit Have a great weekend guys
Re: [AFMUG] OT Radiomobile question
Yes the servers are no longer in service as I recall. Thank You, Brian Webster From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2016 4:14 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] OT Radiomobile question Is Terraserver permanently unusable from RM?
Re: [AFMUG] Wooden pole twisting
How about just using a good pan/tilt/Zoom mechanism used for cameras? Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2016 1:04 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Wooden pole twisting I wonder if I could spin the alignment screws on the backhaul with servos. That would really take me back to my R/C car days. -- Original Message -- From: "Robert Andrews" To: af@afmug.com Sent: 9/13/2016 12:50:47 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Wooden pole twisting >You would need a rotator that doesn't have any backlash or a way to >lock it up. > >On 09/13/2016 09:32 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: >>Yeah, an old TV rotator could do it. Or a ham antenna rotator, those >>are much more heavy duty. >>*From:* Joe Novak <mailto:jno...@lrcomm.com> >>*Sent:* Tuesday, September 13, 2016 10:22 AM >>*To:* af@afmug.com <mailto:af@afmug.com> >>*Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Wooden pole twisting >>What about those old systems for aiming antennas on tripods from your >>living room? >>Is there anything like that remotely controlled that you could rig up? >>On Tue, Sep 13, 2016 at 11:15 AM, Chuck McCown ><mailto:ch...@wbmfg.com>> wrote: >> >> Antennas are the easy part. Dual receivers and the voting circuit >> is the tricky part. >> *From:* Adam Moffett <mailto:dmmoff...@gmail.com> >> *Sent:* Tuesday, September 13, 2016 10:08 AM >> *To:* af@afmug.com <mailto:af@afmug.com> >> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Wooden pole twisting >> Hmm...maybe it doesn't need two radios, but two antennas. Like a >> spatial diversity setup. >> I wonder if McCown makes parts for that. >> -- Original Message -- >> From: "Chris Fabien" ><mailto:ch...@lakenetmi.com>> >> To: af@afmug.com <mailto:af@afmug.com> >> Sent: 9/13/2016 12:02:57 PM >> Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Wooden pole twisting >>> May not be a viable solution with an 11 ghz backhaul, but you >>> could install two radios, once that is on target in summer and >>>one >>> in winter, and switch between them without climbing at least. >>> On Tue, Sep 13, 2016 at 11:13 AM, Robert >> <mailto:i...@avantwireless.com>> wrote: >>> >>> When you look at the high voltage distribution lines with >>>twin >>> poles they through bolt hanger connectors on the poles and >>> then hang the cross braces across the hangers. Poles >>> twisting then doesn't do anything but put tension or >>> compression on the cross bracing... Unless the poles >>>actually >>> start to lean, the cross bracing stays pretty much >>> immobile.. But putting two poles up pretty much brings it >>>to >>> the price of a tower. >>> >>> On 9/13/16 7:54 AM, Adam Moffett wrote: >>> >>> I imagine the pole would win that tug of war over time. >>> >>> Looking at a photo of this pole, it has a noticeable >>> curvature near the top. Maybe we'll move the dish below >>> the curve and see if that helps. >>> >>> >>> -- Original Message -- >>> From: "Jay Weekley" >> <mailto:par...@cyberbroadband.net>> >>> To: af@afmug.com <mailto:af@afmug.com> >>> Sent: 9/13/2016 10:44:11 AM >>> Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Wooden pole twisting >>> >>> For us they are and haven't hand problems with >>> twisting. We've got one with a link that's been >>> steady for 6 years or more. The problem is accessing >>> the link on short notice since we don't know a bucket >>> truck and operators are very busy. It seems like you >>> could put two wood posts on either side of the pole >>> and secure a 4x4 with large lag screws to keep it >>>from >>> twisting. >>> >>> Matt wrote: >>> >>> I wonder if painting would help keep moisture >>> out? Maybe its a >>> temperature thing too? >>> >>> I always th
Re: [AFMUG] Leads wanted for a source for 1U rackmount enclosures.
Forrest, A good friend of mine runs this company http://www.vadcon.com/ they make custom patch panels and such, he may be able to help you. Call there and ask for Rich and tell him I sent you. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Colin Stanners Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2016 9:00 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Leads wanted for a source for 1U rackmount enclosures. Forrest, Maybe try http://www.plinkusa.net/1u.htm On Thu, Sep 15, 2016 at 6:08 AM, Forrest Christian (List Account) wrote: @!#?@!. My enclosure manufacturer for the rackmount injectors seems to be AWOL. Lots of productive conversations back and forth over the past few months, but now it comes time to actually finalize prints and order the first batch, and well.. nothing. Evidently sending them a finalized drawing and asking for instructions on how to get these ordered is a good way to get them to quit responding. I'm still hopeful that this is just a bump on the road (someone's on vacation, they're backlogged, etc.), but this just isn't a good sign. If anyone is aware of a supplier which can make 1U enclosures, in reasonable quantities (50-100 at a time, not sure how many a year, hopefully lots more than that), and most importantly at a reasonable price, I'd appreciate the lead. I'm reviewing all of the well-known enclosure manufacturers (Bud, OKW, Hammond, Schroff, etc.) to see if I can fit into one of them and can get them modified at a price which I think all of you can afford. Past experience indicates to me that there is a good chance that this isn't going to be productive, which is why I'm asking. -- Forrest Christian CEO, PacketFlux Technologies, Inc. Tel: 406-449-3345 | Address: 3577 Countryside Road, Helena, MT 59602 <mailto:forre...@imach.com> forre...@imach.com | <http://www.packetflux.com/> http://www.packetflux.com <http://www.linkedin.com/in/fwchristian> <http://facebook.com/packetflux> <http://twitter.com/@packetflux> <http://ws-stats.appspot.com/t/pixel.png?e=setup_page_outlook_compose> <http://ws-stats.appspot.com/t/pixel.png?e=setup_page_outlook_active&uid=e965778f9a351fad7a8a860dffc144ce> <http://ws-stats.appspot.com/t/pixel.png?e=setup_page_outlook_active&uid=e965778f9a351fad7a8a860dffc144ce>
Re: [AFMUG] OT Google News
Any BS news stories play right in to the hands of the politicians. The more the news outlets spend time on that, the less they spend on actually doing any real investigative journalism and educating the masses on what is really going on... I never ceased to be amazed watching RT news shows and actually hearing the US reporters who work for them actually doing real reporting especially on economic issues. No real bias and slamming both sides when need be based on the actual facts and actions of the politicians, not rhetoric or pre canned position statements. Any time there is a crapload of fluff/celebrity news plastered all over the place, I start wondering and digging for the real news that is not being reported on...as the old saying goes, watch the other hand of the magician too... Thank You, Brian Webster From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Sunday, September 18, 2016 6:09 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] OT Google News Do the Kardasians own Google? I would like to see some stats on who gets the most exposure there. I swear, it is a daily update on that family, or perhaps two or three updates a day. Talk about marketing. Creating a brand out of nothing.
Re: [AFMUG] Radio Mobile question
Make sure you have edited out the semicolons in the maps.txt file Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of ch...@wbmfg.com Sent: Saturday, October 01, 2016 6:33 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Radio Mobile question Installing RM on a new computer. It will not draw the map. Displays a white map. I vaguely remembered something about freeimage.dll Found a copy of that and no joy. I am getting elevation because the path profile works. But nothing else. Seems like I have this exact same problem every time I install RM on a new machine and I can never remember the fix.
Re: [AFMUG] Please keep us in your prayers guys!
Paul and to any other WISP's who might be affected on this list; In the position as President of WECAT I would like to offer some up front assistance. WECAT tried to helps WISP's devastated by emergencies beyond their normal ability to recover from problems or losses. We stand ready to assist in the role of mobilizing resources to help. That being said we do not try to rush to assist in the way a fire department would. A good assessment by the WISP of the damages they have taken and a plan of recovery as best possible would be a good thought process while you ride out the storm. Of specific not would be things that are not going to be covered by insurance, specific equipment needs and such. We have been trying to avoid people shipping a lot of equipment that would end up not being used and taking up space. Manpower needs would be good to know as well and what type of manpower would be best for you. Logistics for those people is also key. Where can they be housed, fed and the like. How far away can fuel be made available and such. Good methods of contacting the affected WISP is also crucial especially if communications systems have been damaged or become unreliable. A trusted person outside the damage area as a key point of contact might be the best for a while. Don't forget your local ham radio operators if you really need to get some messages in and out of the area when all else fails. WECAT usually likes to wait a day or two to let the WISP do their assessment and they plan to assist once that is done. There have been quite a few occasions where after a day or two the WISP ended up being able to cope on their own or with the help of a close neighbor WISP. I really hope there is no need for something like this but we stand ready to help if necessary. Please feel free to call in advance if you want to learn more before the storm hits. Always available to help. Thank You, Brian Webster President - WECAT 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Paul McCall Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2016 2:59 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Please keep us in your prayers guys! We have Hurricane Matthew coming up the cost, and now its forecast to probably touch land fall as a Category 3 right in the Treasure Coast area, and we are right in the middle of that. Praying that it just skirts the cost and not a full landfall. We have 39 towers that are vulnerable. We have done all the prep possible and are unplugging everything before it hits. We have recovered from 3 hurricanes previously and it's very hard and stressful. We appreciate the thoughts and prayers Paul Paul McCall, President PDMNet, Inc. / Florida Broadband, Inc. 658 Old Dixie Highway Vero Beach, FL 32962 772-564-6800 pa...@pdmnet.net www.pdmnet.com www.floridabroadband.com
Re: [AFMUG] Google Fiber is no more
I worked directly on the San Jose and Sand Diego projects. I was brought in by one of the main contractors to help reduce costs and increase efficiency. Google had way too many “30 somethings” who failed to listen to experienced telecom professionals. That was one of their biggest faults. It was insane to try and build a network in San Jose that was going to have to be built mostly underground. That market already had new AT&T U-verse fiber and Time Warner with a very strong network. Heck I could get 100 meg speeds on Wi-Fi at the hotel I stayed in. Their Ego to build in their own backyard was pushing the build more than anything. The concept of cherry picking neighborhoods actually drove costs up. When they wanted a citywide network design, that is what they were delivered, but then try and build out only neighborhoods they wanted while still trying to figure out how much of their backbones, huts and neighborhood distribution system needed to be put in place to service the piecemeal buildout approach, when you were already having to open ditches, while having to be a mostly underground build? Yea that was a nightmare too! Then let’s talk about how they had no clue how hard the MDU market is to secure. They gave no real consideration to existing deals in the buildings, or the cost of having to wire on their own because the building owner did not actually own the existing cable plant and such. These projects were not just a simple math problem to solve. They naively thought every city was going to welcome them with open arms like Kansas City did. They believed the political hype the politicians told them to lure them to their cities, then when actual laws both of physics and real came in to play, the numbers looked a whole lot uglier. Underground building in established cities is a nightmare in both costs, regulations, logistics and amount of work required. Just simple things like trying to gather data on all the existing underground infrastructure (that has no central source of documentation) was painful and costly. You can’t get drawings approved without first showing you will not be interfering with existing utilities already underground. In many cases you have to manually locate this stuff and then map it and then do your design around that information. Other issues to overhead builds were poles that would not pass loading calculations, pole owners who were less than cooperative or that pulled out new loading rules that they themselves don’t follow and you can see where it was not a simple process. The employee count to deal with all of this on a large scale at the pace they wanted to move was not small by any stretch. This was not new news. They pulled the plug on all of this stuff back at the beginning of July. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mike Hammett Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2016 7:32 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Google Fiber is no more As they should. Don't build where people who can't pay or don't want your service. - Mike Hammett <http://www.ics-il.com/> Intelligent Computing Solutions <https://www.facebook.com/ICSIL> <https://plus.google.com/+IntelligentComputingSolutionsDeKalb> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/intelligent-computing-solutions> <https://twitter.com/ICSIL> <http://www.midwest-ix.com/> Midwest Internet Exchange <https://www.facebook.com/mdwestix> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-internet-exchange> <https://twitter.com/mdwestix> <http://www.thebrotherswisp.com/> The Brothers WISP <https://www.facebook.com/thebrotherswisp> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXSdfxQv7SpoRQYNyLwntZg> _ From: "Rory Conaway" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 11:28:52 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Google Fiber is no more In other cities, they cherry picked. Rory From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Sterling Jacobson Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 7:00 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Google Fiber is no more >From the director of one of the Google Fiber builds (in Provo) that is not the >case. He said they overspent on contractors MAJORLY. And that was just to expand the existing network to all homes in that area. He argued with his bosses about he extravagant added fees on construction but they just said to pay them, no questions asked. I had some of those figures from him at that conversation and some costs were over 80x what it should have been. My best guess is that all the fiber build in certain areas increased the contract cost of build into the stratosphere. And now they are reigning it in and going wireless to attempt to defray the costs. At least with Provo they were not allowed to cher
Re: [AFMUG] Measure return loss
Cheapest way is to use a watt meter on one end with a known transmit power on the other, calculate loss. Also measure SWR at the radio with a meter that covers that range, you can calculate the return loss based on SWR readings. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Thursday, December 17, 2015 10:51 AM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Measure return loss Check out Commscope website for some tools ,calculators and tips. Watt meter is what we use with a Bird Tester but only up to 2.4 On Dec 17, 2015 8:41 AM, "Adam Moffett" wrote: Specifically 3.6ghz in this case. In a perfect world I would hope for something that can test from 2.4 up to 6ghz. On 12/17/2015 10:40 AM, Jaime Solorza wrote: What frequency? On Dec 17, 2015 8:29 AM, "Adam Moffett" wrote: What device could we use to measure return loss at microwave frequencies on a coax cable and/or antenna (N-connectors if that matters)? A TDR perhaps? Will this cost thousands of dollars or is there a cheap/simple tool? A lot of coax testers I see online are targeted at CATV so I'm guessing they won't test at the higher frequencies that we care about in our business. I'm afraid I'm too ignorant in this area to make a good product choice. My root issue is that I have a piece of equipment which produces radio head alarms. The manufacturer is telling us it's caused by "reflected power". They say it could be the unit is faulty, or it could be your cables or antennas. So I'm supposed to replace cables and antennas and then wait a few weeks to see if the problem comes back, then they'll RMA the radio if it does. I'd like to stop wasting time and just have a definitive way to test the cables.
Re: [AFMUG] OT slow speed real time data
You could use ham radio packet protocols, a pair of VHF portable radios at about $50 each and put them on one of the VHF unlicensed MURS frequencies. Modem can be done over sound card using the DireWolf program. Not sure what you are connecting on each end and what type of displaying methodology you need but it's a good set of building blocks to work from. https://github.com/wb2osz/direwolf Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of ch...@wbmfg.com Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2015 5:59 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] OT slow speed real time data I need to haul some very small slow amounts of data up to 2000 feet. I could do the garage door opener band but I want to display the data on a smart phone. Not sure how realtime SMS might be. Cellular data modem modules are way overkill. Was thinking of just putting a cheap cell phone at one end and using bell 202 format over it. I would have to write some kind of decoding app. But then you have your phone tied up all the time you are using the system. Still like the SMS idea but need the data within a second or two of transmission, not minutes (or hours in the case of my AT&T phone when it is powered off. Sometimes takes up to 12 hours to receive SMS).
