Since the last post here was 2015, I'm not expecting any responses.  Just posting for someone to find if they are looking in the same place as me. 

I'm playing around with a couple of nodes up in the Cumming area.  Have no idea what I might do with them, but they are talking and one has my QSL card linked as a website service.  No fancy antennas as of yet so basically only as good to the road from the house.  Something new to play with anyhow.

If you're in the area, give me a shout.

73,

Lynn - KW4WL

There is a precedence of millions of linux computers, many used in commercial environments, with a wifi card and firmware that is not released by the manufacture. The FCC supports this -- see this reference:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/08/fcc-settlement-requires-tp-link-support-3rd-party-firmware

These Linux devices include the OpenWRT and DD-WRT communities and any linux desktop/server with, e.g. many Qualcomm-Atheros wireless chipsets. While the manufacturer contributed to the open source driver, it is modified and released by the open source community.

See this reference on how linux deals with this: http://wiki.prplfoundation.org/wiki/Complying_with_FCC_rules_on_Wifi

Exerts here (in context that BBHN and AREDN are both based on OpenWRT):

Does this requirement apply to OpenWrt itself?

No, not directly. The FCC regulates devices which produce radio waves. The software, by itself, does not produce radio wave therefore software, open source or not, is not regulated by the FCC. That said, the mechanism for controlling transmission characteristics in order to comply with regulatory requirements could be implemented in software, and in the case of Linux is implemented in software. This mechanism would be considered part of the device for regulatory purposes.

So if it doesn't apply to OpenWrt itself, why is this an issue to OpenWrt?

The growth and quality of OpenWrt, like most open source software, is dependent on the ability of the community to innovate. As part of this, users need to guarantee their modifications work as anticipated. If routers software is locked down completely, there's no way for an individual to install their modified software on their own, personally-purchased router. This lead to a situation where the community can't participate and neutralizes many of the benefits of manufacturers using open source software. This is to say nothing of the fact that users wouldn't be able to use their own devices as they see fit.

Joe AE6XE

These new portable 900mhz mesh networking transceivers are awesome!

They have 1 watt power output. Fractal Antenna. Links to your iOS or Android smartphone. Fits in your shirt pocket. Hardware hackable. SDK available.

I have already modified one with an external SMA antenna connector so I can use a higher gain antenna.  

They are already in use by a ton of people in the Bay Area as well as across the country.

Here is the link: https://gotenna.com/

You can also browse the user coverage map here: https://www.imeshyou.com/

It would be really cool if we could get these devices placed on top of ham radio repeater towers and mountain tops such as Mt Diablo, Mt Hamilton, & Mt Umunhum.

these devices would be an ideal way for non hams to have off-grid / emergency communications.   

This link will direct you to the goTenna Mesh community discussion board where you can read about how people are using and modifying goTenna Mesh devices: https://meshcommunity.gotenna.com/

Use this link to save $20 on any GoTenna purchase:https://www.takable.com/x/BgQPKo

SOLD!

SOLD!

I have a WRT54G-RG that is now the latest flash but want to put it back to DDWRT. What is the easiest way to do this as the two files are different and ddwrt cannot be directly uploaded.

What is the easiest procedure to get back to ddwrt?

thanks,, Klaus ve3kr

Good evening all!

I'm in the northern area of Mesquite with a WRT54GL and cheap 16-element beam - looking to link up to the node in Lakewood or the node in Rockwall/Rowlett area, I see Lakewood is 7 miles away! :)

Just checking in for additional Dallas activity, thanks!

Does anyone have a copy of Ubiquiti's 5.5.x firmware for the bullet m2.  It does not appear to be on their site anymore?  The oldest is now 5.6.x 

Thanks.

Someone has set one of my routers up would like to have all of them with same password that I want. Thanks

Someone has set one of my routers up would like to have all of them with same password that I want. Thanks

That's great we have some gear here in Palmdale but no place suited high enough with permission to make good connections. Let me know exactly where you are we have a couple of places we may be able to use in Lancaster, Palmdale and Lake LA that I would like to try.

I have several services I host related to Ecomm PBX, Web Services, Custom Apps and these are available locally in Palmdale via MESH but no one is connecting to them right now. Please hit me up and send me an email I would like to discuss. ke6rhv@arrl.net

High Desert Ecomm Group

www.hdecommgrp.org/

Marcus