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Starting From Scratch

PostPosted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 3:50 pm
by DaKahuna
There has been a lot of discussion on this forum about what works and what doesn't, what people are using, and how they are set up. What I could not find is the answer to this question from the old timer's. Knowing what you know today. If you had to build a brand new stumbling rig and could not use any hardware or software in your possession (everything must be bought new) what would you buy? Everything must be available from the Web.

PostPosted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 4:18 pm
by little dave
DaKahuna wrote:There has been a lot of discussion on this forum about what works and what doesn't, what people are using, and how they are set up. What I could not find is the answer to this question from the old timer's. Knowing what you know today. If you had to build a brand new stumbling rig and could not use any hardware or software in your possession (everything must be bought new) what would you buy? Everything must be available from the Web.



Is this a carputer, laptop rig? On a scale 1 - 10 were do you want to be?

PostPosted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 4:36 pm
by beakmyn
Another Panasonic Toughbook. New one have GPS, WIFI, Bluetooth, screen that's visible in sunlight. Dust, moisture resistant. All you'd need is dc-dc adapter.

I think the Houston office got a toughbook 19 for working out on the off shore platforms. Holy crap is this thing light!

Or a toughbook 30


Oh yeah baby! Panasonic ToughBooks - CF-19 series with Linux pre-installed. Configured $5830 Do you want my mailing address? :D Not that I would buy from them price seems high especially when they're asking $100 for a 256mb USB key.

PostPosted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 7:25 pm
by renderman
I would take stock of what my needs really are and build to that, rather than just growing organically as needed.

High gain cards with dual antenna connectors.

A zaurus or other small formfactor PC.

Something that runs backtrack properly so I don't have to patch anything manually.

A proper mounting rig in my car

A proper mobile rig with an antenna meant for such things and not the wicked looking vagi's I use now.

PostPosted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 8:02 pm
by Barry
renderman wrote:I would take stock of what my needs really are and build to that, rather than just growing organically as needed.

High gain cards with dual antenna connectors.

A zaurus or other small formfactor PC.

Something that runs backtrack properly so I don't have to patch anything manually.

A proper mounting rig in my car

A proper mobile rig with an antenna meant for such things and not the [color="Red"]wicked looking vagi's[/color] I use now.




Down g8t! Down! :D

PostPosted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 8:26 pm
by DaKahuna
little dave wrote:Is this a carputer, laptop rig? On a scale 1 - 10 were do you want to be?


It is what YOU want it to be. This is your rig, not mine, you are describing.

renderman wrote: High gain cards with dual antenna connectors.


Here is where there needs to be specific. When is the last time you saw a card with a dual antenna connection? Is this something readily available?

Surprised no one has mentioned a MacBook yet.

PostPosted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 10:04 pm
by G8tK33per
Barry wrote:Down g8t! Down! :D


Love me some wicked vagi's!

PostPosted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 10:09 pm
by G8tK33per
DaKahuna wrote:
When is the last time you saw a card with a dual antenna connection? Is this something readily available?

You mean like this one?

http://pdos.csail.mit.edu/roofnet/media/nl-2511cdplusext2.jpg

PostPosted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 12:51 am
by renderman


I've got a pair of em. 200mw goodness

Ubiquity has a 300mw version with dual cards, but I'm a bit loath to have that near my nuts

PostPosted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 2:07 am
by Barry
renderman wrote:I've got a pair of em. 200mw goodness

Ubiquity has a 300mw version with dual cards, but I'm a bit loath to have that near my nuts


So you're saying having 4 200mw cards within 3 feet of me isn't a good idea?? :D

PostPosted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 1:44 pm
by Starpoint
DaKahuna wrote:There has been a lot of discussion on this forum about what works and what doesn't, what people are using, and how they are set up. What I could not find is the answer to this question from the old timer's. Knowing what you know today. If you had to build a brand new stumbling rig and could not use any hardware or software in your possession (everything must be bought new) what would you buy? Everything must be available from the Web.


Hmm if I were to start over.... I would order from the web a Orinoco Gold classic like I have, maybe order a 10-15 foot pigtail from FabCorp (or at least a custom made cable) as well as a 5-8 DB antenna omni.
Laptop, there are some places in Houston that sell the older units cheap so I would get one of those with USB and Serial on it.. GPS.. would get something similar to what I have now which is a basic unit.


Reason I keep it simple is that its easy to set up, and its solid. long range yagi's have their uses but I like things simple.