Client Hardware

1. Standards
2. Component Engineering
3. Client Hardware

HamWAN is slowly converting older sites to MIMO, so a MIMO modem is recommended. MIMO radios have 2 active chains and must be paired with a dual polarity antenna. The HamWAN standard is to hook chain 0 to the horizontal polarity and chain 1 to the vertical polarity. Here is a comparison of a few modem options.

Considerations when choosing hardware

• Nv2 Compatibility: HamWAN sectors run Mikrotik Nv2 TDMA mode in 5 or 10 MHz wide channels. At the time of this writing, this requires a Mikrotik 802.11a/n modem as their 802.11ac modems don’t support 5 or 10 MHz channels. That is not frequency locked to Part 15.
• Frequency Coverage: Recent FCC enforcement actions have forced Mikrotik to create USA-specific versions of their products. These USA product versions are limited to the WiFi spectrum, and are not capable of operating in the amateur spectrum that’s directly above WiFi and HamWAN relies on. When choosing a modem, make sure to get one with a -ROW (Rest of World) model number suffix and avoid -US suffixed hardware. If neither suffix is present, then that device is likely capable of full spectrum coverage (-ROW).
• Signal Strength: If you’re in a strong signal coverage area (>-50dBm), you can use smaller lower gain antennas without suffering a speed penalty. Large antennas are still recommended where possible to keep fade margin high, and give you future options for more distant connectivity without replacing the modem.
• Icing: Make sure your mount structure is stong enough to support the load of any expected icing.
• Wind: Large dishes place substantial torque on mounting pipes. Make sure your attachment can hold this torque during gusty conditions.
• Price: If you’re in a strong signal area, you can save a few bucks by buying a smaller and cheaper modem. You should try to keep your signal above -65dBm for best performance.
• Radio Frequency Interference: Some modems come in metal enclosures, others are just plastic. These plastic models are more likely to leak RFI and be interfered with by other local transmitters. When in doubt, you can attempt to put a metal shield around the plastic cased modem. If you find a good off-the-shelf solution for this, please let us know.
• Shielding: If there are multiple 5GHz systems colocated with your HamWAN system, it’s best to employ antenna shields to keep signal directivity high and minimize RFI. Locating the antennas away from each other helps, as does putting physical barriers between them. Don’t cross the beams!

Client Hardware Comparison

Avoid Mikrotik’s 802.11ac modems. These are generally incapable of tuning the 5 and 10 MHz channels used by HamWAN and are therefore incompatible.

Sourcing International Versions

Due to pressure from the FCC, Mikrotik has started region-locking their modems to Part 15 frequencies. This makes them unusable with HamWAN, since HamWAN takes advantage of the quiet ham-only spectrum at 5.9 GHz. Many Mikrotik models are now offered in two versions. The US version will be designated by the -US suffix while the international or “rest of world” version will have no suffix. Retailers often do not specify which version they have, so it can be tricky to purchase the international version.

Known Suppliers

Streakwave

Streakwave has proved to be a reliable source for international version modems, although they don’t regularly ship them to the US so you have to take some extra steps to make sure they understand you want the international version.

1. First, make sure to select the model without the -US suffix when ordering.
2. During checkout, use the detailed description field to specify that you intentionally ordered the international version.
3. Call them to confirm you intentionally ordered the international version.
4. At this point they should ask for a copy of your license. Be prepared to send them a copy of your license.
5. They should ask you to sign and return a letter of understanding regarding the relevant FCC considerations. They will ask you to resend this letter with every order.

Once these requirements are met, they are happy to ship you hardware that will tune up into the 5.9 GHz ham band. If you create a login on their site first before placing your order, you will get a slight discount on the pricing.

Baltic Networks

HamWAN has used them frequently. Standard guidance that you should inform them clearly that you need the international version to operate on amateur frequencies and offer to provide a copy of your license if they want it.

ISP Supplies

HamWAN has used them on a number of occasions to source international versions of the hardware with success. Standard guidance that you should inform them clearly that you need the international version to operate on amateur frequencies and offer to provide a copy of your license if they want it.

Still not sure what you need?

Drop by the mailing list or IRC channel and give us some details about your project. We’ll try to find a good match.