Measuring signal in a specific location

Zelig_ff · EVDO Newbie Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Hi!

I've spent some time looking around the forums (by no means exhaustively) - it seems that this question has not been asked, or I've not found it at least. Moderators - if you think this question belongs in a different forum, please link or move Smile

Sorry for the somewhat long-winded intro!

I am moving to a fairly rural area near Ann Arbor, MI (actually near the township of Manchester, 48158). Phone/DSL and cable companies do not have broadband coverage here, and they aren't available for comment with respect to how soon (if ever) would coverage become available. For my needs, satellite latency (700+ ms) is really bad, so I am looking into EVDO as a possible answer to my problems...

Unfortunately, my location is outside the high-bandwidth coverage by both Verizon and Sprint (at least according to their maps). I am wondering if a decent signal strength may be attainable, using a carefully directed and tuned antenna in combination with an amplifier. However, prior to investing in this technology, I'd like to be able to evaluate the likelihood of success. Hence the question:

Is there a service (such as a for-fee contractor who can come out and measure, or an equipment rental so I can measure myself) that would allow me to test the signal strength (if any) and direction/azimuth of the nearest EVDO-broacasting tower, before I invest in a wireless broadband system only to discover that the best I can get is 1xRTT, which is worse than a land-line ISDN?

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated! Thank you.

=Z=

WPSANTENNAS-MATT · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:52 pm Post subject:

I would recommend visiting with the people living around your new residence. It is possible they may have taken the time to investigate the options. You may want to check locally if there is any "point to point" wireless available. As far as testing EVDO equipment I would not recommend attempting it as a solution unless you are within 10-15 miles of the coverage area and the topography of the land does not limit your line of sight to a far off site.

Zelig_ff · EVDO Newbie Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Hi,

Thanks for the suggestions.

1. - not much luck there, as neighbors are either on dialup or satellite.
2. - the land is quite flat. as to the location of the nearest tower - that's what I'd like to find out.

=Z=

horsessmellfunny · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 7:13 pm Post subject:

For some odd reason, I cant edit my previous post, so I will create a new one. Anyways, I forgot to add, the Sprint connection manager very nicely and easily displays your signal strength.*Make sure you pick up a card with an external antenna port. On the Sprint side, that would be the Merlin S620, or the AirCard 580 (which has the most un-reliable connection). On the Verizon side, that would be the KPC650, or the Merlin V620.
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Zelig_ff · EVDO Newbie Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Thanks, I was going to give it a try with the 2-week trial of the card. Just was wondering if a more sophisticated analysis tool was available.

=Z=

horsessmellfunny · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:11 pm Post subject:

hehe the best tool is to sit in your car with your laptop, and trial and error. lol if you could see me sometimes driving around (yes driving), while testing the connection and the signal strength. I also have a 5db Magmount from max signal i plop on top of my car and drive around with. It most certainly is amazing. Anyways, back to your OP, the Sprint Connection Manger has a great info and diagnostics screen. Its actually in the menu. When you get th ecard and the software, ask for some more information, and I will be most certainly happy to assist! Good luck!
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Zelig_ff · EVDO Newbie Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Hi,

I appreciate the thouht - but please keep in mind, I am not trying to solve the problem of finding an area with good connection - my problem is - can there be a good connection in my precise location - since the house can't move Smile

=Z=

horsessmellfunny · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:57 pm Post subject:

bah, get a big truck, a few shovels, and a lot of time, and you can move your house Wink

, anyways, yes I do understand what you are saying. But, the reason for the drivign around, it will give you a real good ideas as to how close you really are to EVDO. For example, for me, the nearest towers is abour 8-10 miles from here. With an amplifier and antenna, I could easily get it. However, because of my terrain (hill,s valleys, trees, etc), its impossible. If I drive 5 miles south of here, I can pick up EVDO. So, the driving around is really just a reference point. If you are that close, and not many obstructions, you can easily get a yagi or trucker antenna and amplifier from Maximumsignal.com and be on your way. Thats if you even need that stuff. You may get home and be really surprised. I wish th ebest of luck!
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MaximumSignal · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 9:02 pm Post subject:

Zelig_ff · EVDO Newbie Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Hi,

I've already checked - I am not in explicitly covered areas.

"Unfortunately, my location is outside the high-bandwidth coverage by both Verizon and Sprint (at least according to their maps). "

verizon reports this
http://vzwmap.verizonwireless.com/output/VZWINTERNET2_BROWNS22298494022500.jpg?vesuvius

sprint
http://www.sprint.com/business/products/products/map.jsp?map=Detroit_MI&mrkt=Ann%20Arbor,%20Mi

Cost for a working system isn't much of a problem - I just need to know that there's at least a good chance for coverage (with amplification etc.) in my house. That's why I am wondering about the likelihood of actually measuring the signal with e.g. a narrow-width spectroanalyzer etc. before getting equipment purchased.

=Z=

MaximumSignal · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 9:22 pm Post subject: