Sailboat mast antenna

[mfr 0]

I have a Miktotik 2/5GHz Wi-Fi bullet with an attached 9dbi omnidirectional antenna on my sailboat mast, used to pull in free Wi-Fi while at anchor.  The antenna/bullet  is located about 40 feet above the water and 1 foot from my aluminium mast.  A Cat-5 cable in the mast brings the internet connection to my router in the boat's cockpit.  I lose the connection temporarily at times and I believe it is as the boat swings with the wind, as the mast swings between the hotspot I am accessing and my antenna.

I would appreciate insights on if the mast interference the cause of my intermittent reception problem?  Are there antenna configurations I can consider to wrap the signal around the mast. 

A pole type antenna, versus a flat panel, is highly preferred since the antenna/bullet are subjected to high winds (40 mph) and rain.

Can I position an antenna (two identical antennas) on either side of the mast, join them in an effective manner, and then connect them to the bullet?

Would moving the antenna a bit further from the mast solve the problem?  I can only move it another foot, at best.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Edited March 19, 2021 by mfr

[clanon 246]

the router model ...

to check the use of two antennas...(separated a feet or so could be interesting)

pretty sure is the ELEVATION ANGLE going UP and DOWN

 

Edited March 19, 2021 by clanon

[mfr 0]

Groove         Mikrotik
Model        RouterBOARD Groove GA-52HPacn

Placement on both sides of mast would put them 2 to 3 feet apart.

Edited March 19, 2021 by mfr

[clanon 246]

it seems like you gonna need a DUAL BAND omni (with high gain but wide angle of elevation or small angle pointing DOWN)

What's the distance to AP...? (average)

[mfr 0]

Distance is maybe 1/2 mile.  We are s catamaran, so up down might be a few degrees.  Symptoms tend to align with swing . 

[clanon 246]

Here's TWO things you might wanna try , BEFORE changing antenna,...(my 2 cents)

The same 8/9 dbi UP side DOWN (diagram might point better to ground) lower angle

A HAT (aluminum disc) on top of the same antenna (pushing energy down to AP) lower angle

(BUT if 800meters 8/9 dbi  (with lots of obstacles  i assume) is NOT enough closer to 15dbi should do it) New antenna and finding the right HEIGHT

 

you see...when the mast swings your AP falls OUTSIDE the LOBE of reception UP or DOWN...but OUTSIDE...

Edited March 19, 2021 by clanon

[Admin 2545]

,,mfr, for your case I think a disc-cone antenna is good instead of mikrotik bullet...!!!

[clanon 246]

what about supporting the actual set-up with a GIMBAL allowing the antenna and router (with slack in cable) to stay at 90 degrees to level (maybe adding some ballast in the base)

under 5 dbi wouln't do it for 800 mts and obstacles (disc cone) not sure

Edited March 19, 2021 by clanon