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The Wireless Backpack Repeater

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the i'm-to-sexy-for-my-backpack dept.

Andy Laurence writes "So, you've decided to do a webcast around the streets of Bristol, but your puny wireless NIC isn't up to it? You need the ultimate wireless repeater! Built from an old backpack, a lead acid battery, a Linksys wireless device, and a rather scary antenna, this wireless repeater will get you webcasting from over a mile away." You'd definitely burn extra calories hiking with that thing.

5 of 241 comments (clear)

  1. Solar? by DrewBeavis · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I wonder if here in Florida we could rig up a solar panel that makes enough power for this rig. That would make it lighter... but it might not work in places with less sun. Maybe a smaller battery and the solar panel?

  2. What about cancer? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    People were concerned about holding cell phones close to their brains due to the risk of tumors. Isn't this thing going to fry your brain?

    1. Re:What about cancer? by RealErmine · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Isn't this thing going to fry your brain?

      People need to look up the definition of non-ionizing radiation. For comparison also look up ionizing radiation. Exposure to non-ionizing radiaton does not have a cumulative effect over your lifetime. This (or your cell phone) is no more harmful to you than the local rock station broadcasting their signal.

      The worst thing that can happen from this kind of radiation is everyday, non-mutating burning (like your microwave), but the low power from the repeater won't do that.

      --
      Dewey, you fool! Your decimal system has played right into my hands!
  3. never put a car battery on your back! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Just a tip, in case you were thinking of trying.
    I built something I called "loud backpack" once. It consisted of a 1/4" mic jack, 2 12" speakers, an amp, and a car battery.
    On a particularly warm day, my back started to itch, and it took a while before I realized that it was battery acid leaking through the padding, my shirt, and onto my back.
    Ran to the shower, falling once to scrape my knees, and immediately doused myself with water. Well, don't forget what they said about adding water to acid in high school chemistry class like I did... it burns!
    Anyways, amusing anecdote.. do not try at home!

  4. I'm much more interested... by AKAImBatman · · Score: 3, Interesting

    ...in the possibilities of a dynamic WiFi network built out of electronic devices in close proximity. It would present a great number of engineering difficulties, but the payoff would be complete internet coverage anywhere in the world. ... Well, at least anywhere there's other people present to relay the packets.

    Hmm... I think there'd need to be a way of identifying open Internet points. Phones, laptops, etc. near these points would then need to broadcast their access. When a device receives a packet, it should know enough to accept or reject the route based on its current network uplinks. Bandwidth could present a problem, especially since a ton of small packet messages would be necessary to identify the current status of a given device.

    Anyone know of research that's currently being done in this area?

    --
    Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade