Firefox 6.0 New Release

Mozilla has just released their updated web browser Firefox 6.0. They are saying this version is faster than the last, I hope so. I like Firefox but it has been slow at start up. I will be downloading this and trying it on a Windows and Ubuntu computer.


www.mozilla.org/

Grandstream GXP-280 HSMM PBX Phone

The Grandstream GXP-280 looks like a good phone to use with the portable PBX system I am working on now. It is a cost effective, but feature filled phone. The web site states that the phone with most 3rd party SIP devices, gateways and leading soft-switch platforms. This phone should preform very good for the HSMM PBX system.

GXP280 Key Features:

128 x 32 pixel graphical LCD with support for multiple languages
1 line appearance with FLASH to handle up to 2 simultaneous calls
3 XML programmable context sensitive soft keys, 3 way conference
High fidelity wideband audio, full-duplex speakerphone with advanced acoustic echo cancellation
Dual switched auto sensing 10/100 Mbps network ports
Automated provisioning for mass deployment, SRTP


http://www.telephonydepot.com/Grandstream-GXP-280

HSMM WebMail Access for Paclink

I now have a Webmail server setup on my Paclink computer. This gives me the ability to connect a served agencies computer through a HSMM mesh link and supply email through a remote portable Paclink RF node. This gateway can use any email client that supports POP and SMTP. This gives me an Apache server that can be used for many other things on the HSMM network in the future. Once I got it setup and running, I found that I really like how it works. This system allows a served agency to have email access without any changes to the agency computers. All you have to do is give the agency a web address and their tactical email address that you set up in the Paclink software. The one good or bad thing is that it does not keep copies of the emails, the agency sending the emails would have to keep there own copies. I think there is a way to keep copies if you buy the upgraded software for Webmail. I am still working with this and building on the simple webmail server. The active ham web site has a good basic start up guide, my installation did not workout the same but it is probably due to software updates.

http://www.winlink.org/
http://www.wampserver.com/en/
http://www.afterlogic.com/download/webmail.asp
http://www.activeham.com/pmwiki.php?n=Main.WebMailAccessToPaclink

Nook Color for HSMM Update

The Nook Color that I posted about earlier is a very nice little computer. I have been working with it more on the web side, I have played with the ebook side and it works very well. It's web browser is nice, but I have to get used to typing on the screen. I had no problems connecting to the AP router going into the Mesh node. The Nook connected to my Paclink email server without any problems. I can send and recieve email from the Nook. This was a fun and easy project.

HSMM-Mesh nodes update

I now have four mesh nodes up and running in various forms from unmodified to portable battery powered node. These have been working great together. I have had no problems with auto association or hopping from node to node. I have been working on connecting these nodes with a mobile server that can connect to Paclink and send Winlink messages via 2m RF. This is a mobile node that can be placed where needed during an event or emergency. This would let a served agency connect to the portable server and using only a web browser have email capabilities. This means that only a web address and password is needed to access the system, no software needs to be installed at the served agency. The next thing for this project is to have HF capability since we do not have enough 144/440 RMS Gateway Nodes in the state, I hope this will change in the future. I will in a future post go into more detail about the mobile Apache server, but initial testing is very favorable.

Top 10 DIY from Radio Shack survey

Check out the results from the recent Radio Shack DIY blog survey. Ham radio made it into the top ten at number 8! If they listen to the DIYers, we may have great things and parts locally again. Check it out here: DIY




http://blog.radioshack.com/

Nook Color for HSMM

I have recently acquired a Barnes and Noble Nook Color. This is a very interesting piece of equipment. Out of the box it has many great features other than an Ebook reader. The Nook has a web browser, email, games, and applications. It has WiFi which is a very nice feature, along with the 7 inch color screen. The only thing it does not have that would be nice is a microphone or line in port. I have been looking at the possibility of using this for HSMM. The web browser may be a quick handy way to access the Mesh. There is a way to change the software to Android or even Ubuntu. I will be looking into these in the near future.



http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nookcolor/index.asp

http://www.nook2android.com/

Hand Sending International Morse Code

Here is a good Army video on how to properly send morse code with a straight key. I found it to be good training even for today. So dust off those unused straight keys and practice the original digital mode.

HSMM-Mesh Internet Tunnel Software Beta Testing Now

The HSMM-Mesh developers are beta testing internet tunneling software. This software will allow remote Mesh networks to link together through the internet. This will be a great leap in capabilities for the software. It will be possible to increase the Mesh network foot print till we can get the gaps filled in. This will be the start of the nationwide mesh network. Here in Henderson Kentucky I have 3 nodes up and running, and we have several hams locally that are building nodes. I would like to link Henderson to the nationwide network. Just think of the possibilities! 


http://hsmm-mesh.org/
http://hsmm-mesh.org/under-development/108-virtual-tunnels.html

HF propagation for Firefox Web Browser

Here is a fun add on for the Firefox web browser. It is called Propfire and works with Firefox and will not work with any IE versions. This will keep you informed about the status of the HF bands. Check it out!



http://www.n0hr.com/Propfire.htm