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RF Sprinkler System

Just slide an antenna through the existing pipes.
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A sprinkler system in public places exists. An easy accessible Radio Frequency antenna doesn’t. I've seen lots of geeks/nerds/techheads in public with their laptops and portable computers in public. Now these people don't have easy access to the internet unless they jack into a phone jack with a dongle, or sync up with a cell phone, or have a SatLink and can access a satellite. Why can't we run RF antennas through the existing sprinkler systems? The wires are small enough so they wouldn't get in the way in need of emergency. Now all the laptops just need a RF connection and they can get on line.
barnzenen, Oct 21 2002

RF sprinkler system setter-offer.. http://www.davemade.com/photos.htm
[Mr Burns, Oct 17 2004]

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       //Why can't we run RF antennas through the existing sprinkler systems?//   

       Because the metal pipe would seriously degrade the signal strength?
GenYus, Mar 19 2004
  

       the effective length of this antenna would be zero because there would be earthing of the conductors (the metal pipes are good conductors)plus the attenuation due to being underground. and if the wires are out side the pipes then its the same as laying up an new network rather than using an existing one.
geekboy, Jun 16 2004
  

       Why not use the power cables instead? They probably pick up a lot as RF noise anyway, just isolate them from the outside world (probably already are) through a transformer and use them as an antenna.
brewer, Jun 17 2004
  

       Stop and think what you're proposing here; forget whatever science and physical fact that will keep it from working. You want to take a life-safety system, arguably the MOST important in a building/city, and introduce even more potential to fail in an emergency for what's commonly present in most any new building. Careful you don't choke on these fishbones.
otmShank, Jun 19 2004
  
      
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