Re: [AFMUG] AT&T Long Lines
Here is a link to a bunch of old scanned AT&T microwave route paper maps I found somewhere. There is also a Western Union microwave map in there as well. These are nice to see where there is already some nice engineered 6 GHz backhaul paths if the towers still exist. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/c2x5wik41o3d5we/AAByxX8cAyhU3Y7UhG_kVQJda?dl=0 Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mathew Howard Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 11:42 AM To: af Subject: Re: [AFMUG] AT&T Long Lines There has got to be a good use for a missile base... I want it. On Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 12:50 AM, Eric Kuhnke wrote: Titan 1 missile site for sale: http://www.themissilebase.com/ On Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 10:46 PM, George Skorup wrote: If war breaks out, I'm heading to one of several we lease space on. I'm sure the owner won't mind. On 1/27/2016 12:31 AM, Eric Kuhnke wrote: There are some amazing Long Lines sites in WA and ID that serve almost no useful purpose, now that all long distance traffic moves via fiber... The ones closer to major metro areas have more tenants and more value to their new owners. The Long Lines sites that were built solely as a means to get a PTP relay over a major mountain range are amazing. Built with massive diesel tanks and ventilation intakes 18' off the ground due to snow pack. These ones have the original horn antennas and not much else, maybe some VHF/UHF omni radio repeaters for forestry/national parks. Bethel Ridge WA, about 1820 meters elevation https://www.google.com/maps?ll=46.71724,-121.10068 <https://www.google.com/maps?ll=46.71724,-121.10068&z=14&t=h> &z=14&t=h Goldendale WA https://www.google.com/maps?ll=45.99800,-120.69536 <https://www.google.com/maps?ll=45.99800,-120.69536&z=14&t=h> &z=14&t=h Leadore ID, one of the highest I can find, it's at 2750m elevation https://www.google.com/maps?ll=45.99800,-120.69536 <https://www.google.com/maps?ll=45.99800,-120.69536&z=14&t=h> &z=14&t=h Bring a snow-cat in winter On Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 6:05 PM, Mike Hammett wrote: I have a bunch I took of a Long Lines concrete tower in Springfield, OH that was being torn down on my FB somewhere. Then there's long-lines.net - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com _ From: "Mike Hammett" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2016 7:56:50 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] AT&T Long Lines I didn't get enough pics on this site: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cfk3jvi6u5jaq1x/AACv12KJ32ZrUbw5mwSuAVuxa?dl=0 Lots of awesome stuff here. - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com _ From: "Josh Reynolds" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2016 7:41:12 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] AT&T Long Lines Some of the old AT&T sites are cool. Hardened bunkers with walls many feet thick. On Jan 26, 2016 7:36 PM, "Ken Hohhof" wrote: Yeah, you wouldn’t want information like this getting out: http://wikimapia.org/10668587/AT-T-Norway-IL-Class-1-Switching-Center Not a big secret, since it’s a very distinctive looking tower visible from 10-20 miles away due to the high ground it sits on. It was also one of the ground sites for the Air Force 1 secure communications network, I don’t know if that’s still operational, I think maybe it is. Last I heard DeKalb, IL is still an active fiber POP. Tower is not used, but they won’t least space or sell it. It’s right in town and not a very well kept secret. From: George Skorup <mailto:geo...@cbcast.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2016 7:20 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] AT&T Long Lines But AT&T is the devil, so again, just sayin. On 1/26/2016 7:16 PM, Jaime Solorza wrote: Ha...as if we are afraid of AT&TI know most on this list have ripped tags off sofas and mattresses. So there On Jan 26, 2016 6:09 PM, "George Skorup" wrote: AT&T doesn't like it when you list active sites. Just sayin. On 1/26/2016 11:33 AM, Eric Kuhnke wrote: It has tons in the midwest, I think I unchecked several sections before I saved the KML. I was looking only at the Pacific Northwest. Open the drop-down arrow that is the main category and re-check the other 4 or 5 categories. On Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 8:13 AM, Keefe John wrote: Nothing in the midwest either. On 1/26/2016 9:51 AM, Jerry Head wrote: Same here for Alabama. On 1/26/2016 9:24 AM, Chuck Hogg wrote: It doesn't have most of the Kentucky ones. Interesting...I can name a bunch more... Regards, Chuck On Mon, Jan 25, 2016 at 11:50 PM, Eric Kuhnke wrote: Looks like the list may be removing attachments... Here's the file: http://ten
Re: [AFMUG] AT&T Long Lines
I don’t have a server to do this with, files are quite large and already compressed. That dropbox link should be a publicly accessible link, no dropbox account required. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Eric Kuhnke Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2016 2:14 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] AT&T Long Lines Could you put a zip file of those on a self hosted httpd that is not dropbox? On Jan 27, 2016 7:22 PM, "Brian Webster" wrote: Here is a link to a bunch of old scanned AT&T microwave route paper maps I found somewhere. There is also a Western Union microwave map in there as well. These are nice to see where there is already some nice engineered 6 GHz backhaul paths if the towers still exist. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/c2x5wik41o3d5we/AAByxX8cAyhU3Y7UhG_kVQJda?dl=0 Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mathew Howard Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 11:42 AM To: af Subject: Re: [AFMUG] AT&T Long Lines There has got to be a good use for a missile base... I want it. On Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 12:50 AM, Eric Kuhnke wrote: Titan 1 missile site for sale: http://www.themissilebase.com/ On Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 10:46 PM, George Skorup wrote: If war breaks out, I'm heading to one of several we lease space on. I'm sure the owner won't mind. On 1/27/2016 12:31 AM, Eric Kuhnke wrote: There are some amazing Long Lines sites in WA and ID that serve almost no useful purpose, now that all long distance traffic moves via fiber... The ones closer to major metro areas have more tenants and more value to their new owners. The Long Lines sites that were built solely as a means to get a PTP relay over a major mountain range are amazing. Built with massive diesel tanks and ventilation intakes 18' off the ground due to snow pack. These ones have the original horn antennas and not much else, maybe some VHF/UHF omni radio repeaters for forestry/national parks. Bethel Ridge WA, about 1820 meters elevation https://www.google.com/maps?ll=46.71724,-121.10068 <https://www.google.com/maps?ll=46.71724,-121.10068&z=14&t=h> &z=14&t=h Goldendale WA https://www.google.com/maps?ll=45.99800,-120.69536 <https://www.google.com/maps?ll=45.99800,-120.69536&z=14&t=h> &z=14&t=h Leadore ID, one of the highest I can find, it's at 2750m elevation https://www.google.com/maps?ll=45.99800,-120.69536 <https://www.google.com/maps?ll=45.99800,-120.69536&z=14&t=h> &z=14&t=h Bring a snow-cat in winter On Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 6:05 PM, Mike Hammett wrote: I have a bunch I took of a Long Lines concrete tower in Springfield, OH that was being torn down on my FB somewhere. Then there's long-lines.net - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com _ From: "Mike Hammett" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2016 7:56:50 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] AT&T Long Lines I didn't get enough pics on this site: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cfk3jvi6u5jaq1x/AACv12KJ32ZrUbw5mwSuAVuxa?dl=0 Lots of awesome stuff here. - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com _ From: "Josh Reynolds" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2016 7:41:12 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] AT&T Long Lines Some of the old AT&T sites are cool. Hardened bunkers with walls many feet thick. On Jan 26, 2016 7:36 PM, "Ken Hohhof" wrote: Yeah, you wouldn’t want information like this getting out: http://wikimapia.org/10668587/AT-T-Norway-IL-Class-1-Switching-Center Not a big secret, since it’s a very distinctive looking tower visible from 10-20 miles away due to the high ground it sits on. It was also one of the ground sites for the Air Force 1 secure communications network, I don’t know if that’s still operational, I think maybe it is. Last I heard DeKalb, IL is still an active fiber POP. Tower is not used, but they won’t least space or sell it. It’s right in town and not a very well kept secret. From: George Skorup <mailto:geo...@cbcast.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2016 7:20 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] AT&T Long Lines But AT&T is the devil, so again, just sayin. On 1/26/2016 7:16 PM, Jaime Solorza wrote: Ha...as if we are afraid of AT&TI know most on this list have ripped tags off sofas and mattresses. So there On Jan 26, 2016 6:09 PM, "George Skorup" wrote: AT&T doesn't like it when you list active sites. Just sayin. On 1/26/2016 11:33 AM, Eric Kuhnke wrote: It has tons in the midwest, I think I unchecked several sections before I saved the KML. I was looking only at t
Re: [AFMUG] A crossroads for over-the-air TV |SanDiegoUnionTribune.com
I have not looked at the rules lately but as I recall when the move to digital happened the power reduction from Analog to the new digital transmitters dropped by I think 80%, his was for the UHF bands, when staying in the VHF bands the power reduction requirement was even more, plus I think there was the problem of operating both the analog and digital stations simultaneously during that whole transition period. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2016 6:10 PM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] A crossroads for over-the-air TV |SanDiegoUnionTribune.com That's what my pea brain tells me...larger wavelength will probably hit something first outdoors but I know for a fact that 2.4 GHz systems down converted to 450XXX MHz does provide true Non Line of Sight using OFDM. I tested it in a Phelps Dodge (now McNichols or whatever) here in El Paso with their engineering guys. AP on engineer.s desk connected to Internet and us in a van drove everywhere we had access to, behind structures, pipes size of houses, down hill, behind tanks full of liquids,etc. I am sure Ken is correct in that they want the 500 to 700 MHz bands...less towers or POPs to deploy to cover larger areas. Hell on highways where there is only 2 and 3G or no coverage, they can install a few to cover long stretches. Jaime Solorza Wireless Systems Architect 915-861-1390 On Thu, Jan 28, 2016 at 3:58 PM, Ken Hohhof wrote: I hear that all the time and unless there’s something I’m missing, it’s a bunch of crap. Probably a misunderstanding that there are more UHF channels than VHF channels? What I hear/read a lot is that millimeter wave frequencies carry more data because of the higher frequency. Bah! It’s because you can use wider channels. In this case, I suspect it’s just that the LTE guys don’t want VHF spectrum. But UHF is right next to frequencies they already use. From: Jaime Solorza <mailto:losguyswirel...@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2016 3:46 PM To: Animal Farm <mailto:af@afmug.com> Subject: Re: [AFMUG] A crossroads for over-the-air TV |SanDiegoUnionTribune.com interesting point that they claim UHF can carry more data compared to VHFI am assuming blocks of 6 MHz channels in either band would provide similar results in a lab. Outdoors I suspect it all changes.. Jaime Solorza Wireless Systems Architect 915-861-1390 On Thu, Jan 28, 2016 at 12:47 PM, Ken Hohhof wrote: screwed From: George Skorup <mailto:geo...@cbcast.com> Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2016 1:37 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] A crossroads for over-the-air TV | SanDiegoUnionTribune.com So if they force a bunch of broadcasters back to VHF, what about all those people who have new UHF-only antennas? On 1/28/2016 8:25 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: So, just a few years ago, HDTV forced them from VHF to UHF. Now they are going to force them back to VHF? From: Jaime Solorza <mailto:losguyswirel...@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 9:15 PM To: Animal Farm <mailto:af@afmug.com> Subject: [AFMUG] A crossroads for over-the-air TV | SanDiegoUnionTribune.com http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jan/27/FCC-spectrum-auction-netflix-amazon-TV-stations/
Re: [AFMUG] Drive Testing
The most practical way to accomplish this would be to just validate your RF model assumptions and then apply them to the fixed wireless propagation. As you mentioned there is no practical way to test 22 foot CPE install heights let alone the additional gain that a fixed CPE antenna provides as compared to some sort of radio you could practically have on a mobile platform. While you could go out and spot check with a push up mast that can be time consuming when it comes to gathering a significant number of sample points. The easier method would be to run an RF propagation with CPE parameters of a device you can install on a mobile unit and drive around with. You could then drive the areas that you predicted this coverage for and gather that data in a text file. Ideally you would do the same drive multiple times and under various climate conditions and seasonal changes. This would give you sample points that you can compare the measured to the predicted. I would do this in a GIS platform and create a delta table and map showing variations between predicted versus measured. I would also have the data for each clutter/tree class. This would allow me to investigate to see if there are consistent delta differences and if they only appear to be variations with certain clutter or if they predictions are off consistently for the whole predicted area. This would then point me in the proper direction to make changes in my RF tool, system wide would mean change the percentage numbers in the mode of variability (fade margin), major differences in the delta for various clutter classifications would tell me I need to adjust my clutter/land cover file settings. Once the model is tuned to your satisfaction you can then run your fixed CPE propagations with a lot better confidence factor. One thing to look out for though is the land cover data being used. I have both the latest and the next oldest clutter data for North America. There was some sort of formula change to the data in the latest release that created some decent sized changes in various parts of the country, this means your predicted coverage may be assuming trees or lack of in areas that the reality is different than the land cover data. You can get a Google Earth file that shows the current vintage land cover map/classification but I am not sure you can do the same for older versions. I am fortunate enough to have all of the data on a hard drive and can easily switch between the two and compare differences. Sometimes the old version is better, sometimes it’s the newer version, it depends on your location. Sometimes there are clutter classifications for an area such as Urban that you would not expect and thus your model is applying losses for a clutter class you are not seeing in real life. I have attached a Google Earth file with three separate areas in the US that have a new and old clutter map version for the same spot, you can turn them on and off at will while looking at the aerial imaging to see what the differences may be. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2016 12:11 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Drive Testing I was thinking about this during my drive to work today, and the towercoverage.com thread just reminded me. Is there a realistic way to do drive testing for fixed wireless? I've plotted coverage using a 22' subscriber height, and I can't drive around with a 22' high mast (vehicles and loads have a 13'6" height limit in NY State). So rather than collecting data as I drive --which would be relatively painless-- I'd have to stop, deploy a mast, record coord and reading, un-deploy mast, move to next test point, repeat. I think I could set a drone to a 22' flight ceiling. I'd still have to drive the drone to different places because it will only work within range of the controller. Or maybe forget about drive testing.is there a realistic way to validate your coverage map other than attempting installations and seeing which ones work? If you're wondering why, I've been asked by some officials "how do you validate this coverage projection?" All I've really got is that we attempt installs and they usually work where they're supposed to.
Re: [AFMUG] Drive Testing
For the record the FCC does not state that you have to serve EVERY address in a census block. Their position on the coverage portion of the new 477 process was that if you served one spot in the block it was deemed served. Wherever people are saying you have to serve the whole block you are not correct. The FCC knows the same is true for wireline carriers. The census block method is a compromise to determine coverage. They cannot force the carriers to disclose physical plant data so the block level is as close as they can get, and just as important they know that RF signals will not always get to all portions of a census block. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Cameron Crum Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2016 2:08 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Drive Testing We can base them off of viewsheds which tell you where you have LOS at a given elevation. That is a guarantee for service as long as the data is correct and your clutter values are close. However, we did study this VS the radius approach and the difference was not enough to matter. Again it comes down to how much of an area is considered covered. If the viewshed touched a block at all it was counted. There were very few cases where a block under a reasonable radius did not also show up under a viewshed with the same "cut-off" radius. Prop tools all have a cut-off radius as well. On Thu, Feb 4, 2016 at 12:59 PM, Chuck McCown wrote: The cheapest method is to just submit 477 data that you are 90% certain you can actually serve. You might look up the serving area if the ILECs in your areas. If you claim via 477 that you serve their whole area or most of it, you will probably get a challenge. From: Cameron Crum <mailto:cc...@wispmon.com> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2016 11:56 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Drive Testing What Brian is talking about is what carriers do to model tune (sometimes). It is labor intensive and expensive and must be done with care. I would highly doubt most wisps have the time or resources to do something like this. I wonder what the value is as an insurance policy vs submitting with a "rougher" approach and then proving once you are challenged? On Thu, Feb 4, 2016 at 12:50 PM, Chuck McCown wrote: Pretty sure the FCC would accept this if you did enough samples to prove the RF model. -Original Message- From: Brian Webster Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2016 11:47 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Drive Testing The most practical way to accomplish this would be to just validate your RF model assumptions and then apply them to the fixed wireless propagation. As you mentioned there is no practical way to test 22 foot CPE install heights let alone the additional gain that a fixed CPE antenna provides as compared to some sort of radio you could practically have on a mobile platform. While you could go out and spot check with a push up mast that can be time consuming when it comes to gathering a significant number of sample points. The easier method would be to run an RF propagation with CPE parameters of a device you can install on a mobile unit and drive around with. You could then drive the areas that you predicted this coverage for and gather that data in a text file. Ideally you would do the same drive multiple times and under various climate conditions and seasonal changes. This would give you sample points that you can compare the measured to the predicted. I would do this in a GIS platform and create a delta table and map showing variations between predicted versus measured. I would also have the data for each clutter/tree class. This would allow me to investigate to see if there are consistent delta differences and if they only appear to be variations with certain clutter or if they predictions are off consistently for the whole predicted area. This would then point me in the proper direction to make changes in my RF tool, system wide would mean change the percentage numbers in the mode of variability (fade margin), major differences in the delta for various clutter classifications would tell me I need to adjust my clutter/land cover file settings. Once the model is tuned to your satisfaction you can then run your fixed CPE propagations with a lot better confidence factor. One thing to look out for though is the land cover data being used. I have both the latest and the next oldest clutter data for North America. There was some sort of formula change to the data in the latest release that created some decent sized changes in various parts of the country, this means your predicted coverage may be assuming trees or lack of in areas that the reality is different than the land cover data. You can get a Google Earth file that shows the current vintage land cover map/classification
Re: [AFMUG] Plan to Compete with Municipal Fiber?
My suggestion would be to just wait it out. Let them build it and lose money. Eventually they will realize that they have no idea how to be an ISP, the customers will not deal with slow government response times to complaints, and the government will hate dealing with title II issues and open internet regulations. They will throw their hands up and offer it via bid or something else to a private company to manage/own/run. You might be able to pick it up for far less than it would have cost you to build. I certainly would not try to overbuild them before they get going. The average consumer has already heard about their promised prices, you will be fighting that even though they have not even started building yet. Do a search for the UC2B project in Illinois, it was a municipal/university system built with stimulus funds. They did what they needed to meet grant obligations, then they all argued among the partners about who and how they would run things and failed at that. They finally let a private company take over and expand the system. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Carl Peterson Sent: Monday, July 06, 2015 8:45 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Plan to Compete with Municipal Fiber? Assuming you didn't have to recoup build costs, I don't see how it would be hard to run the network at $50 per sub. Bandwidth is dirt cheep at scale and there isn't much to go wrong with a fiber plant. On Jul 6, 2015, at 3:10 PM, Christopher Gray wrote: About $40M is grant funding from the state for "last mile" services that is only available to municipalities. The balance of the funding is coming from town borrowing. My town will receive about $1.2M from the grant and will vote in September whether to authorize $2.3M of borrowing that would be paid with property tax. I'm 95% sure this will go through, and the network would be lit in about 3 years, but I can't get their numbers to work out. I cannot see how they can actually provide service and maintain their network and offer a base service of only $50 / month. If that jumps to $100, I could see remaining competitive, though. On Mon, Jul 6, 2015 at 1:58 PM, Chuck McCown wrote: Where is the funding coming from? I would not be comfortable building in an area where I am sure to get over built. From: Christopher Gray <mailto:cg...@graytechsoftware.com> Sent: Monday, July 06, 2015 11:56 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Plan to Compete with Municipal Fiber? Several of the rural towns in my planned coverage area are looking into municipal fiber (average density about 10 premises per fiber mile, all above ground). They're claiming $50 for 25 Mbps service, $79 for 100 Mbps, and $109 for 1 Gbps. They already have funding authorized in about half of the towns they are targeting... but they'd be about 3 years from providing any service. Is it reasonable or possible to compete with such a thing? Should I ignore any area that plans to fund this, or might it be worth getting a foothold before their system is lit? Thanks - Chris
Re: [AFMUG] Plan to Compete with Municipal Fiber?
