There actually IS a reason we don't want you to utilize the LR versions of products for applications that are under a 1/4 of a mile.  Our LR (Long Range) products, use high gain omni or directional antennas and  end up with 900mW and to a full 1 watt or broadcast power depending on conditions, and our software provides gain settings for radio/antenna, so theoretically you could tune the broadcast down for in building usage. HOWEVER, the higher the gain on the antenna, the flatter the radiation profile (vertical polarity), so for applications within a 1/4 mile, we recommend our non-LR products. The reason for this is our non-LR products use an antenna that radiates much like a ball and has both horizontal and vertical polarity, allowing for significant height and angle divergence between units. This gives you great freedom in mounting applications while still maintaining good distances between nodes.

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS)  is a term used to describe radio transmission across a path that is partially obstructed, usually by a physical object, and in the real world it's a bit of a black art.  Weather, electrical interference moisture and type of foliage can all have an influence on how far you can ensure adequate coverage for your PlantMESH mesh network, and no two sites are alike.  That being said, some simple rules of thumb will make your application more likely to succeed.  First, make sure you utilize the Long Range models of the PlantMESH line (part numbers end with LR), and second, be prepared to add nodes if your original estimates are too optimistic.  In a normal forest application, you can expect 1000 - 3000 feet of good signal strength depending upon density of timber and water in the trees.

If all else fails, our engineers can work with you to insert PlantMESH nodes with specialized high gain directional antennas to augment your travel distances.

Solar and Battery combination systems are certainly possible, but the expense varies based on your location and the amount of sun available.  Assume that each MeshCORE/MeshSTATION/MeshLINK will be 10-15watts at 48Vdc, while MeshNODE/MeshMOBILE are 2-5 watts at 24Vdc, so you would need to plan for those power draws all the way through winter, which can be challenging in the northern hemisphere.  An example would be the Idaho Bitterroot Mountain range, where a correctly mounted and located solar power system will add an additional $5K US per MeshCORE/MeshSTATION/MeshLINK (less for MeshNODES/MeshMOBILEs), not including installation/travel. In a latitudes below Central California, a solar station will add $2500 (again, less for MeshNODE/MeshMOBILE).

With some careful planning, a solar powered system is certainly doable, but is usually reserved for lower speed, lower utilization systems; i.e., non Ethernet.

We do have external antenna kits that we will make up for you based on your application, please contact us for details.

5.8Ghz provides the fastest and furthest connection for most, if not all clear air implementations.  If you have foliage or other obstructions, you will get much better penetration through those obstructions with 900Mhz at the cost of some speed.

We do have external antenna kits that we will make up for you based on your application, please contact us for details.

We do have external antenna kits that we will make up for you based on your application, please contact us for details.