4 ms·

Why would an internet hotspot use what looks like a 2m half-wave antenna? Is there also some built-in 2m repeater functionality?

• Manuel_D 4y ago
  You can send digital packets over radio. 2 meter band can handle internet equivalent to dial-up speeds if reception is good enough.
  • aliqot 4y ago
    Interesting, thanks. I'd always been under the impression (maybe old folklore) that encryption wasn't allowed over some bands. .. Now that I type it out, this is probably a band that has no rule for this.
    • DrewADesign 4y ago
      Even if so, I can't imagine that anyone anonymously bolting radio equipment onto public property cares about usage rules.
      • sneak 4y ago
        Using spectrum irresponsibly harms usage by others. Installing equipment for everyone to use is the opposite. No one is harmed by such installations.
        • CrazyStat 4y ago
          Bandwidth is a finite resource. An installation that is open for everyone to use still harms other people who would like to use that bandwidth for other purposes.
          • sneak 4y ago
            That's assuming any traffic is being sent. Installing the hardware doesn't automatically cause any harm.
            • CrazyStat 4y ago
              Installing hardware that isn't doing anything is just littering.
        • janosdebugs 4y ago
          This assumes that whoever set these up made sure there is no interference and hikes up there to remove the device when it breaks instead of just leaving it up there to rot.
          • deleted 4y ago
            [deleted]
        • lost_tourist 4y ago
          It would seem that hogging up spectrum so you can surf the internet is probably a selfish usage? I mean most ham operators don't go 24/7 while talking and using channels.
        • DrewADesign 4y ago
          I didn't say they were harming anyone. They might be. Frankly I have no idea.
      • grogenaut 4y ago
        If they don't want the fcc or ham operators confiscating their gear they do.
        • d110af5ccf 4y ago
          It disappoints me that americans are seemingly so ambivalent to this particular government overreach. The same thing appears to be playing out with drones now as well.
          • alanh 4y ago
            That’s not what ambivalent means.
          • grogenaut 4y ago
            You can easily do it legally easily, ham test is slightly harder than a written driving test. Basically just learning what emergency bands not to stomp on.
        • 15155 4y ago
          Do ham operators have some special privilege enabling them to take private property without being charged theft?
          • zwily 4y ago
            You would be amazed at what ham operators feel like they can do.
          • DrewADesign 4y ago
            I think ham radio is super neat and good enforcement of the rules makes the space better overall. I've also got lots of friends who are passionate and dedicated hams who've shown me the thrill of chatting with someone continents away over the open airwaves. ... but I get huge hall monitor vibes from a disproportionate percentage of folks in that crowd. For some it seems like it's not about using rules to protect the airwaves– the rules become an end themselves.
        • 4y ago
    • pclmulqdq 4y ago
      The ISM bands allow encryption. The HAM radio bands don't (except for satellite command uplinks).
      • Manuel_D 4y ago
        Transmissions to any remote controlled craft - RC planes, cars, etc. in addition to satellites - can be encrypted.
    • deleted 4y ago
      [deleted]
    • unethical_ban 4y ago
      Amateur radio bands do not permit encryption, but they do permit digital modes to varying extents.
    • deleted 4y ago
      [deleted]
    • daniel-cussen 4y ago
      [dead]
• jasonwatkinspdx 4y ago
  It's LoraWAN at ~900 mhz.
  • kenniskrag 4y ago
    and here the specs: https://github.com/3s1d/fanet-stm32 https://github.com/3s1d/fanet-stm32