• AREDN is a project aimed at using wifi devices to create a computer network independent of the internet. Since hams have access to sections of the 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands that regular wifi devices don't, those channels are quieter and longer distances can be achieved with better antennas.
• NARA on the island is leading the way in creating this network in our area, and a few people on the Coast have started experimenting with some of the equipment.
• This message board is very active with local hams and what they're working on.
• This map shows the nodes that are live in the area.

The easiest way to get started is to get a Microtik hAP AC Lite TC. Once flashed with the AREDN firmware, the device will use the 5.8GHz band as a regular wifi for your computer to connect to, and the 2.4GHz band is used to mesh with other devices within range. Realistically, the hAP is useful to tunnel to others on the network via the internet to get started. To add RF links, an outdoor device will need to be added. See the support matrix for more information.

Now that you're connected to the network, here are some services that are worth looking into:

• VE7ODG's Mattermost service for chat. See here to sign up. You can also use a phone app instead of the web interface as long as your phone is connected to the AREDN network.
• The Island's VOIP phone network
• VE7LSE's Winlink gateway.

• and more ...

On July 4, 2021, Chris (VE7TOP) and Patrick (VA7FI) made a success connection between Nanaimo and Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast on 5.860 GHz (Ch. 172).

I installed a Mikrotik LDF-5 (not the ac model) on a used TELUS satellite TV dish.

• The first task was to mount the LDF-5 to the dish roughly where the old receiver was. Unfortunately, the arm and my mounting bracket were both bit too short:

• So I bolted a second arm on top of the first to raise it and move it a bit further away:

• Initially, I mounted it on a post that had a 45° angle thinking it needed to point down, but after testing it, I had to readjust it back up so next time it'll go on a vertical post.

• For the field test, I went to a clearing near my place at 49.45465, -123.64199:

View Larger Map