Development of a Remote Mountaintop AllStar HAM Radio Node
Faculty Mentor Name
Ed Post
Format Preference
Poster Presentation and Demonstration
Abstract
The AllStar HAM Radio network is a worldwide system of internet linked radios and radio repeaters. The vast coverage of this system allows for easy international communication and emergency effort coordination. The AllStar link system played a vital role in emergency effort coordination in the wake of hurricane Harvey that hit Houston in 2017. This team developed a robust AllStar node that was suitable for permanent deployment in adverse environmental conditions and that does not require an external power or data connection. During the completion of this project, our small team of 3 engineering students explored the realms of solid mechanics (building the structure to support a solar panel, antenna, and Wi-Fi dish), radio and antenna theory (minimizing RF interference and maximizing RF throughput), and city planning and development (seeking permission to place the node on a remote mountaintop). This node’s all steel construction and electronics enclosure can support extreme snow-loading, rain, and winds over 100mph. One of the most important capabilities of this node is its ability to operate during power outages and cell service blackout. In the future, we hope to incorporate an open autopatch (an internet linked phone switch) into this node to allow ham radio operators to make local phone calls through the node itself. This node will be permanently deployed either on campus at Embry-Riddle Prescott or on a nearby mountaintop for public and emergency service use.
Poster Presentation and Demonstration
IGNITE Grant Award
Location
AC1-Atrium, Eagle Gym
Start Date
3-23-2018 11:00 AM
End Date
3-23-2018 9:00 PM
Development of a Remote Mountaintop AllStar HAM Radio Node
AC1-Atrium, Eagle Gym
The AllStar HAM Radio network is a worldwide system of internet linked radios and radio repeaters. The vast coverage of this system allows for easy international communication and emergency effort coordination. The AllStar link system played a vital role in emergency effort coordination in the wake of hurricane Harvey that hit Houston in 2017. This team developed a robust AllStar node that was suitable for permanent deployment in adverse environmental conditions and that does not require an external power or data connection. During the completion of this project, our small team of 3 engineering students explored the realms of solid mechanics (building the structure to support a solar panel, antenna, and Wi-Fi dish), radio and antenna theory (minimizing RF interference and maximizing RF throughput), and city planning and development (seeking permission to place the node on a remote mountaintop). This node’s all steel construction and electronics enclosure can support extreme snow-loading, rain, and winds over 100mph. One of the most important capabilities of this node is its ability to operate during power outages and cell service blackout. In the future, we hope to incorporate an open autopatch (an internet linked phone switch) into this node to allow ham radio operators to make local phone calls through the node itself. This node will be permanently deployed either on campus at Embry-Riddle Prescott or on a nearby mountaintop for public and emergency service use.
Poster Presentation and Demonstration
IGNITE Grant Award