June 2018 - PSDR - mailman.hamwan.org

HamWan 900 MHz
by Stan 23 May '19

23 May '19

if this is up and running, I'd sure like to buy a 900 Mhz modem and get the HamWan a bit farther into Mason County. Any suggestions? -- Stan KF7LTT Spams/Scams Forwarded To WA State Attorney For Prosecution.

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CapitolPark <-> QueenAnne link
by Bart Kus 19 Apr '19

19 Apr '19

After hours of debugging, I got this 20MHz single-polarity link moving up to 55Mbit. A high resolution spectrum analysis on both sides did indeed show a better frequency to use for the link. Spectrum analysis captures here: https://imgur.com/a/4H7GB There was also an IP conflict between two modems @ Capitol Park. The conflicting IP has been removed from CapitolPark-S3. The QueenAnne modem used for the link is not one used anywhere else on the network. It's a very low-end modem, and as a result it was having CPU/RAM starvation issues when running our regular diagnostic tools, which lead to out-of-memory conditions and kernel crashes. A different test methodology had to be used to verify the link speed (testing through the modem, instead of to the modem). The modem that links QueenAnne with the Westin building (on the QueenAnne side) had a mis-configured OSPF router-id. This was fixed. I'm still seeing weird routing decisions being made by OSPF. These are triggered by our point-to-point route entries (44.24.242.0/24 space). More research needs to be done here, and perhaps a re-write of how we define point-to-point interface addresses. Any OSPF experts in the house? I also discovered R1.QueenAnne was still vulnerable to hacking due to a mis-configuration of its control software. It missed the updates that were sent out to the whole network. This has been fixed now. R1.QueenAnne also didn't have the diagnostic bandwidth-server setup correctly. This was fixed. With the CapitolPark-QueenAnne link performing well now: [eo@CapitolPark-QueenAnne] /system resource> /tool bandwidth-test 44.24.241.81 direction=both status: running duration: 57s tx-current: 28.0Mbps tx-10-second-average: 28.4Mbps tx-total-average: 27.5Mbps rx-current: 27.6Mbps rx-10-second-average: 28.0Mbps rx-total-average: 27.0Mbps lost-packets: 288 random-data: no direction: both tx-size: 1500 rx-size: 1500 its OSPF config has been reset to a normal preference level, so that packets no longer try to avoid that link as they are routed through the network. This link can be sped up by upgrading to a dual-polarity modem @ CapitolPark. While testing if the OSPF hop cost was being calculated correctly in the Beacon-Haystack-QueenAnne RF link (they both connect to the same dish @ Haystack), I discovered a mis-config on the Haystack.Beacon modem (bad LAN IP binding) which was preventing it from bringing up OSPF on its LAN interface. This was fixed and that modem should act like an actual router now, moving traffic. During the same Beacon testing, I was reminded that our Baldi-Beacon RF link sucks <https://monitoring.hamwan.net/cacti/graph.php?action=view&local_graph_id=91…>. It was optimized for speed to Tukwila, which is now gone, so a trip needs to be scheduled to Baldi to rotate the dish a few degrees north and get that link going strong. I normally wouldn't send this kind of verbose email to psdr@, but I hope it's illuminating as to the type and extent of work required to keep this network running well. --Bart

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HamWan Connecting to a local Mesh
by Kevin Fox 07 Jul '18

07 Jul '18

Has anyone connected a HamWan node to a mesh node (HSMM or AREDN) to have a local mesh have a long range outbound path? 73 -- Kevin Fox W0KCF Amateur Radio WQWZ237 GMRS Oregon Section Traffic Manager CFD1 CERT Communications Group Lead Clackamas County ARES ARRL Certified Instructor ARRL Volunteer Examiner W5IY Volunteer Examiner Laurel Volunteer Examiner w0kcf(a)winlink.org w0kcf(a)ka7hrc.or.us.noam www.w0kcf.com 503-908-4587 (Prefered) 971-716-3832

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VOTE: Standing purchase order to keep whole cell site in stock at all times
by Bart Kus 01 Jul '18

