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From: stu@hpltca.UUCP
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Wireless data link
Message-ID: <1720002@hpltca.HP.COM>
Date: Mon, 16-Feb-87 11:22:18 EST
Article-I.D.: hpltca.1720002
Posted: Mon Feb 16 11:22:18 1987
Date-Received: Thu, 19-Feb-87 18:48:49 EST
References: <214@pluto.UUCP>
Organization: H P, Colorado Integrated Circuits Div., Loveland, CO
Lines: 37

> Hello, I work at home, but I can see my office if I stick my
> head out the window; it's about half a city block away.
> 
> I've been wondering if I could set up an optical or microwave link,
> although I'm not sure if I want microwaves pointed at my head.
> 
> Has anyone done this, know of plans or sources?

When I was at the  University  of Colorado at  Boulder,  they had linked the
Computer  Center with the  terminals  in the  Engineering  Center by optical
link,  using  simple  infra-red  LED's,   photodetectors,  and  lenses.  The
distance  between the  E-center and the  Computer  Center was ~2 miles.  The
link was MUCH cheaper than running cable or using Ma Bell.  Total cost was a
couple of hundred dollars.  The link speed was high (56 Kbaud?  maybe more),
and was  reliable,  except in HEAVY snow or rain.  The link  worked  through
normal glass windows (at least I recall there being glass winndows there).

Sorry, I don't have plans.  However, this link was installed before I got to
CU (circa  1973), so I would  assume that you could find SOMEONE who makes a
beast  similar to this.  If you can't find anyone who makes one, try sending
a  letter  to  Frank  Barnes,   Electrical   Engineering  Dept,  College  of
Engineering,  University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80302 (I THINK that's the
right ZIP - ask the U.S.  Snail to be sure).

If you're  desparate, MAIL a message to me, and I'll try to get them for you
(I'm still close enough to go down there and find the plans).

By the way, you don't want to screw with microwave links -- FCC  regulations
and all that will make the project VERY un-fun.

GOOD LUCK!

Stu Bell
HP Colo. Integrated Circuits Division

U.S. Snail:  P.O. Box 301A		UUCP: hplabs!hpfcla!hpltcb!stu
	     Loveland, CO  80539