[arm-allstar] Allstar portable node questionnaire

[Simon Keys]

Hi Doug
Simon here in Auckland, New Zealand.  I run a mobile Allstar node (43317)
in the manner you describe, so I thought I would respond.


*What Allstar are you using and what hardware is it running on? (BBB, Pi2
with adapter, Pi3 direct)*
RPi2 with DMK URI
BF-888s node transceiver
RPi2-3 V1.02beta release


*Are you connecting WIFI or wired to your hotspot?*
WiFi


*What is the type and model of the hotspot device connecting to the cell
system (phone, dedicated box, etc.)*
Huawei R205 portable


*Who is your provider?  Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.*
Vodafone


*What technology (3G, 4G, LTE)*
3g



*What data plan do you have and how much does it cost? (example -
10G/$50/month) *
Unsure, it is a corporate plan


*If you have done this have you been successful?*
I tried and failed with the previous RPi2 build


*If so what problems have you experienced getting it working?*
I had a lot of trouble getting WiFi to work on the Pi using the Arch
build.  In fact I gave up on the Crompton image for a while, and
experimented with the Raspian build available on the UK Hub.  This worked
OK but I went back to the Crompton build when the RPi2-3 V1.02beta image
was released.  It does work but I can't get it to automatically switch to
other WiFi networks.

I experience a fair amount of packet loss using the Huawei R205.  When
running a mobile node in this manner I think an external cellular antenna
from the modem would be a great help.  In fact I would like some
recommendations on a 4G/LTE modem with an external cellular antenna, anyone?


*If you have not been able to get it to work do you have ideas on why it
does not?*
There is quite a bit of conflicting information on setting up WiFi on the
Pi.  I ended up using netctl and I manually switch WiFi networks using DTMF
tones.  I am not sure why auto WiFi network switching is not working.


*While not necessary for Allstar does your service allow port forwarding
that works?*
 I use VPN.  I thought we did have to allow port forwarding.


*If you have established a mobile node would you have interest to do this
in the future?*
Yes, I also want to build a mobile radioless node into a gutted case from a
Great GT-210 handheld CB radio.  Could be a cool device.


*Would a document explaining how to do this, what works, what does not, be
helpful?*
Probably not now that I have expended so many hours working out how to do
this successfully!!  If I was starting again from scratch then it would be
helpful, yes.

Thank you for the time and effort you and the team put in to this, Doug.

Regards
Simon ZL1OE


On Sat, May 28, 2016 at 4:14 PM, Doug Crompton via arm-allstar <
arm-allstar at hamvoip.org> wrote:

> I would like to get input from those who are using mobile nodes that
> connect to the cell system not home style WIFI. We commonly call anything
> WIFI "hotspots" but I am primarily interested in those connected via the
> cell system and portable between cells as in take it in your car and drive
> across the county. It seems there is a lot of confusion in this area and so
> many options. I want to try and weed out what works and what does not work
> and come up with a document to help those wanting to accomplish this.
> Currently we have 3G, 4G, 4G LTE from many providers including but not
> limited to Verizon, AT&T, Sprint. There are a myriad of hardware connection
> options from smart phones to dedicated routers. Cost is always a factor and
> most people would like to use existing smart-phones with a Pi3 talking to
> it.
>
> I know many people who have been successful and many who have not.
> Personally I have been quite successful with a cradlepoint router and a
> Verizon 3G dongle that I borrow for presentations. It just works, but that
> is not the norm and not what the average person would use. Also 2G and even
> 3G is being phased out or not offered in new plans.
>
> If you are currently doing this or trying to do this please give me the
> following information. I am primarily interesting in Allstar. Please be
> somewhat precise in your answers. There will be room to comment at the end.
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> *What Allstar are you using and what hardware is it running on? (BBB, Pi2
> with adapter, Pi3 direct)Are you connecting WIFI or wired to your
> hotspot?What is the type and model of the hotspot device connecting to the
> cell system (phone, dedicated box, etc.)Who is your provider?  Verizon,
> AT&T, Sprint, etc.What technology (3G, 4G, LTE)What data plan do you have
> and how much does it cost? (example - 10G/$50/month) If you have done this
> have you been successful?If so what problems have you experienced getting
> it working?If you have not been able to get it to work do you have ideas on
> why it does not?While not necessary for Allstar does your service allow
> port forwarding that works? If you have established a mobile node would you
> have interest to do this in the future?Would a document explaining how to
> do this, what works, what does not, be helpful?Comments -*
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> *73 DougWA3DSPhttp://www.crompton.com/hamradio
> <http://www.crompton.com/hamradio>*
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> arm-allstar mailing list
> arm-allstar at hamvoip.org
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>
> Visit the BBB and RPi2 web page - http://hamvoip.org
>
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