01 Jul '18

Hello, This is a vote for a standing purchase approval to keep a whole cell site in stock at all times for low-latency HamWAN deployment + repair work. We have quite often been affected by supply chain availability problems, and they cause difficulty with scheduling and deployment success. We've also had to pay premium prices for orders from less preferred vendors, or to cover rapid shipping, using our legacy just-in-time ordering approach. Keeping a whole site in stock at all times as a standing policy ought to eliminate these problems and allow us to respond rapidly to opportunities and emergencies. A full site should cost about $3500, and the exact BoM will evolve with our standards over time. --Bart

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SnoDEM in much better shape now
by Bart Kus 28 Jun '18

28 Jun '18

A big thanks to Erik and the crew he pulled together to help wrap up the SnoDEM upgrade/repair work today! You guys kept me fully busy on the tower all day long, and we were able to get through every item on the list. Here's what was done today: 1) Gold dish upgraded with shield 2) ETiger dish upgraded with shield 3) Blyn dish upgraded with shield, and with MIMO modem 4) Haystack dish temporarily aligned @ Monroe for uplink (Haystack link performance is poor due to that dish being aimed @ Victoria) 5) Lookout dish tilted down to a more reasonable angle 6) S1 rotated towards the east a bit more, to improve client signal coverage This completes our shield installations for every modem up there. This increased inter-modem isolation will improve overall site performance. We had situations @ SnoDEM where we were interfering with ourselves due to the close proximity of all the antennas and lack of shields. The two new modems (Lookout + Blyn) will serve to connect those sites when they're built out. All the sectors could use longer bolts so that they grip the angle iron better. They're a bit off-angle (horizontally) right now. Once again, thank you to all the volunteers today! It was a very successful day! --Bart

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SnoDEM sectors should be feeling much better now
by Bart Kus 27 Jun '18

27 Jun '18

Hello, I tweaked the SnoDEM sectors today. Turns out, they were all pointing as high up at the sky as possible (3 degree uptilt). I've set them all to around 0 degrees mechanical, and they have 2 degrees electrical downtilt. This should improve signal conditions for everyone. If you had a client that got disconnected or degraded after the MIMO sector upgrade, now's a good time to retry. --Bart

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Haystack repair mission, help needed!
by Mike Dunn 26 Jun '18

26 Jun '18

Hello Everyone, The most recent trip up to the Haystack site revealed that the route is virtually clear of snow, so it looks like we are ready to make the repair trip. Because the list of objectives continues to expand, we could definitely use some more help! We are looking at Saturday, July 7th for the trip, with repair objectives that include sector modem replacements, PtP modem replacement, router upgrades, etc. This would be a great opportunity to see the sector site and learn a little bit if you are new to HamWAN. While no specific skill skillset is needed, there will be a bit of hiking required through some steep terrain to reach the site and to transport equipment. If you think you might be interested in helping out, send me an email off list and I can fill you in on the details. If you want to help, but can't make in on 7/7, go ahead and shoot me a note; I'll keep your info handy in case the date changes. We have tentatively scheduled the meet up on the day of the mission for 10:30a. It's difficult to predict exactly how long the work will take, but we are expecting to spend the better part of the day on-site. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you about the trip! Thanks Mike

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VOTE: Larch Mtn
by Tom Hayward 14 Jun '18

