Finaly a wireless connection

[Striker (Tony)]

I finaly got off my arse and put in a Netgear wireless PCI network card...now I have the internet in my Observatory meaning I can talk to you guys while doing some imaging.....I dont know why I waited...the card only cost me $39 from gamedude.

Simple to install and works well with my Linksys wireless ADSL Router/Modem...I only get around 20% signal out here but thats ample for what I need it for.

Tony

[rogerg (Roger)]

I had a wireless connection to my observatory for a couple of months after moving to this new property, but I had the inconvenient problem that if I closed the door of the observatory (roof open or not) the wireless connection would drop out - I think it was close to dropping out anyway, and the observatory is colourbond metal.

So I've reverted to a 20m CAT5 cable.

Sure is handy having internet available at your observing site - google for NGC images, use sites like heavens-above, keep in touch on the forums, etc.

Roger.

[matt]

So... now there's no escape Tony!!!!!

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Hey everyone! Lets go to Tony's place with our laptops and sit out in the street using his signal. Won't he be surprised with the 100 gig excess next month

[acropolite (Phil)]

If you're after a bit more signal Tony, Jaycar have a 5db Gain antenna (CAT. NO. AR3270) for $20, should be better than the one on the router .

[rogerg (Roger)]

Originally Posted by acropolite

If you're after a bit more signal Tony, Jaycar have a 5db Gain antenna (CAT. NO. AR3270) for $20, should be better than the one on the router .

$20... that sounds good to me, I might consider that for my place.

Roger.

[avandonk]

I have had a wireless to my laptop outside controlling the camera and telescope for a while and when collecting data just sit inside in the comfort of lights and a cold tinny. A good way to get better signal is to put a rough parabolic reflector made of folded Al foil behind the arial of the transmitter and receiver. Obviously this can be refined.

Bert

[Striker (Tony)]

Thanks Phil...will check it out...$20 sounds like a bargain..will get one Monday

Hey everyone! Lets go to Tony's place with our laptops and sit out in the street using his signal. Won't he be surprised with the 100 gig excess next month

Sorry Paul...that wont work...I have set up restricted access through my router settings so only the computer's I have listed can access my wireless network.

[Striker (Tony)]

Phil,

Picked up the $20 5DBI gain booster aerial from Jaycar today and installed.....

Work's great..was getting between 15-20% signal before...now I am getting between 60-75%.

Thanks.

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by Striker

Phil,

Picked up the $20 5DBI gain booster aerial from Jaycar today and installed.....

Work's great..was getting between 15-20% signal before...now I am getting between 60-75%.

Thanks.

Thanks for that Phil, I'm using it too now and can get about 55-65% of Tony's signal too.

[acropolite (Phil)]

No problems, I should add that I hadn't ever tried that antenna but I was 99% sure it would perform as advertised. Now that you've done the testing for me I might buy one... FWIW I have a mate who uses standard wireless gear over several kilometres using old Austar dishes, so if you can get the antenna gain up and directional the range can be spectacular.

[Striker (Tony)]

Phil...I connected mine to the receiving Observatory computer...connecting it to your main router will do the same benefit but increases the range for other who may be trying to gain access.

LOL @ Andrew.

So your saying we were the test subjects Phil.....lol