What antenna is right for me?

Hi guys,

I've added myself to NodeDB as "Bender" - http://www.nodedb.com/newzealand/ni/auckla....php?nodeid=124. I'm based in Remuera and here is a link to the view from up as high as I can go without getting on the roof (it's steep): http://bender.recoil.net.nz/wireless/cityscape.jpg. Basically I'm hoping to connect to some of the guys in the CBD and to have a shot at connecting to mikeNZ. I can also see around to the left a fair bit - to the middle of Mt Hobson however there's a few trees which could create a problem but if I roofmount then the aerial is above them.

I don't have tonnes to spend and I won't be mounting anything on the roof unless I'm sure I can get onto something - I plan on standing on the balcony with a laptop and some kind of aerial which I will roof mount upon finding a signal or otherwise I'll store/sell the aerial.

What kind of antenna would be best for connecting to a few nodes there in the city - I used a GPS to find my location so assuming the other locations are right, then I'm stabbing at around a 3-3.5KM range. What price range am I sitting in and what exactly do I want? I'm open to a little diy if it means it's cheaper and I have a fair bit of TV cable sitting spare so I would say I only need an antenna + some connectors.

Is satellite cable better to use seeing as it's solid core etc...?

What's good in terms of a cheap but usable access point? I also have a great view of the valley so if I get this up then I'm open to letting a few people in Parnell/Remuera jump on.

Forget TV and sat cable, its the wrong impedance. You want LMR series cable.

If you are connecting to _a_ node, you want a directional antenna with a low beamwidth to avoid picking up noise from all the other APs in view of it.

If you are wanting to be an ap, then you want an omnidirectional of some sort so people from all around can connect into you.

I was hoping to connect to mikeNZ then use him to get to the other CBD nodes as well as acting as a AP for people in the valley under Mt Hobson. I guess I'll try the direct link first then worry about getting others on later... what kinda aerial would I want to go 3.9KM from me to mikeNZ and what price am I looking at?
Here's a link to the plot on nodedb: http://www.nodedb.com/newzealand/ni/auckla...rs2=&nodeid=124

Looking at the map and my image on nodedb, is there a better recommendation on who I might connect to in the city? Mike could possibly be blocked out by the hospital..

I'm in Aldred Rd (runs between Victoria ave and Portland rd.

To be frank, I'm after Internet access free from the shackles of the big Telco's - I don't want blistering speed, just always-on access.

How can I fit into this and what would I need? (this whole wireless thing is new to me).

Howdy, I'm Ingram Rd

Are you at the top or bottom? I've been looking into getting Helix which I can see from here and would imagine you can too. Check out www.helix.net.nz

The middle. opposite Spencer St. I've just looked at Helix. $80/mo is a bit much. Were you thinking of connecting to them and then spreading it around to others in the locality via local wireless ?

It's just an idea at the moment, however with DSL looking like it's going to get faster in the next two months I may scrap the idea.

Can get better Signal and a cheaper option than a dish mod!

We mounted a Dish on Coro roof bit hard but use coach bolts....




Biquad closeups

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