Introduction: Homebrew WISP ( Wireless ISP)
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About: Do-It-Yourself electronic projects I've made. Read it, Learn it, Use it....spread the word!
I have always been amazed with wireless technology even before. I remember during our high school days. My friends and I were DREAMING on how to propagate data packets using the VHF radio (145.00 Mhz) and a Commodore 64 computer. It did not materialize though, we haven't had the chance to test it because of money considerations, back then a Commodore 64 PC cost thousands of Dollars. Cassette tapes were still used for file back-ups, no Hard Drives and Floppies yet. Well ..... so much with History.
This project is to make a homebrew wireless ISP in your neighborhood, this is to share your internet connection using wireless technology. Although we have questions about security issues but I won't be touching that topic, my reason for this blog is just to show how powerful this technology is and how it can help bring internet connection to rural areas. I will be using cheap materials you can find anywhere.
This project is to make a homebrew wireless ISP in your neighborhood, this is to share your internet connection using wireless technology. Although we have questions about security issues but I won't be touching that topic, my reason for this blog is just to show how powerful this technology is and how it can help bring internet connection to rural areas. I will be using cheap materials you can find anywhere.
Step 1: Materials and Fitting
Materials Needed:
Plastic Transhcan - used as enclosure
Access Point
Homebrew POE Injector and Antenna
Power Supply Regulator
a. Fitting the Access Point and Supply Regulator
Using a plywood, cut the desired size so that it will fit inside the trashcan. The wood will be used as the base for your AP and the Power Supply Regulator. I will be using the regulator I made in my previous blog.(https://www.instructables.com/ex/i/BD1BA19AFB3510289811001143E7E506/)
Look at picture #2 and #3,It would look like this after putting the AP and the Regulator. Take note that there's a bolt near the regulator, this will be used to attach the wood to the plastic trashcan afterwards. The RJ-45 modular box is part of the POE I made. You can make your own POE using this link (http://www.nycwireless.net/poe/) as reference, this is a cheap alternative that works well.
Plastic Transhcan - used as enclosure
Access Point
Homebrew POE Injector and Antenna
Power Supply Regulator
a. Fitting the Access Point and Supply Regulator
Using a plywood, cut the desired size so that it will fit inside the trashcan. The wood will be used as the base for your AP and the Power Supply Regulator. I will be using the regulator I made in my previous blog.(https://www.instructables.com/ex/i/BD1BA19AFB3510289811001143E7E506/)
Look at picture #2 and #3,It would look like this after putting the AP and the Regulator. Take note that there's a bolt near the regulator, this will be used to attach the wood to the plastic trashcan afterwards. The RJ-45 modular box is part of the POE I made. You can make your own POE using this link (http://www.nycwireless.net/poe/) as reference, this is a cheap alternative that works well.
Step 2: Putting It All in the Trashcan
I am only using a rectangular plastic trashcan. I live in a tropical country, the only problem is to secure the AP from getting wet. No SNOW or DUST STORM to worry about here... Now,make all the needed holes to bolt the plywood and the trashcan together.
I designed a metal holder for the trashcan with U-bolts for the mast installation (picture #2). Using it to hold the plywood and the plastic together.
As you can see in the third picture,the bolt is holding the plywood, to the plastic and the metal holder... all three of them.
I designed a metal holder for the trashcan with U-bolts for the mast installation (picture #2). Using it to hold the plywood and the plastic together.
As you can see in the third picture,the bolt is holding the plywood, to the plastic and the metal holder... all three of them.
Step 3: Installing the Antenna and Finalizing the Rig
I made a Bi-Quad antenna using Trevor Marshall's (http://www.trevormarshall.com/biquad.htm) design but tweaked it a little bit to make use of my available materials. I will be posting a separate blog for this.
The second picture is a peek of my Bi-Quad inside the plastic enclosure. You can see the Copper Cladded Board or PCB used as the reflector and copper wire for the main element.
I am using an RG-58 (50 ohms)cable from the Linksys AP to the external antenna, compatible connector for this particular Linksys is RP-TNC.
After putting everything inside the Trashcan, I made a plastic cover to keep the Birds from nesting inside. This will also protect the AP and the Regulator from mist during heavy rains.
The second picture is a peek of my Bi-Quad inside the plastic enclosure. You can see the Copper Cladded Board or PCB used as the reflector and copper wire for the main element.
I am using an RG-58 (50 ohms)cable from the Linksys AP to the external antenna, compatible connector for this particular Linksys is RP-TNC.
After putting everything inside the Trashcan, I made a plastic cover to keep the Birds from nesting inside. This will also protect the AP and the Regulator from mist during heavy rains.
Step 4: Putting All in the Mast
Using the Metal Bracket that I made, the "loaded" Trashcan can be securely fastened to the mast,installed also the antenna.In the third picture you can see the Trashcan and Antenna in all its Glory. Sweet huh?