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This page describe the plan to build a new antenna array to mount back on the mast on the West Building (outside the Stag's Head). This would be of benefit to SUWS as well as other societies listed below.
{{Project
|Title=SUSU Antenna Array
|Status=Ongoing
|Project Lead=User:TylerWard
|Image=MastRendering.jpg
|Description=This project aims to build a new amateur radio antenna array to mount on the students union, along with an operating station within the building. This would be of benefit to SUWS as well as other societies.
}}
 
 


'''[https://www.facebook.com/groups/465807966892387/ Facebook Group]'''
'''[https://www.facebook.com/groups/465807966892387/ Facebook Group]'''
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[[File:MastRendering.jpg|500px]]
[[File:MastRendering.jpg|500px]]


== An unreadable mess of tasks==




=== DESIGN WORK ===
== Current Status ==
* Finish CAD for antenna installation
* Currently in purchasing and refurbishment stage as well as final planning on assembly and connections
** Assignee: Tyler
** Dependencies: measurements for 70cm antenna plus various mounting brackets and cables.  Will probably need to have these in are possession to get accurate measurements for most of these.**
 
 
* Create installation plan and documentation for Estates and Facilities,
** Assignees: Tyler (with help from other)
** Dependencies complete (or near complete) CAD diagram
** Sub tasks
*** Ordered set of instructions
*** List of tools required
*** Exploded diagrams to see how things are put together.
 
 
* Plan how to connect FM dipole
** Assignees: unknown
** Dependencies: none
** Sub tasks
*** Find out the connectors used at each end of the FM dipole cable and how they are connected to the dipole itsled.
*** Source new connectors and approproate length of suitable flexible cable.
 
 
=== COMMUNICATION WORK ===
* Interact with SUSU to get final approval for mast.
** Assignees: David N and Tyler
** Dependencies: SUSU Director of services to get back to us.
 
 
* Interact with Estates and Facilities to confirm they are happy with our plans
** Assignees: David N and Tyler
** Dependencies: Waiting final approval from SUSU.
** Sub tasks
*** Check with E&F about lightning protection and wall mounting.
*** Check that no specific planning permission is required.
 
 
* Organise with Estates and Facilities the erection of the mast.
** Assignees: David N and Tyler
** Dependencies:  Approval from SUSU and Estates and Facilities.  Final complete installation plans (although a date can be set before the final plan is ready)
 
 
=== CABLING ===
* Measure cable in cage 9
** Assignees: undedecided
** Dependencies: none
 
 
* Calculate cabling lengths
** Assignees: Tyler + 1 other
** Dependencies:  Access to the CAD diagram and ability to use it to calculate lengths:
** Sub tasks
*** Determine all the cables we will need.
*** Use CAD diagram to calculate lengths
 
 
* Source coax connectors
** Assignee: unknown
** Dependencies: partially depends what cables are needed.
** Sub tasks
*** Specify the type and quantity of coax connectors we need
*** Source these specified coax connectors.
 
 
* Source network cabling
** Assignees: undecided
** Dependencies: knowing the cable lengths required.
** Sub tasks
*** Find ultra-violet resistant, flexible, shielded Ethernet cable (uncrimped) from WiFi dish to the Ethernet junction box.
*** Find ultra-violet resistant, shielded Ethernet cable (uncrimped) from Ethernet junction box to server rack.


* Plan framework for cable mounting
== Task List ==
** Assignees: undecided
** Dependencies: knowing the lengths ans types of cable.
** Sub tasks
*** Design and source parts for Ethernet junction box.
*** Build Ethernet junction box.
*** Determine how cables should be mounted along the mast / crossbeam and against the wall of SUSU.


