Derek, "how high" is a good question. The shorter the better for my bottom line, and since most customers are considerably close, I don't think I need to get crazy with it.
Without getting into detail, the location is on a valley floor and the main issue is foliage. The field I'm intending to locate a tower is clear of trees for about 500 feet is all directions (actually, the direction I'll need to point the antenna. I'd assume there is less than 25' variance on the valley floor, but some customers would be on either hillside. Speaking of topography, I'd assume the only *real* way of surveying is first with a GPS, then with a access point and a simulated CPE (a jeep or the such). I have pretty much all the equipment to do so, but it begs the question: How-T-F do I get an AP temporarly raised to an elevation like we're talking? Am I barking up the wrong tree (i.e., should I do some math and make estimations that "at x feet it should broadcast y distance, with LOS") By the way, has anyone used topo software with any success? I've tried Garmin's TopoUSA, and while its cool, it lacks the detail I think I'd need. -- Aaron Bennett (707) 527-5997 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Breiland, Derek Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2003 4:26 PM To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Subject: RE: [smartBridges] OT: AP tower How high do you think you need to be? A 80' Trylon guyed tower is $2400.00 list without installation - 96'is $2,800.00. When looking around E-bay for used tower it seems that there are often towers in CA that have been taken down and are being sold. You do not have to be tall at all to get .2 to 1.8 miles away depending on ground elevation/tree height/and structure obstruction which it does not sound like there is any or you would not be asking this question. Trylon makes a decent tower for the price (www.trylon.com) especially if no need to go real large. Guyed and self supporting. A silo may be useful if you have a local farmer who would want to rent the storage space from you to help pay for it, but I do not thin inexpensive unless you can find a used one. -----Original Message----- From: Aaron Bennett [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2003 4:47 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [smartBridges] OT: AP tower Hey all, I can't say how informative this mailing list has been... I've been holding my question for a while to get a better grip on everything. Here's my deal: I am planning on beginning WISP operations in a fairly rural town in Northern California. I have run some numbers and it all seems feasible, but there are a number of variables I was curious if someone had more information about. I've priced out a T1 line (which seems to be the least expensive way to start, and I'm sure I'll be able to fill it with enough subscribers to return investment. I've been searching for suitable locations for my main antenna (or at least the one that I'll start with). Unfortunately, I have not found a suitable structure for elevation, although I have found an excellent location that a structure could be made/placed. The site is outside the end of town, allowing me to broadcast in one direction. The bulk of all subscribers would fall within .2 to 1.8 miles away. Because there is no structure existing, I was curious what someone may use as a structure. I was considering finding an old farm windmill, and placing an APPO + 90* sector on that. I am fortunate enough to have power at this location, and a property less than 500 feet away that could serve as my NOC. I figured that an old metal frame windmill would be a) fairly inexpensive, b) good height (80'? Or so?) and c) easier to explain than something looking like a cell tower or the such. Does anyone have opinion on this? Also, if there's anyone in northern CA that has experience with what legal limits are for structures, or what kind of permits are necessary, I would be eternally grateful. Sorry for the somewhat OT post; I am, however, planning on using SB equipment. I've played a little on a aBO and it seems suitable for what I envision. -- Aaron Bennett [EMAIL PROTECTED] The PART-15.ORG smartBridges Discussion List To Join: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (in the body type subscribe smartBridges <yournickname> To Remove: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (in the body type unsubscribe smartBridges) Archives: http://archives.part-15.org The PART-15.ORG smartBridges Discussion List To Join: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (in the body type subscribe smartBridges <yournickname> To Remove: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (in the body type unsubscribe smartBridges) Archives: http://archives.part-15.org The PART-15.ORG smartBridges Discussion List To Join: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (in the body type subscribe smartBridges <yournickname> To Remove: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (in the body type unsubscribe smartBridges) Archives: http://archives.part-15.org
