Why not to use WLAN? with 300m site-to-site distance it would be no problem.
You can set it up very cheaply, easy to service and operate. If you keep the AP
inside the hut or tent even wx should not be a problem. Fiber is IMHO not for
temporary installations as it is vulnerable and requires special tooling to
repair. The bandwidth U don't need anyway. Just a thought... zoli ha1ag--- On
Wed 10/06, Eric Scace K3NA < eric@k3na.org > wrote:From: Eric Scace K3NA
[mailto: eric@k3na.org]To: yccc@yccc.org, pvrc@mailman.qth.net,
cq-contest@contesting.comDate: Wed, 06 Oct 2004 16:18:13 -0400Subject:
[CQ-Contest] 3Y0X - Peter 1st - optical fiberDo you have access to fiber optic
cable? Can you or your radio club make a targeted donation to the 3Y0X Peter
1st DXpedition?Then read on...N1DG, VK4GL and I are responsible for the IT
infrastructure for the DXpedition. We will be running 9 stations at 2 or 3
sites onthe island, each separated by about 1000 ft from the others. Multiple
sites increase the chances that we can run 2 or 3 stationssimultaneously on
difficult bands & openings at full power; e.g., during any (brief and
marginal!) 10m/12m openings.TC Communications has loaned the DXpedition three
Ethernet/optical switches that can be used in a self-healing ring network.
Notonly will such a network keep all our logging computers fully &
continuously synchronized, each operator will know exactly whereevery other
3Y0X station is operating. A complete network allows instant "gab" messages
between the operators, which is helpful ifa rare opening begins (e.g., 10m) and
we need to instruct operators to move a couple of rigs to that band to maximize
QSOs. Thenetwork allows us to easily, automatically and routinely back up audio
archives and the integrated log to DVD during the course ofthe trip. And it
eliminates a 3000 ft hike plus another half-hour of off-air work every day,
when we prepare a summary of the logto be uploaded to the webmaster --
the summary that you will be checking to verify your QSOs are in the log.
(Without the network,we will do this by "sneaker net" -- or, more precisely,
"snow boot net": walking to the sites to copy the logs-to-date and
thenintegrating them at a central computer.)Unfortunately, the best quotation
we have been able to get for a two-fiber cable with ST-connectors is $220 +
shipping. Each runof fiber cable is about 1200 ft; we need two runs plus a
spare for a 3-site DXpedition. Our budget is already in the red, and wecan't
afford the additional $700 cash outlay at this point.Without a network (but
weather and all else cooperating), we will have a successful DXpedition. But we
will not havecontinually-synchronized logs, automatic backups or the ability to
tell you what other bands/modes are currently active.We have examined both
wireless and wired network options, but these appear to be less satisfactory or
impractical. (See belowfor an explanation.)So... as a last resort, I am a
ppealing to the contesting/DXing community:-- Can you, or someone you know,
provide two or three 1200-ft runs of 2-fiber cable with ST connectors?-- Can
you, or a radio club that you know, provide a grant that will help us acquire
the necessary fiber?Thanks for considering this little project. We look forward
to working you from Peter 1st.73,-- Eric K3NA====================Q: Why not run
Ethernet wiring between the sites?A: The necessary length of Ethernet cable
costs about the same as fiber. The distance exceeds the Ethernet specification
for properoperation. A 1200-ft (350m) run of wire through the antenna fields
may pick up enough RF to interfere with the operation of theEthernet
switches/hubs. The long cable length may radiate into the antennas. Since each
site is powered by different generators,which are not synchronized in phase and
do not share a common ground reference, a large differential voltage may appear
on theEthernet cables.Q: Why not run wireless networking b
etween the sites?A: The wireless networking system specifications do not
guarantee operation at these distances. We have not located suitab
le gainantennas that would allow three sites, in a equilateral triangle, to
reliably stay connected. We expect blizzard conditions on somedays; the intense
snowfall may kill the wireless links during the storm. Other days will have
thick fog; we are not confident ofthe ability to maintain long distance links
through thick fog.... However, even connectivity on nice weather days would be
an improvement over "no network". If you have expertise and accessto long-haul
wireless networking gear that can do the job more economically, let's
talk.Thanks!====== end
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