Does anyone know of any reason that we cannot purchase Mikrotik HAP ac lite International version? I ordered 2 international versions from Multilink Solutions Inc in Ohio using eBay about 2 weeks apart. The first was the International but after a week I found that the 2ed unit was the US version and called them on it via email. Willis KB1JFG also ordered and received International version at about the same time as my 2ed order no question asked.
They responded: As per the FCC rules only US version devices can be used within the USA unless otherwise, you have the proper license. We ship US versions by default unless we receive a special request from a customer for International version. Since you are a frequent customer we can take the FCC authorization from you, if you are authorized to use the International equipment.
What license are they referring too? I suppose they have that right and I will purchase from another vender but clearly they are using a double standard when asking for license information. It would seem that this may be a way to avoid changing it out for the unit I ordered or they made all the mistakes as outlined above?
Denis
You simply need to tell them you intend to operate it under Part 97 and give them your ham call sign. They may ask you to sign a waver, but they will sell it to you, Having said that, either version works the same with AREDN.
Andre
I don't believe it is necessary to get the International version however. The MikroTik OS software checks a hardware identifer for the US-only lock, however OpenWRT on which AREDN is based does not check and you can use the ham freqs.
Ian
Like I said it's a double standard or maybe two or more people taking the orders. I don't like restrictions and I do follow the rules but at very lest, be consistent! They advertise the both with no mention of any requirements to purchase. I had no reason to purchase the Int. version other than at the time the International version was cheaper than the US.
Thanks,
Denis KD1HA
Thank God it doesn't matter. I bought 4 of these so far and it's hard to specifically order the International version with some ebay and Amazon sellers.
BTW, I posted how I modified my hAP-ac-lite with external antennas and I can tell you it's like a totally different device. I can now connect any directional or one of those huge Altelix 15dBi 2x2 MIMO omni antennas to give it some oomph.
This device is like replacing my NanoBridgeM2/BulletM5/NetgearGS105 DtD combo with one device, except better - without all of the PoE adapters, Ethernet cable, power supplies, and logging into different devices. Except the tunneling is better, and with a USB port I can use a USB drive as a Meshchat repository/share-drive or in the future I can create a cellular modem bridge.
I've found them at Amazon at $45 or a little under recently. Bought my unit from a third-party vendor at Amazon which was fulfilled by Amazon and shipped 2-day Prime for free.
- Don - AA7AU
I bought from the Amazon Vendor "Prime Electronics USA". Says "US" at the end on my SN tag. Paid $45.06 (no tax) plus free 2-day shipping (even less now).
I would note that the YouTube video for Windoze installation was slightly wrong for me using Win7. I have another unit to do soon here, hopefully this time *not* in flail mode, so will take notes and pass along.
This device is the Swiss Army Knife for AREDN power-users! Joe is doing a fantastic job with new features etc on the nightly builds and it *really* helps. I couldn't be more happy with the way this fits into my usage. And, every GoKit and/or tunnel tech-support user should have one!
Only issue that needs attention IMO is that it does power up the POE on port5 before finishing POST and then using the AREDN switch settings. But I think I've seen the same double-assertion on the internet port when booting other AREDN installs.
- Don - AA7AU
I can't speak for K9CQB and I can't quote any specific tech differences. However, it is nice to have that little Mikrotik box almost always turned on and available. It is currently connected to my [remote] mesh island via tunnel but has the 2.4 node radio *off*, so as not to conflict with my local 2.4 stuff and to not accidently meld the totally separate mesh island with any local mesh [per our remote mesh policy].
When I want to access my remote mesh island just to check in or for tech-support, I simply disconnect the ethernet cable to my laptop from my local 2.4 hardware setup and connect the MikroTik cable instead (I use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter for those). I can even connect to it via 5.8 WiFi. Convenient as hell and doesn't get in the way of anything else.
It also is a central part of my maturing GoKit, obviously in a slightly different configuration.
HTH,
- Don - AA7AU
I totally agree.... I am using a MikroTik HAP ac as well. along with other ubiquity nodes. I can't stress enough how convient it is to have the MikroTik in the shack. however, I find K9CQB's statement about the tunneling being better to be rather interesting.
I just wanted to know if there were any differences.