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The Wireless Backpack Repeater

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.

7 of 241 comments (clear)

  1. As a bonus... by OhHellWithIt · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... you won't have to worry about being mugged for it. The police will be watching far too closely.

    --
    "Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past." -- George Orwell
  2. 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?

  3. Nope... by Mz6 · · Score: 5, Informative
    After going to Bristol Wireless' webpage I highly doubt this is a USA address.

    8 Bannerman Buildings,
    Bannerman Road,
    Easton
    Bristol
    BS5 0RR

    Telephone
    0117 9025247

    --
    Hmmm.
  4. Not to mention by Prince+Vegeta+SSJ4 · · Score: 5, Funny
    You'd definitely burn extra calories hiking with that thing.

    what else would burn, when someone DoS's you, the router overloads the battery, and the acid leaks all over your back.

  5. 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!

  6. Re:More details on power? by tim_mathews · · Score: 5, Informative

    Well, according to the manual for the router it takes 12VDC and the connector is + Tip, that is the positive wire goes to the inside part of the plug. So no special electronics, just wire from the battery to the router. The manual also says that the router draws 1.0amp, so I'd put a 1.5 - 2 amp fuse in line as well. The router probably has an internal fuse, but for an extra $0.50 why not?

  7. 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!