----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2003 4:04
PM
Subject: RE: [smartBridges] Just
wondering
While we don't get
heavy snow here, we've had it in the snow for a week
once, and for a
period of about 3 hours it was coming down hard enough
you couldn't see
across the street. The wireless never blinked.
What DID affect us
was ice buildup on the antennas, and if you aren't
prepared to climb
in those conditions you're outa luck until it thaws out
a bit. Some have
suggested small DC heating elements in, on or around
the antenna. Be
careful with that. (falling ice and such)
Rain? We get lots
of that. No effect on the wireless.
(we're located 10
miles west of Portland, Oregon)
Kevin Summers
KISTech Internet Services
Inc.
www.kistech.com
Just wondering of all the WISP's in this forum,
how many are located in the north country? This will be my first full
season of winter (Minnesota) and I am wondering what failure rates or issues
that the cold weather brings to the whole biz. Reading the literature
one is led to believe that it will be uneventful but does anyone have any
real life advice or comments?
How does a heavy snowfall affect the signal
(huge flakes) or does it? When my customers ask me I tell
them in theory it should not be affected but even I am skeptical. Do
not want to set false expectations. I have to say that the heavy rain
has had zero affect on service but there is more to come. Even though
rated good to -50F, do they really withsatand 100% or are their failures
that maybe are due to extreme temps?
Any input is greatly appreciated.