On the topic of pricing, if anyone wants a good read about market prices/packages you can check out these two pricing studies I published while working on the Illinois Broadband Mapping project. The study did not go in to which technologies or which carriers had lowest prices but rather it shows which speed tiers are at which prices and the number of competitors. The appendix pages show the maps that correspond to the data tables in the main reports. The second report was conducted a year after the first so we also gave a change over time review. Illinois is a good state to look at for this information because there are a lot of WISPs in operation both rural and metro. Short summary: Speed tier offerings got faster. Prices stayed the same or slightly dropped. The idea that lack of competition keeps prices higher is proven false. The wireline carriers DID NOT target more affluent neighborhoods with better broadband packages. The more rural areas had prices higher than the metro markets. 2013 report is here http://www.broadbandillinois.org/Research/Internal-Research/Pricing-Report.html 2014 report at this link http://www.broadbandillinois.org/Research/Internal-Research/2015-Pricing-Report.html Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Ken Hohhof Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2015 9:00 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Plan to Compete with Municipal Fiber? The common assumption is that Internet prices are greatly inflated due to lack of competition, and if there were more competition, a price war would ensue and prices would drop dramatically. Not sure if this is true, but if so, the likely result would be covering just the operating costs, or even not that if other people’s money is being used to cover the losses. Eventually you end up with infrastructure that has not been properly maintained and upgraded, like has happened with the copper infrastructure. OK, fiber might need less maintenance and upgrades than copper, but I’m sure they would find a way to let it fall apart due to neglect. If nothing else, people seem to keep cutting fiber, accidentally or on purpose. I find it interesting that around us, we typically have 4-5 WISPs fighting over a sparsely populated rural area, not to mention satellite and mobile broadband plus DSL and cable in town. Yet I don’t see a race to the bottom on prices among the WISPs. And the ones that try to price a little lower tend to have oversubscription and reliability problems. I think there’s a realization that while you could compete primarily on price, you wouldn’t bring in enough revenue to build/maintain/upgrade a quality network, and your service would suck. If not immediately, then over time. So the competition tends to be more on service and who has a tower with LOS to a particular customer. Other people’s money (federal, municipal, or outside investors) alter this thinking, but eventually you have to pay the piper. From: Lewis Bergman <mailto:lewis.berg...@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2015 7:03 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Plan to Compete with Municipal Fiber? 100% agree with Brian. This seems to be the path for about 99% of the Muni WISPS out there. Keep your eye on it, get to the know the staff. When the pain seems to get to much for them to bear offer to step in. The only thing you will have to deal with is the customers who think you should charge, or give for free, with the same structure a tax funded entity couldn't make work. That won't matter since those socialists can't understand logic there is no use explaining it to them. On Mon, Jul 6, 2015 at 10:06 PM, Brian Webster wrote: My suggestion would be to just wait it out. Let them build it and lose money. Eventually they will realize that they have no idea how to be an ISP, the customers will not deal with slow government response times to complaints, and the government will hate dealing with title II issues and open internet regulations. They will throw their hands up and offer it via bid or something else to a private company to manage/own/run. You might be able to pick it up for far less than it would have cost you to build. I certainly would not try to overbuild them before they get going. The average consumer has already heard about their promised prices, you will be fighting that even though they have not even started building yet. Do a search for the UC2B project in Illinois, it was a municipal/university system built with stimulus funds. They did what they needed to meet grant obligations, then they all argued among the partners about who and how they would run things and failed at that. They finally let a private company take over and expand the system. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com Fro
Re: [AFMUG] NED vs SRTM
NED is the national elevation dataset and is based on actual ground elevation data and digitized topo maps. SRTM is a combination of RADAR and LIDAR data from the shuttle missions. They do not reflect actual ground elevation, they are a processed echo return of whatever radar and LIDAR returns that were received on the shuttle. The source of the data should also be known as to the resolution. SRTM data was published at 30 meter resolution meaning the hard data points are spaced at 30 meter intervals. NED data is available in various resolutions the most common nationwide being 1/3 arc second or 10 meter resolution or actual data points every 10 meters. This produces a much more accurate terrain model which in turn creates much more accurate RF propagation information. I have attached a real rough paper with images that illustrate the various differences in terrain data and resolution. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2015 6:19 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] NED vs SRTM If there's a 5 meter discrepancy between USGS National Elevation Data and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, who would you trust? Would you bet $500 on it? In this case, with NED I'll have LOS on a backhaul, and with SRTM I'm in the woods. I'm under the impression that SRTM sometimes gets you treetops rather than the ground. If I'm wrong I have alternate paths, but I'd have to pay for a new PCNso it really is a $500 bet. :)
Re: [AFMUG] NED vs SRTM
The problem with trying to extract clutter height from the SRTM data is that you probably will only get about the 70 percentile or so of the real heights (this depends on the density of the clutter in any particular area). Remember the SRTM data relied on the RADAR and LIDAR echo returns to establish height. It had to hit clutter/tree density that was enough to create that echo return, tops of trees are not usually dense enough so trying to extract between the two sets has proven to not be accurate enough. Believe me I spent a lot of time trying that process. I have another paper that I will send you where I went through that drill. Also relying on that data at 30 meter resolution to compare to the 10 meter resolution NED data will have you using the SRTM data that has a lot of assumed interpolated height values. With closer spaced actual data at 10 meter spacing there is much less interpolation and a lot less terrain averaging. This becomes quite critical in areas where your terrain heights change over short distances of which you have a lot of here in NY. If you are worried about tree clutter in the microwave path the 30 meter resolution data available for clutter in Radio Mobile is more than accurate enough provided you don't use the latest vintage version that is available for download. I have found problems with that data set as compared to the next oldest set. I rely on the older version and as it compares to aerial imagery it proves to be more accurate. NED data gets you the actual ground elevations you should use for path and RF studies. If you use SRTM the ground elevation is putting your transmitter at a ground elevation that is inflated by the height of the clutter if there is any in the area. This also creates a false path study because areas of clutter along the path that have clutter are also raised showing as hard terrain which is not the case especially as tools calculate the Fresnel Zone clearances. Use the NED data sets and for clutter use clutter files and adjust the heights of the clutter classes for the typical values in your area. Typical tree clutter in this part of NY are 75 to 80 feet in height. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2015 11:31 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] NED vs SRTM Does any of the RF modeling software automatically compare NED with SRTM to extrapolate clutter height? It seems like it would be a straightforward feature to add. On 7/22/2015 8:35 AM, Hardy, Tim wrote: > Another point to remember: > > The end points of an SRTM profile sometimes need to be adjusted downwards (or > at the very least, verified) to account for the morphology above terrain that > may have been included in the SRTM data. > > -Original Message- > From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Brian Webster > Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2015 11:22 PM > To: af@afmug.com > Subject: Re: [AFMUG] NED vs SRTM > > NED is the national elevation dataset and is based on actual ground elevation > data and digitized topo maps. > > SRTM is a combination of RADAR and LIDAR data from the shuttle missions. They > do not reflect actual ground elevation, they are a processed echo return of > whatever radar and LIDAR returns that were received on the shuttle. > > The source of the data should also be known as to the resolution. SRTM data > was published at 30 meter resolution meaning the hard data points are spaced > at 30 meter intervals. NED data is available in various resolutions the most > common nationwide being 1/3 arc second or 10 meter resolution or actual data > points every 10 meters. This produces a much more accurate terrain model > which in turn creates much more accurate RF propagation information. > > I have attached a real rough paper with images that illustrate the various > differences in terrain data and resolution. > > > > Thank You, > Brian Webster > www.wirelessmapping.com > www.Broadband-Mapping.com > > > -Original Message- > From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett > Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2015 6:19 PM > To: af@afmug.com > Subject: [AFMUG] NED vs SRTM > > If there's a 5 meter discrepancy between USGS National Elevation Data and the > Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, who would you trust? Would you bet $500 on > it? > > In this case, with NED I'll have LOS on a backhaul, and with SRTM I'm > in the woods. I'm under the impression that SRTM sometimes gets you > treetops rather than the ground. If I'm wrong I have alternate paths, > but I'd have to pay for a new PCNso it really is a $500 bet. :) >
Re: [AFMUG] NED vs SRTM
Link planner uses SRTM 30 meter data. Thank You, Brian Webster 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2015 1:32 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] NED vs SRTM That's what I've been doing, so I'm glad to hear that's right. The problem came up when I was double checking versus Cambium Link Planner, which I'm pretty sure uses SRTM. On 7/22/2015 12:28 PM, Brian Webster wrote: > NED data gets you the actual ground elevations you should use for path and RF > studies.
Re: [AFMUG] NED vs SRTM
Also Google Earth typically uses less precise 30 meter ground elevation data as well if anyone tries to use that as another point to check. All of these tools and data take a lot of time to get more precise information and better answers. The free tools you find out there tend to not have this time invested and/or they have not taken the time to understand the differences in the base data sets that may be used. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for ;-) In most cases it's good enough but when things get close you always want to use the best sources to get your best answers. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2015 1:32 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] NED vs SRTM That's what I've been doing, so I'm glad to hear that's right. The problem came up when I was double checking versus Cambium Link Planner, which I'm pretty sure uses SRTM. On 7/22/2015 12:28 PM, Brian Webster wrote: > NED data gets you the actual ground elevations you should use for path and RF > studies.
Re: [AFMUG] $2m grand prize from DARPA to find a intelligent way to split the Spectrum
Roflmao!! Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Friday, March 25, 2016 10:30 PM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] $2m grand prize from DARPA to find a intelligent way to split the Spectrum Spec//trum. Wheres my money? On Mar 25, 2016 6:47 PM, "Rory Conaway" wrote: I wonder if Kumu’s technology qualifies? Rory From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of timothy steele Sent: Friday, March 25, 2016 5:42 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] $2m grand prize from DARPA to find a intelligent way to split the Spectrum DARPA is offering a two million-dollar prize for anyone that can find an intelligent way to split the Spectrum http://spectrumcollaborationchallenge.com
Re: [AFMUG] OT: Decent Wideband Communications Receiver
You can get an RTL-SDR stick and for shortwave get one of the upconverters. Should cost less than $85 http://www.rtl-sdr.com/ http://www.rtl-sdr.com/review-of-the-spyverter-upconverter/ Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of cjwstudios Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 6:44 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] OT: Decent Wideband Communications Receiver Hi Folks, Tonight I was having a wistful moment desiring to fiddle with the knobs of a wideband communications receiver and listen to jibber jabber from far-off-lands. Back In The Day we had heath kit, yeasu, drake, realistic, and grundig that would provide hours of enjoyment. Can anyone recommend a decent wideband RF receiver for DXing? Does anyone DX anymore? Thanks in advance...
Re: [AFMUG] Licensed spectrum for utility companies
Find out what bandwidth they really need for the meter reading system. There are plenty of narrowband UHF and VHF channels they could get and they should be able to get speeds up to 9600 baud on those channels. This may mean they need to choose a different equipment vendor because of the radio units. I find most utility companies are being led by the sales pitches and being told what they should have rather than really know what they need for bandwidth and the number of times per day they should poll the devices. If they also understood how many fewer base stations they would need by using the lower frequencies and narrow band equipment the coverage areas are much larger. Two way radio systems for data can operate easily down to -116 dBm for the slow data rates. Compare that to probably not getting anything functioning reliably below -80 dBm in the 900 band and you can see why the footprint for each base station would be so large. Tree losses at those lower bands are so much less as well. Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Sean Heskett Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 4:06 PM To: af@afmug.com; memb...@wispa.org Subject: [AFMUG] Licensed spectrum for utility companies can anyone point me in the direction of what licensed spectrum is available and how to obtain the spectrum for electrical and water utility companies that want to do advanced metering. our local co-op is about to deploy a 900Mhz system and they stated that they couldn't get any licensed spectrum. Any and all advice is greatly appreciate! Thanks, Sean
Re: [AFMUG] OT ENG telescopic mast
There are 4 pneumatic masts listed now as well. Versions from 42 to 58 feet. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Monday, May 02, 2016 1:40 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT ENG telescopic mast Hmmm, so there is. Good to know, thanks. From: Keefe John <mailto:keefe...@ethoplex.com> Sent: Monday, May 02, 2016 10:53 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT ENG telescopic mast No but here's one on Ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-E-Series-Van-E-350-/272226100877?forcerrptr=tru e <http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-E-Series-Van-E-350-/272226100877?forcerrptr=tr ue&hash=item3f61f0a68d:g:NU0AAOSwMVFXIQwi&item=272226100877> &hash=item3f61f0a68d:g:NU0AAOSwMVFXIQwi&item=272226100877 On 5/2/2016 11:23 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: That is what I need... you looking to sell? � From: Keefe John <mailto:keefe...@ethoplex.com> Sent: Monday, May 02, 2016 10:21 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT ENG telescopic mast � We have something like that. See attached. On 5/2/2016 9:43 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: Looking for a junkyard full of electronic news gathering gear.� Pneumatic telescope mast is the #1 thing on my list.� Then I need some kind of PTZ mount for the top that is stout enough to hole a dish antenna.� � Anybody know anyone in the news department of a TV station?
Re: [AFMUG] Generator runtime on very light loads
Keep in mind that some of the cheap portable generators recommend an oil change after every 8 hours of run time. That would mean three oil changes a day on top of your fuel costs. Might still be cheaper to run the Generac. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Friday, June 03, 2016 10:07 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Generator runtime on very light loads In retrospect, these are stupid questions. I wanted the Generac anyway to use for a standby generator at one site, but at a different site I have a temporary need to run on generator for about a month while I wait for the power company to hook up our new service...there's only about a 200 Watt load. Given the fuel cost of running the Generac continuously for a month, it will be cheaper to buy a separate portable generator. nevermind. -- Original Message -- From: "Adam Moffett" To: "af@afmug.com" Sent: 6/3/2016 9:20:07 AM Subject: [AFMUG] Generator runtime on very light loads Generac tech support could not answer this question for me: What will my fuel consumption be a 1% load. I am looking at a 16kw Generac Guardian. Which has a 992cc engine and the spec sheet says will be consuming 1.99gal/hour of propane at 50% load. I'll be at 1% load and want to know how much fuel I would consume per hour. Or maybe a different question: What's the minimum amount of fuel it takes to keep a 992cc engine running at 3600RPM?
Re: [AFMUG] Frequency Planning / Coordination software
Eric, You are correct on all points. My suggestion is to use Radio Mobile, most of the time you can get the premade antenna pattern files so you could run each sector or PTP link properly. Then with each sector or link run I would set up a separate folder in Google Earth for each 5 GHz channel. Then you would move or save each sector propagation in to the folder for the channel it operates on. To see where you are using a particular channel you would just turn on that whole folder to plot all the RF signals on that channel. If you change channels for a sector just move it’s propagation file from the old channel folder to the new channel folder, no new propagation plot needs to be run (well unless you go from one power lever channel to a lower one). Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Eric Kuhnke Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2016 3:23 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Frequency Planning / Coordination software I last research this a couple of years ago, and I really hope somebody can tell me I'm wrong here, but I think you'll run into a few things: a) the serious software that is available is $ and assumes you are a major mobile phone carrier like T-Mobile or AT&T b) software that does not cost a truly ridiculous amount of money (LinkPlanner, etc) is designed for creating theoretical FCC Part 101 PTP links only and doesn't really handle sector antennas. c) software that can handle sector antennas and does what you want it to do will expect some sort of data files for radiation pattern envelope that are available for cellular radio sector antennas and radios, but has no idea how to deal with common 5.x GHz band WISP equipment. this software is intended for companies planning 3GPP/LTE based networks with monopole, tower and rooftop sites in urban areas but wasn't written for WISPs. On Tue, Aug 2, 2016 at 12:19 PM, Adam Moffett wrote: I'm also interested in this. The only suggestion I got before was the obvious one. Plot coverage maps for each antenna and see where they overlap. I'm sure software exists -- Original Message -- From: "SmarterBroadband" To: af@afmug.com Sent: 8/2/2016 3:09:14 PM Subject: [AFMUG] Frequency Planning / Coordination software Anyone know of any software out there that we could enter all our Sites Backhauls AP’s Frequencies sector directions and beam widths and it would show possible interference? We are getting so many towers now that 5 GHz planning is getting more and more difficult. Trying to keep track of all the frequencies, angles etc. Thanks Adam
Re: [AFMUG] OT Same question with a twist
Right but you have to watch out for some of these cards having less than a month billing cycle, those are things you want to pay attention to in the terms and conditions that Faisil mentions. They get you with things like late fees and such and have short billing cycles like 20 or 25 days. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2016 11:20 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT Same question with a twist I am one that does not care about APR because I normally pay the full balance each month. From: Faisal Imtiaz <mailto:fai...@snappytelecom.net> Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2016 9:19 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT Same question with a twist yes, while you are at it, also check what is their APR rate... Cash back is a wonderful scam to move money from left pocket to right pocket (lower interest rates on non-cash back cards, and a good 5-10 points higher on so called cash back cards along with the fine print limiting the cash back and other interesting terms and conditions). :) Faisal Imtiaz Snappy Internet & Telecom 7266 SW 48 Street Miami, FL 33155 Tel: 305 663 5518 x 232 Help-desk: (305)663-5518 Option 2 or Email: supp...@snappytelecom.net _ From: "Jeremy" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2016 10:47:21 AM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT Same question with a twist Will do! On Thu, Aug 4, 2016 at 8:35 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: That sounds hard to believe. Please let us know if it is true. From: Jeremy <mailto:jeremysmi...@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2016 8:30 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT Same question with a twist I had a customer yesterday tell me that their America First business credit card puts 5% cash back into their savings account every month. That is the biggest cash back I have ever heard of. I am a member, so I plan to look into this first of next week. On Tue, Aug 2, 2016 at 2:43 PM, Chuck McCown wrote: But if it was 1% of all the company purchases, the 1% would come back to the company, right? So unless it was for company travel I could get gigged on it in theory. I have the (probably mistaken) belief that burning company miles for personal use would probably be a safer way to cheat? From: Eric Kuhnke <mailto:eric.kuh...@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2016 2:38 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT Same question with a twist Not relevant to most of the list, but a local credit union that has a card with 1% cash back on everything. Paid once a year. I find that if you run enough money through it that 1% cash back lets you buy a "better" airline ticket using your own money, than something that earns miles which come with restrictions. On Tue, Aug 2, 2016 at 1:34 PM, Chuck McCown wrote: A few months ago we had a pretty good discussion about the best deals for credit cards. Today, I am looking for a better deal for company purchases. I like my Capital One Visa that gives good miles. I use the miles and like to store them up for my annual trips to England. But I figured I may as well start getting either miles or dollars or super low interest or something for the company credit card. Anyone have favorites for company use?
Re: [AFMUG] Google fiber going microwave?
