Double checking RSM License grid location conversion correct

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wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#254318 6-Aug-2019 17:29

Just noticed a new Spark RSM License (well 4 actually, use 268026 for example) and I want to check I've got the location correct as it is in an area that really needs it nearby...

Grid ref is BP25 994.77 517.86 which I convert to 41 05 16S 172 59 34E - does that sound like I've got that correct? It does match up with the GIS cell tower location map.

I see 768 MHz, 877MHz, 1842MHz & 2147MHz, so assume that is LTE on 700 and 1800 and HSPA+ on 850 & 2100?

Thanks!

knoydart

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#2291181 6-Aug-2019 20:10

I get 41°05′06″S 172°59′39″E from the topomap.co.nz conversion tool.

Also the RSM site info for Riwaka (Location ID 52905) has conversion on it too, however not to that format of WG84 lat and long coordinates.

hio77

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Lizard Networks

#2291183 6-Aug-2019 20:17

Yes, Although I'm not too sure if it will end up having U2100 on it?

Might be required if 3G is quite heavy down there but we are mainly moving away from it.

Just near Riwaka Challenge it converts to (Gis is correct.)

This is right in a Fixed wireless black spot right now, seems like a fine spot to me..

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wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2291595 7-Aug-2019 12:22

Thanks guys, yes it would be close to the Challenge. Is it possible to see when it may go live? Licenses only acquired a few months ago so guess it could be a while?

Not actually sure if they've even started building it yet, assuming that location is exactly right, it won't be possible to see it from the road, at least initially.

Yep that whole area is an everything black spot. DSL is awful (lucky to get 2Mbps in a lot of areas). Spark & Vodafone do have 4G in the area from a high/distant tower, but Spark have a stop sell, and Vodafone are so oversubscribed it's not even funny so that's not a viable option. There are some WISP options, but still not amazing.

There are a few VDSL cabinets around, but unfortunately it seems that where the copper changes from exchange fed to cabinet fed is possibly not the most logical. For example I know someone who got around 1.5Mbps on ADSL. Their neighbour, literally 30m away across a road gets 100Mbps VDSL. Very annoying.

Fibre is coming to the main road and a nearby road in 2021, but this will only cover a small area, so this tower will be awesome for fixed wireless. I know a few people in that area at the moment on the low usage Spark 20GB plan, that would love to move to the wireless unplan - I guess this will make that possible. 😄

Might have to go for a drive out there and try and see if there has been any start made on it.

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2291635 7-Aug-2019 13:41

This is a good example of what I mean about the frustrating copper paths...

Location A has VDSL from a cabinet, Location B I believe is exchange fed from a loooong way away.

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2304587 23-Aug-2019 13:37

Just popped out and had a look - the tower is definitely there, in the correct spot. 😋 Looks like quite a compact thing - even has guy wires.

Doesn't seem to be broadcasting yet - at least my phone (that doesn't support band 28) was still on 3G with a pretty weak signal (-103).

Hopefully not too long until it's all go.

BarTender

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#2305705 25-Aug-2019 13:27

If you download the Spectrum Search Lite Access Database I am fairly sure they had GPS grid references in there: https://www.rsm.govt.nz/engineers-and-examiners/resources-for-engineers-and-certifiers/spectrum-search-lite/