Difference between revisions of "PirateBox"

From Splatspace
Jump to: navigation, search
Line 1: Line 1:
Starting in October of 2011, we began trying to create several pirateboxes for the space's use.
+
The piratebox is a self-contained provider of an anonymous file sharing and
 +
chat network.
 +
 
 +
We began trying to build one in October of 2011, with the intent to create
 +
several pirateboxes for the space.
 +
 
 +
As of June 2012, we have successfully created one piratebox.
  
 
== People ==
 
== People ==
 
* Jeff Crews
 
* Jeff Crews
 
* j.c.sackett
 
* j.c.sackett
 +
* Drew
 
* Darren Boss
 
* Darren Boss
  
 
== Project Status ==
 
== Project Status ==
  
The current piratebox data on David Darts wiki seems to be one brittle version that worked for the seagate Darts used.
+
There is currently one functioning piratebox in the space, nicknamed V1. It
 +
currently requires access to wall power, and lives in a cardboard box. It is
 +
based off the [http://wiki.daviddarts.com/PirateBox_DIY_Plug_Computer | plug]
 +
version of the piratebox presented at David Darts wiki.
 +
 
 +
Drew is in the process of updating V1 to run off battery power, and thus being
 +
an actual self contained system.
 +
 
 +
== Project History ==
 +
 
 +
=== October 2011 ===
 +
 
 +
* Build began with a pogoplug provided by Jeff Crews and a DD-WRT flashed Linksys router provided by Darren Boss.
 +
* Pogoplug appeared to be unsuitable for use, as the piratebox software provided by David Darts made assumptions about the hardware platform.
 +
 
 +
=== November 2011 ===
 +
 
 +
* A Dockstar was obtained by j.c.sackett; this was the target platform for the software. It continued to fail, apparently because of differences in the hardware.
 +
* j.c.sackett and Jeff Crews decide to look into better software. j.c.sackett starts trying to isolate the software that actually matters, as it turns out the majority of the provided software is just a debian image.
 +
 
 +
=== December 2011 ===
 +
 
 +
* j.c.sackett has partial success with getting an older version of the piratebox software to run; life intervenes, the project is on hold.
 +
 
 +
=== May 2012 ===
 +
 
 +
* The dockstar is bricked!
 +
* j.c.sackett discovers the piratebox software provided by David Darts has been updated to address all the problems found in it so far.
 +
 
 +
=== June 2012 ===
 +
 
 +
* Using the original pogoplug, V1 is completed for the Makerfaire.
 +
* Post-makerfaire, Drew begins modifying it to work off battery power.
 +
* A [http://wejp.k.vu/dockstar/dockstar_repair_with_serial_cable | possible fix] for the bricked dockstar is found.
 +
 
 +
== Future Plans ==
 +
 
 +
=== Mobility ===
 +
 
 +
For maximal awesome, our Pirate Boxes need be tethered to a wall. To that end,
 +
the original pirate box used an [http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-XP8000-Rechargeable-Power-Netbooks/dp/B0029U2WZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1290480129&sr=1-1| expensive battery]
 +
pack to this happen. This offends my ( Drew's ) sensibilities by being really
 +
darned expensive.
  
We have managed an earlier, manually installed version on a seagate dockstar, and are in the process of doing the same with a pogoplug.  
+
So the obvious solution is to build a battery pack to provide power. This also
 +
provides an excuse to learn about DC power conversion.
  
We are also combing through the existing piratebox tarball for the actual piratebox software, which we plan on making debian packages out of.
+
The router runs at 12VDC, at 500mA.  The pogoplug takes straight AC, however
 +
the power supply board says it runs at 5V.  This [http://www.pogoplugged.com/forum/thread/51649/Pogoplug-e02-Power-Supply/| random pogoplug forum post]
 +
implies that the device runs at <5W, so 1A is needed.
  
== Mobility ==
+
=== V2 ===
  
For maximal awesome, our Pirate Boxes need be tethered to a wall. To that end, the original pirate box used an [http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-XP8000-Rechargeable-Power-Netbooks/dp/B0029U2WZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1290480129&sr=1-1| expensive battery] pack to this happen. This offends my ( Drew's ) sensibilities by being really darned expensive.
+
If we can restore the dockstar, we have the parts for a second build. At which
 +
point we could start talking about the [[Pirate Network]].
  
So the obvious solution is to build a battery pack to provide power. This also provides an excuse to learn about DC power conversion.
+
=== Better Case ===
  
The router runs at 12VDC, at 500mA.  The pogoplug takes straight AC, however the power supply board says it runs at 5V.  This [http://www.pogoplugged.com/forum/thread/51649/Pogoplug-e02-Power-Supply/| random pogoplug forum post]] implies that the device runs at <5W, so 1A is needed.
+
Jeff has proposed building a nicer case, possibly something laser cut, for the
 +
box.

Revision as of 00:23, 27 June 2012

The piratebox is a self-contained provider of an anonymous file sharing and chat network.

We began trying to build one in October of 2011, with the intent to create several pirateboxes for the space.

As of June 2012, we have successfully created one piratebox.

Contents

People

  • Jeff Crews
  • j.c.sackett
  • Drew
  • Darren Boss

Project Status

There is currently one functioning piratebox in the space, nicknamed V1. It currently requires access to wall power, and lives in a cardboard box. It is based off the | plug version of the piratebox presented at David Darts wiki.

Drew is in the process of updating V1 to run off battery power, and thus being an actual self contained system.

Project History

October 2011

  • Build began with a pogoplug provided by Jeff Crews and a DD-WRT flashed Linksys router provided by Darren Boss.
  • Pogoplug appeared to be unsuitable for use, as the piratebox software provided by David Darts made assumptions about the hardware platform.

November 2011

  • A Dockstar was obtained by j.c.sackett; this was the target platform for the software. It continued to fail, apparently because of differences in the hardware.
  • j.c.sackett and Jeff Crews decide to look into better software. j.c.sackett starts trying to isolate the software that actually matters, as it turns out the majority of the provided software is just a debian image.

December 2011

  • j.c.sackett has partial success with getting an older version of the piratebox software to run; life intervenes, the project is on hold.

May 2012

  • The dockstar is bricked!
  • j.c.sackett discovers the piratebox software provided by David Darts has been updated to address all the problems found in it so far.

June 2012

  • Using the original pogoplug, V1 is completed for the Makerfaire.
  • Post-makerfaire, Drew begins modifying it to work off battery power.
  • A | possible fix for the bricked dockstar is found.

Future Plans

Mobility

For maximal awesome, our Pirate Boxes need be tethered to a wall. To that end, the original pirate box used an expensive battery pack to this happen. This offends my ( Drew's ) sensibilities by being really darned expensive.

So the obvious solution is to build a battery pack to provide power. This also provides an excuse to learn about DC power conversion.

The router runs at 12VDC, at 500mA. The pogoplug takes straight AC, however the power supply board says it runs at 5V. This random pogoplug forum post implies that the device runs at <5W, so 1A is needed.

V2

If we can restore the dockstar, we have the parts for a second build. At which point we could start talking about the Pirate Network.

Better Case

Jeff has proposed building a nicer case, possibly something laser cut, for the box.