@djsoft and @Chris, I agree with Chris, I think the hardware solution at $195 USD is the best way to go because:
1. It's small, sealed, no spinning parts like fans and HDDs etc, and does not require ventillation
2. A PC like a Zotac Zbox would also be useful but is much more expensive (maybe $380 AU) and after purchase has to be assembled, Windows 7 installed and software added and run up. More flexibility though but always that doubt about what might go wrong. Less parts generally equals greater reliability
So Barix wins over a dedicated PC at remote transmitter site. But at the studio RadioBOSS can do the encoding and streaming. If we had an extra $450 USD we could buy the studio end Barix box and connect it to the RadioBOSS box with optic audio cable and do it that way. But we are closer to the studio and within walking distance so we will choose not to use the Barix box at the studio this time.
@DJSTU We discovered those TP-Link gadgets last year and were very impressed. We have tried them also with a large 24dBi gridpack antenna and they work well too. But nothing can beat the simplicity of using them standalone with the inbuilt antenna. Once again minimal parts has less risk, a gridpack has to be mounted, extra bracing to cater for high winds, extra coax adapters and waterproofing .. on it goes.
Not sure how we will configure them yet and we may even install two sets of them for redundancy. This way if something stops an operator can read the "get going fast" manual and plug the Ethernet cable into another socket and try and get things going again rather tahn have a technical person have to come in and drive up the mountain.
This has been very educational for all of us. Thanks for all the input guys ...
@djsoft We obviously need to get a licence for RadioBOSS and our plan was a main box running continuously and teh production editing box as a standby in case of hardware failure. We also wanted to train volunteers on production scheduling on some other Windows 7 boxes, who can I speak to to work out the best way to licence those requirements ?
Thanks, Jamie