 
The task list can be found at https://github.com/SUWS/mast-planning/issues
 
=== MOUNTING / ANTENNAS ===
Design mounting for wifi dish
Finish HF dipole refurbishment
Acquire missing parts for HF dipole
Find mounting bracket for HF dipole
Find 70cm antenna for mast
Design/Find 868Mhz antenna
Locate and test diplexer
Build polarity splitter for 2m beam
VNA test 2m beam antenna
VNA test 868 antenna
VNA test triband
VNA test hf dipole
VNA test 70cm antenna
design improved waterproofing for wifidish
 
=== ROTATOR/FRAMEWORK ===
source main pole
identify rotator mounting options for existing wall brackets
replace screws on lower rotator
check other rotator mouning scres aernt rusty
plan rotator cable connections
design notification plaque to be placed at base of mast (also contains RF warnings)
 
 
===INTERNAL ===
get permission for rack installation
design internal data/power patch pannel
design internal RF patch pannel
plan/arrange power and data connectivity
work out how to ensure that no one unplugs the mast.
plan how to rackmount existing kit (most likely shelves)
make rack+contents look shiny
 
== Current Status ==
* Currently in purchasing and refurbishment stage as well as final planning on assembly and connections


== Interested Parties ==
== Interested Parties ==
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* Azimuth Rotator
* Azimuth Rotator


== Tasks ==
=== Allocated ===
* Create CAD diagram of mast and ALL parts
** [[SUSU_Antenna_Array/Technical_Drawings]]
** Tyler
=== Unallocated ===
*Get permission from susu regarding rack for room and wall mounting
** Link [http://www.comms-express.com/products/21u-600mm-deep-data-cabinet-data-rack/]


* Check with E&F
== Timeline ==
** lighting protection
** wall mounting
** planning


* Calculate coax lengths
* 80s/90s - Mast on SUSU with room at the end of B40 as operating room
** source coax connectors


* Finish HF dipole refurbishment
* 2014 - June/July - Room in B40 converted to general use (start of mast planning)
** Design new crossbeam
* 2014 - Sept Created WIKI page
** find missing parts
* 2014 - October - Initial plan for mast created
 
* 2015 - March - Applied for funding with SUSU and granted
* create risk assesment
* 2015 - March - SUSU H&S have given preliminary approval for the project
** Link [[SUSU_Antenna_Array/Risk_Assesment|Risk Assesment]]
* 2015 - March - SUSU Facilities had no objections when spoken to
* 2015 - May - Informed that we had been told to speak to the wrong people and is being passed on to the correct people
* 2015 - August - Room in 40 re-purposed back into an office
* 2015 - August - Created feasibility report for B42
* 2015 - September - Union services discussing with E&F
* 2015 - October - VPDCI chasing up for meeting result
* 2016 - March - Informed that SUSU has been unable to get permission from E&F for the mast on 42. no more details provided
* 2016 - September - E&F didnt know why it was canceled from there end
* 2016 - September - Spoke to New VPDCI about project no progress made
* 2017 - September - Resumed communication with new SUSU VPDCI about the mast


== Kit ==
== Kit ==
Line 218: Line 107:


All prices are VAT included, unless otherwise specified. "+ £X.XX" indicates additional costs, such as shipping.
All prices are VAT included, unless otherwise specified. "+ £X.XX" indicates additional costs, such as shipping.
=== Purchase Tracking ===


