Craig and Jon from NextGenUs arrived at lunchtime today to start work on the final stages of the project. The aim this week is complete all the outstanding client installations and to install the wireless node at Goodlie Hill. In addition to the nine existing subscribers still to be connected to the new network, there are five new subscribers waiting for a connection too.
Goodlie Hill presents a particular challenge. We have decided to run a mains electricity supply up to the tree because the power requirements of the new node are too great to be met using solar and wind power. It will take some time to complete this task as ground and weather conditions at this time of year are not really favourable, particularly as we have made a commitment to leave the field across which the cable is to be laid as far as possible as we find it. So, while we intend to install the 6m pole and its attached NanoStation devices this week, we will only be able to power it temporarily for testing purposes. This will be particularly frustrating to the five subscribers who currently connect there who will have new wireless devices installed but will have to continue to use the old devices and the existing mesh-box until such time as we can permanently power the node.
With the new Goodlie Hill Node temporarily powered, we shall install a NanoStation at Maisongill in order to test the connection over a distance of some 3.5 km. With that information we will then finalise the design of the Maisongill wireless node and proceed towards its installation.
Today we made a good start, despite poor weather, and completed three client installations. We hope for better weather tomorrow but the forecast is not encouraging.
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