Wireless solution to astroturf

[dezt]

We have an astroturf playing field which the PE dept. use a lot of the time, the only problem is they have problems doing their registers, and have to try and remember who was there.

They have all been bought HP IPAQ's with built in wireless 802.11b, and they all have pocketpars installed on them. I was wondering if it was possible to create a wireless link from our main building to the astroturf. The distance is between 1/2 a mile and 1 mile. There are no obstructions between the school and the astroturf.

What would I need equipment wise if it is possible?

[plexer]

An external or internal access point with an omni directional aerial on it?

Is there power available at the astroturf location?

Ben

[tosca925]

I was thinking POE (Power over Ethernet) but i bet the run is too far.

[Ric_]

Could the register not be taken before going to the field?

1/2 a mile is pretty far when talking about 802.11b... you would need to get an antenna within 100m of the astroturf and this could prove costly.

[plexer]

You have a duct all the way to the field with no power running in it to be able to put in cat5e?

Ben

[webman]

A directional antenna pointing towards the astroturf would concentrate the signal in that direction so it might work, it just depends on obstructions (eg. trees)

[Lee_K_81]

@Ric_ completely agree.

Is the changing room attached to the main building, what about a wireless solution for changing rooms? I know they're "jocks" but surely they could come to a solution of writing a paper register and then entering it on to system while the kids change back into uniform? Or they could use their fancy PDA's to write who's there and enter it. Do you really want them running round the astroturf with a PDA in their pocket. Our teachers usually join in the games for a while, wouldnt be long til it broke.

[dezt]

They usually do the register on their pda's and sync them when they get back, but our person in charge of making sure everyone is in lessons gets annoyed when they forget to upload the register. Oh well, if it's too far then never mind.

@plexter there is a canal between the main building and the astroturf so a duct would not work.

Oh well, looks like they'll have to remember to sync when they do a register.

[webman]

About the duct + canal.. would some flexible PVC conduit not work for this and just route it parallel to the path that people take to get to the astroturf? Or do they swim across the canal as an addtional exercise?

[bishopsgarthstockton]

sounds like a political problem between the PE teacher and attendance officer.

let them sort it out between them. you probably have enough to do.

and if they ask you to come up with a solution, just say "what would you do if computers were not around?"

and smile

[plexer]

Webman: I doubt the school owns the canal or footpath therefore not able to run duct?

Ben

[Ric_]

@webman: remember that boosting the range of the antenna at one end doesn't help the fact that you have a low gain antenna at the other... wifi is a two-way street.

[pete]

Your best (wireless + technology solution) bet is a point to point link using a yagi at school and a box with a yagi + omni at the astroturf.

If you don't have power, marine solar cells can easily recharge enough gel cells to power an access point or itx board with two wireless cards. Bonus points for Scaramanga-style sun tracking using a PIC, 3 ldrs and a servo.

However, we're now in the "fun project" zone. The return on investment doesn't make it worthwhile.

[Geoff]

Yagi's (or any other directional antenna) are illegal for use with WiFi.

[ChrisC]

Laser link?

Or stupidly expensive repeaters?

Chris