Having been directly involved in the Google Fiber projects, I can tell you there are a number of factors that caused them to take pause on the deployments. One was the almost obstructionist attitude of pole owners (read competitors to their broadband deployment). This forced a lot more of the project deigns to underground deployment. In cities like San Jose and San Francisco, there were a lot of requirements that cost more money than Google budgeted for. In some respects Google kind of had the idea that cities would remove obstacles like that to get them in their city. With so much existing broadband already in place, this is certainly not the case. I think Google thought all cities were going to have the attitude like they had with the first cities who applied for Google to come to their cities (Like Kansas City did). Google was also of the impression that they could design and permit their networks and then cherry pick neighborhoods to deploy based on pre-sign ups (in Google terms - fiberhoods). This creates a huge logistic problem in planning construction especially with underground deployment. This also drove up costs. Google is still investigating the wireless options. What you will see from them should be a hybrid network system. They will buy up dark fiber, capacity on lit fiber, conduit space and whole fiber systems where they can. They may use microwave to cross connect systems or bridge high construction cost areas such as railroad crossings. They are looking at wireless to basically go more from the curb to the customer, especially in MDU cases. Existing competition and/or existing contracts within an MDU makes it risky to do a wired play if they cannot assure themselves of a huge take rate within the MDU. I see their wireless play as more of a high capacity short hop last mile, but even then they will have challenges with spectrum, interference and capacity. While we all would think Google is a great company with resources to do whatever they set their minds to, keep in mind I have seen a lot from the inside. I like to equate them to a group of thirty somethings with ADD and too much money. They also seem to have the attitude that older folks are too far behind the times to possibly know what they are talking about. Google is certainly not a utility infrastructure company and lack the people, tools and skill sets to be one. They are their own best cheerleaders and they have a dangerous habit of believing their own hype internally and are not real good at listening to fresh viewpoints and outside input. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2016 1:29 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Google fiber going microwave? They may have great RF engineers, but you still cannot fit a camel through the eye of a needle. -Original Message- From: Josh Reynolds Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2016 11:04 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Google fiber going microwave? So, I get it. You guys are sitting around feeling so smug with your WISP. We're talking about one of the largest and most powerful companies in the world though. Do you really think they don't have some of the best RF engineering talent in the world on their payroll? They're not doing anything different than many of us have done, which is evaluate the business case for each technology and pick the most appropriate one for the application. If it was going to cost you a couple hundred thousand just to cross an intersection, you'd be doing the same thing too. It's the smart play. At least they're not doing this in LEC style, which would mean "saying they can't do it unless they receive federal subsidies". On Wed, Aug 10, 2016 at 11:59 AM, CBB - Jay Fuller wrote: > > Wait until they experience ducting ;) > > > - Original Message - > From: Bill Prince > To: af@afmug.com > Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2016 11:48 AM > Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Google fiber going microwave? > > It's apparently "too expensive" to do underground fiber. At least in > San Jose. > > Anyone know anything about Webpass? > > > bp > > > On 8/10/2016 9:44 AM, Gino Villarini wrote: > > Google Fiber considering fixed microwave technology as alternative to > fiber. > Interesting times! > > http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/08/google-fiber-del > ays-san-jose-project-may-switch-to-wireless-instead/?comments=1 > >
Re: [AFMUG] Project Management Software
Start with a good excel spreadsheet if it a smaller project but structure the sheet such that it would easily convert to a relational database table(s). The problem with most project management programs is that they are designed for really large projects with many people and typically PMP certified folks using the package. It still requires a lot of setup and customization for your particular project. If you are proficient in excel you can get it done quicker there. The real reason one needs project management software is to keep track of multiple tasks, but just as importantly the forecasting of those tasks completions. I used to be a project troubleshooter for a tower company, the typical reason for projects falling behind and getting out of control was the lack of task completion forecast dates and a failure to examine those dates on a daily basis. These dates set goals for employees and contractors and helps them manage their priorities and workload. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2015 11:11 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Project Management Software I know this has been covered before.but it's a hot topic here at the moment. Is there a project management package that anybody here is really happy with?
Re: [AFMUG] Company to file form 477
Brandon, If you have participated in the national broadband map through the state then I can point you to files that have your census blocks already tabulated as of the last time you had the mapping updated with them. If not then I can also assist in the process. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Brandon Yuchasz Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 9:25 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Company to file form 477 Since this form came up yesterday I thought I would ask who everyone is using to generate the information for this form. If not using a company what route do you go to file it all yourself? I realize some of these companies are on this list so if off list is more appropriate feel free to email me there. Best regards, Brandon Yuchasz GogebicRange.net www.gogebicrange.net <http://www.gogebicrange.net/>
Re: [AFMUG] Customer Upload Bandwidth Maxed Out
Did they happen to upgrade to Windows 10? Apparently they are pushing updates via torrents by default without users knowing it. http://thehackernews.com/2015/08/windows-10-update.html Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Matt Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2015 3:44 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Customer Upload Bandwidth Maxed Out We have been seeing a good number of customer complaints that there Internet is slow. We look at there PPPoE graph and see there upload is maxed. Then we spend 20 to 60 minutes on the phone with them trying to figure out what is maxing it out. How is everyone else dealing with issues like this?
Re: [AFMUG] App for Wireless signal visualization?
This is kind of cool. If RF tools actually propagated in 3 dimensions rather than just two dimensions on a flat map it would be fairly easy to develop an app like this to visualize in 3D. In fact it might even be possible to do in Google Earth. To generate 3D propagations would take a much greater length of time but would be very useful information for many things. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Ty Featherling Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2015 10:42 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] App for Wireless signal visualization? It's a fictitious rendering of what it might look like, but still that is wicked cool. One day in my life maybe I will get to see RF Goggles but this is pretty neat. Apparently it just pulled from databases the locations of satellites, cell towers, and something else and maps them in 3d kind of like Google Sky does with planets and stars. It doesn't actively listen for RF and paint the picture. -Ty On Tue, Aug 25, 2015 at 6:37 AM, Gino Villarini wrote: http://gizmodo.com/if-our-eyes-could-see-wireless-signals-heres-what-the-1726215792
Re: [AFMUG] Spatial Diversity - helps how much?
Trees that are not in the near field of either end of the path will cause some diffraction, if that is the case spatial diversity may help. While trees do cause attenuation of you are shooting over the top of some trees and not directly though the main mass of the trees you can sometimes get this diffraction effect somewhat like knife edge diffraction over mountains and/or sharp edges like buildings. When I worked on the EarthLink Philly project we tested this phenomenon on 5 GHz paths. Canopy 100 stuff would not make link, no near field tree obstructions but no visible line of sight but path profile showed possible but with trees. Same paths using Alvarion at the time would make link and move data. Only difference was an OFDM platform over the Canopy. We came to the conclusion that the OFDM was able to make use of the scatter diffraction over/through the tops of the trees. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2015 12:27 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Spacial Diversity - helps how much? My biggest hurdles are protruding terrain features and trees. One of my colleagues asserted that having the two spatial paths might provide two chances to find a path through the woods. It sounds simultaneously plausible and crazy, and I don't have enough background knowledge to say one way or the other. We could surely get reflections off the ground, but I've always thought of trees as a source of attenuation rather than reflection --maybe that's too simplistic, but most of the time I'd bet it's close enough to the truth for practical purposes. If spatial diversity is mostly about fighting multipath interference, then adding 6db to the link budget is not appropriate, and it sounds like it would be more fair to say that specific circumstances that might weaken your signal won't weaken your signal. Which means Telrad's "only helps a little" is the more accurate response. Is there any downside? Any circumstance where spatial diversity hurts you? I can tell you cost is not a problem. The material cost is actually lower to buy two dual pol sectors compared to the 4x4, but you have a little more labor in assembly.cost wise it's a wash. On 8/26/2015 11:47 AM, ch...@wbmfg.com wrote: Historically, spatial diversity was used on long paths over non varying terrain, like deserts and lakes. Things that give off what is called specular reflections and weather refraction effects. Shooting from mountain to mountain over a bowl shaped valley is pretty bad for multipath. For short distance WiFi, I would think it may be helpful with moving reflectors like people and cars. From: Cameron Crum <mailto:cc...@wispmon.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2015 9:38 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Spacial Diversity - helps how much? Spatial diversity is primarily used to combat multi-path. If you have clear los, your chances of bad multi-path are fairly small and you probably won't see a lot of benefit. If you have a lot of objects between you and the tower that can cause reflections, then it will help more. Simple enough? On Wed, Aug 26, 2015 at 10:19 AM, Adam Moffett wrote: There are a couple of products out there selling 4x4 MIMO (Telrad is one, but there are others). In Telrad's case, two of the chains have a time offset from the other two, so you get two chains on each of two polarities. Their default antenna is a single sector antenna with 4 N-connectors on it, so there's no significant spacial diversity. In the past it's been suggested that we use two dual pol sector antennas and space them 3 feet apart to get spacial diversity. When I asked why they do the single antenna, a source at Telrad told me that spacial diversity "only helps a little". The party selling us the two panels considers it to add 6db when they run coverage projections. I suspect any gain from spacial diversity is going to depend on a lot of circumstances and I doubt it could be as simple as adding 6db. I'm wondering if anyone here has any opinions on the topic? Maybe even facts :) (I'm sort of eyeballing a certain guy in Utah who designs antennas and isn't trying to sell me anything.)
Re: [AFMUG] 477 SAC and Filer IDs
Make sure that your files did not have the 15 digit census block codes converted to scientific notation by any program such as excel. Also make sure that if you live in states that the FIPS code is less than 10 that you did not strip the leading zero off the block numbers. There should be 15 digits, first two is for the state, next three for the county, then tract and block. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Tushar Patel Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 6:57 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] 477 SAC and Filer IDs I had hard time on that too. There is explanation on the 15 digit code (state, county etc), look at the example PDF. Sub code generated out of platypus did not match the one explained in the deployment example. Tushar On Aug 31, 2015, at 5:49 PM, Robbie Wright wrote: Mine either. Subs went, deployment didn't. Robbie Wright Siuslaw Broadband <https://siuslawbroadband.com> 541-902-5101 On Mon, Aug 31, 2015 at 3:45 PM, That One Guy /sarcasm wrote: this deployment set just wont load, stupid fcc On Mon, Aug 31, 2015 at 5:34 PM, That One Guy /sarcasm wrote: I always thought it was to let white people know how tho pronounce the J On Mon, Aug 31, 2015 at 5:32 PM, Jaime Solorza wrote: No ese vatos...its for Holmes. Orale! His cart was chopped down short... Low to the ground.. Metal flake sand color with baby moons and tuck and roll upholstery.. It was a really choice ride!! On Aug 31, 2015 4:26 PM, "Dan Petermann" wrote: I asked that question once and the answer I got was Hemp. I don’t think that is correct…. On Aug 31, 2015, at 3:10 PM, Adam Moffett wrote: I've always wondered what the "H" stood for in that exclamation. He-man? Holy? On 8/31/2015 5:07 PM, That One Guy /sarcasm wrote: Jesus H christ! This thing is still processing a 1k file On Mon, Aug 31, 2015 at 3:52 PM, Tushar Patel wrote: I had same problem yesterday. But after clicking few times it let me go pass that point without having numbers in those field. Tushar On Aug 31, 2015, at 3:25 PM, That One Guy /sarcasm wrote: This website is making me put these two thing in, what are they, this is different than the last round -- If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team. -- If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team. -- If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team. -- If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team.
Re: [AFMUG] [WISPA Members] ok - so i bet this is a mystery no one has an answer to
Depending on the program being used for transfer does it have a setting to only use a percentage of the bandwidth available? Is it the new windows 10 and does that have that feature enabled? Since Windows 10 now has a torrent file sharing feature to help distribute windows updates I would look towards that as a possibility. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Josh Luthman Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2015 3:22 PM To: memb...@wispa.org Cc: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] [WISPA Members] ok - so i bet this is a mystery no one has an answer to 1) traffic shaping somewhere 2) you're using the wrong protocol for heavy file transfer Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Sep 1, 2015 at 3:09 PM, CBB - Jay Fuller wrote: So, i've got a computer at our office on a one gig fiber connection. i have a computer on a cable modem. I'm trying to copy a 75 meg file using remote desktop from the office to my home. The office computer has symmetric up and down - it's one gig fiber. My home computer (download) is 60 meg down 4 meg up (charter cable) Studying office network traffic it's only moving at 1.5 meg. Why isn't it going faster? Is there is a tweakable way? ___ Members mailing list memb...@wispa.org http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/members
Re: [AFMUG] [WISPA Members] Ice shield recommendations
Be careful with the tower you are going on and the added weight and wind load. If you are renting from a company I would have a new structural analysis. If that is the last item installed on the tower and there is a structure failure at some point in the future, liability typically falls on the user who last added something to the tower. If you added without conducting a new analysis by a structural engineer, good luck getting your liability company to pay for damages should the tower fail. This is an easy task to blow off and say its no big deal and you will likely get away with it for a long time. Its never cheap going to the engineer but then again having to pay to replace a tower AND all the damages from all the other people renting on the tower for their loss of services will bankrupt you easily, especially if there is public safety equipment or cellular carriers on said tower. Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Keefe John Sent: Friday, September 04, 2015 3:59 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] [WISPA Members] Ice shield recommendations http://www.sitepro1.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail <http://www.sitepro1.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=2994> &p=2994 On 9/4/2015 2:58 PM, Adam Moffett wrote: I've seen home made stuff made of angle iron.� Also once saw an ice shield made of steel pipe and chain link fencing.� Overkill is better than underkill. On 9/4/2015 3:42 PM, George Skorup wrote: Chuck McCown makes an ice shield (or used to make, can't find it on the website). I believe it's big enough to protect a 2' dish. If you're mounting a sector on a tower leg, I would think it'd be more than enough. On 9/4/2015 10:29 AM, Ian Sawyer wrote: The ice storms that have hit us these last two winters have me worrying a bit about our first Telrad deployment. Losing a rocket dish I could live with, the Telrad AP not so much. The Telrad sectors I�ll be mounting @ 200� on a 350� tower. I�ve taken a look @ Tessco and Site Pro 1. I�m not sure the �Mini Ice Shields� provide enough protection, and the other options seem overkill and crazy priced. Anyone have any other recommendations � looking for cheaper than $1k. It�s a tapered tower, and currently there is not much above 200�. � ___ Members mailing list memb...@wispa.org http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/members
Re: [AFMUG] Users need at least 10Mbps
I would also say this is a fair number, with a Netflix HD stream drawing 6 meg, 10 would be enough that the rest of the users would not notice a big slowdown for other internet uses while a video stream is active. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Sterling Jacobson Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 11:58 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Users need at least 10Mbps Well, I think 10Mbps is probably average now. That is a 10Mbps available during peak hours. Per 100 customers that is 1Gbps available. That is where I think we need to concentrate more efforts. I would like the focus to shift from the end mile to the middle mile and back end. Every one of us needs faster, cheaper trunks to connect to, closer to the last mile. From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mike Hammett Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 7:25 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Users need at least 10Mbps I look at the 10 meg standard as a good thing... it puts a serious check on those saying you must have gigabit to the home... when we all know that's ridiculous. - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com _ From: "Wireless Administrator" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 8:22:55 AM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Users need at least 10Mbps A burger needs to be at least 1lb to be satisfying. Let’s declare that to be the new minimal requirement, and shame the food industry into providing this Nation Wide, including the most urban areas (Far away from the cows). Additionally this should be done at or below the cost of a ½ pound hamburger. If they are unable to deliver let’s get the government involved to make it possible. Steve B. From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jason McKemie Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 2:56 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Users need at least 10Mbps Crap, I must be a glutton for punishment - I always read the damned comments. I feel like my IQ drops every time I do that. At any rate, 10mbps seems a bit high - I'd think it would be around 5 or so for most people - myself included. On Monday, September 14, 2015, Rory Conaway wrote: http://tech.slashdot.org/story/15/09/14/2148231/broadband-users-need-at-least-10mbps-to-be-satisfied Rory Conaway • Triad Wireless • CEO 4226 S. 37th Street • Phoenix • AZ 85040 602-426-0542 r...@triadwireless.net www.triadwireless.net <http://www.triadwireless.net/> “There are two theories on catching the knuckleball... unfortunately, neither of the theories work. - Charlie Lau:"
Re: [AFMUG] Cooling an outdoor NEMA box?
Don’t discount the idea of installing a flat plate on the sun facing face with standoffs. Just having that absorb the sun and heat with the air gap beneath does a lot towards not letting the heat build up inside the box. While there will be some conduction it will be a lot less than the direct radiation from the sun. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Sam Lambie Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2015 12:48 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Cooling an outdoor NEMA box? I am in the process of rebuilding one of our sites from an old wooden box to a more robust NEMA Wall mount cabinet that is 36x36x12. Unfortunately, the cabinet is on the southern side of the building and I am wondering how to cool the damn thing during the summertime heat. I would like to install a 4 inch 100vac fan to suck air out with an intake port on the other side. But it would be nice if the fans could be temperture controlled. Has anyone done this? And what have you used to make it happen? Sam -- -- Sam Lambie Taosnet Wireless Tech. 575-758-7598 Office www.Taosnet.com <http://www.newmex.com>
Re: [AFMUG] Kumu Networks demonstrates same channel full-duplex
I would think this technology will also have uses in the cable industry for their DOCSIS systems. Full duplex of any frequency has major implications. I was hoping this wasn't just going to be theory and actually make it in to the market. Think about all the backhaul capacity this could bring. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Rory Conaway Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 9:21 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Kumu Networks demonstrates same channel full-duplex http://www.technologyreview.com/news/541856/trick-that-doubles-wireless-data -capacity-stands-up-in-cell-network-tests/ Rory Conaway . Triad Wireless . CEO 4226 S. 37th Street . Phoenix . AZ 85040 602-426-0542 r...@triadwireless.net www.triadwireless.net <http://www.triadwireless.net/> "Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player." ~Author Unknown
Re: [AFMUG] Real-Time cyber attacks
I would guess that they just use that as a point for the center of the US when they don’t have any other good location data for the IP address. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of That One Guy /sarcasm Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2015 1:44 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Real-Time cyber attacks That norse map is always fun to watch, St louis is always heavy, what is it thats there, is it just where alot of IPs are registered to? On Sat, Sep 26, 2015 at 7:59 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: Here's a version of that map without all that other crap on the screen: http://map.norsecorp.com/ I've shared a few of these kinds of maps on Midwest-IX and The Brothers WISP FB pages. There's at least four or five different entities compiling and presenting real-time attack information. - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com _ From: "Rory Conaway" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2015 5:43:17 AM Subject: [AFMUG] Real-Time cyber attacks http://www.projectsafety.org/#!real-time-cyber-attacks/c16af Rory Conaway • Triad Wireless • CEO 4226 S. 37th Street • Phoenix • AZ 85040 602-426-0542 r...@triadwireless.net www.triadwireless.net <http://www.triadwireless.net/> “Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player.” ~Author Unknown -- If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team.
