Question How to build a simple router/server system that I can connect to via cellular?

[offgrid]

I hope this is the correct forum for this topic. If not, please point me in the proper direction.

I am trying to determine what items I would need to create and connect to a remote irrigation system.

Remotely, I would like to check on a wireless irrigation controller, as well as a “security” camera that I can use to visually check on the water level of our rain catchment system.

This system will have access to a 110v power (solar system). Our phones are able to access LTE service at this location, so I assume this system should be able to find a signal.

While the router system, irrigation controller and camera will have power 24/7, I am hoping the SIM card will only be using minutes when I am connecting to it from my phone or computer.

Please let me know if I am being unclear in my goal for this system. I appreciate your assistance.

 

[Eximo]

Cellular modem/access point seems to be what you are after?

If the wireless irrigation controller and camera is intended for WiFi, then you need to extend your WiFi to that location. Which is an entirely different question. Some line of sight antennae to a another location that does have internet/network you have access to.

If you mean to have a computer there connected to the irrigation controller and camera that you then connect to via the internet then you could just set the computer up for remote access. That computer would need a cellular modem.

 

[lantis3]

Create a ZeroTier/Tailscale VPN for yourself.

You likely will need a mini pc or Raspberry Pi at home running ZeroTier/Tailscale acting as a controller then you login remotely and then control.

Both VPN got tutorial on YT.

 

[kanewolf]

I hope this is the correct forum for this topic. If not, please point me in the proper direction.

I am trying to determine what items I would need to create and connect to a remote irrigation system.

Remotely, I would like to check on a wireless irrigation controller, as well as a “security” camera that I can use to visually check on the water level of our rain catchment system.

This system will have access to a 110v power (solar system). Our phones are able to access LTE service at this location, so I assume this system should be able to find a signal.

While the router system, irrigation controller and camera will have power 24/7, I am hoping the SIM card will only be using minutes when I am connecting to it from my phone or computer.

Please let me know if I am being unclear in my goal for this system. I appreciate your assistance.

Ubiquiti has a new, outdoor all-in-one cellular router -- https://store.ui.com/us/en/category/mobile-routing/products/umr-industrial-us
I have Ubiquiti for all my home network. I am very happy with their hardware.
There are probably similar devices from other vendors.

 

[offgrid]

Cellular modem/access point seems to be what you are after?

If the wireless irrigation controller and camera is intended for WiFi, then you need to extend your WiFi to that location. Which is an entirely different question. Some line of sight antennae to a another location that does have internet/network you have access to.

If you mean to have a computer there connected to the irrigation controller and camera that you then connect to via the internet then you could just set the computer up for remote access. That computer would need a cellular modem.

There is no WiFi at all on the property. This is located just about dead center of our 1200 acre place, so I am trying to find a way to do it via cellular. Thanks a ton for the quick response!

 

[offgrid]

Cellular modem/access point seems to be what you are after?

If the wireless irrigation controller and camera is intended for WiFi, then you need to extend your WiFi to that location. Which is an entirely different question. Some line of sight antennae to a another location that does have internet/network you have access to.

If you mean to have a computer there connected to the irrigation controller and camera that you then connect to via the internet then you could just set the computer up for remote access. That computer would need a cellular modem.

Create a ZeroTier/Tailscale VPN for yourself.

You likely will need a mini pc or Raspberry Pi at home running ZeroTier/Tailscale acting as a controller then you login remotely and then control.

Both VPN got tutorial on YT.

I do have an extra laptop and a Pi I can use. I'll research ZeroTier/Tailscale VPN on YT. Thanks a lot!

 

[offgrid]

Ubiquiti has a new, outdoor all-in-one cellular router -- https://store.ui.com/us/en/category/mobile-routing/products/umr-industrial-us
I have Ubiquiti for all my home network. I am very happy with their hardware.
There are probably similar devices from other vendors.

I'll check it out! And then I just need a laptop attached to the cellular router? I like it! I wonder how long a laptop would last in 100' heat. It would be shaded, and I guess I could rig up a fan. Thank you!

 

[Eximo]

I'll check it out! And then I just need a laptop attached to the cellular router? I like it! I wonder how long a laptop would last in 100' heat. It would be shaded, and I guess I could rig up a fan. Thank you!

We once took in a complaint about overheating laptops from our field techs. We took a standard business laptop (Lenovo) and put it in an oven to simulate car interior temperatures. Didn't phase it at all, just throttled itself and kept going. So we taped the vents closed. It still worked.

Now long term health of the battery at those temperatures is another question.

 

[kanewolf]

I'll check it out! And then I just need a laptop attached to the cellular router? I like it! I wonder how long a laptop would last in 100' heat. It would be shaded, and I guess I could rig up a fan. Thank you!

Maybe I missed something.... I thought you wanted to access cameras and an irrigation system.
What do you want a "server" at the remote location for?
An IP camera will have a web portal that you can log into and view live. What interface does the irrigation system have?

 

[lantis3]

TL;DR

Raspberry Pi Controlled Irrigation System

Raspberry Pi Controlled Irrigation System: Every spring my wife gets really ambitious and plants a big vegetable garden. As the summer drags on, ambition turns to laziness and unfortunately many of the plants die a slow, withering death from neglect due to lack of weeding and watering (excep…

www.instructables.com

 

[kanewolf]

TL;DR

Raspberry Pi Controlled Irrigation System

Raspberry Pi Controlled Irrigation System: Every spring my wife gets really ambitious and plants a big vegetable garden. As the summer drags on, ambition turns to laziness and unfortunately many of the plants die a slow, withering death from neglect due to lack of weeding and watering (excep…

www.instructables.com

The original post implied they had the irrigation system already.

 

[gggplaya]

What's the actual distance from the irrigation system to the house?

I've been experimenting with HaLow 900mhz wifi lately and it's quite impressive. It can do 1km no problem, even with trees, hills and buildings in the way. You just need a small pole about 10-15 feet in the air. Not very high, you can mount the other antenna on a barn or the house. But it would save you from paying a cellular bill. Those distances are with an omni-directional antenna, I'm sure if you use a directional antenna pointed to and from the house, you could go much much further.