> -----Original Message----- > From: tcwug-list-bounces at tcwug.org [mailto:tcwug-list-bounces at tcwug.org]On Behalf Of Tom Poe > Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 10:00 AM > To: steve ulrich > Cc: tcwug-list at tcwug.org > Subject: Re: [tcwug-list] maps.tcwug.org down? > > > steve ulrich wrote: > > well, i'd certainly be willing to check out another meeting, possibly > > even host one. however, it does beg the question, what's there to > > talk about? Maybe lots of scattered topics... Anybody got a working 1 mile link to an "uncooperative" free hotspot? where "uncooperative" means one which does not have a special outside or5 directional antenna at the hotspot location. > > with the city of MSP wireless buildout complete, much of > > the impetus for creation of a wifi overlay has gone away. Is the MSP system of any use when visiting on business and not having a subscription? Is coverage good enough so subscription by a frequent visitor to many locations would be assured of coverage most anywhere? (if not, then going to a hotspot where coverage is known is best for a business rendevous) ie, is it a free service, or just a presence that discourages free hotspots? I've "seen" a rather weak signal when visiting, but been unable to connect. Maybe one or more reports on actual performance, etc, would be interesting programs - or projects. > > anyone working on anything cool? my nerd life has narrowed in focus > > to maximum function with minimal support headache, so i haven't had as > > much time to devote to nerd projects but i'd love to hear what other > > folks are working on. Having some "I did it this way" simple how-tos on the website would be good. Subnetting is one I need to get smarter on so I can add a free WiFi internet-only access to an existing secured system in an adjacent locked office by putting a router there for the PC "as it was" and the WiFi add-on. That should allow the PC at that location to be on or off, and not affect the free WiFi in a meeting room adjacent to that office. Which routers can be made to bridge or extend by picking up one SSID and transmitting a different one using only one radio and "internal smarts"? Some have that as a built-in feature that allows extending a free hot spot to just-out-of-reach meeting place, and having the option of a secured SSID at the meeting place. For temporary setups, such a repeater could be in a lunchbox with some gel-cell batteries and left out of sight for a couple of hours of meeting. Not sure there's enough interest or enough such projects... Chuck >