Re: [AFMUG] National Broadband Map
The National Broadband Map program was funded through the ARRA program and was under the control of the NTIA. That grant funding did not get renewed so as of the end of 2014 that state and national broadband map program stopped. The solution to continue to collect broadband deployment data was rolled in to the FCC form 477 program. That is where you have the new additional requirement to report not only your customer my census tract, but that you now have to report by law your service areas by census block. The census block service area data will become public information but your customer tract data still remains protected under NDA. If the FCC only has one person on the mapping program that would explain why you all seem to get notices so long after a filing if there are issues AND it also explains why there have been to releases to date of the block level coverage data for carriers by the FCC. That means the most current broadband deployment data available is from the national broadband map and that last round of data was collected and turned in to the NTIA in September of last year. That data has been published. Some states have continued to work on their mapping programs by requesting from carriers their latest 477 block level data, but there is no national effort to do so outside of the FCC. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Ty Featherling Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2015 10:10 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] National Broadband Map I bet Brian Webster could shine a little light on it. -Ty On Wed, Sep 30, 2015 at 9:07 PM, CBB - Jay Fuller wrote: Ok - two articles that I read today both cite the national broadband map for "information". I wanted to pass along some information I received in a state of Alabama broadband meeting / briefing today. At a conference recently an Alabama state staffer discussed with personnel from the FCC the National Broadband Map. Staffer was told the fcc currently had *one* employee working on that map and to not expect it to be updated anytime soon. There was, and I quote, "little to no funding..." for the project. FYI. grain of salt. take it or leave it. - Original Message - From: Ken Hohhof <mailto:af...@kwisp.com> To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 8:28 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Any of you guys service this guy in the news? Ouch, that Farm Futures article is pretty awful. Probably what passes for journalism today. I hope you weren't too harsh on her. Probably some gig economy writer paid a penny a word or something? -Original Message- From: Rick Harnish Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 6:56 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Any of you guys service this guy in the news? I contacted Peter Maher at Netwurx about the article. They are close. Maybe that is who Matthew Howard works for. http://www.netwurx.net/wireless-high-speed I also wrote an email to Jessica Michael at Farm Futures about her lack of knowledge about the Wisp industry yesterday. I haven't heard back from her yet. http://farmfutures.com/blogs-rural-internet-options-smart-office-10241 Respectfully, Rick Harnish Broadband Consultant & Industry Analyst 260-307-4000 cell Skype: rick.harnish.Twitter: @rharnish > -Original Message- > From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Steve > Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 7:43 PM > To: af@afmug.com > Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Any of you guys service this guy in the news? > > Contact Ars... have them update the site saying that Wireless can solve a > lot > of these problems for a fraction of the price. It'll be a good piece > they can do > on the wireless industry. Find the name of the guy who wrote the article. > ahhh his email is jon.brod...@arstechnica.com > > > > - Original Message - > From: "Mathew Howard" > To: "af" > Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 7:28:01 PM > Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Any of you guys service this guy in the news? > > I'll just skimmed through the article... We might be able to get there, > I'll see if > I can figure out where exactly it is. > > On Wed, Sep 30, 2015 at 5:10 PM, Steve wrote: > > > Would be a good followup Ars story if someone with a 450 was able to > > hit this guy up with faster than DSL speeds! Good PR for the WISP > > industry. > > > > > > http://arstechnica.com/business/2015/09/man-builds-house-then-finds- > ou > > t-cable-internet-will-cost-117000/ > > > >
Re: [AFMUG] National Broadband Map
Since the FCC has yet to release any of the 477 public data, you could easily send the state your census blocks file. They would at least keep the state map updated that way. They can easily process that same file. Thank You, Brian Webster 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jeremy Sent: Friday, October 02, 2015 10:14 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] National Broadband Map Our state (Utah) has allocated funds and is continuing the Utah Broadband Mapping Initiative (brodband.utah.gov/map/). They called me recently for a map update. I mentioned that it is all on the 477 map now and she said they were continuing to update the local map independently of the 477 map. On Fri, Oct 2, 2015 at 6:12 AM, Brian Webster wrote: The National Broadband Map program was funded through the ARRA program and was under the control of the NTIA. That grant funding did not get renewed so as of the end of 2014 that state and national broadband map program stopped. The solution to continue to collect broadband deployment data was rolled in to the FCC form 477 program. That is where you have the new additional requirement to report not only your customer my census tract, but that you now have to report by law your service areas by census block. The census block service area data will become public information but your customer tract data still remains protected under NDA. If the FCC only has one person on the mapping program that would explain why you all seem to get notices so long after a filing if there are issues AND it also explains why there have been to releases to date of the block level coverage data for carriers by the FCC. That means the most current broadband deployment data available is from the national broadband map and that last round of data was collected and turned in to the NTIA in September of last year. That data has been published. Some states have continued to work on their mapping programs by requesting from carriers their latest 477 block level data, but there is no national effort to do so outside of the FCC. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Ty Featherling Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2015 10:10 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] National Broadband Map I bet Brian Webster could shine a little light on it. -Ty On Wed, Sep 30, 2015 at 9:07 PM, CBB - Jay Fuller wrote: Ok - two articles that I read today both cite the national broadband map for "information". I wanted to pass along some information I received in a state of Alabama broadband meeting / briefing today. At a conference recently an Alabama state staffer discussed with personnel from the FCC the National Broadband Map. Staffer was told the fcc currently had *one* employee working on that map and to not expect it to be updated anytime soon. There was, and I quote, "little to no funding..." for the project. FYI. grain of salt. take it or leave it. - Original Message - From: Ken Hohhof <mailto:af...@kwisp.com> To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 8:28 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Any of you guys service this guy in the news? Ouch, that Farm Futures article is pretty awful. Probably what passes for journalism today. I hope you weren't too harsh on her. Probably some gig economy writer paid a penny a word or something? -Original Message- From: Rick Harnish Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 6:56 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Any of you guys service this guy in the news? I contacted Peter Maher at Netwurx about the article. They are close. Maybe that is who Matthew Howard works for. http://www.netwurx.net/wireless-high-speed I also wrote an email to Jessica Michael at Farm Futures about her lack of knowledge about the Wisp industry yesterday. I haven't heard back from her yet. http://farmfutures.com/blogs-rural-internet-options-smart-office-10241 Respectfully, Rick Harnish Broadband Consultant & Industry Analyst 260-307-4000 cell Skype: rick.harnish.Twitter: @rharnish > -Original Message- > From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Steve > Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 7:43 PM > To: af@afmug.com > Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Any of you guys service this guy in the news? > > Contact Ars... have them update the site saying that Wireless can solve a > lot > of these problems for a fraction of the price. It'll be a good piece > they can do > on the wireless industry. Find the name of the guy who wrote the article. > ahhh his email is jon.brod...@arstechnica.com > >
Re: [AFMUG] Property law question
I am not a lawyer but I did speak with my brother on this topic as his is a land surveyor in the state for which this question has been posed. With my understanding of how rights of way were explained to me in NY, I would say that in this situation the municipality does not own the road, they have a right of way and it is usually stated for a specific purpose. In this case it is for a road. If the road is not owned by the municipality the municipality does not have the ability to grant use of the right of way for say utility pole unless that is actually specified in their original right of way documentation. Now if the property owner wants to grant you a right of way or easement to place a pole, they cannot do it in any way that prohibits the use of the existing right of way for the highway even if the highway does not occupy the full 50 feet. I am pretty sure that for a municipality to grant utility easements in NY along the roads/ROW they have to own it and it has to be legally recorded somewhere just like a regular land parcel is. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of ch...@wbmfg.com Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2015 10:40 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Property law question I have written many easements. ROW normally is a specialized easement so that something can cross your land. Roads specifically are on ROWs. The easement language can be as broad or as narrow as you like. I would normally get as many rights slipped in as I could essentially owning the land without having to provide insurance or property taxes. I wanted the right to enter at any time, remove, replace, upgrade etc etc whatever it is I put there. Sometimes I paid for the easement, sometimes the landowner just gave it away because they wanted the service that I was bringing. One time I swapped plowing in 2 miles of water line for an easement. I didn’t get it signed before we did the work and the land owner reneged. He said lease. I said no, easement. Had to use eminent domain to get him to honor the original agreement. If you are really concerned, get the person possessing the original ROW rights to agree to the new easement or feature in the ROW. County road authorities allow underground cables, poles and towers in their ROWs all the time. From: Adam Moffett <mailto:dmmoff...@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, October 8, 2015 7:57 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Property law question Does it make a difference if it's a public right of way? In that case the landowner "owns" to the center of the road, but the county or muni has a ROW 50' wide centered on the property line. Is that dramatically different from shared driveways or other arrangements to make a driveway to landlocked properties? On 10/8/2015 9:35 AM, Chris Fabien wrote: This would be largely dependant on the language in the initial easement. And I think you are really talking about an easement on private land, not a public right of way, correct? I don't see any reason why you could not grant a second easement for someone to put a utility pole next to a driveway. That seems like it would be a pretty common situation. If you need to fix the road, you work around the pole. Another common situation would be where there exists an access/drive easement to an adjoining property owner, and they divide the parcel or a property further back divides and wants to have access over the same drive, you can grant those people an easement too over the same land. It can get complicated regarding maintenance costs and who pays for what, but that could be spelled out in the easement or a seperate agreement (or not specified at all). We own property where several parcels share a common private road and there are several different batches of easements in place from various decades as the parcels were split. On Thu, Oct 8, 2015 at 8:49 AM, Adam Moffett wrote: If you've already provided a right of way through your property, such as for a road or driveway, can you then sell an easement for a piece of land in the right of way? Such as for a utility pole adjacent to the driveway, but still in the right of way. It seems like there could be a conflict here. If the party with the ROW needed to work on the road, but the pole was in their way, would they have a right to remove the pole?
Re: [AFMUG] RF mapping planning
You can do this with radio mobile fairly easily. The key is to create separate RF plots for each sector. Once that is done you place the RF plots for each sector in Google Earth but create separate folders that are organized by channel/frequency. Only the sector plots for any frequency channel go in that folder. You can then just turn on a whole folder to see all the RF plots for your network on that specific channel/frequency. If you have to change a frequency for a sector you just move that sector plot from the old channel folder to the new channel folder without having to run a new propagation (unless you have to move it to a lower power channel). This doesn’t work well if you create an Omni plot that represents all of your sectors on a particular tower site. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2015 9:44 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] RF mapping planning I'd love to see an example of what this looks like, or how it can tell me where potential interference is. ...it might be the most compelling reason I've seen to sign up for the service. Yep, just put in the exact freq of each sector, on your coverages, then in your multi-map, you can choose frequency coordination, and it will show the beams of each one in a separate color. Etc. The max distance under coverage shows the distance and the antenna beam width for the antenna that you select is the width. J Dennis Burgess, CTO, Link Technologies, Inc. den...@linktechs.net – 314-735-0270 x103 – <http://www.linktechs.net/> www.linktechs.net From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Craig House Sent: Thursday, October 8, 2015 2:10 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] RF mapping planning We already use radio mobile and Tower coverage.com but are not really using it for channel planning purposes it shows us propagation but I've never tried to use it to show channel layouts that's what I'm really looking more for Sent from my iPhone On Oct 8, 2015, at 13:54, That One Guy /sarcasm wrote: Radiomobile - free Linkplanner is getting really valuable - free towercoverage.com - questionable but web based advanced implementation of radiomobile, with lots of options - can get expensive On Thu, Oct 8, 2015 at 1:52 PM, Sean Heskett wrote: Towercoverage.com On Thursday, October 8, 2015, Craig House wrote: What do you guys use for planning out tower sector RF ?? We have always been a Cambium FSK shop and never really had to worry much about self interference. Now with FSK end of life and we are installing a lot more UBNT M series, we need to think more about RF planning than we used to. Suggestions? Craig -- If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team.
Re: [AFMUG] "Do I have to be home?"
Remember your service is wireless. The average consumer thinks that is something like cellular in their mind, to them it would be like you just shipping them a hotspot and it just works like cellular companies do. WISP infrastructure is still not completely understood as compared to cable or DSL even for many who have the service. I know a lot of people in telecommunications that don't understand WISP technology deployments. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Nate Burke Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2017 9:47 AM To: Animal Farm Subject: [AFMUG] "Do I have to be home?" It seems that recently over 50% of the installation calls I'm setting up ask the question "Does someone need to be home when you come to install?" Do the satellite or phone companies do installs with nobody home now that has set this precedent? It just seems like a strange question to ask for a service you're planning to use inside your house. Or do they think we're like Amazon, and will leave the internet on their front step.
Re: [AFMUG] turning down the "loudness" of incoming analog lines
Maybe this site has something http://www.sandman.com/attenuate.html Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of That One Guy /sarcasm Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 2:42 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] turning down the "loudness" of incoming analog lines we have been working with fortinet on a customer who has been experiencing alot of echo from the sip PBX on the analog line, there is no direct control of the gain, they have provided multiple firmware releases lowering the gain to the point we achieved a tolerable number of echo instances. The refer to the issue as "loud" incoming analog lines. Is there a mechanism like a x-ohm resister on the tip or something to that effect to lower the volume or whatever the appropriate term is? our next step is to just get an ata to run the analog lines into to feed the pbx a controlled line, however im concerned this may just add another level of fuckery to the mix -- If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team.
Re: [AFMUG] exporting radio mobile propagation to google earth
Just do a shift click in any box of radio mobile that requires measurements and the conversion tool pops up. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of That One Guy /sarcasm Sent: Friday, February 03, 2017 4:47 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] exporting radio mobile propagation to google earth man, there is nothing better than putting in all your sites to generate a coverage map at high resolution only to realize you used a foot to meter calculator rather than a miles to kilometer On Fri, Feb 3, 2017 at 9:48 AM, wrote: I was never able to produce a particular color, but I just wanted a quick visible indication of where a repeater would work. From: That One Guy /sarcasm Sent: Friday, February 3, 2017 8:45 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] exporting radio mobile propagation to google earth im doing -70 to -50 off each of the two end points trying to get to where good overlaps produce a certain color, but messing with the pallete isnt working as expected im not sure how to edit the antenna patterns, Id prefer to just do an arc rather than a full omni, there isnt any real gain in this other than it being pretty in the event we find a structure that wont allow a single midpoint we will just overlay that pattern to find a second location i would prefer to just dray the 5-10 mile band, but i dont know if that can be configured the way i want it to, that once again is just for pretty the long term goal is to build out in 5-8 mile increments to be able to stay lower power and cheaper antennas if we license the hops On Fri, Feb 3, 2017 at 9:35 AM, wrote: I do two coverage maps on the same picture. I use rainbow (heat map) and dbm and set it to range from –50 to –90. Do one coverage map from one location. Then when it is painting the second map, possible repeater locations show up as dark or black squares. From: That One Guy /sarcasm Sent: Friday, February 3, 2017 8:22 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] exporting radio mobile propagation to google earth coverage, to identify areas where typical structures would be beneficial for mid point repeater sites. In this particular project 75 foot grain legs. So we only send out drivers to an area that that would be. I dont recall if clutter maps are at all accurate, and havent been able to get that data to show up in the propagation or if thats just limited to ptp On Fri, Feb 3, 2017 at 7:36 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: Are you asking about PtP or a coverage map? - Mike Hammett <http://www.ics-il.com/> Intelligent Computing Solutions <https://www.facebook.com/ICSIL> <https://plus.google.com/+IntelligentComputingSolutionsDeKalb> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/intelligent-computing-solutions> <https://twitter.com/ICSIL> <http://www.midwest-ix.com/> Midwest Internet Exchange <https://www.facebook.com/mdwestix> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-internet-exchange> <https://twitter.com/mdwestix> <http://www.thebrotherswisp.com/> The Brothers WISP <https://www.facebook.com/thebrotherswisp> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXSdfxQv7SpoRQYNyLwntZg> _ From: "That One Guy /sarcasm" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Thursday, February 2, 2017 4:16:07 PM Subject: [AFMUG] exporting radio mobile propagation to google earth i used to do this all the time, now i cant remember how. Im plotting for midpoint scouting. I need to put it on a kml for the guy to go to the target areas marking structures. being able to interact in google earth is a requirement and there are other specifics if i recall correctly there was an google earth update that was going to break the kmz overlay option, but that was a long time ago -- If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team. -- If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team. -- If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team. -- If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team.
Re: [AFMUG] OT: Smallest amateur radio antenna that would require height to function well
Let’s not forget that for HF antennas to have a low angle of takeoff for DX capability, they should be a quarter wavelength off the ground. With the lowest frequency on the HF band being 1.8 MHz, 80 foot is more than easily justified. http://www.dx-antennas.com/Height%20versus%20take%20off%20angle.htm Thank You, Brian Webster 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 10:35 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT: Smallest amateur radio antenna that would require height to function well Frequency, gain, directivity all play a part. The normal rule of thumb is that if your tower did not blow over in the last big storm the antenna was not big enough. You could stick up a 1.2 GHz omni about the size of your thumb, or even a 10 GHz beacon that would be even smaller. 2 meter quarter wave whip is 19 inches and could be mounted on the side of the tower. From: Paul McCall Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 8:23 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] OT: Smallest amateur radio antenna that would require height to function well Looking to see what type of antenna (without a lot of wind load) that a customer can put on an 80ft. tower. They do not yet have their amateur license but working on it. By placing an amateur radio antenna, the FCC mandates the local government to let them put up an 80 ft. tower. I am not certain there has to be any kind of justification of what type of antenna (or anything else) but just in case, it would be nice to have some insight. Since I am not an amateur license holder, I am not knowledgeable on the subject. At the “end of the day” once the tower is erected and final inspection is completed, then the customer will also put up an ePMP Force 200 to get service from us at 6miles away. Paul Paul McCall, President PDMNet, Inc. / Florida Broadband, Inc. 658 Old Dixie Highway Vero Beach, FL 32962 772-564-6800 pa...@pdmnet.net www.pdmnet.com www.floridabroadband.com
Re: [AFMUG] AnimalFarm - language
He has a great sense of humor! :-D Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2017 5:38 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] AnimalFarm - language So I announced that next year at AnimalFarm I have plans to blow things up. After the show I was chatting with Faisal in the lobby of the hotel and I told him I was planning to blow something up next year. He stepped back and announced he has nothing to do with this OK, dumb thing to say. Next year I plan large electrical discharges. It was funny. Perhaps you had to be there.
