Wireless Joint

I've decided to build a Raspberry Pi setup, vs putting a modem in a wifi router body. I'll use my existing Wifi router for now (wired downstream of the Pi), and just use the Pi as a modem. I'll be using POE to power the setup, so no power bricks (or even nearby outlets) will be necessary. That's a nice feature of the 3b+.

Pi 3b+ kit (heatsinks and case, don't need the on/off switch or brick, but why not):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BC7BMHY/re ... GDbYCM7EFS

SD card (probably steal this one, and use a small one I have lying around for the Pi):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XW ... 0DER&psc=1

EM7565 modem:

https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/modems/sierra-w ... m-2-modem/

USB 3.0 to NGFF encloser w/ sim slot:

https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/pcie-m-2/m-2-ng ... card-slot/

POE injector:

https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/power-adapter/p ... -1-5a-72w/

GoldenOrb firmware for Pi:

https://www.ofmodemsandmen.com/firmware.html

And an ATT sim card.

I'm planning on having the antennas in the attic, so no lightning protectors should be needed. Going to see I can discretely mount the pi/router setup in an interior closet, so it should stay cool.

Anything else I'm missing? The CAT5e will run from the POE injector to the Pi (in it's case). The USB 3.0 will connect the Pi/case to the modem (inside it's case). Modem case comes with the necessary (2x) MHF4 to SMA female bulkhead connectors.

That takes us from power at the Pi to the antenna outputs at the modem. From there I'll need some LMR400 and antennas, but this completes the modem itself, correct?

Is it possible to power the pi and modem over POE?

Based on this photo:

[img]http://wirelessjoint.com/download/file.php?id=406&t=1&sid=ed456ca5f8f9689c5d8d186cd4dd4865[/img]

In this thread:

[url]http://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=123&sid=ed456ca5f8f9689c5d8d186cd4dd4865[/url]

I am assuming so. He's using a POE splitter for his Pi3, whereas the Pi3+ has built-in POE (no splitter necessary).

motoguy wrote: ↑Fri Sep 20, 2019 10:42 am Based on this photo:

[img]http://wirelessjoint.com/download/file.php?id=406&t=1&sid=ed456ca5f8f9689c5d8d186cd4dd4865[/img]

In this thread:

[url]http://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=123&sid=ed456ca5f8f9689c5d8d186cd4dd4865[/url]

I am assuming so. He's using a POE splitter for his Pi3, whereas the Pi3+ has built-in POE (no splitter necessary).

I'm not aware of the PI3+ having PoE built in? (that was a PI3 in the picture btw) You'll need a splitter like I had in that picture.

Thanks for catching that. Looks like I need a Poe Hat for splitter-less POE. I think I'd rather do that, vs the splitter. Smaller footprint, less wiring, etc.

https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/introd ... t-poe-hat/

motoguy wrote: ↑Sat Sep 21, 2019 5:03 pm Thanks for catching that. Looks like I need a Poe Hat for splitter-less POE. I think I'd rather do that, vs the splitter. Smaller footprint, less wiring, etc.

https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/introd ... t-poe-hat/

The POE hat is notorious for having all kinds of issues. I'd really recommend just using the splitter. It's much cheaper.

Be sure to get a 1GB version of it too, they make a 100mb version and you'll be limiting yourself to about 90mbps download if you chose that one.

swwifty wrote: ↑Mon Sep 23, 2019 11:10 am The POE hat is notorious for having all kinds of issues. I'd really recommend just using the splitter. It's much cheaper.

Be sure to get a 1GB version of it too, they make a 100mb version and you'll be limiting yourself to about 90mbps download if you chose that one.

Fair enough, then. I'd hoped to avoid having another device, and the potential failure of a USB-C connection. However, I know little/nothing about a Pi. I'll take your word on this one. Thanks!

motoguy wrote: ↑Mon Sep 23, 2019 12:32 pm Fair enough, then. I'd hoped to avoid having another device, and the potential failure of a USB-C connection. However, I know little/nothing about a Pi. I'll take your word on this one. Thanks!

Which PI are you going to use? The PI3 is regular USB. The power port is micro USB.

I think only the PI4 has USB-C.

@swwifty,

I'm preparing to duplicate your setup, shown here:

[url]http://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=123&sid=ef264db90ba4bfdd63271b8b76ae59a6[/url]

Instead of a RPi 2, I'll be using a 3+.

I'll be using the same gable-end antenna mount/mast, but different antennas. I'll also be running PoE out the wall to the box.

