Three Legged Ponies

If you were to give somebody something.... Something they honestly needed, and I mean needed badly...

Would you cripple it in anyway in giving it to them?

Of course not.

Unfortunately, I've been doing just that for a number of years now, but it wasn't supposed to be this way.

As The HeliOS Project nears its 1000th computer delivery, more than half of those computers are still without Internet service.

And trust me...I've been to the major broadband carriers. There is no help there. We've went above and beyond in trying to get a deal worked out.


I've in essence given these kids just over 500 three-legged ponies. To carry the analogy a bit further...I've inadvertently put blinders on these kids.

Gcompris and Childsplay along with other educational apps only go so far...they keep the child in the box.

As I've mentioned before, most of these families have to make financial decisions. Shoes for the kids or Internet? Car insurance every month or Internet...? There just doesn't seem to be much ever left over for the broadband service they need.

One of you is sure to suggest that they should just settle for dialup. Please...don't do that. You would not cripple your kids that way...don't ask me to do mine as such.

And yes, many of them have opted for dialup.... And found it sorely lacking.

The kids they have to compete against are not thusly hobbled. Recently, students in a middle school here in Austin were assigned homework to watch either the Presidential address to students or a YouTube video by an 11 year old prodigy giving a motivational speech.

Ever tried to watch YouTube on dialup?

Those who could not access the Internet were assigned to read three chapters from: "The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make: A Guide for Teens"

Personally, I think the third option is the best but that's not the point.

Kids without computers or Internet access were asked to stop by the teachers desk and check out the book prior to leaving the classroom. Thusly gaining the stares and attention of the other kids while they filed out of the classroom.

I began to take matters into my own hands. Following Seattle's lead, I began building a Guerrilla Network in East Austin. We actually started doing so back when we first installed the initial computers at Space12. A project which will be completed now that Sam Lee has the room for the Learning Center remodeled and ready.

But our wireless network for East Austin...?

We've run into a bottleneck of sorts. USB wireless devices.

Trust me, we've field-tested 16 different makes or models.

Keep in mind, many of these computers are in "the projects"...multi-story brick and concrete structures that may be built in rows and blocks of buildings...many are denied wireless access by the other buildings around them.

The one device that we've found that works and out performs everything else we've tested is the Hawking HWUG1. it not only out performs more expensive devices, it has lasted for over 9 months so far, exposed to the elements without any measurable damage or degradation of signal.

The worst we've tried? the Netgear USB dongles.

They have consistently failed at 4 to 5 weeks of continuous use, and that is in an indoor environment. They just plain quit. We bought a bunch of them from Frys on sale for 7.99 per.

Now I know why.

We need to get as many of these USB devices and six foot usb extensions as we can. No they are not cheap until you realize that the price of one of these, especially at NewEgg equals the cost of a month of broadband service from Time Warner.

So is what we are doing legal? Marginally....as long as I don't juice the repeater output...

and we all know I wouldn't do that.

I am going to be purchasing a high-gain antennae shortly to facilitate the building of the East Austin network. I will have the expertise of two wireless security people guiding me, but for now, we need to get at least 20 of these folks online so I can start putting in the repeaters.

Should you have any experience or unique input into networks like these, I would like to hear from you.

If you have one of these beauties and can spare it, email me and we'll make the arrangements. Otherwise, we can see if we can't strike a bulk purchase deal with someone. We're talking with NewEgg now, although you may be able to find them cheaper.

If so let me know. Should you be so motivated you can donate to the project by clicking the icon at the top left of the page through our Non Profit conduit Software in the Public Interest.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

40 dollars a month for Time Warner Roadrunner or one single device that will easily deliver a years worth of wireless for that monthly price?

All-Righty Then