14 Jun '18

It's shaping up to be a busy summer for HamWAN in the Puget Sound region! We have many repairs to do (watch for emails to volunteer), and if things go well we will have multiple new sites coming online. Here is the first funding request for a new site, Larch Mountain. Rob and Loren have invited HamWAN to Larch to connect their DMR repeaters. This is also a strategic location and milestone for HamWAN: it will allow us to link the Seattle and Portland metro areas. Larch will connect to Baw Faw via point-to-point dish and cover the Portland area with a sector. Here is the full bill of materials. It's a little different than typical because for the long shot to Baw Faw we plan to repurpose an unused 3ft dish from Baldi. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ls3196YzkcZ9JgNPIvrzyQUjhAAn-CMa31p… Vendor Description Price Qty Subtotal Notes Alternative Backhaul dish HamWAN ARC-DA5830SD1 <https://reseller.streakwave.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=ARC-DA5830SD1&eq=&Tp=&o1=0> $117.89 0 $0.00 Reuse 3ft dish from Baldi RF Armor ARC WIRELESS A34RD5X <https://www.rfarmor.com/index.php/dish-kits/a34rd5x.html> $170.00 1 $170.00 Add shielding HamWAN ACRPSMA <https://reseller.streakwave.com/Itemdesc.asp?ic=ACRPSMA&eq=&Tp=> $8.00 0 $0.00 From Tukwila HamWAN HW-AD-NMRSF <https://www.streakwave.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=HW-AD-NMRSF&eq=&Tp=&o1=0> $4.50 0 $0.00 From Tukwila HamWAN RB921UAGS-5SHPacD-NM Modem (Free Ship) <https://smile.amazon.com/MikroTik-RB922UAGS-5HPacD-NM-NetMetal-integrated-8…> $138.00 0 $0.00 From Tukwila User access sector Baltic Networks AM-5G19-120 Sector Antenna <https://www.balticnetworks.com/ubiquiti-120deg-sector-antenna-and-rf-shield…> $116.00 1 $116.00 Baltic Networks Maxxwave Shield <https://www.balticnetworks.com/ubiquiti-120deg-sector-antenna-and-rf-shield…> $49.50 1 $49.50 Streakwave RB912UAG-5HPnD Modem PCB <https://reseller.streakwave.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=RB912UAG-5HPnD&eq=&Tp=&o1=0> $67.00 1 $67.00 Streakwave SBX-S-CC-2SMA PCB Enclosure <https://reseller.streakwave.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=SBX-S-CC&eq=&Tp=&o1=0> $25.65 1 $25.65 Indoor Equipment Baltic Networks MikroTik RB2011 ethernet switch <https://www.balticnetworks.com/mikrotik-routerboard-rb2011uias-rm-complete-…> $99.25 1 $99.25 Needed to connect more than once device. Baltic Networks RBmAPL-2nD WiFi Access Point <https://www.balticnetworks.com/mikrotik-map-lite-2-4ghz-magnetic-dual-chain…> $21.25 1 $21.25 Optional, allows wifi access on site Nigel K7NVH PoE PDU $231.03 1 $231.03 Alternative: Mikrotik Gigabit PoE injectors (wall wart) with AP7900 or similar PDU Cable Management SitePro1 BC1410 (10pk) barrel cushions <https://www.sitepro1.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=2301> $26.95 4 $107.80 SitePro1 158SS-A (10pk) stackable snap-in hangers <https://www.sitepro1.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=13> $17.95 4 $71.80 Ensure tower is compatible or order alternative hangers SitePro1 ADAP-O (10pk) Angle Adapters for Snap-Ins <https://www.sitepro1.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=37> $30.95 1 $30.95 SitePro1 SitePro1 shipping $30.00 1 $30.00 ESTIMATE Cable and Connectors HamWAN TC-Con-100 100 shielded RJ-45 connectors <https://reseller.streakwave.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=TC-Con-100A> $45.59 0.1 $4.56 HamWAN TC-Pro (Free Ship) 1000 ft <https://smile.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-TOUGHCable-TC-PRO-Shielded/dp/B0…> $135.00 0.2 $27.00 Misc Streakwave Shipping $30.00 1 $30.00 ISP Supplies Shipping 1 $0.00 Baltic Networks Shipping $30.00 1 $30.00 RF Armor Shipping $20.00 1 $20.00 Subtotal $1,131.79 Sales Tax Estimate $1,131.79 10.0% $113.18 GRAND TOTAL $1,244.97 HamWAN board, please submit your votes to approve funding this buildout. Tom KD7LXL

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Request for mentor(s) for HamWAN installation on my condo roof
by John Spady 07 Jun '18

07 Jun '18

Hello friends, I finally have formal approval from my condo board to install a non-penetrating roof mount on my condo building at 2801 1st Ave <https://goo.gl/maps/mPKRAmSauLN2> in downtown Seattle to access either the Beacon or Gold HamWAN signal and to bring it all the way down to our first floor club room where all our building ham operators can more easily access it. I am now in the process of identifying the equipment I’ll need and making a plan. I am looking for HamWAN mentors who would be willing to review these plans and offer any suggestions for a smooth installation and appropriate equipment. Please write to me privately at jspady AT mac DOT com or call me at 206-465-6963. I appreciate any and all assistance. Regards to all, John Spady, WA7UAR, Seattle

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