[Cu-wireless] Updates and Answers (was: what nodes?...)

[Sascha Meinrath]

Hi everyone,

Dave and I have been quite busy in the last few weeks.  We now have a
stable build of the networking software, installs at 2 different Internet
connection points, and loads of contacts of people who want to join the
network.  The main bottle-necks for the project right now are:

Equipment:
1. Radios (run about $85/each for the ones we want to use);
2. Antennas ($65/each).
Thus far, some of our equipment has been donated, and Dave and I have been
paying out of pocket for hundreds of dollars in additional equipment.

Volunteers to help with:
1. Installs at various locations (if you can hold a wrench, we can use
you);
2. To help with programming & software problem-solving.

Anyone who wants to donate funding towards buying equipment (right now we
could use several thousand dollars easy) can send checks (made out to
UCIMC) to:

Urbana-Champaign IMC
ATTN: Treasurer
218 West Main St.
Suite 110
Urbana, IL 61801

Just put "Wireless Project" in the memo.  Also, because we're sponsored by
the UCIMC, all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.  Also, drop
me a line so I know what to expect.

In addition, Dave and I have been meeting with possible funding sources --
both city officials and researchers -- and are hoping to eventually
receive funding for expanding the network from these sources (stay tuned).
Finally, anyone who wants to start a new wireless cloud (or group of 2 or
more nodes) can do so -- it's very easy to set up and doesn't require any
programming skills -- though again, you must be able to hold a wrench.

Finally, we are still looking for places to install between the IMC and
Peter Miller's node (e.g. locations between the intersections of Green and
Birch at one end, and the place where Main and Springfield merge).  We
need to solidify this link before spring.

All in all, if we can get more equipment and volunteers to help, we can
install in more places -- already we have a sizable waiting list.

Let me know,

--Sascha