Batboard

Trying to connect two sites with a radio system which are maybe about a mile apart but have a clear shot at one another.

I have heard about linking with 2.4GHz for radios and data using direction antennas.

I was wondering if anyone has done this or what software people are using for it???

Radio channel that this would be used for is not a primary, emrgency, or priority channel.

Yes, you can use almost anything with high gain antennas. See http://www.hyperlinktech.com for lots of ideas and hardware. Another inexpensive antenna vendor is http://www.superpass.com. A 15 dBi gain antenna at both ends, and placing the transmitter right behind the antenna will work (short feedline). I use Heliax in my installation so I avoid having electronics up the tower. Of course, you should calculate your path loss to know your margin before you spend money and time.

For radio, you can use the common routers from the stores that provide a tx/rx port, or move up to something commercial. There is also Linux bridge software available for use in old PC's with IDE bus 802.11 cards. If you can find them, 900 MHz FHSS versions of these cards can pump out 500 mW and aren't as sensitive to obstructions. I've experimented with all of these solutions and find PRO's and CONs to each. But they all work as long as your link has some margin. My link is a bit over half a mile.

Is your payload already digital in nature? Many hams (Echolink and IRLP) have often found it easier to convert to audio at the easily accessible end of the hop (usually someone's house that has Broadband Internet service) and link to the remote site by conventional audio/radio. Less to go wrong.