The FCC is proposing the reallocation of our 3 & 5 GHz spectrum. I encourage everyone to update the AREDN map with all 3 & 5 GHz AREDN nodes so that we can have an accurate representation of our use of that spectrum.
In the recent past, the ARRL has been very supportive of AREDN and I expect them to go to bat for us.
Andre, K6AH
In the recent past, the ARRL has been very supportive of AREDN and I expect them to go to bat for us.
Andre, K6AH
This node of mine shows up as a 2 GHz node on the map:
AB4YY-SXTsq-5
Node Console
Desc: MikroTik RouterBOARD SXTsq 5HPnD
FW ver: 1190-1272c57
Ch: 180
SSID: AREDN_FrontRoyal-10-v3
Tunnel installed: False
MAC: B8:69:F4:D9:F2:DC
Last updated: 2019-11-23 17:50:40.227865
73 - Mike ab4yy
The Supported Platform Matrix answers that question:
https://www.arednmesh.org/content/supported-platform-matrix
However, the Ubiquiti NanoBridge, NanoStation, and Rocket are the only radios that have 3 GHz versions. And they are somewhat hard to find and expensive.
Do a search in ebay or amazon for a "Nanostation M3", e.g. https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00JXDT33K
Be careful to NOT buy a 'M365', this is not compatible with AREDN firmware.
This NSM3 is a ~45deg sector (forget beam offhand). There is a ham with a 15 mi link in SoCal using this device for several years mounted under the soffit and out of sight in an HOA area. At this distance is a solid link, with ~medium thoughput, I'd try to keep the links <10mi.
The coveted NanoBridge M3 is also out there, but harder to find now days, it is a Nanostation M3 with a reflector dish. This will do probably up to ~30mi. If you can't find one of these, then take the NSM3 and can separately purchase a reflector at (4-pack!):
https://www.kpperformance.com/ubiquiti-m-series-radio-reflector-dish
For the P2P links up to 50+ mi, or you want to guarantee always having SNR and max thoughput, go with the Rocket M3 w/ RocketDish. You'll drop over $350 for this setup and also a dome can be added to mitigate wind loading, and avoiding birds perching, if they don't cook first :) .
The issue we have with the Nanostation and Nanobridge devices, is Ubiquiti has not updated these to newer chips with 64MB RAM. These devices are still 32MB RAM. (The Rocket M3 is 64MB.) I have a NSM3 on my roof and I've not had any problems, is stable with nightly builds --I don't install tunnels, or other packages on 32MB devices.
Joe AE6XE
Next time we're doing maintenance on our 3GHz nodes I will upload their info to the AREDN map.
I believe the NBM3 differs from the NSM3 in that the NSM3 has dual patch antennas which the NBM3 has a single patch antenna which is probably more suitable as a feedpoint for a dish reflector. I recall seeing some photos on this forum some time ago.
I'll bookmark that source for NSM reflectors--I may end up with a surplus of NSMs as I evolve our system and being able to up the gain will be a welcome option.
Thank you!
25-Nov-2019: ARRL plans to comment in opposition to the proposed action.
http://www.arrl.org/news/view/arrl-to-oppose-proposal-to-eliminate-3-3-3-5-ghz-amateur-allocation
- Don - AA7AU