Mission Manager Community
Mission Manager => General Mission Manager Discussion => Topic started by: Radishworks on January 18, 2011, 07:44:25 PM
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Hello Everyone,
I wanted to share our little SAR Network in a Box project we are putting into service. Along with our field packs, 4x4's, and the rest of our SAR Geek Gear, we've added two hi-tech Pelican Cases to allow us to run Mission Manager easily in the field. Simply open the cases turn on the power, then we have a secure wireless network, internet connection, and wireless print server. We are now asking our searchers to bring their own laptops to log on to the network, check maps, do debriefs, etc. I'll post the links to all the bits and pieces below. Total cost, minus laptops was only a few hundred dollars.
One pelican case has the printer, wireless network and print server. It also has spare ink and extra supply of paper. Simply open it up and turn on, it will broadcast a secure network via one (or two) MiFi Cards or can be plugged directly into a wired network (i.e. the Satellite Dish, etc.). All the printers on the network can print to this single printer. The printer is mounted in the case with a couple metal straps.
The other pelican case contains 3 SAR Laptops just turn them on and they automatically connect to SAR Network and all can print to the Printer. The plan is to have a second laptop case with 3 more laptops very soon.
Printer ($80):
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-iP3600-Inkjet-Printer-2868B002/dp/B001DJ9PY4
Wireless Network ($159):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875997433
Print Server ($70):
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3590363&Sku=T156-2410
Internet MiFi:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?&item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=4726
We hope to have a Satellite Internet connection at some point, but the areas that don't have Cell service are getting harder to find in our county.
See attached pictures.
Regards,
Mike
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That looks great. I'm jealous. This antenna might be a handy add on for that router:
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-1801 (http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-1801)
It might be a handy way to let you leave your MiFi connection on the top of a hill where reception is good and put your command post in a more logistically desirable location.
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Good idea Jeff.
There's also some MiFi antennas out there that seem to be able to work with weak MiFi signals. I hope to be able to play with one of those soon too. Check out: http://www.evdoinfo.com/content/view/2803/63/
Mike
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I have had success with the Wilson Sleek device so far. This device will boost one device only at a time (MiFi or cell phone). Recently I pulled over on Hwy 78 going into Anza Borrego where my phone showed no signal. I plugged in this device and got four bars and made a call. There needs to be some sort of signal for it to boost but it definitely works.
There are definitely more sensitive antennas and powerful amps available but for a simple, portable type of solution it is an option.
http://3gstore.com/product/1981_wilson-sleek-cell-phone-signal-booster.html
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I saw this thing first hand the other week and noticed there are two spots for the Verizon MiFi things, but only one was plugged in. If you plug in a second, does it use them in parallel?
Also, at work on Friday a buddy was showing me his new 3G/4G mobile hotspot from Verizon. He said it was just about as fast as his DSL at home. Does the department get a new every two discount? :)
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I saw this thing first hand the other week and noticed there are two spots for the Verizon MiFi things, but only one was plugged in. If you plug in a second, does it use them in parallel?
Yep, and the CradlePoint load balances between the two.
3G/4G mobile hotspot
Heard the 4G works good with the CradlePoint, but we don't have one yet. Also heard you need to get and extension cable so the hotspot antenna isn't so close to the CradlePoint to avoid interference. See: http://3gstore.com/product/765_cradlepoint_mbr1000.html
Mike