View Full Version : Pac Wirless Grids, looking for something else
I have about a 1/2 a dozen or so of the Pac Wireless GD58XXX antenna's that I am using for backhauls. I have some weirdness going on with 3 of my backhauls, and I am suspecting antenna's. One day I'll have a -60, the next a -88. Everything is taped up good, not suspecting water as it hasn't been above freezing for about 3 weeks now. Also happens in the summer time. I'm wondering what would be a good replacement? These are 1 to 3 mile links.
DrLove73
01-04-2008, 01:39 AM
Wow. 1-3 mile links with so big diference?
Do you have any birds that fly around and would like to "land" on your antennas? If so, try "webbing" them on top side with fishing line.
Other than that, I can not think of any reason for such antenna issue.
For how long does those signals drop so much?
Where are you from?
How did you fastened your antennas?
Do you have strong winds there?
We have longer links with Pac Wireless antennas, and when we had any weird signal strengths, that was 13-14 mile long links, and signal drop was not so drastic.
therealboss
01-04-2008, 01:50 AM
To stop birds I have started using PW Panels (24dB), work a treat also the big 5.8 Roo's are very good, with a 5.8 Roo, Metro & CM9 at 16 miles I get -73 & 100% Qty. I bet your problem is some other 5.8 gear in the area.
Stratolinks
01-04-2008, 11:13 AM
I would suggest using 2ft parabolics with radome covers. Keeps the signal nice and tight as well as keeps the birds, ice and snow off too. Yes they are more money then the grids, but it is a case of you get what you pay for. You can adjust the power down to keep good stable links with more noise immunity than the grids or panels.
lonnie
01-04-2008, 11:36 AM
I'll agree with you. Solid dishes are better in all aspects and the extra money is worth the better performance --> higher gain, less noise.
You can hit a grid from several miles behind the antenna, but not with a solid dish. That simply translates to way less pickup from directions you do not want to hear from.
The only place a grid is better is if you cannot withstand the wind load of the solid dish, but even there I have heard that some radomes, by their shape, dramatically reduce the wind load.
That is why I have used the grids in some locations, the places to mount the equipment to is questionable for high wind loads(not uncommon to get 90mph winds here). I do have the 2ft parabolic with covers in one 12 mile location and the signal never varies. I would like to find some 1ft parabolic / solid antenna's as the wind loading would not be as high.
go.fast
01-04-2008, 01:41 PM
Not sure which pac grids you have, but in the past when I seen tis issue, I've ended up replacing the feedhorn.
Pac now has a replaced feedhorn that has a cable coming out with an n female connector. A complete new design.
I try to use rootennas where ever possible, have not had those types of issues with the rootennas.
DrLove73
01-04-2008, 04:32 PM
You could also experiment with regular satellite dish with desired size, and feedhorn from wireless dishes.
It is common practice in my country, and they buy "home made" feedhorns (from small home factories). They can cost as low as 30 EUR for complete antenna, and performance can be very good.
valenti
01-04-2008, 09:10 PM
I recently received a couple of the PacWireless 2.4GHz Echo Backfire models. Those seem solid to me, and I see they have a 5GHz version. It is only 10" and 17dBi. Anybody have experience with those?
Also, has anyone used a 2' solid dish on a grain leg? (at what distance?) Grain legs have to move around in the wind, I was just wondering if they move enough to affect the aim.
I'm doing a 5 mile shot grain leg to grain leg using 26dBi grids, that seems to work fine. (fine for me is -69, could maybe fine tune that a little better --- 5.8GHz)
Stratolinks
01-04-2008, 09:24 PM
We have 2ft, 3ft and 4ft parabolics mounted on grain legs, although most are not on the grain leg, they are on the silo. The tiny bit of sway in the wind doesn't seem to effect anything. Some are linking at distances of 17km to as low as 8km.
The only issue we ever see is freezing rain buildup on the feedhorn.
I recently received a couple of the PacWireless 2.4GHz Echo Backfire models. Those seem solid to me, and I see they have a 5GHz version. It is only 10" and 17dBi. Anybody have experience with those?
Also, has anyone used a 2' solid dish on a grain leg? (at what distance?) Grain legs have to move around in the wind, I was just wondering if they move enough to affect the aim.
I'm doing a 5 mile shot grain leg to grain leg using 26dBi grids, that seems to work fine. (fine for me is -69, could maybe fine tune that a little better --- 5.8GHz)
DrLove73
01-05-2008, 07:08 AM
Check this PDF document (http://yu1aw.ba-karlsruhe.de/3d_corn_refl_feed.pdf) with "3D Corner Reflector Antenna Feed for 5.8 GHz", and can also look at this site (http://yu1aw.ba-karlsruhe.de/) for feedhorns, homemade antennas, amplifiers, for Wireless, HAM and VHF/UHF purposes.
Owner of the site is experienced HAM designer for 44 years, and also worked in Yugoslavia's State RTV station for 40 years, and even published in "antenneX" online magazine.