On 24/07/2013 11:04, David Osborn wrote:

Hi All,

I was just wondering what people have deployed as a "node in a box" solution.

I'm toying with building a portable node that can use either WiFi or 3G and which can be set-up in an arbitrary location as required. The general idea being aimed at emergency communications.

So, what radios, what computer power (RTCM, perhaps?), what power arrangements?

73

David Osborn

GD4HOZ

David, I would consider a thin client with 2.5" HDD running ACiD. They require 12V and are easily powered by a SLAB or similar battery. The RTL8188CU WLAN USB dongle also works with CentOS. My Wyse V90 has a 1GHz CPU and only had 256MB RAM (i've since upgraded it), and initially ran ACiD with usbradio with no problems. For /P uses, I have a Motorola HT-600E of which I have "hacked" the public safety speaker/mic connector to connect to the TC. The cable has mini coax, so I've connected a BNC socket to the end to connect to a better antenna. Pretty "Quick N Durty", but it works. For the HT-600E, I've knocked up a simple circuit involving a LM7810 regulator and a dead battery pack (I've removed the cells and placed the circuit inside, so again it can run from either 12V or a 13.8V PSU. I haven't done anything with the 3G dongle yet - I have one here, but havent experimented! 73 J