(Updated January 14, 2013, handi-talkie discussion added)
LATEST
AE5BK and others have been performing range testing of the modified TPLink routers modified to the latest rev. We have achieved about .6 mile range with the high-gain omni antenna. This was done with one station on the 14th floor of a condominimum and the other mobile in a pickup. We also re-discovered the line-of-sight nature of microwaves. Any tree, bush, or certainly any structure completely attentuated the signal. The number of routers necessary to cover an area the size of Dallas seemed to increase rapidly.
A key motivation for Pinball was providing regional Ecomm messaging. This means that the mesh infrastructure must be easy to install to get wide geographic coverage. With that in mind, we began investigating other RF delivery where we could trade off much wider coverage for lower bandwidth.
At present, we are moving the Pinball algorithm to a Rasberry Pi board that controls a handi-talkie through PTT and mic/spk inputs. We are investigating two possible bands; 2M packet channels and 150Mhz license free band. Many of the Chinese handi-talkies can tune either. Our starting point for digital modes are those included in fldigi (http://www.w1hkj.com/, W1HKJ, David Freese, since data can be fed into the handi-talkie mic inputs. It may be possible to use the handi-talkies as a bridge between TPLink routers for messages only.
KE5ICX has suggested that we allow wifi connection to the mesh using email clients in Iphones and Gphones. This looks doable and would extend the interface devices beyond laptops and tablets.
BACKGROUND
A mesh network is a collection of networked communicating devices that implement a mechanism for passing information from an originating PC, laptop, or smartphone to a destination device.
Pinball is a communication protocol that implements the information passing mechanism for a mesh network built using modified Wifi routers.
- Pinball Advantages
- Technical Details
View the Dallas Pinball map.
INSTALL the Pinball hardware and software.
PINBALL NEWSGROUPS
Yahoo Group moderated by Bill.
Facebook Group Moderated by Mr. Wifi himself, KB5NFT.
KEVIN's engineering notes from N5KRG on power and environment issues.
STATUS and NEWS(09/26/12)
1. Began testing of weatherized routers last week. KF5LBE has heat sealed a TPLink into heavy duty freezer bag. Has mounted the router on the same mast as the
NVIS build. Running on 12V car battery with Harbor Freight trickle charger. Photos posted soon.
2. AE5BK and W5SGV did testing from 11th floor condo on Northwest Hwy. Got about .6 mile with stock omni antenna. Buildings definitely kill wifi signal.
3. Contacted Russian hams to expand the downtown Moscow Pinball network. No reply yet.
4. Latest RadarTalk production version is 3072.
- Latest beta version is 3079.
- Latest openWRT Pinball version is v.132
- - Pinball package can be wirelessly updated from your laptop without any Internet requirement.
- - Pinball tab is now the default openWRT log in page. All necessary Pinball configuration is now on that page.
PUT YOUR PINBALL ON THE MAP
To have your router displayed on the Dallas Pinball map email:
- Your call sign
- Your router latitude and longitude
to Dale Finley kb5nft@gmail.com.
GRIPES, COMPLAINTS, and QUESTIONS
AE5BK-Kreuger Bill AE5BK@yahoo.com
W5SGV-Russell Fish russell.fish@venraytechnology.com
