Hello all!

We have a group of ham's that are working on mesh in our area (NE Wisconsin), and are looking to deploy a number of nodes to create a permanent mesh network. We are looking to do some propagation mapping in advance to pick ideal locations for deployments. Has anyone had any luck with software to do such a task?

73,

Andy, KC9TAE

I have used Radio Mobile with SRTM data for a long time on 2m

I haven't  quite verified it at the microwave range yet to get my skills up but it should work. My last field test was off by 10-15dbm but I think that may very well have been my test rig setup.

In theory it should work perfectly,  unjust have to attribute any errors as being lack of understanding of the programs full potential.

the full prgram has a steep learning curve http://www.cplus.org/rmw/english1.html

An online version exists at the same link that is easier to use (though a little less flexible). (Note: you have to use I believe 2300mhz online as 2400 isn't permitted in the online version )

I only use RM Online now. I have about 30+ Central Texas sites saved in my account, almost as many links, and it seems somewhat accurate.

2310 is the best freq to use in the online version (close enough for our work). He blocks the Wifi Chicken Band (2.4) on purpose.

Its a bit of a task to run checks on paths, you have to setup each site, then go in and create the link between 2 sites.

But what IS cool is, you can export your sites to a CSV file for others to import, and if you go into MULTIPLE LINKS, highlight all the links you have created (click the 1st, shift-click the last), then it will draw out a nice map of all the sites and links. It will have lines between sites that you can click on to get the individual cross-section picture of that link.But if you see you want a link between 2 sites that you havent made a link for, then you have to go do it manually (when Im seriously playing with it, Ill have 3 browser windows open, each on a different segment of the site, to make it more efficient)

KTF

CloudRF.com is another useful tool. I've used it for mesh network planning here in Northern New Jersey.