{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left; cellpadding:10"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left; cellpadding:10"
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| Arrived 2015-05-19
| Arrived 2015-05-19
| [[ECS]]
| [[ECS]]
|
|
|-
| Screws For Rotator (M6*20)
| £5.03
| [http://www.screwfix.com/p/socket-cap-screws-a2-stainless-steel-m6-x-20mm-pack-of-50/19472]
| Mast
| Arrived
| [[Muzer]]
|
| Awaiting invoice
|-
| Nuts For Rotator (M6)
| £3.78
| [http://www.screwfix.com/p/nylon-lock-nuts-a2-stainless-steel-m6-pack-of-100/11082]
| Mast
| Arrived
| [[TylerWard]]
|
|
|-
| Washers For Rotator (M6)
| £1.19
| [http://www.screwfix.com/p/nylon-lock-nuts-a2-stainless-steel-m6-pack-of-100/11082]
| Mast
| Arrived
| [[TylerWard]]
|
|
|
|
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| Mast
| Mast
| Approved
| Approved
|
|  
|
|
|Awaiting Purchase (Waiting on ML&S order)
|Awaiting Purchase (Waiting on ML&S order)
|-
|-
| Screws For Rotator (M6*20)
| Loctite 243 (for securing the bolts)
| £5.03
| £8.27+VAT
| [http://www.screwfix.com/p/socket-cap-screws-a2-stainless-steel-m6-x-20mm-pack-of-50/19472]
| [http://onecall.farnell.com/loctite/1335840/adhesive-loctite-243/dp/3048433]
| Mast
| Mast
| Approved
| Approved
|
|
|
| Needs Ordering (awaiting a onecall order)
|-
| Loctite 262
| £3.99
| [http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Loctite-262-10ml-Bottle-/141696751294?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368]
| Mast
| Arrived
| [[Tyler-Ward]]
|
|
|
| Needs Ordering (trip to Screwfix?)
|-
|-
| Loctite 243 (for securing the bolts)
| HF Balun
| £7.76
| £29.95 + £4.00
|
| [http://wsplc.com/watson-wb-1.html]
| Mast
| Mast
| Approved
| Approved
|
|
|  
|  
| Needs Ordering (awaiting a onecall purchase)
| Awaiting order from walters and stanton
|-  
|-  
| 0.5in x 1 metre long aluminium tube (1.6mm thick)
| 0.5in x 1 metre long aluminium tube (1.6mm thick)
Line 364: Line 291:
| Replacement for broken EG component of HF beam
| Replacement for broken EG component of HF beam
| Date to be approved/ordered: Approve ASAP. (May check if anything else needs to be ordered from same supplier before ordering).
| Date to be approved/ordered: Approve ASAP. (May check if anything else needs to be ordered from same supplier before ordering).
|-
| HF Balun (Watson Balun (currently out of stock))
| £33.95
| [http://wsplc.com/antennas-tuners/antenna-accessories/hf-antenna-accessories/rf-baluns-transformers-isolators/1-1-balun-400-watts-1-8-30mhz.html]
| Mast
| Approved
|
| 14-30MHz >200W PEP
| Needs Ordering
|-
|-
| Vertical mast section
| Vertical mast section
Line 387: Line 305:
| [http://www.barenco.co.uk/gs065-yeasu-thrust-bearing]
| [http://www.barenco.co.uk/gs065-yeasu-thrust-bearing]
|
|
| Pending
| Approved
|
|
|
|
Line 409: Line 327:
| 21U 600mm Deep Data Cabinet/Data Rack
| 21U 600mm Deep Data Cabinet/Data Rack
| Pending SUSU approval for wall mounting
| Pending SUSU approval for wall mounting
|}
=== Open Orders with suppliers ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left; cellpadding:10"
! Supplier
! Items
! Delivery Cost
! Minimum Order
! Notes
! Actions Required
|-
| onecall.farnell.com
|
* [http://onecall.farnell.com/loctite/1335840/adhesive-loctite-243/dp/3048433 Loctite 243 (£8.27+VAT)]
*
| FREE
| £20
|
|
|-
| http://wsplc.com/
|
* [http://wsplc.com/watson-wb-1.html 1:1 400W Balun (£29.95)]
*
| £4
| NONE
|
|
|-
| screwfix
|
*
| £?
| NONE
| Can buy directly in Southampton store
|
|}
|}


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== Lightning Precautions ==
== History ==
 
* Talk to E&F about:
** Current mast situation
** Building requirements
 
* Can we rely on lightning path through the rotator body?
 
* Kit will be toast whatever happens, priority is mitigating fire risk.


Previous mast installed in this location


=== Static Protection ===
[[File:OldMast.jpg|500px]]


* Resistive bleeders on all coax
photo from: http://2009.igem.org/wiki/images/f/fa/Hartley_web.jpg

Latest revision as of 18:59, 14 September 2017

SUSU Antenna Array
SUSU Antenna Array
Status Ongoing
Project Lead User:TylerWard

SUSU Antenna Array

This project aims to build a new amateur radio antenna array to mount on the students union, along with an operating station within the building. This would be of benefit to SUWS as well as other societies.