Re: [AFMUG] Well this caught me by surprise.
Most railroads have been installing towers and PTP links to support their requirement for the positive train control technology. This from what little I have looked in to also requires them to have more sensors and such along the rail lines. With these towers and backhaul networks in place, it would make for an easy addition to add a WISP business. The railroad already bought and paid for everything but the PTMP units and CPE on the rail tower network. We should all be so lucky. Thank You, Brian Webster Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Robert Andrews Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2016 2:22 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Well this caught me by surprise. microwave ptp is probably part of the trains legacy comm systems. Most RR's throw as little tech away as possible... never know when that 4884 will come in handy...We just heard about a 2.3 UP link that ATT is in a uproar about and so far UP has said pound sand... FCC will moderate this.. On 11/03/2016 11:11 AM, George Skorup wrote: > BNSF has a ton of their own fiber in their ROWs, yet they're still > doing microwave PTP. No idea why. Maybe it's for a different system or backup. > > On 11/3/2016 12:51 PM, Ken Hohhof wrote: >> >> And yet they are proposing to build a new railroad through a bunch of >> farmland. >> >> http://www.greatlakesbasin.net/ >> >> *From:*Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] *On Behalf Of *Adam Moffett >> *Sent:* Thursday, November 3, 2016 12:37 PM >> *To:* af@afmug.com >> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Well this caught me by surprise. >> >> There are unused railroad ROW's around here that allegedly matter. >> The railroad might not control them anymoresome of them here >> ended up in the hands of muni's who used them to make hiking trails >> and what-not. >> >> -- Original Message -- >> >> From: "Nate Burke" mailto:n...@blastcomm.com>> >> >> To: af@afmug.com <mailto:af@afmug.com> >> >> Sent: 11/3/2016 1:34:27 PM >> >> Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Well this caught me by surprise. >> >> I wonder if when they pull up tracks, they can still maintain the >> fiber on the ROW?� Drove through Colorado/Nebraska a few weeks >> ago and followed the old CRI&P ROW for a while.� Every 10 or 20 >> miles there's a little town like like 50 people in it.� >> >> On 11/3/2016 12:19 PM, Tyler Treat wrote: >> >> Yep. I mean I certainly get it, just didn't expect it. � >> >> ___ >> >> Mangled by my iPhone. >> >> ___ >> >> Tyler Treat >> >> Corn Belt Technologies, Inc.� >> >> tyler.tr...@cornbelttech.com >> <mailto:tyler.tr...@cornbelttech.com> >> >> ___ >> >> >> On Nov 3, 2016, at 12:16 PM, Nate Burke > <mailto:n...@blastcomm.com>> wrote: >> >> I haven't heard of them, but I guess it makes sense.� >> Don't they have fiber laid on most of their ROW next to >> the tracks.� And they go through many many small >> towns.� >> >> On 11/3/2016 12:01 PM, Tyler Treat wrote: >> >> Saw this on Facebook. Since when did UP WISP? >> >> >> >> https://up.jobs/job/opening/Breeze%20Broadband%20Communications%20Yea >> r%20Round%20Intern/Omaha/NE/080686?jsl=26108143 >> >> ___ >> >> Mangled by my iPhone. >> >> ___ >> >> Tyler Treat >> >> Corn Belt Technologies, Inc.� >> >> tyler.tr...@cornbelttech.com >> <mailto:tyler.tr...@cornbelttech.com> >> >> ___ >> >
Re: [AFMUG] Converting vectors to a shape (.SHP) file?
There are a number of factors in play here. Being a mapping guy and having a brother who is a land surveyor I probably know more about this stuff that I should :-) One the angles called out make sure they are referencing True North or Magnetic. If it is magnetic then you need to look up the date when the original survey was done and use the magnetic declination for that time period since it does fluctuate from day to day. It's not much of a change normally but when you are talking about survey data and you are trying to close a polygon/property boundary those little differences make a hug difference if you are running a long line. The other end can be way off. Converting different coordinate systems can introduce just as many errors as well. A few inches difference here or there can move boundaries or make a property description not close as a complete polygon. Drawing on Google Earth is doing so in a weird coordinate system. Typically it is Mercator projection so that will cause the polygon to look different than it would when in a coordinate system such as state plane. Depending on the original coordinate system used the points may be called out in northing and easting which is based on a grid normally stated such as the California state plane and whatever region. Surveyors do not always reference surveys in any stated reference system, they can use their own system of grid markings and callouts. When they do this it will always be based on a physical land marker such as a pip or other type of monument. Their deed descriptions are based on that and do not necessarily tie in to latitude and longitude. So whoever may have given you that written description may have introduced additional error when they converted to lat and long. Surveyors will use a transit and rod/prism system back before the days of GPS, and even farther back they might even use a tape measure and compass. These days they can buy extremely expensive sub centimeter accuracy GPS equipment and tie their survey in to state plane or latitude and longitude. They also have ways to post process the GPS data from the field for the date and time they were measuring to a system of GPS correction files based on HARN GPS monitoring stations. As has been suggested you might want to look at QGIS and I believe there is a plugin available to type in meets and bounds descriptions to create the polygon. That then can usually be exported to Google Earth easily. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Bill Prince Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2016 2:02 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Converting vectors to a shape (.SHP) file? Yah. The old coordinate system is throwing me for a loop. The angle is "supposed to be" ~~ 8.3° east. However, the quarter section corners are well known, and the actual angle from the SE corner to the NE corner comes to ~~ 7.4° east. However, the easement description says 8.3° (along the boundary). So I just faithfully followed the angle called out in the easement description, and ended up 12 feet east of the actual boundary line. It can't be there, because that's not even on the same quarter section. What do surveyors do in a case like this? All the internal angles are going to end up off by about 1° too (or are they?). Crazyness. The road built on the easement has been in place for almost 50 years. A sane person would re-pin all the corners of the easement along the centerline of the road, and move on, because the description of the road/easement do not match. The errors I see between what's described in the survey documents and what is on the ground vary by between 30 and 60 feet. I'm sure part of it is because the terrain is extremely tough. Slopes of 100%, and lots of trees. I have no clue how they did the original survey in 1970. Today, you can GPS almost any point you want/need. bp On 11/27/2016 10:49 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: > Oh, OK, yeah, totally forget geocodes when doing metes and bounds. > All the datum conversions etc prove to be worthless when trying to be > very precise. > And most section lines are not true NWES and most section lines are > not one mile either. Sometimes you luck out with an exact mile lying > on one of the ordinate directions but that is infrequent. > > You have to use physical monuments and the DMS lines of the metes and > bounds. Frequently they are in that old "N 12 deg 3 min 2 sec E" format. > I just go through and convert all the angles to Cartesian angles > first and then start laying down lines in the drafting program. Or in > google earth. You can describe a line/path with a bearing and distance > in GE. > > -Original Message- From: Bill Prince > Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2016 11:35 AM > To: af@afmug.
Re: [AFMUG] 1000hp, 1,200mile range truck - hydrogen
Imagine the motorhome also having a solar powered hydrogen fuel cell to either make the hydrogen or have enough power to recharge the batteries. Depending on how far you can go just on batteries and how long it takes to recharge on solar, you could pace your travels to be darn near free driving. The one thing that governments are starting to struggle with now is the road taxes that are technically owed. Right now they collect it as the gas/fuel pump for every gallon of fuel you purchase. I know in NY state technically if you own an electric car you are supposed to calculate your mileage driven on electric and then enter that on your tax return to calculate how much you owe in road taxes that you did not pay at a gas pump. I am sure that is honestly reported by citizens just like they are supposed to report all of their on line purchases that did not have NY state sales taxes collected... Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com -Original Message- From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Robert Andrews Sent: Friday, December 02, 2016 6:39 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] 1000hp, 1,200mile range truck - hydrogen This is what I want for a motor home, along with autopilot a la tesla... The easiest way to see north america as possible... On 12/02/2016 03:35 PM, George Skorup wrote: > I would really like to see passenger vehicles and small trucks go > hybrid hydrogen/electric. Even better would be an any-fuel hybrid electric. > Hydrogen, propane or NG and a regular gas tank for reserve. Either > that, or a gas turbine like an M1 Abrams that can burn anything, but > it would obviously need to get better fuel economy than 5 gallons per mile. > > On 12/2/2016 4:49 PM, Josh Reynolds wrote: >> >> Nikola Motor Company reveals hydrogen fuel cell truck with range of >> 1,200 miles - >> http://arstechnica.co.uk/cars/2016/12/nikola-hydrogen-fuel-cell-truck >> / >> >
Re: [AFMUG] Customers texting cell phones "hey my internet isn; t working"
You know all annoyances aside; there is an opportunity for a product to be developed. Think about it: Your customer is off line, they likely have a cell phone that they can use to get in touch with you. They call your tech support line, this requires you to either call them back and devote 100% of your time at the moment to talk to them one on one, or you answer the call directly immediately, no matter what else you might have to do and you can’t do much of anything else. If you can text back and forth you would not have to sit there on the phone and wait while they do things like reboot and such. On a dedicated phone call this only lets you service one customer at a time. If you had the equivalent of the on line chat support many companies have, it could also function through the SMS system, it’s one way the newer tech savvy customer can interact with you and they can also do something else at the same time in between steps. If you had a good SMS system it would start a ticket just like an on line ticketing system would. Texting prompts back and forth for customer name and account information if necessary. This part would be automated and all keyed up to you prior to you getting the first live text/email/ticket notification or on screen system messages. This would not have to go to YOUR cell phone but rather it would go to your ticketing system and get handled just like any other ticket and tech support network. It gives the client the convenience of getting support via SMS should they chose. You could easily have pre-canned help files sent as basic troubleshooting steps they can perform first without needing direct interaction. Reboot sequence or how to request their Wi-Fi password information come to mind here. If done right it could prompt them to text back a response at each step, much like a troubleshooting decision tree diagram works. Once it’s gets beyond basic decision tree stuff it could be transferred to the live tech. This transfer should also be smart enough to show the tech on screen how far the automated process went and what steps are already completed so they don’t have to re-ask all those questions that annoy each of us when we call tech support. With Google Voice being a free way to do web to SMS interaction, it seems like some good programmer could build inter some middleware to do this or a standalone system. Cost for the SMS interface/gateway can then be free. I am sure there are other methods to also keep the cost free as well. This clearly would not work for most customers but I can see it becoming popular over time, getting in front of the idea now and working out best practices would be good before the consumer demand for it is real high. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mike Hammett Sent: Friday, December 02, 2016 7:35 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Customers texting cell phones "hey my internet isn; t working" Some carriers support mobile CNAM, some don't. Mine's in there, though. - Mike Hammett <http://www.ics-il.com/> Intelligent Computing Solutions <https://www.facebook.com/ICSIL> <https://plus.google.com/+IntelligentComputingSolutionsDeKalb> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/intelligent-computing-solutions> <https://twitter.com/ICSIL> <http://www.midwest-ix.com/> Midwest Internet Exchange <https://www.facebook.com/mdwestix> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-internet-exchange> <https://twitter.com/mdwestix> <http://www.thebrotherswisp.com/> The Brothers WISP <https://www.facebook.com/thebrotherswisp> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXSdfxQv7SpoRQYNyLwntZg> _ From: "Ken Hohhof" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Thursday, December 1, 2016 9:25:40 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Customers texting cell phones "hey my internet isn; t working" Awhile back I added SMS-to-email capability to our main number and discovered people have probably been texting it forever. You don’t need a cellphone to receive texts. The nice thing is the service we use has the reply-to address on the email set to properly to text the person back. What I find annoying is they never include their name, somehow they think their cellphone number is all we need. So 123-456-7890 wants to know “Is the tower down?” I’d rather they use the contact form on our mobile website. It’s not a “responsive” site, it’s a separate mdot site so the contact form is easy to use on a phone. One of the other great mysteries of life is why calls from cellphones don’t have CNAM. 95% of the calls we get are from “Wireless Caller”. There are apps for everything, but they can’t do this one simple thing, show me the name of the mobile caller, without having them in my address book.
Re: [AFMUG] What is VoWiFi and is it key to Freedom Mobile's future? |MobileSyrup.com
Republic Wireless as an MVNO has been doing this successfully for three or 4 years now. My kids and I have been happy customers for a long time. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Bill Prince Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2016 11:18 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] What is VoWiFi and is it key to Freedom Mobile's future? |MobileSyrup.com AT&T is doing this with their WiFi calling. I believe that Verizon is also doing a roll-out of something similar. Once implemented, it will be the end of femtocells. bp On 12/4/2016 7:44 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: Key to the cell industry saving money... From: Jaime Solorza Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2016 8:36 AM To: Animal Farm Subject: [AFMUG] What is VoWiFi and is it key to Freedom Mobile's future? |MobileSyrup.com http://mobilesyrup.com/2016/12/03/what-is-vowifi-and-is-it-key-to-freedom-mobiles-future/
Re: [AFMUG] Cost Effective Rack Mount termination boxes
If you want to have custom patch panels set up you can contact this company. >From what I understand you can build any combination of connector types in the patch panel so you could mix and match connectors if that better suits your application and makes better use of the rack space. They are based here in NY and have a very quick response and ship time. You can try to use my name to see if they will cut you a deal too. http://vadcon.com/ Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Paul McCall Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2017 8:57 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Cost Effective Rack Mount termination boxes Any suggestions on a simple 1U termination housing that you guys really like? I need to terminate 6 to 12 fibers (LC) at tower site shelters. Something in the family of this? (I just pulled a quick example from Amazon - I haven't used this one) https://www.amazon.com/Diablo-Cable-Telescoping-Rackmount-Enclosure/dp/B00WG 2RPP8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8 <https://www.amazon.com/Diablo-Cable-Telescoping-Rackmount-Enclosure/dp/B00W G2RPP8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483620942&sr=8-2&keywords=fiber+rack+mount> &qid=1483620942&sr=8-2&keywords=fiber+rack+mount We have used a couple of them from Millennium but they were quite pricy and I have a lot of them to do. Paul McCall, President PDMNet, Inc. / Florida Broadband, Inc. 658 Old Dixie Highway Vero Beach, FL 32962 772-564-6800 pa...@pdmnet.net www.pdmnet.com www.floridabroadband.com
Re: [AFMUG] Price per sub?
A couple of things that seem to always come up in these deals. One, what future revenue has already been taken by the current owners. What I mean by that are prepaid annual contracts, side deals on site rent in exchange for relay sites, stuff like that. Second, is the owners tend to want you to buy their potential. When you say 90% take rate you should dig in to those numbers. The highest adoption rate in America are only about 80% of households passed. Are they saying 90% take rate on leads that come in? How many homes does their network potentially cover vs. number of subscribers. How much competition is there for those homes. What equipment do they have deployed, signal levels and client distances? This will have a big effect on your ability to upsell bandwidth. If the clients are all marginal connections you will not have the ability to deliver much capacity off the sectors if you want to upsell or if customer want more bandwidth. This means upgrades at your own cost. Third, look very carefully at tower site leases or agreements. Are there any? Do they allow for a transfer of ownership and stay in effect? Are there balloon rent increases that would change your forecasts? Do they have renewal terms that are long enough for you to make your money on the purchase of their company? Large company or small being purchased the tower site agreements are one very important thing to dig deep on the details. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mike Hammett Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 9:08 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Price per sub? I hear that is around 12x - 18x months of revenue and a heck of a lot easier to calculate when ballparking. They know their revenue (or well, is somewhat easy to figure out). They probably can't spell EBITDA. - Mike Hammett <http://www.ics-il.com/> Intelligent Computing Solutions <https://www.facebook.com/ICSIL> <https://plus.google.com/+IntelligentComputingSolutionsDeKalb> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/intelligent-computing-solutions> <https://twitter.com/ICSIL> <http://www.midwest-ix.com/> Midwest Internet Exchange <https://www.facebook.com/mdwestix> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-internet-exchange> <https://twitter.com/mdwestix> <http://www.thebrotherswisp.com/> The Brothers WISP <https://www.facebook.com/thebrotherswisp> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXSdfxQv7SpoRQYNyLwntZg> _ From: "Chuck McCown" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 3:16:00 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Price per sub? 4x ebitda From: Josh Reynolds Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 2:14 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Price per sub? How many subs? On Jan 11, 2017 3:13 PM, "Brett A Mansfield" wrote: When looking at buying a competitor, I'm wondering what everyone's thought is on a price per sub? They don't do contracts and they use the litebeam hardware. I'm not looking for legal advice, just wondering what all of you think is fair. This company has about a 90% take rate in the area they're in. Their plans are $20, $40, and $50/mo. Thank you, Brett A Mansfield
Re: [AFMUG] Price per sub?
