Friday, May 13, 2016

Wireless Site Survey gears #001

My first publication about Wireless Site Survey :

There are quite a few people with their own contribution so I am not re-inventing the wheel. I just think that I might contribute a bit to enlarge the general idea of conducting site survey with some tricks/tips.

This first post is all about the AP mounting/fixture, as you will see I am using a Mr.LongArm (no rocket science there)

I will be posting other solution I've used and Pros-Cons about them.

For now I would say that all your need is:

Mr Long Arm
Mr. Long Arm 3212 Pro-Pole Extension Pole, 6-to-12-Feet (choose whatever specs fit your better but think twice about whenever you'll be in the field doing the actual survey)


Mr Long Arm Angel extensions. You will need two of them.
Mr. Long Arm Mr. Long Arm 0150 Angle Adaptor for Extension Pole

Bolt/washer/nuts.
Whatever works for you but please use a washer to prevent loosening blot (Safety First)
For the washer I only had lock washers but I would rather have used a serrated lock washers or a Belleville washer. (Google is your friend)

AP mounting bracket
Name: AIR-AP-BRACKET-2 or UNIVERSAL AP MOUNTING BRACKET
P/N: 700-30482-03


In this particular case I spent a bit of time trying different type of angle and positioning of the mounting bracket. Overall you'll probably have to spent about an hour to assemble everything and test different position until you can find something that will match your need.
Please be aware that I am not guarantying any of this and please don't take my words for granted building something yourself then assuming it's safe ! I work in healthcare facilities so trust me I have to follow many rules for safety !

So, SAFETY FIRST ! If you like WiFi it means that you have some understanding of physics so please be aware of the gravity law and all kind of forces !










 

Ideally you want your AP to be leveled or at least fits the angle at which you would like the AP to be sitting/hanging at. As you can see from the previous photos the bolting of the extension arm in the middle of the mounting plate isn't working ! So I pulled the wrench again... and VOILA !




Finally I would recommend your to check out Google for more ideas there is a lot of article about people making their own AP on a stick.
https://gcatewifi.wordpress.com/tag/ap-on-a-stick/
https://www.cwnp.com/site-survey-rigs/
If by any chance you have access to a 3D printer you can even get this one
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:705857

 When it comes to buying the pole you don't have to buy Mr.Longarm. You can find the simple outdoor brush stick. Instead of the Mr.Longarm extension you can get plastic pipes and glue things to match your own tastes. The bran Unger makes pretty steady pole as well !
Update :

 
If I was about to re-do a purchase I would opt for this type of locking system, the reason is the manual screw system can wear-out over time and if you don't pay attention it goes down super fast which can damage your survey equipment. This little pin lock could prevent that, I KNOW some of you would say it's not practical because there are no enough holes (feel free to drill some more or just go buy a spring clamp).