Facebook Group

MastRendering.jpg


Current Status

  • Currently in purchasing and refurbishment stage as well as final planning on assembly and connections

Task List

The task list can be found at https://github.com/SUWS/mast-planning/issues

Interested Parties

  • SUWS (us) - General Amateur Radio operation / tracking high altitude balloons.
  • Space Flight Society
    • Interested in helping us.
    • Interested in tracking satellite / high altitude balloons
  • SUSUtv
    • Interested in directional Wi-Fi for live campus broadcast
  • Surge
    • Interested in properly fixing their FM antenna
  • Astronomy
    • Interested in 1GHz-2GHz (?) radio astronomy.
  • ECS Sensor Network Research
    • 868Mhz omni for sensor network node
  • There is still room for other interest should there be any

Antenna/Feature Ideas

Confirmed

  • HF beam dipole
  • triband 2m/70cm/6m omni
  • 70cm+2m on dual-axis rotator
  • SURGE FM broadcast antenna
  • SOWN Wi-Fi @ coordinates
  • 868 sensor net antenna on spur

Sensible

  • 23cm on spur
  • radio telescope (astrosoc)
  • monitoring node (temp/wind ect)

Current Plan

From top of the mast to bottom.

  • 6m/2m/70cm collinear (AR+satellites+HABs)
  • Spur bar
    • FM Broadcast antenna (SURGE)
    • 868 MHz omni (sensor networks)
  • HF Dipole (AR)
  • Azimuth Rotator


Timeline

  • 80s/90s - Mast on SUSU with room at the end of B40 as operating room
  • 2014 - June/July - Room in B40 converted to general use (start of mast planning)
  • 2014 - Sept Created WIKI page
  • 2014 - October - Initial plan for mast created
  • 2015 - March - Applied for funding with SUSU and granted
  • 2015 - March - SUSU H&S have given preliminary approval for the project
  • 2015 - March - SUSU Facilities had no objections when spoken to
  • 2015 - May - Informed that we had been told to speak to the wrong people and is being passed on to the correct people
  • 2015 - August - Room in 40 re-purposed back into an office
  • 2015 - August - Created feasibility report for B42
  • 2015 - September - Union services discussing with E&F
  • 2015 - October - VPDCI chasing up for meeting result
  • 2016 - March - Informed that SUSU has been unable to get permission from E&F for the mast on 42. no more details provided
  • 2016 - September - E&F didnt know why it was canceled from there end
  • 2016 - September - Spoke to New VPDCI about project no progress made
  • 2017 - September - Resumed communication with new SUSU VPDCI about the mast

Kit

  • Statuses
    • Arrived - We have the item.
    • Ordered - We have ordered the item.
    • Approved - We are good to purchase the item but have not done so yet.
    • Awaiting Approval - We know what we need and are awaiting financial approval.
    • Pending - Something is blocking on us being able to approve this item.

All prices are VAT included, unless otherwise specified. "+ £X.XX" indicates additional costs, such as shipping.

