cglusky's blog | connecting communities

Jul

13

Mobile Multipurpose Network Node (M2N2) Prototype 2

We have finished the next stage of build of the M2N2 v0.2 and I wanted to share a few pictures and some general info about this design.

The M2N2 is our attempt at putting the "mobile" back in mobile communications.

Jun

27

Sofcoast and Metanomy

Author: cglusky

It's been a busy month here at Metanomy - Among our active projects we have had the pleasure of forming a relationship with Sofcoast, Inc.

Sofcoast's focus is designing, building and delivering whole product solutions targeting critical information delivery to eliminate problematic localized information gaps that exist at critical times of need.

I will be working as an adviser to Sofcoast as they bring some new and exciting products to the first responder market that promise to be not only exciting, but affordable and usable as well.

You can read more about Sofcoast here:

http://www.sofcoast.com/

And I will blogging about some of our first field tests in short order.

Jun

4

Intel Testing Server Cooling Assumptions

Author: cglusky

As we spend time designing the Mobile Multipurpose Network Node (M2N2), one of our biggest design challenges has been the power required to run cooling for the on board electronics - small servers etc. This paper from Intel outlines their test results from running a high density server rack using only an air economizer (essentially a customized air conditioner that only kicks on at or above 90deg F and is a blower the rest of the time).

May

18

"All Disasters Are Local"

Author: cglusky

This is an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times written by my former Commanding Officer. It's another reflection on Golden Phoenix and how it could serve as a new model for multi-agency collaborative training for disaster/crisis response. Of course I think it's a great idea as I was involved as a Marine the first two years and as a civilian analyst in 2008.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/opinion/18ganyard.html?ref=opinion

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May

6

Portable Battery Pack

Author: cglusky

So far this year one of our favorite tech finds has been a lithium ion battery pack. Here's the short spec from the PowerStream site where we bought our unit:

This powerful little battery pack is very flexible, it can act as a 5 volt battery or a 19 volt battery with 6 steps in between. Outputs at 5V, 6V, 7.5V, 9V, 12V, 14V, 16V and 19V. It can also be charged with voltages as low as 5 volts and as high as 24VDC.

Due to it's versatility we are able to test it with various devices.

Apr

29

Update From The Be Local Northern Colorado Fair

Author: cglusky

Just wanted to do a quick update on the latest here at Metanomy. We have been working hard in the lab testing equipment for future integration into our brand spankin' new 16 foot mobile communications trailer - it will be called the Mobile Multi-purpose Network Node or M2N2. We thought about Urban Assault Vehicle but that was already taken. The goal is to provide a complete mobile communications suite that runs on solar/wind power. More details soon.

Mar

27

BeakGeek Solar Powered Wireless Camera Prototype

Author: cglusky

I recently blogged about some of the basic concepts behind BeakGeek, and said the next step was to prototype a solar powered wireless camera. Well, it's done. Or at least the first prototype is done. It's been working for five days now, but we are not yet satisfied with some of the design points. We will be working to refine the design over the next few months. For now here are some of the important notes:

**Design Goal: Assemble a simple solar powered wireless camera that is capable of streaming video as well as emailing a jpeg image on motion detection.

Mar

17

FrontlineSMS and the MetaMini

Author: cglusky

I recently blogged about building a 12V DC mini computer that could be used as a lightweight field server, and I finally got around to configuring it to run FrontlineSMS. It also needed a name so we are calling it the MetaMini. Hey, if Apple can put an "i" in front of everything...

First, many thanks to Ken and Alex over at FrontlineSMS for helping me get the latest release running on Fedora 10.

Mar

3

Mobile Comms Must Have

Author: cglusky

As some of us have learned the hard way, if you can't communicate you can't execute. And one of my favorite gadgets to help maintain communications on the road is the battery powered 3G Router from Cradlepoint. It has saved me on more than one occasion from being in a comms black hole. And if you travel a bunch the cost of 3G will pay for itself - trust me.

Here's a link to some more info on the PHS300. And while you are there you might want to bookmark the site. I find EVDOinfo to be very helpful. You can also find some good comparisons to other devices.

Feb

25

12 Volt DC Mini Computer Build

Author: cglusky

I have been looking for a suitable solution for a small field server/PC to run Linux and support basic needs. I was most interested in the 12V DC requirement for use with solar systems. I finally got around to building one from a bare bones kit from http://www.mini-box.com/ - As with most electronics there are several sites that sell this kind of equipment, but I went with mini-box because they have a good selection of 12V DC power supplies.