Hello.
I need 5.1-5.8 GHz antenna for log (~15km) distances on dificult area with snowstorms (on my parabolic antennas durring snowstorm I lost -30dBm signal on link).
Is any sugestion?
use some amterial to shield your antenna, anything weatherproof that des not reflect your Hz range would be nice
What gain are you using now that otherwise works?
When I told some people here in SA that I lose 20 db in during heavy snowfall on a 10km link, they lauged at me and said snow does not affect 5.8 at all. Well, what can I say? I was using 20 db panels both ends, even switching to 27 dBi grid on one end still did not help much.
The loss could be one of two things - you need to identify which it is:
1: Fade due to snow in the path (i.e. all the snow between the antennas)
2: Fade due to snow and ice ON the antenna
I think you will find that it is #2, I’m not sure where you are (you may have heavier snow than us) but last week we had the heaviest snow storm we’ve had in more than 10 years, and we lost none of our links or customers during the snow storm.
ICE buildup on your antenna however, will cause massive attenuation - because it’s pure water and will absorb the signal! (remember, water attenuates 2-5Ghz - that’s how your microwave oven works).
You may want to look into the Pacific Wireless solid parabolic dishes, which have radomes available to prevent such buildup. They are also a HUGE gain at 32.5dBi
You’re right. I’m using parabolic antennas. It was snow ON the reflectors (~5cm).
Thx. It may solve problem.