Purchase Tracking

Item Cost Link Budget Status Ordered / Acquired By Notes Actions Required
Triband Vertical £87.95 [1] Mast Arrived 2015-04-21 TylerWard
Lithium Grease 500g £7.95 [2] Mast Arrived 2015-05-11 TylerWard. Datasheet
SSD for APU board £32.39 [3] ECS Networks Arrived 2015-05-11 ECS
868 Antenna £23.44 [4] Mountain Sensing Arrived 2015-05-14 Kirk
2M Crossed Yagi £89.95 + £4.99 [5] Mast Arrived 2015-05-15 TylerWard
Separation kit G5400 Free (Thanks Yaesu) N/A N/A Arrived 2015-05-15 Nsefan Purpose: To mount the elevation on a pole
Horizontal mast section Already owned by SUWS N/A N/A Arrived DavidNewman Needs 32-43mm diameter needs cleaning
Fast Ethernet 16 port managed switch (with gigabit uplink) Free (Thanks ECS) N/A N/A Arrived 2015-05-20 DavidNewman
Dual Axis Rotator £40 [6] Mast Arrived 2014 M0NSA Awaiting invoice for reimbursement
HF Dipole Beam Already owned by SUWS N/A N/A Arrived 19?? Craag Refurbishment required. Replacement parts will be required
Ubiquity Powerbeam PBE-M5-300 and accessories £66.46 [7] TJC's Services Rendered Arrived 2015-05-19 ECS
Screws For Rotator (M6*20) £5.03 [8] Mast Arrived Muzer Awaiting invoice
Nuts For Rotator (M6) £3.78 [9] Mast Arrived TylerWard
Washers For Rotator (M6) £1.19 [10] Mast Arrived TylerWard
70cm Yagi £52.96 + £10 [11] Mast Approved Awaiting Purchase (Waiting on ML&S order)
Loctite 243 (for securing the bolts) £8.27+VAT [12] Mast Approved Needs Ordering (awaiting a onecall order)
Loctite 262 £3.99 [13] Mast Arrived Tyler-Ward
HF Balun £29.95 + £4.00 [14] Mast Approved Awaiting order from walters and stanton
0.5in x 1 metre long aluminium tube (1.6mm thick) £7.38 [15] Mast Approved Replacement for broken EG component of HF beam Date to be approved/ordered: Approve ASAP. (May check if anything else needs to be ordered from same supplier before ordering).
Vertical mast section £52.95 [16] Mast Pending Needs to be between 38-63mm in diameter To be approved later need to confirm appropriate length
Mast Thrust Bearing (Yaesu GS-065) £47.61 + VAT [17] Approved Need to confirm wall mounting
Rotator and Bearing Wall Mounts £59.23 + VAT [18] Pending Yaesu BE645Y, Pair including both rotator and bearing bracket Need to confirm wall mounting
Rack Cupboard £180 [19] Pending 21U 600mm Deep Data Cabinet/Data Rack Pending SUSU approval for wall mounting

Open Orders with suppliers

Supplier Items Delivery Cost Minimum Order Notes Actions Required
onecall.farnell.com FREE £20
http://wsplc.com/ £4 NONE
screwfix
£? NONE Can buy directly in Southampton store

Other parts known to be needed

  • Extra Mounting hardware



  • Internal patch panel parts


  • Parts for HF dipole


  • Coax parts
    • coax
    • connectors
    • Per Antenna Feed (5 required)
      • 2x weatherproof Flex-8 Connectors
    • Per Room Feed (5 required, 8 ideally)
      • 1x Weatherproof RG-213 Connector
      • 1x indoor RG-213 Connector
  • connection plate
    • ?* weatherproof N through connectors [[21]]
    • ?* N blanking plates
    • Mounting frame (suggest stainless or aluminium)
    • Connector box [[22]]
      • 2* ethercon panel connectors [[23]]
      • 2* XRL7 male panel [[24]]
      • 2* XLR7 female panel [[25]]
      • 2* ethercon cable [[26]]
      • 2* XLR7 female cable [[27]]
      • 2* XLR7 male cable [[28]]
      • potting compound [[29]] / lots of silica gell
      • D connector mounting plate [[30]]
      • weatherproofing ans sealant [[31]]

Coax Info

Information sourced from Coax Data and ML&S

Prices sourced from ML&S inc. VAT

Diameter RF Loss Max Power Handling Cost Datasheet
mm dB/100ft @ 400MHz W @ 50MHz (1:1 SWR) /25m Reel
RG-58 5 10.5 450W £20.70
RG-213 10.3 4.5 1500W £32.25 http://www.romkatel.ro/cataloage/pdf/eupen/RG213.pdf
Ultraflex 7 7.3 3.59 1820W £29.70 http://www.messi.it/dati/immagini/RGAC7PLUS-All1_EN.pdf

Note: Connectors for Ultraflex 7 are uncommon, and so may add significantly to the expense.


History

Previous mast installed in this location

OldMast.jpg

photo from: http://2009.igem.org/wiki/images/f/fa/Hartley_web.jpg

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