This live map shows participating Mesh nodes that have elected to share their position publicly. The information on this map has been derived from OLSR and the nodes themselves. The link colors are based on the quality of the link (the ETX). Green denotes an ETX starting at 1.0 – Yellow is an ETX of 5.0 – Red is 10.0(+) – Black is infinite cost and unusable – Directly wired links are Purple – Internet Tunnels (VPN’s) are Light Blue. Click on each node for more information.
Goleta Mesh Software Update
All the SBARC nodes in the SBA/Goleta area were recently updated to firmware version 3.20.3.0 to facilitate security and bug fixes.
The 3Ghz backbone build-out has been put on hold due to the possibility of loosing the band.
We are currently looking at 5.8GHz spectrum instead.
Goleta Mesh Uprade
In the last few weeks the AREDN link between La Vigia and UCSB library
was upgraded from the original NSM2 2.4GHz nodes to Mikro Tik 5.8GHz dishes. The link cost was brought down to 1.0. Much thanks to Wayne (AF6GX) and Bill (W1UUQ) for making it possible. This is the first step in upgrading the SBA area AREDN mesh network, standby for more!
In very simple terms, the Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) Mesh Network Project is a very large, long range WiFi type network system, except it’s for licensed amateur radio operators and can operate on amateur radio frequencies.
SBARC and local amateurs operate a local data network that allows us to connect computers at any enabled location within the greater Santa Barbara area. We use low cost nodes from Ubiquiti at each location that act as both the radio and antenna to connect to other nodes in the system. The AREDN node firmware is widely used by amateur radio groups all over the country.
Join us on the Tuesday night Digital Communications Net for discussions about Mesh networking.
We also have an email discussion group open to everyone interested in mesh networking. To join the list, simply send a blank email to JoinMeshList@sbarc.org. You will receive posting instructions by return email.
Getting Started is easy. First, visit the AREDN website at www.arednmesh.org and look around!
Then you’ll need one of these unbelievably well designed devices…
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This is a Ubiquiti Nanostation M2. It is a 2.4GHz WiFi node that mounts easily to any outdoor mast and has available mounting brackets for wall mounting or sticking to a window. They are only 11 inches tall and are unobtrusive and very low profile. They are directional and cover about 60 degrees.
They come with a 24v power over ethernet (POE) adaptor and hook up with a single Cat 5e cable. Everything you need included in the box and the cabling is available locally. We’re available to help you with the programming. These are available from Amazon for less than $85. |
Did you “brick” your node? Did you try the easy ways to recover with no success?
Ryan AI6NE has provided some very thorough documentation with photo illustrations on un-bricking a Ubiquiti NSM2 at the hardware level. It is actually relatively easy and all you need is a 3.3v USB to TTY serial debug cable. If you don’t have one, you can get one from Adafruit for about $10. or Amazon for about $7. Just make sure it is a 3.3v cable. USB to TTL-Serial cables for Raspberry Pi’s will also work.
Download Ryan’s instructions here: http://www.sbarc.org/downloads/UnbrickNSMS2.pdf
Scott- KM6COI has put together a very helpful FAQ for setting up a mesh node:
http://www.scottvahey.com/km6coi/aredn/faq.html
Here is a useful site from Ubiquiti for antenna wireless link calculations:
Below are more helpful links:
Visit the AREDN website for more information: https://www.arednmesh.org
Purchase a 2.4 GHz Ubiquity Nanostation M2 with a built in antenna or a Rocket M2 with suitable add-on antenna. Two good sources are Amazon.com and Baltic Networks.
Download the firmware. You can use either the “release” version or the “beta” version. Most of the nodes in use here in Santa Barbara are running the latest stable versions.
Download the “factory” firmware release for your product at: https://www.arednmesh.org/content/software
Ubiquiti NanoStation M2 “downgrade” firmware (if needed): Download From Ubiquiti
AREDN How-To Guides: https://www.arednmesh.org/how-to
Official AREDN Documentation: https://arednmesh.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
AREDN Forums – we encourage you to join: https://www.arednmesh.org/forum
Cabling: It is very important to use outdoor rated shielded Cat5e cabling from your node to an inside location where you plun on the POE injector. We have a special arangement with Santa Barbara Electronics to provide these cables for us with the proper shielded RJ14 connectors. Give them a call and tell them how long you cable needs to be and they will make it up for you. They are at 5148 Hollister Ave in the Magnoila Shopping Center. Their phone number is (805) 681-2524.
If you are a little nervous about setting your node up and flashing the new firmware, contact Brian K6BPM at k6bpm@sbarc.org. He can order one for you and set everything so all you’ll need to do is mount it and plug it int0 your computer. The price of a Nanostation M2 is about $90 with tax.
While you’re at it, help support the SBARC mesh network project with a donation. All funds will be used to build-out the SBARC sponsored nodes on the various repeater sites we have access to as well as to install nodes at the club station and in the Rover.
Hi, I was invited to join the Club by Dave. I’m interested in knowing how to connect to your mesh network. I did read that I will need a Ubiquiti Nanostation, but what type of device does the antenna connect?