That is why I brought that point up. Most states have broadband adoption rates between 74 and 77 percent of the homes passed. That is the adoption rate for all broadband providers combined not any one carrier. Some higher adoption rates reach 80% and as Chuck mentioned in their particular neighborhoods they have achieved 84% which is not surprising if you are the first carrier in AND offer fiber. Their claim of 90% as one carrier in the face of competition is suspect as to what they think penetration is to them. I suspect it is the percentage of leads that come in to them and they close and make that lead a paying customer. Knowing the total potential homes passed and comparing that to the number of subscribers will tell you the WISP’s market penetration rate. Look at the other competitors in that same area and asses what may be potential for subscriber growth using the existing infrastructure. It would also be crucial to assess the potential for the sites to add dedicated PTP radios and be able to sell dedicated enterprise business connections. Many WISP’s are finding that as a tremendous growth market without having to do a large footprint expansion, and these customers are much higher revenue with less customer support requirements. It’s a different business model and sales mentality but for many WISP’s it’s a fairly easy overlay on their existing market area. If the WISP does not already have a coverage map created you should have one done so that you can see the true market potential and be able to calculate the homes passed. It is good to look at that potential compared to the competitive broadband providers and also look at where there may be overlap to your network. No sense paying for something you already can cover. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Ken Hohhof Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 11:34 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Price per sub? I am confused when he says they have 90% “take rate” yet there is another WISP competitor in the area. I assume there are also people with Hughesnet, Exede, mobile hotspots, and Luddites with no Internet. Perhaps he means something other than they have 90% of households in the coverage area as customers. I can understand with a $20 plan they could sweep up even the people who could almost use dialup. Still 90% market penetration in the face of competition seems amazing. I’m guessing 10% of households in my area don’t have any kind of fixed Internet, either because they don’t need no stinkin’ Internet, or because they just use the data plan on their smartphone. From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 10:15 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Price per sub? We see the asymptote converging on about 84% in our FTTH neighborhoods. From: Brian Webster Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 7:36 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Price per sub? A couple of things that seem to always come up in these deals. One, what future revenue has already been taken by the current owners. What I mean by that are prepaid annual contracts, side deals on site rent in exchange for relay sites, stuff like that. Second, is the owners tend to want you to buy their potential. When you say 90% take rate you should dig in to those numbers. The highest adoption rate in America are only about 80% of households passed. Are they saying 90% take rate on leads that come in? How many homes does their network potentially cover vs. number of subscribers. How much competition is there for those homes. What equipment do they have deployed, signal levels and client distances? This will have a big effect on your ability to upsell bandwidth. If the clients are all marginal connections you will not have the ability to deliver much capacity off the sectors if you want to upsell or if customer want more bandwidth. This means upgrades at your own cost. Third, look very carefully at tower site leases or agreements. Are there any? Do they allow for a transfer of ownership and stay in effect? Are there balloon rent increases that would change your forecasts? Do they have renewal terms that are long enough for you to make your money on the purchase of their company? Large company or small being purchased the tower site agreements are one very important thing to dig deep on the details. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mike Hammett Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 9:08 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Price per sub? I hear that is around 12x - 18x months of revenue and a heck of a lot easier to calculate when ballparking. They know their revenue (or well, is somewhat easy to figure out). They probably can't
Re: [AFMUG] Utility company survey pole
How tall do you want to go and how much load will you put on it? There have been some square tube and aluminum tubing do it yourself plans I have seen in the amateur radio community. Some of them however have very limited top load capacity as many of them are designed as supports for ends of a long wire antenna. You can find flagpole hitch mounts cheap on amazon and build some sort of nested pipe/conduit arrangement if the height requirement is not too much. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 1:56 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Utility company survey pole I'd love to get a pneumatic one with outriggers, but it's so damn spendy. Poor man's version is http://www.tiltnraise.com/purchase/order-page/2-inch-tilt-over-antenna-mount/. Add your own mast with 2" OD at the bottom. -- Original Message -- From: "Jeremy" To: af@afmug.com Sent: 1/12/2017 1:30:57 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Utility company survey pole Also, http://www.hilomast.com/masts/mast-accessories/reese-hitch-mount/ On Thu, Jan 12, 2017 at 11:29 AM, Jeremy wrote: Quick Google search finds this http://www.larsonelectronics.com/showproduct.aspx?productid=145898 <http://www.larsonelectronics.com/showproduct.aspx?productid=145898&gclid=CNy_yaKevdECFQUEaQodtWwKuw> &gclid=CNy_yaKevdECFQUEaQodtWwKuw On Thu, Jan 12, 2017 at 11:09 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: Maybe that is what it takes to read the meters in the area. From: Adam Moffett Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 10:58 AM To: Animal Farm Subject: [AFMUG] Utility company survey pole See attached Pic. Our power company has this pickup truck with a gigantic mast on the rear end. I assume they're testing their smart meter junk with itor something. My question is where can I get one of those?! I'm definitely jealous of their survey pole size.
Re: [AFMUG] 70/80ghz links
70 and 80 GHz RF performance is going to be a lot better than 60 GHz. ^0 GHz has a heavy attenuation due to the oxygen molecules being resonant at the frequency, move up high in the spectrum past that resonance and RF performance improves. So don’t necessarily assume if 60 GHz didn’t work 70 or 80 won’t either. 70/80 Ghz is kind of light licensed so you will have to deal with that but it’s not as bad as 11 or 18 GHz. Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mathew Howard Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2017 10:15 AM To: af Subject: Re: [AFMUG] 70/80ghz links I actually tried using Metrolinqs on half of this link when they first came out, but I was never able to get it to even link... but I'm not sure if the 64.8ghz channel was supported at the time, so maybe it would be different now? I guess a realistic option might be to split the 24ghz link to two hops as well, which should easily get the availability I want, and then bond it to a 60ghz link to add capacity... Speaking of bonding, it looks like the Siklu 2x00 series only has 1Gbps ports... so I'm assuming to get full capacity I would have to bond two ports together? They aren't doing like Ubiquiti and calling 1Gbps full duplex 2Gbps are they?
Re: [AFMUG] OT RM Question
For the record that data is derived from the National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD). That data is built using satellite and aerial data and classifies the ground clutter for each 30 meter square. Roger converted that data to a format similar to the SRTM file format so that Radio Mobile can read and use it. I have attached a Google Earth file that links to the National set if you want to just view the data and compare it to aerial images. As I recall the latest version had some issues due to the fact that there were a couple of extra land cover classes added and the conversion process from the old format does not always work out exactly as desired. Also keep in mind that due to the 30 meter square getting only one type of classification, it’s one or the other in a 30 meter square area where you could have both buildings and trees. In the urban clutter class this is pretty common. Radio Mobile does loss calculations for buildings only in that square and cannot account for a line of trees that do not make up the majority of the 30 meter square. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2017 11:56 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT RM Question Perfect, thanks. From: Eric Muehleisen Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2017 9:54 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT RM Question In Mobile Radio under Internet Options. Land cover can be downloaded from the internet and saved locally. I have mine pointing to "Landcover - Site 2" which is http://www.ve2dbe.com/geodata/landcover/ On Wed, Aug 2, 2017 at 10:43 AM, Lewis Bergman wrote: The last I remember getting data for something similar it came from NASA. This might be a place to start: https://data.giss.nasa.gov/landuse/ If you do a google for NASA land search you get a few thiings that might help. On Wed, Aug 2, 2017 at 10:17 AM Chuck McCown wrote: But where does the data come from? Seems like Roger was giving it away one year at AnimalFarm. I probably got a disk but I doubt I could ever find it. From: Steve Jones Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2017 6:07 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT RM Question Thats an option you select and edit into that file. I think its all like 20 years old though on the clutter On Aug 1, 2017 5:11 PM, "Chuck McCown" wrote: Where do you get land cover data for Radio Mobile?
Re: [AFMUG] OT: at the lake
Cue guitar solo………. For you young kids here is the song https://youtu.be/xJbSR9xRRbE quote and solo start at 4:08 Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Chuck McCown Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2017 9:20 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT: at the lake You can check out any time you want From: Steve Jones Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2017 11:03 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] OT: at the lake So I'm at lake Shelbyville, I recommend this joint to anybody looking for something to do in Illinois. As I sit here by the fire with a glorious view of the moonlit lake, I wonder if there will ever be a point in my life, even if i leave the industry that I won't be thinking about how to get 99 percent territory coverage. Right now I'm thinking some sort of solar powered wind turbine backup bouy omni mesh solution with 900 mhz into each leg serving WiFi to an average 10 campsites. Then I start thinking about batteries in the bouys and access for maintenance summer vs winter. About that point I start to think "listen here, motherfucker, you get 3 to 5 days a year you don't have to answer your phone, and this year you took 7. Sit back, drink beer, listen to country music from the 50s, pass out by the lake." Then I think to myself " does my phone have good enough service to relay this to the degenerates over at animal farm?" And Jesus delivers. Have a great week guys
Re: [AFMUG] OT RM
Make sure you have the path set correctly in two places; one is under your internet options under SRTM. There is where you set the path to store the files and the server to download from the internet. The second place you have to make sure you have set properly is when you are drawing the map. When the dialog window comes up to draw the map and you set the map size and vertical scale, you have the option of selecting the path for your SRTM or BIL terrain data files. This needs to match the location you have set under the options-internet-srtm program settings. Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of ch...@wbmfg.com Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2017 6:22 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT RM The files are actually on my drive. C:\RM\Geodata\srtm1 And I locked it down to local files only, it persists on looking in the root directory of C: It will not follow the path. From: ch...@wbmfg.com Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2017 4:16 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] OT RM I have had this problem before. One copy of RM on one computer does not seem to be able to find SRTM. When looking for files it looks for them in the root of C drive and apparently nowhere else. This copy used to work just fine. I have not changed anything. Have some of the internet sources of this data changed? I was just using it on a different computer earlier in the day. It has to be a config problem.
Re: [AFMUG] Cisco site survey
When you do your survey I would recommend you name each AP differently and take the walk through slowly to make sure you pick up each AP and it’s signal level. There are a number of phone apps that allow you to log the coverage survey file. With separate AP names you can then isolate each AP coverage area on a map and/or take the highest signal from all the AP’s to show the total combined footprint. Once you have that type of data you can also pull out any number of AP’s and recalculate the coverage map to see the total number you really need based on the signal level you want to deliver. If you need help with creating maps on the post processing data side I can assist. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 9:59 AM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Cisco site survey Getting all that information today..I am guessing no more 10 to 15 AP I am rough guessing. It's huge... covers a block. Jaime Solorza On Aug 23, 2017 7:21 AM, "Chuck McCown" wrote: How big is this warehouse? My shop is 22,400 square feet and it is covered by one single AP and that works very well. From: Lewis Bergman Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 6:21 AM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Cisco site survey Yea, sometimes money is better spent doing something than thinking about doing something...testing. Sometimes...not so much. Wish I could positively identify the prior. Most guesses are correct, but that one you miss can even things up. I can say you can rent a S412e for a week for a lot less than that and generate a 3d map with SSI plotted. I like Rory's idea. Tell them you can install the system for about that and will only charge them an additional $1500 a year to maintain it and make system modifications as needed. Of course they have to supply the man lifts for that price. On Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 11:27 PM Jaime Solorza wrote: I agree...I am going to offer a very simple and down to earth proposal using valid testing procedures...I will set up APs in key areas and run tests all over warehouse. I will move gear to different locations behind and in front of racks...I will generate a heat map ...I will shoot for even coverage through out and figure out best places for APs ...it appears they want to use WiFi hand held scanners throughout facility. I am confident they will not need a ton of APs nor fancy controllers. But I will know more when they reply to my questions. The other company has a Cisco wireless guy. I have a recently retired WSMR EE ,our guitarist and life long friend on my team...he worked with missile telemetry and communication systems for 33 years. Should be fun. Jaime Solorza On Aug 22, 2017 10:07 PM, "Rory Conaway" wrote: You can put an entire batch of APs in there that will auto power to reduce interference for that much money. Rory From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 4:53 PM To: Animal Farm Subject: [AFMUG] Cisco site survey Hello vatos locos...does any one have a sample of a Cisco WiFi site survey report they can share? Apparently they want to charge $6000.00 to conduct one for a warehouse that looks like this. Thanks Jaime Solorza
Re: [AFMUG] Fw: OT Eggxactly
I usually start with the eggs in the water and bring it to a boil and experienced the same problems mentioned. Tried the putting them directly in to boiling water for 12 minutes the other night, then poured off the boiling water and ran cold water over them and let them sit. They peel nicely using that method. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Adam Moffett Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 10:49 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fw: OT Eggxactly It also depends whether you start with eggs in the water while it's heating up vs adding the eggs to already boiling water. 10 minutes might be just enough if you start with the eggs already in the water and start the timer after you have a rolling boil. -- Original Message -- From: "Chuck McCown" To: af@afmug.com Sent: 8/23/2017 10:46:18 AM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fw: OT Eggxactly To me, hard boiled means the yolks have a slight green tint. From: Gino A. Villarini Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 8:32 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fw: OT Eggxactly 17 min? I do 7min for soft boiled, 10 for hard boiled … and these are the organic large eggs costco sells From: Af on behalf of Steve Jones Reply-To: "af@afmug.com" Date: Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 7:42 PM To: "af@afmug.com" Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fw: OT Eggxactly I start the water heating up, once itbubbles up i drop the eggs in for 17 minutes. Pull them out and run them under cold tap water. Perfect yellow yolk, easy peel. We also have really hard city water, maybe that mineralizes the shells so they break into bigger better peelable. If you stop them about 12 minutes, its a good softboiled egg... yum Our chickens are making eggs now, theyre pretty small, so im not sure how thise will fair Gino A. Villarini President Metro Office Park #18 Suite 304 Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00968 On Aug 17, 2017 8:39 AM, "Bill Prince" wrote: It also helps (a lot) if they aren't the "freshest" eggs. Our neighbors have a couple dozen chickens that produce way more eggs than they can use, so we get to share the bounty. The really fresh eggs that are only a few days old or less will not peel worth a hoot if you boil them. They will peel much easier if they are a couple weeks old. It has to do with the membrane between the shell and the egg. white. bp On 8/17/2017 6:17 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: Made some more eggs last night. Very hard to peel. Had to go back to find this bit of research to see what I did wrong. So, drop them in boiling water with vinegar and salt helps them to be easy to peel. Last night I put them in cold water and brought it to a boil. So I did the worst method. Maybe I need to make myself a note about this and paste it in the fridge. -Original Message- From: Chuck McCown Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2016 10:29 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] OT Eggxactly 5 saucepans and 1 pot. 6 burner Comstock Castle restaurant stove. 24,000 BTU per burner. 1 quart of water in each. A bit of variability in pan sizes. All eggs from same carton. Cold refrigerator temp. 4 Variables C/HCold Start/Hot Start WPlain Water VVinegar only added VSVinegar & Salt added V = 1/2 cup distilled S = 1.5 TB Count starting with top left burner CCW around cook top. 1 CW 2 CV 3 CVS 4 HW 5 HV 6 HVS In the photo of the cut eggs the order from left to right is 123654 Salt and Vinegar boiled first which seems backwards to me. Freezing point depression, boiling point elevation of solutions. I suspect it had to do with nucleation sites. Water boils at 204 at this altitude. HVS boiled at 206 W boiled at 202 HV boiled at 208 Took a full 9 minutes to hit a full rolling boil. Cooked the Cold start eggs 18 minutes total. Heat off at 9 minutes. Cooked the Hot start eggs about 14 minutes boiling and another 2-3 with heat off. Single blind study. Wife peeled and rated. Rated ease of peeling on 1-10, with first egg arbitrarily assigned a 5. 1CW5Peeling came off in large pieces, egg broke during peeling 2CV 5Broke egg 3CVS5 Broke egg 4HW6 Peeling came off in sheets 5HV 6 Peeling came off in sheets 6HVS 7 Peeling came off in sheets 1 & 4 were cooked enough for me. All the others had a dark yellow slightly wet interior to the yolk. So, it appears that placing them into a rolling boil kept the egg more structurally sound, helped the peeling come off in sheets. Vinegar and Salt appears to help the peel detach. I think I would up the cook time to at least 15 minutes rolling boil with a few minutes to soak after the heat is off.
