cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/42400858

Ihave a unique opportunity to add a node at the Tower LNB ring. However I’m struggling to source a Meshtastic gateway that meets the requirements I’v been given. Any help would be appreciated.

  1. Power will be provided over 48v POE ONLY
  2. Remote management is a must, consider both internet provided over ethernet and 4G/LTE as backup (fw updates)
  3. Maximum 5db gain antenna can be used positioned on the LNB ring facing N-NW, must not exceed 1400mm in length
  4. Must be tuned for exactly 915mhz (l’m thinking cavity filter) to help with Rx.
  5. Enclosure and antenna must be pole mounted
  6. Absolutely no wifi 2.4 or 5ghz
  7. 500CND budget 'd like a set it and forget it approach. ls it even worth it?
  • RentlarOP
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    6 days ago

    From Reddit User blacksam_:

    Update 1:

    All components have been purchased and received. Date for installation has also been set for April 24th. Going to install two radios. The first will be pointing NxNE* with a 5db Omni, the second will be pointing SxSE towards Buffalo via yagi.

    I went up last week and “scoped” out the location, we swept 900-930 to make sure we wouldn’t be interfering with anything, luckily it was unused. :) The place is a mess btw.

    I’ll add a complete parts list once assembly and testing begins, as I’m sure I’ll have to make some changes along the way. I’m still on the hunt for a UL certified enclosure.

    The original plan was NxNW but there was simply no room to maneuver around the catwalk.

    This date is dependent on receiving the Airframe cavity filters, I joined the preorder that is said to deliver in March.

    Update 2:

    It’s time. I’ll be installing the nodes on Wednesday April 16 at 1pm(ish). I’ll send out a greeting on the default LongFast channel when they’re live.

  • Bev's Dad
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    6 days ago

    It has been cool to see how the two CN tower nodes interact with the network. Seems to have expanded range considerably but the channel usage has doubled since they went online so we will have to see how long it takes before Toronto can’t be a Long_Fast city anymore.

    • Avid Amoeba
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      5 days ago

      It’s interesting how nodes in the periphery disappear and instead we get more nodes from downtown. That’s because there’s just so many nodes there, they push out peripheral nodes out of the limited device node db. Many expected to see a lot more nodes in the periphery.

  • Picasso@sh.itjust.works
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    6 days ago

    this is amazing news! The coverage throughout Toronto is going to be insane. They should do this in every major city

  • Avid Amoeba
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    5 days ago

    Seems to work so far. Hops have dropped significantly and more people are getting messages in LongFast. I’m getting more complete conversation with few to no missing messages.