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LEDs on Rocket M5

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AC2OG
AC2OG's picture
LEDs on Rocket M5
I noted that the 3rd LED is no more signaling the linked condition. It's randomly lit and or blinking. and so not suitable to help to aim the antenna at the neighbor. Am I right?
 
nc8q
nc8q's picture
AREDN node antenna aiming: old .vs. new

Hi, Leo:
I suggest that you use the aiming tool built into the GUI.
Add or setup an existing node at the site as an Access Point.
Use the Wi-Fi on your mobile phone to connect to the Access Point.
Use your mobile phone's browser to view the Rocket M5's GUI.
Click 'Charts'.
Enable 'Sound On'.
Put your mobile phone in your shirt packet.
Now you can listen with hands and eyes free to aim the antenna.
73, Chuck


 

AC2OG
AC2OG's picture
AREDN node antenna aiming: old .vs. new

Thanks Chuck, but I was already aware of the method you suggest. My point was another. During an emergency, having to deploy
a new node, it was enough to send an operator with little networking knowledge and just tell him: Turn on the node, aim the
antenna towards the neighbor node until the red LED lights up and you're done. Now, however, I have to send an operator with
good networking knowledge.
In my opinion, one of the salient features of AREDN is missing, making it easy to deploy a new node.
Of course this is only my modest opinion.
nc8q
nc8q's picture
Microwave linking, like plumbing, ain't easy.
Hi, Leo:

I am sorry to be a 'Debbie-downer', but I am thinking that
to deploy an untrained and unskilled operator to establish a new microwave link during an emergency
may not be a reliable plan.
AREDN firmware makes network configuration and antenna aiming easier, but not easy for anyone.

73, Chuck

 
AC2OG
AC2OG's picture
Hi Chuck,
Hi Chuck,
of course, there is a way to affine the direction in a sufficient measure also with the LED alone. 
Go to the right until it's off, and go to the link until it's off again. Take the middle of the two positions and you are almost ok!
Anyway, thanks for the chat.
73, Leo
 
AC2OG
AC2OG's picture
... "Go to the right side
... "Go to the right side until it's off, and go to the left side until it's off again."
Sorry for the miswriting. 
KE6GYD
KE6GYD's picture
I noticed the same thing.  On
I noticed the same thing.  On Rockets in particular.  Random or blinking.  I don't usually aim this way other than knowing it close enough to get a connection, then as Chuck mentioned, fine tune for a better signal.

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