We are currently working on a custom project, and are considering using the Fathom-X as an alternative to fibre optics. Does anyone have any experience using these boards on longer tethers? For our project, we need a custom tether 800 meters long, with both 400 VDC supply and communication (twisted pair if we go for the Fathom-X). I realize that the electrical characteristics of the tether itself will play a large role, but the information on the board mentioned a theoretical 2000 meter max tether length, so it would be interesting to hear if anyone has tried using them with longer tethers, and what their experiences were.
I’m using Fathom-X for communication on a pipe rover. It’s works (more than 10 mbit/s, no precise tests done) over 750m on a cheap AWG24 shielded twisted pair(not working with the same cable over 800m). AWG22 shielded twisted pair should do the job for the communication part.
Magnificent, thank you very much for the input! That is very helpful information. I could reduce the length to 750 m if needed, so then at least I know it is possible.
Hi @Oddmar can you please tell me how to set this in the bluerov… I´m trying to use a very long tether (700 m) and want to use the or try the best option. Thank you very much…
Well, i use a 4-port router between my Rpi and the eKL extender so i can run 8 camera feeds from an onboard DVR, but most people would just plug the Raspberry Pi into the eKL ethernet extender, then run coax or cat5 cable up topside. eKL ethernet extender topside plugged into computer.
That is very helpful information. I could reduce the length to 750 m if needed, so then at least I know it is possible.