[AFMUG] Hurricane Harvey WISP damage assessments - WECAT
I have waited to post this message on behalf of WECAT to allow for the storm to pass, the flooding to hit the high marks, and the initial life and death rescue efforts to be completed. In situations such as this having people rush in to help in an area that cannot deal with extra people is not always welcome. We all feel for the situation but any help to be rendered needs to be carefully planned and coordinated so as to not overwhelm the people we would try to assist. To that end if anyone has a WISP network in the storm effected area or knows of a WISP who is overwhelmed by the damage and needs assistance, please fill out this damage assessment form and get it back to me. WECAT will work all of our resources to assist where needed. If you are willing to volunteer with manpower or equipment please fill out the volunteer form and return. Thank You, Brian Webster - President WECAT (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Cell Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com WECAT NEED ASSEMENT.PDF Description: Adobe PDF document WECAT VOLUNTEER.PDF Description: Adobe PDF document
Re: [AFMUG] OT: Hurricane Irma
I was part of the group who went down to help Mac after Katrina. I think we were about a week or two after by the time we got there. There was plenty to do even then. Rick Harnish, John Scrivner, Jim Patient and others were there as well. As much as everyone wants to help, sometimes rushing in to a stricken area you become more of a burden. The basic needs for food, shelter and such are scarce and need to be utilized for those who live there, any excess is usually taken up by the first responding agencies from out of the area such as FEMA. When I went and brought some others, I brought my camper which housed up to 8 people. Just needed a place to park. Simple things like being able to get fuel can be a huge challenge. Being the president of WECAT we have seen the WISP industry mature and do a great job at their own disaster planning and recovery. The last 4 major events or so, we have only had contact with one or two WISP’s who might have needed help, and after a day or two when they had time to assess their situation, they were able to take care of things on their own or with help from a neighboring WISP. That really took a lot of stress off logistics of bringing people in from outside the area. We understand the desire for everyone to want to help and most WISP’s cringe at the thought of having to deal with an event like that, so they try to help. As Faisal said, it’s the medium to long term recovery where a person or company can make a difference. Reaching out to fellow WISP’s after the spotlight has been turned off by the media is probably one of the best things we can do to help each other. Checking up on Texas WISP’s is probably more helpful now than Irma. The pucker factor is high on Irma but until she makes landfall and causes damage, any efforts prior to that other than taking inventory of what you can do personally with resources, we just have to wait and see how things pan out. Thank You, Brian Webster 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Faisal Imtiaz Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2017 2:29 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT: Hurricane Irma Fair point. In the event of the disaster.. there are obviously three stages.. 1) While the 'story' is breaking e.g. the event is going on... This is typically best handled by local folks neighbors etc.. 2) Right after the storm... this is when lots of folks, immediately start doing stuff, due to the high emotional feelings. Depending on the need, (e.g. Houston, all the folks with Boats etc) and any or all other aspects which may not be visible ... 3) Med to long term recovery this is probably the hardest and longer needs.. typically the spot light is off, and the full nature of the disaster (domino affect starts to be realized)... There is plenty of room to help, sometimes it is with Money, other times it is with your time and compassion.. and on other occasions it is simply the additional manpower ... Being far away, it is nice to see the feeling of compassion, but do keep an eye and ear open with the smaller groups, Church Groups, Local Charitable Foundations, and other Organizations (smaller the better) and volunteer with what you can.. these folks tend to make great impact on individual's lives, while they may not be able to help everyone.. One more thing to keep in mind. it is not uncommon to have a tremendous amount of waste during the the 1st and 2nd phase ... This is what I can share with you from our past experience. I don't know if MacDearman is on this list or any of the other lists, it would be very interesting to hear his experience and insights. on this topic too. Regards. Faisal Imtiaz Snappy Internet & Telecom 7266 SW 48 Street Miami, FL 33155 Tel: 305 663 5518 x 232 Help-desk: (305)663-5518 Option 2 or Email: supp...@snappytelecom.net _ From: "Brett A Mansfield" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2017 2:08:36 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT: Hurricane Irma I’m actually in Utah and will not be directly affected by it at all. I just feel bad for those who are and they are certainly in my prayers. I would like to help anyone in any area affected by these hurricanes, but I don’t know how I could other than flying out and being extra hands. Thank you, Brett A Mansfield On Sep 3, 2017, at 11:40 AM, Jeff Broadwick - Lists wrote: The most reliable tracks have it hitting well north of you...but they are all really guessing. Jeff Broadwick ConVergence Technologies, Inc. 312-205-2519 Office 574-220-7826 Cell jbroadw...@converge-tech.com On Sep 3, 2017, at 1:11 PM, Faisal Imtiaz wrote: Hi Brett, We are all keeping any eye on Irma's d
Re: [AFMUG] Storm recovery in Florida
As the President of WECAT if any WISP will require help after the storm passes please either fill out this form, or have a neighboring WISP fill it out for you and get it to me. WECAT will help coordinate resources. Also anyone who wished to volunteer please fill out the form attached. If stricken areas it will be important to get a reliable method of communication and central point of contact. WISP's expecting to get hit please make a communications plan to coordinate resources if you think they will be needed, preferably one that is outside the area that you as a business owner can funnel information through. Really hoping this turns in to a non-event but it's not looking good. Thank You, Brian Webster - President WECAT 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Paul McCall Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2017 7:30 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Storm recovery in Florida I know I speak for myself and Gino, that we both will likely need extra personnel to recovery from Irma after the storm passes. We have 38 towers across 4 counties in SouthEast Florida, and have prepared as best we can. We have been down this road before and it is not fun. It looks like regardless of the direct track of the storm, our customers will be significantly impacted. If there is anyone who can spare a good employee for a week or two afterwards, it would be greatly appreciated they will be welcomed warmly and treated very well. Paul Paul McCall, President PDMNet, Inc. / Florida Broadband, Inc. 658 Old Dixie Highway Vero Beach, FL 32962 772-564-6800 pa...@pdmnet.net www.pdmnet.com www.floridabroadband.com WECAT NEED ASSEMENT.PDF Description: Adobe PDF document WECAT VOLUNTEER.PDF Description: Adobe PDF document
[AFMUG] WECAT - Request for tower climbers Tampa FL
To all; WECAT has a request for assistance from one of our WISP's in Florida. Dustin Jurman from Rapid Systems has a need for 4 tower climbers to help realign their backhaul links. In total there are 35 to 40 links to be assessed. He is not sure if all are out of alignment as their core links are down so he has no visibility to the other links via network monitoring to see their status. The storm went right through the middle of their network. No towers are down. He can provide housing. He has vehicles and crews to put together tower teams. He just needs the climbers and their harnesses. Towers are all 200ft or less. If air travel is how you will arrive Tampa is the airport. He expects this to be 5 days or so. He is requesting the help to get the backbone back up and running. He can accept the help as soon as now. Please reply directly to my primary email bwebs...@wirelessmapping.com Thank You, Brian Webster - President WECAT 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com
Re: [AFMUG] WECAT - Request for tower climbers Tampa FL
His intent would be for that but he has yet to be able to get a call through to his insurance company. I asked him that very question, forgot to add it to the message. So he does not know what the time frame would be to pay them. Thank You, Brian Webster 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Steve Jones Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 1:19 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] WECAT - Request for tower climbers Tampa FL Is this insurance reimbursed? I forwarded to a tower crew, but thats the first thing theyll ask On Tue, Sep 12, 2017 at 11:55 AM, Brian Webster wrote: To all; WECAT has a request for assistance from one of our WISP’s in Florida. Dustin Jurman from Rapid Systems has a need for 4 tower climbers to help realign their backhaul links. In total there are 35 to 40 links to be assessed. He is not sure if all are out of alignment as their core links are down so he has no visibility to the other links via network monitoring to see their status. The storm went right through the middle of their network. No towers are down. He can provide housing. He has vehicles and crews to put together tower teams. He just needs the climbers and their harnesses. Towers are all 200ft or less. If air travel is how you will arrive Tampa is the airport. He expects this to be 5 days or so. He is requesting the help to get the backbone back up and running. He can accept the help as soon as now. Please reply directly to my primary email bwebs...@wirelessmapping.com Thank You, Brian Webster - President WECAT 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. <https://maps.google.com/?q=214+Eggleston+Hill+Rd.+Cooperstown,+NY+13326+(607&entry=gmail&source=g> Cooperstown, NY 13326 <https://maps.google.com/?q=214+Eggleston+Hill+Rd.+Cooperstown,+NY+13326+(607&entry=gmail&source=g> (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com
Re: [AFMUG] RM Land cover
He said employer, not employee J Thank You, Brian Webster <http://www.wirelessmapping.com> www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mitch Koep Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2017 1:59 PM To: Chuck McCown; af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] RM Land cover Man you must pay well? Can I work for you? On 9/14/2017 11:25 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: One of my employers bought a phone company here. From: Lewis Bergman Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2017 8:27 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] RM Land cover What are you doing in Louisiana? On Wed, Sep 13, 2017 at 2:14 PM Chuck McCown wrote: Down doing site surveys in Louisiana. Trees are much taller than anticipated and much taller than the land cover file that RM downloaded. What do you do to manually adjust or input real tree elevations?
Re: [AFMUG] OT: S10 Chevy heating issue
On some of the V8 small blocks, the aluminum intake manifold and cast iron block used to have the expansion and contraction happen at such different rates that the intake gaskets went bad and the antifreeze would start leaking out. Not sure if the V6 had the same issues. They make replacement gaskets that mitigate that problem. Another idea would be to find out if the head gaskets were ever changed. Might be possible that the wrong gaskets were put in and blocking some coolant passageways. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2017 9:10 PM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] OT: S10 Chevy heating issue My brother said same thing about compression...I will try thermostat removal. Compression test will next. On Sep 17, 2017 6:54 PM, "Bill Prince" wrote: A couple of thoughts. We had an older Dodge van with the 318 V8. We replaced the radiator and put in a 3-fin in place of the original 2-fin, and that really cooled it off. Otherwise, replace the radiator instead of just a flush. Also, check the compression. You may be getting blow-by on one or more cylinders. That can really heat up the oil (and then the engine). bp On 9/17/2017 5:06 PM, Jaime Solorza wrote: My wife bought a 2001 4x4 Chevy S10 Vortec 4.3 from sons wife. We knew it heated up a little...I replaced water pump, fan clutch, thermostat, had system flushed including heater core along with radiator. It doesn't heat up us as much...you can run it on freeway with temp at 210 degrees...once you exit and stop, it gets hot for a bit then cools off again. No detectable leaks, no water in oil...wonder if sensor if faulty...any ideas or tips...we want 4x4 for winter hiking season. Thanks
Re: [AFMUG] Gino
Right now there are limited flights in and out of PR, their FAA systems were down as of last report I received this morning. FedEX, UPS, and USPS are not operational on the island yet. Flights in and out are VFR only with very big spacing and slots controlled and issued from Miami. Logistics is a big issue right now. I have not had any direct or specific requests from Gino yet. Thank You, Brian Webster 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 11:26 AM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino How do we ship gear to Gino? Do shipments all go by plane? Boat? And more help is needed there in remote areas according to Puerto Rican Club here in El Paso that is collecting money for relief. On Sep 25, 2017 10:47 AM, "Chuck McCown" wrote: I am sure he serves some critical facilities. From: Steve Jones Sent: Monday, September 25, 2017 10:33 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino that would be an issue to take up with WECAT, they should have contacts for logistics. If gino serves any critical facilities (hospitals, long term care, fire/rescue/ems/military/municipality/etc) stuff like that may be able to find its way onto military transport On Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 10:15 AM, Mathew Howard wrote: I would imagine they'd have to go by boat... not sure how quick you could get it there. On Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 10:06 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: Is there a way to ship you COWs? I can build a few and send them. Not sure if I can get them to you fast enough to help. From: Gino A. Villarini Sent: Monday, September 25, 2017 8:19 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino Guys, we are ok, lots of damaged and downed towers (all guyded). Need Gens, COWS and manpower (riggers, installers, etc.) From: Af on behalf of Lewis Bergman Reply-To: "af@afmug.com" Date: Monday, September 25, 2017 at 9:00 AM To: "af@afmug.com" Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino Yep, exactly what I said. Gino A. Villarini President Metro Office Park #18 Suite 304 Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00968 On Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 7:53 AM Faisal Imtiaz wrote: It is nice to have deep thoughts and conversations about restoring internet service. May I remind everyone that, We all of the ISP/WISP/NSP are here to serve our Customers, and that is how we earn a living... Yes after Natural disaster event, there are two parallel concerns... One How do we bring back our service, restore the damage to our Infrastructure. Two... What is the state of affairs of our customers ? Do we have any left who are able to use the service and pay for it ? Yes, one can have a fully functional infrastructure, but if the Customers (end users) are not in any shape to utilize it or pay for it, then such functional infrastructure is of little value. (I am not being heartless in talking about paying customers, just pointing to realities of the situation.. without paying customers, non of us will be around... and yes we can do acts of charity, and provide free service for a certain duration, but at the end of the day that has to get paid somehow, from someone, from somewhere) These events are not short term issues.. depending on severity they true severity of such disasters unravel over a period of time... sometimes weeks, sometimes months, and in some cases years ! Regards. Faisal Imtiaz Snappy Internet & Telecom 7266 SW 48 Street <https://maps.google.com/?q=7266+SW+48+Street+Miami,+FL+33155&entry=gmail&source=g> Miami, FL 33155 <https://maps.google.com/?q=7266+SW+48+Street+Miami,+FL+33155&entry=gmail&source=g> Tel: 305 663 5518 x 232 Help-desk: (305)663-5518 Option 2 or Email: supp...@snappytelecom.net _ From: "Lewis Bergman" To: af@afmug.com Sent: Monday, September 25, 2017 8:42:30 AM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino It is possible to build an infrastructure that doesn't rely on anything else but what you have, just like the US militay. Problem is you would lose your shirt trying to do it. There is only so much you can do that consumers will pay for. On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 10:35 PM Colin Stanners wrote: Even for WISPs who are very far from the affected areas, such events are humbling. Customers say "your company can deliver [good, non-satellite] internet where no one else can", but all of us rely fully on the backbone internet connection, usually on a functioning power grid, and need gasoline to power service vehicles. Once those are gone, no matter how we wish or pray, everything is dead in the water. On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 4:27 PM, Craig House wrote: I'm in st Th
Re: [AFMUG] Gino
Here is the latest on the FAA situation at San Juan: FAA said preliminary damage assessments have identified a number of critical radars and navigational aids were destroyed or disabled during the storm. The agency is bringing replacement systems to the islands by air and by sea to restore essential radar, navigation and communication services, and a long-range radar in Turks and Caicos was made operational Sept. 25. “Technicians are making their way to a second long-range radar site today [Sept. 25] at Pico del Este, which is located inside a National Park in Puerto Rico, on the top of a mountain.,” FAA said. “The last two miles to the site through the rain forest are impassable, so the technicians are using chain saws to clear a path for themselves and the replacement equipment.” FAA is unable to give an estimate for full restoration of service, citing the extent of the damage and the challenges of the terrain where the equipment is located. I am in communication with Gino, he has gear stuck stateside so he and I are trying to figure out some logistics. It’s a lot of radios! Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of George Skorup Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 9:24 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino You're tryna tell me the Navy or CG can't do makeshift airtraffic control from a ship offshore? On 9/26/2017 8:17 PM, Steve Jones wrote: I just read an article about people being pissed cause they haven't lifted the act that bans coastal shipping to non us ships. they lifted it for Harvey and Irma, but not this one. everybody is making a big stink, the problem is, the ports are damaged, theres limited offload capacity and ships are queued. This is crazy, youd think they could bring in some of those military bridging vehicle to make a bridge out to some barges made into temporary docks or something. I don't think people realize you cant land cargo planes on damaged tarmacs. Its almost worth reaching out to the cartels at this point, they can move high volumes of cargo into inaccessible areas like nobodys business On Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 8:08 PM, Brian Webster wrote: Right now there are limited flights in and out of PR, their FAA systems were down as of last report I received this morning. FedEX, UPS, and USPS are not operational on the island yet. Flights in and out are VFR only with very big spacing and slots controlled and issued from Miami. Logistics is a big issue right now. I have not had any direct or specific requests from Gino yet. Thank You, Brian Webster 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. <https://maps.google.com/?q=214+Eggleston+Hill+Rd.+Cooperstown,+NY+13326+%28607&entry=gmail&source=g> Cooperstown, NY 13326 <https://maps.google.com/?q=214+Eggleston+Hill+Rd.+Cooperstown,+NY+13326+%28607&entry=gmail&source=g> (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 11:26 AM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino How do we ship gear to Gino? Do shipments all go by plane? Boat? And more help is needed there in remote areas according to Puerto Rican Club here in El Paso that is collecting money for relief. On Sep 25, 2017 10:47 AM, "Chuck McCown" wrote: I am sure he serves some critical facilities. From: Steve Jones Sent: Monday, September 25, 2017 10:33 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino that would be an issue to take up with WECAT, they should have contacts for logistics. If gino serves any critical facilities (hospitals, long term care, fire/rescue/ems/military/municipality/etc) stuff like that may be able to find its way onto military transport On Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 10:15 AM, Mathew Howard wrote: I would imagine they'd have to go by boat... not sure how quick you could get it there. On Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 10:06 AM, Chuck McCown wrote: Is there a way to ship you COWs? I can build a few and send them. Not sure if I can get them to you fast enough to help. From: Gino A. Villarini Sent: Monday, September 25, 2017 8:19 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino Guys, we are ok, lots of damaged and downed towers (all guyded). Need Gens, COWS and manpower (riggers, installers, etc.) From: Af on behalf of Lewis Bergman Reply-To: "af@afmug.com" Date: Monday, September 25, 2017 at 9:00 AM To: "af@afmug.com" Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino Yep, exactly what I said. Gino A. Villarini President Metro Office Park #18 Suite 304 Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00968 On Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 7:53 AM Faisal Imtiaz wrote: It is nice to have deep thoughts and conversations about restorin
Re: [AFMUG] Gino - status update
Talking with Gino tonight and he is a bit overwhelmed. He asked if I could help and field the offers of manpower assistance, so I told him I would gladly help coordinate for him. Here is the situation as of this point: He has equipment he needs to restore his network, it’s stranded stateside now. I am working multiple angles to get shipment to the island, not easy right now. One shipment is 15 pallets weighing in at 5.3 K pounds. Transport to the island is the issue; see my earlier post about FAA status. If anyone knows of transport going to the island and has room for this stuff ping me. The pallets are in CA right now. Until he gets equipment to the island he can’t really use much help yet. Since commercial flights have not resumed transportation there is also the issue. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Brian Webster Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 9:42 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino Here is the latest on the FAA situation at San Juan: FAA said preliminary damage assessments have identified a number of critical radars and navigational aids were destroyed or disabled during the storm. The agency is bringing replacement systems to the islands by air and by sea to restore essential radar, navigation and communication services, and a long-range radar in Turks and Caicos was made operational Sept. 25. “Technicians are making their way to a second long-range radar site today [Sept. 25] at Pico del Este, which is located inside a National Park in Puerto Rico, on the top of a mountain.,” FAA said. “The last two miles to the site through the rain forest are impassable, so the technicians are using chain saws to clear a path for themselves and the replacement equipment.” FAA is unable to give an estimate for full restoration of service, citing the extent of the damage and the challenges of the terrain where the equipment is located. I am in communication with Gino, he has gear stuck stateside so he and I are trying to figure out some logistics. It’s a lot of radios! Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of George Skorup Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 9:24 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino You're tryna tell me the Navy or CG can't do makeshift airtraffic control from a ship offshore? On 9/26/2017 8:17 PM, Steve Jones wrote: I just read an article about people being pissed cause they haven't lifted the act that bans coastal shipping to non us ships. they lifted it for Harvey and Irma, but not this one. everybody is making a big stink, the problem is, the ports are damaged, theres limited offload capacity and ships are queued. This is crazy, youd think they could bring in some of those military bridging vehicle to make a bridge out to some barges made into temporary docks or something. I don't think people realize you cant land cargo planes on damaged tarmacs. Its almost worth reaching out to the cartels at this point, they can move high volumes of cargo into inaccessible areas like nobodys business On Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 8:08 PM, Brian Webster wrote: Right now there are limited flights in and out of PR, their FAA systems were down as of last report I received this morning. FedEX, UPS, and USPS are not operational on the island yet. Flights in and out are VFR only with very big spacing and slots controlled and issued from Miami. Logistics is a big issue right now. I have not had any direct or specific requests from Gino yet. Thank You, Brian Webster 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. <https://maps.google.com/?q=214+Eggleston+Hill+Rd.+Cooperstown,+NY+13326+%28607&entry=gmail&source=g> Cooperstown, NY 13326 <https://maps.google.com/?q=214+Eggleston+Hill+Rd.+Cooperstown,+NY+13326+%28607&entry=gmail&source=g> (607) 643-4055 Office (607) 435-3988 Mobile (208) 692-1898 Fax Skype: Radiowebst www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Jaime Solorza Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 11:26 AM To: Animal Farm Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino How do we ship gear to Gino? Do shipments all go by plane? Boat? And more help is needed there in remote areas according to Puerto Rican Club here in El Paso that is collecting money for relief. On Sep 25, 2017 10:47 AM, "Chuck McCown" wrote: I am sure he serves some critical facilities. From: Steve Jones Sent: Monday, September 25, 2017 10:33 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Gino that would be an issue to take up with WECAT, they should have contacts for logistics. If gino serves any critical facilities (hospitals, long term care, fire/rescue/ems/military/municipality/etc) stuff like that may be able to find
