Sing me a song antenna man

[DanielB]

So before I finalize installing interior panels I want to install antennas on the roof for

- wireless communications such as wireless cameras
- wireless communications such as wireless motion detectors
- perhaps CB radio
- perhaps police scanner
- cable for parabolic microphone
- Short wave radio antenna

-I already have an antenna for digital tv.

So what are the minimum # and type of antennas that I could put up to cover all of these bases?

[idroba]

Because of the frequency differences in equipment, and the cable differences, almost everything you mention probably is going to need it's own specific antenna and cable connection. There is no such thing as a universal antenna or cable system.

I think you are going to need to decide just what you want and go from there.

BTW, you forgot a cell phone/cell phone network internet connection (such as a MiFi device).

[Lumatic]

Something like this?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Why not just "play" with the Airstream instead of all the other "stuff".

Sweet Streams...

Bob

[DanielB]

Yes idroba.. forgot the telephone and wifi.

I don't play because when I am out on my land my security system is wireless.

I'll go with cell phone, wifi, tv, wireless motion detectors and cameras.

A co-worker turned me on to the Raspberry Pi computer. I think that it would be perfect for a security system in an RV.

[mandolindave]

Dan, I think Idroba meant Mifi. You could get internet, while you were boon docking, or in campground with no wifi.
Another thought is not to install the antenna. You could but the antennas on a tripod. You could camp underneath trees, but have the antennas out in the open. Possibly use the equipment when not camping.

I have a camera that is wireless, but needs 12 volt power. But I think the most useful of any of my security measures, and security equipment, is my mouse traps. But I guess it's good to know if the bad guys or bears are stalking you.

[mandolindave]

The instructions for my broadcast television antenna, advices to have antennas 10 feet above metal roofs. While mounting antennas on the Airstream roof will work, it's not " optimal ". But I don't know how critical that is. It would be an awesome science project to see if the antenna signal suffered from being right next to metal.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by mandolindave

The instructions for my broadcast television antenna, advices to have antennas 10 feet above metal roofs. While mounting antennas on the Airstream roof will work, it's not " optimal ". But I don't know how critical that is. It would be an awesome science project to see if the antenna signal suffered from being right next to metal.

I asked Winegard if a short mast would affect the reception. They said it does not matter with digital signals.

[DanielB]

Mifi.. got it.

My situation is that I am preparing to go homesteading in my Airstream. I will be in the middle of 10 acres and will be setting up perimeter security which I would like to be able to monitor from one location.

Maybe a guard donkey.

[Aage]

Daniel, right up to when you mentioned the guard donkey, I was thinking that you were getting into some Black Ops.

But I suppose donkeys, like geese, can provide an extra layer of security...

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by DanielB

My situation is that I am preparing to go homesteading in my Airstream. I will be in the middle of 10 acres and will be setting up perimeter security which I would like to be able to monitor from one location.

If you're only monitoring 10 acres, using wireless cameras, then you don't need height, all you need is direct line of sight from the transmitter at your camera to the receiver at your trailer. If you've got trees in the way, either get over or under the tree branches. Or get away from wireless, and run either wires or fiber-optic from your perimeter cameras back to your trailer. Set it up as ring-main, and then even if you get a break somewhere, there's no signal loss, until you get a second break in the ring.