Point-to-point radio link

[Nathan]

Hi,

I have a remotely sited radio observatory ~5 km away that I service every few days by vehicle.  It would be very helpful to have a digital link to it that would allow me to perform monitor and control functions.  Realistically, any such link would not have the data-carrying capacity to allow data downloads, but would still reduce the frequency of required trips and allow more frequent testing, software changes, and adjustment of the observatory's operation depending on weather conditions, Io phase, etc.

I am aware of a product running at ~430 MHz using packet radio that may be useful but, not being a ham operator, the details of the technology are all unfamiliar.  I am asking if someone is familiar with this or a similar product that could help me know before I buy whether this product is appropriate for the purpose and likely to succeed.  If so, then I can purchase two of them and work through setting up the link without further burdening anyone.  If not, then I know I need to look elsewhere.

I know that Yagi antennas are required at both ends.  One question is, 'do I need a ham operators license from the FCC to use such a device?'. 

Thank you.

Nathan

[Marcus D. Leech]

Ubiquiti make various wireless LAN bridges, some of them good to 15+km.  Check them out.

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[Doug Leber]

 You’ll need a license to use such equipment. Having a Technician license would give you access to those frequencies., and also open a ton of other options for you. 

The exam is 35 multiple choice questions— not difficult. If you use hamstudy.org to study the questions, you can quickly gain enough info to pass the exam. 

Doug N0MM

[Don Latham]

why not just have dial-an-observatory?

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From: "Nathan" <tow...@ownmail.net>
To: "sara" <sara...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 3:16:40 PM
Subject: [SARA] Point-to-point radio link

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Don Latham
PO Box 404,
Frenchtown, MT, 59846
406-626-4304

[Nathan]

I am not sure what you mean.  There is currently no connection to the site.  It is off grid and off network and intentionally a distance from the nearest of those.

On 12/2/25 15:44, Don Latham wrote:

why not just have dial-an-observatory?

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From: "Nathan" <tow...@ownmail.net>
To: "sara" <sara...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 3:16:40 PM
Subject: [SARA] Point-to-point radio link

Hi,

I have a remotely sited radio observatory ~5 km away that I service every few days by

...

[Don Latham]

Can you get a phone signal at the site? if so, a smartphone can do the remote connection.

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From: "Nathan" <tow...@ownmail.net>
To: "sara" <sara...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 4:03:15 PM
Subject: Re: [SARA] Point-to-point radio link

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[james hannon]

I use these.  Amazon.com: TP-Link 2.4GHz N300 Long Range Outdoor CPE for PtP and PtMP Transmission | Point to Point Wireless Bridge | 9dBi, 5km+ | Passive PoE Powered w/Free PoE Injector | Pharos Control (CPE210) : Electronics

[Nathan]

Thanks, that is helpful.

Nathan

On 12/2/25 15:34, Doug Leber wrote:

 You’ll need a license to use such equipment. Having a Technician license would give you access to those frequencies., and also open a ton of other options for you. 

The exam is 35 multiple choice questions— not difficult. If you use hamstudy.org to study the questions, you can quickly gain enough info to pass the exam. 

Doug N0MM

On Tue, Dec 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM Nathan <tow...@ownmail.net> wrote:

Hi,

I have a remotely sited radio observatory ~5 km away that I service every few days...

[Nathan]

Thanks, Marcus, for the link.  I can see there are a lot of possibilities at that site.

Nathan

On 12/2/25 15:20, Marcus D. Leech wrote:

[Tyrone Bradford]

Im a microwave network engineer but I focus more on implementation than design. I am not as familiar with consumer equipment as I am with enterprise equipment but I bet a used Cambium 5.6 GHz radio will suit your needs. 5.6 GHz to 5.8GHz is the unlicensed radio band.. less than a watt at the transmitter and I could figure out the rule for the EIRP at the dish. If you are in a decent climate, and have solid line of site you might be able to make this work with 2 or 3 foot dishes only. If you want me to look at anything or need help just shoot me an email.