Build Your Own Solar Powered Hotspot

hode writes "Popular Science has a how-to article up on turning a backpack into a portable, solar-powered Wi-Fi hotspot. Possible uses include providing Wi-Fi access for a road-trip caravan." From the article: "Its secret ingredient: the Junxion Box. Plug a cellular-network card into the book-size open-source-based device, and voil--instant Wi-Fi hotspot, with speeds averaging around 700 kilobits per second. To power the box, I wired it to a 1.2-amp-hour battery and dropped both into the Voltaic Systems backpack, which has a built-in solar charger."

Comments

Not worth it.

[robyannetta]

If you connect to it, you too can be arrested.

Whew...

[cobrabyte]

Definitely had me hooked until I saw the price tag.

Can pay someone to run back and forth to my computer for that much money.

-c

Finally!

[Valiss]

I can play counter-stike when camping! No more annoying so-called "fresh air" needed.

Re:Finally!

[joe_bruin]

Camping is frowned upon in Counter-Strike.

Solar powered hotspot, eh?

[iamdrscience]

I've been making my own solar powered hotspots for years, all you need is a magnifying glass. Place it an appropriate distance from the ground and it becomes ideal for heating up small areas with only the power of the sun!

Re:Cyborg

[MrDomino]

"Is that a wifi hotspot in your pants, or are you just happy to see me?"

build your own crime hotspot

[hilaryduff]

id get robbed of that stuff in under 30 minutes

Hurry!!!Hurry!!! Limited Time Offer!!!!

[tripslash]

Now YOU too can impress Bigfoot and all his friends with your very own HotspotPack(noTM)! All for the low-low-low price of ... $1065.50! Some assembly required, backpack not included, not responsible for lost or stolen identities due to running HotspotPack(noTM) in unsucured mode, do not use HotspotPack(noTM) in conjunction with hooded sweatshirts/sunglasses, or burkas.

A how to?

[interstellar_donkey]

That's not really a "How To". It's an idea (albeit a pretty nifty one).

What's next? Popular Science puts together a "How To" on building your own car? "You first get a metal frame, and then attach two axels to it. Then you get an internal combustion engine and mount it on the front. The secret is putting a fuel storage container near the back, connected through a hose to the engine. That will give it a range of hundreds of miles. We also picked up a set of four Goodyear tires and put them on wheels connected to the axel. PROJECT COMPLETED"

And I thought it was impressive...

[haakondahl]

...to surf the web where I, uh, do my business. Now I can surf where a bear does his business!