1 / 9

Enhancing D-STAR Connectivity for West Carleton Amateur Radio Club

This update details the challenges and solutions faced by the West Carleton Amateur Radio Club in improving their D-STAR system's internet connectivity. A 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection was unstable due to interference and congestion. To address this, specialized 100mW wireless technology was implemented, featuring TDMA protocol support and robust signal quality. The upgrade was completed with the support of club members and funding, leading to a more stable and efficient D-STAR operation, ensuring better communication for users.

mandell
Télécharger la présentation

Enhancing D-STAR Connectivity for West Carleton Amateur Radio Club

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. D-STAR System VA3ODGUpdate – 3 August, 2010 For West Carleton Amateur Radio Club By Rick Bandla VE3CVG

  2. D-STAR  --> Internet • D-STAR architecture is highly dependent on a reliable and fast internet connection. • D-STAR system is functional (locally) without internet but strongest features of D-STAR are unavailable.

  3. Problems With The Wi-Fi Internet Connection • No suitable hardwired internet is available at YMCA VA3ODG radio site, so we used a 2.4GHz wi-fi feed from VA3YH to VA3ODG • Internet for computers, blue tooth, entertainment equipment, commercial equipment, all vying for same 2.4GHz ISM channels • Clutter in path from VA3YH to VA3ODG • Strong signal - target for hackers • Net Result: very unstable connection, became frustrating and impossible to trouble shoot the system. Disappointed user group.

  4. Options • Modify the wired internet feed from the YMCA to make it useable for D-STAR – this is not likely • Purchase commercial internet feed – while this is not a closed door, we do not presently have the $30/mnth • Upgrade existing wireless feed – this was the chosen approach

  5. Solution • We acquired specialized 100mw wireless technology for both ends of the internet extension • Supports proprietary TDMA protocol • Covers the ham band outside of the ISM band • May be optioned for point-to-point radio • Supports half channels • Locks to mac • Uses directional 1 foot dish – 23dBi gain. Pole-mount included • No RF cabling - entire unit at each end is located right in the dish feed • Powered by POE (included) i.e. ethernet cable plugs into dish feed • Cost is $90/end

  6. Installation • Hard part done by Dale VE3XZT and company • Internet feed, routing, etc. provided by Ying VA3YH • Support and nagging by Rick VE3CVG • Work done June 23 and 29th • No setup software required, setup is via built-in web pages

  7. Results • Almost worked out of the box, required some conditioning • Basically a transparent pipe • Has been very stable so far • Very good signal quality –54dBm signal with a –96dBm noise floor

  8. Where the Money Went • Received $300 from WCARC • Cost of new gateway computer abt $160 • Cost of new wireless equipment abt $180 • Installation work and materials donated by Dale VE3XZT • Internet continues to be donated by Ying VA3YH • Thankyou for the financial assistance!!!

  9. 73

More Related