short STL path

[grich]

I have a client that may need a very short STL path...only about six blocks long, and of course, needs to do it cheaply. Have you folks had any luck with unlicensed data radios and Barix boxes? They are also considering a traditional 950 MHz link.

 

[BobOnTheJob]

Barix boxes can sound great, but they have delay in them. Not a problem if the station is automated 100%. Bad news if they do high school ball games with the talent monitoring the air signal.

 

[OKCRadioGuy]

Get some used Marti analog STLs or Moseley analog STLs. Less BS and no delay IMHO.

 

[frankberry]

Trango makes an analog 5.8 GHz wireless Video/Audio system (Falcon Plus) which does not require a license and works very well for short hops.
Probably less expensive than a traditional STL package and the antennas are much smaller.

http://www.trangobroadband.com/wireless-products/analog-video-radios/Falcon-PLUS-5.8ghz.aspx

 

[gtomas]

I don't like Barix audio quality, so I would avoid them. I would try APT, Comrex, MDO or BW's codec when it comes out next year, and use uncompressed or lossless coding.

As for the wireless bridge, go 5-5.8 GHz as it's much less crowded (if at all) than the 2.4 GHz and go with a reliable manufacturer. My choice would be Motorola or Proxim.


Regards,
Goran Tomas

 

[grich]

I'm a traditional sort of guy, and I know there's a stack of Moseley's in town recently removed from service for a IBOC upgrade. That's my first choice. I knew the 2.4 band would be useless, and in the urban jungle setting this will be in, I'm worried about 5-gig, too. Not that the 950 link will be easy, either...I'd have to coordinate that carefully...there a 5-station cluster just up the street.

 

[OKCRadioGuy]

Yeah... If it's that short of a hop it probably won't be too big of a hassle. You could probably avoid someone else's path and reuse their frequency. Being licensed is worth quite a bit in my opinon too as it gives you some recourse if a problem develops. Also, it's much easier to get a scanner that will tune that frequency and go find the problem if it shows up. If a guy has to do IBUZ or needs the net capability then the IP based stuff may be a better approach but otherwise I'd rather just have something that sits there and runs for 15 years without being a pain in my butt.