Here is my current parts list:

From Amazon:

Pi 3B+
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BC ... AJ0A&psc=1

5.5mm/2.1mm barrel jack to Mico USB adapter (for PoE splitter):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019C ... 76JE&psc=1

SD card (may look into only booting from SD, and running off of USB)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XW ... 0DER&psc=1

Lightning arrestors (x2)
https://www.amazon.com/Proxicast-Coaxia ... B01E2URC8G

From The Wireless Haven:

EM7565 modem
https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/modems/sierra-w ... m-2-modem/

USB 3.0 enclosure for 7565
https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/pcie-m-2/m-2-ng ... card-slot/

PoE splitter (5v, GB)
https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/poe-splitters/4 ... -splitter/

PoE injector
https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/power-adapter/p ... -1-5a-72w/


Other vendors:

High pass filter (x2)
https://www.minicircuits.com/WebStore/d ... NHP-600%2B

Gable end antenna mount:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Winegard-Ga ... /204701121

5-10' antenna mast - to be decided/sourced
LMR400 - to be sourced
Weatherproof wrap for antenna connctions - to be sourced
NEMA enclosure - to be sourced (you mind sharing which one you used? Size looks to be about perfect)
Antennas - to be decided/sourced

Any missed items, or suggestions?

That's a good start. I don't see anything obviously wrong or missed.

The nema enclosure I got from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0791 ... UTF8&psc=1

I would go with the 9-11dbi "Yagi" Antennas on the The Wireless Haven store that are +/- 45 degree mounted.

I'd go with this PoE splitter as its designed specifically for the PIs: https://www.amazon.com/UCTRONICS-PoE-Sp ... B07CNKX14C

swwifty wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 7:35 pm That's a good start. I don't see anything obviously wrong or missed.

The nema enclosure I got from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0791 ... UTF8&psc=1

I would go with the 9-11dbi "Yagi" Antennas on the The Wireless Haven store that are +/- 45 degree mounted.

I'd go with this PoE splitter as its designed specifically for the PIs: https://www.amazon.com/UCTRONICS-PoE-Sp ... B07CNKX14C

Thanks for the info. I'll go with that enclosure, and that splitter as well. It'll save an adapter/failure point.

I still haven't decided on the "Yagi" antennas you mention ($80/pair), or the 15dbi flat panels ($90/pair, I still don't see how an antenna can have more gain, AND be less directional), or just bite the bullet and go with the parabolic dish ($400/pair). I wish I had a way to compare the differences, without actually having to buy them. lol

motoguy wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 8:27 pm Thanks for the info. I'll go with that enclosure, and that splitter as well. It'll save an adapter/failure point.

I still haven't decided on the "Yagi" antennas you mention ($80/pair), or the 15dbi flat panels ($90/pair, I still don't see how an antenna can have more gain, AND be less directional), or just bite the bullet and go with the parabolic dish ($400/pair). I wish I had a way to compare the differences, without actually having to buy them. lol

IMO the "Yagis" are the best bang for your buck. There's also other considerations you should consider.

1. If you get ice or snow where you live, you'll want something with a radome.

2. Weight is an issue if you have them mounted up high or at the end of a pole. The 15dbi panels are quite heavy.

3. The Yagis were the best overall performance I found, so thats one of the main reasons I chose them.

I wouldn't spend $400 on a parabolic dish, unless the cell tower you are trying to connect to is like 10+ miles away, and the signal is really weak with any other antenna.

I'm in Central MO, so we definitely have snow, sleet, and ice in the winter. I was concerned about weight/wind loading of the parabolics, particularly if I use a tallish mast. When I first started this project, I was under the impression that I'd need all the help I could get. We left ATT service (went to Verizon) a year or two ago, because we couldn't get ANY service at the house.

It appears ATT has changed coverage, as friends/family are now able to get ATT reception here, and even stream (watching a baseball game on the phone). My db readings using the ATT iPhone are in the -93 (best) to -126 (downstairs, in our walk-out basement). So, I may not need the max reach of the parabolics after all.

I agree, I think I'm going to start with the shielded yagi-style for now. We'll see what kind of signal we get, and go from there. Thanks.

motoguy wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:06 am I'm in Central MO, so we definitely have snow, sleet, and ice in the winter. I was concerned about weight/wind loading of the parabolics, particularly if I use a tallish mast. When I first started this project, I was under the impression that I'd need all the help I could get. We left ATT service (went to Verizon) a year or two ago, because we couldn't get ANY service at the house.

It appears ATT has changed coverage, as friends/family are now able to get ATT reception here, and even stream (watching a baseball game on the phone). My db readings using the ATT iPhone are in the -93 (best) to -126 (downstairs, in our walk-out basement). So, I may not need the max reach of the parabolics after all.

I agree, I think I'm going to start with the shielded yagi-style for now. We'll see what kind of signal we get, and go from there. Thanks.

Good luck! Going from inside to outside is at least 10dbm improvement, and going from cheap little 3dbi omnis to some real external antennas will probably net you another 10dbm improvement.

@motoguy

Have you got around to finishing this setup? Any results? I'm in the process of doing the same thing you are, and essentially the same thing swwifty did. Run into any issues?