InSSIDer Wi-Fi Network Scanner

I used to have NetStumbler for Wi-Fi network scanning but it doesn't run on Windows 7 OS. Its development seems to have stalled. The newer InSSIDer network scanner runs natively on this new OS. It's interface shows the detected Access Points' signal strength graph in two panes. Aside from 2.4 GHz , it is also able to scan the 5 GHz spectrum.

Overall, the software is very good and it's FREE. It is downloadable from http://www.metageek.net/.

Happy scanning!

Efficient Replacement to Windows Copy or XCopy

Frustrated with Microsoft Windows’ Copy or XCopy command-line tools? Even with Windows Explorer, you seldom succeed in copying multiple files--- it just stops when an error is encountered leaving you clueless as to why and where it stopped. Your instinct would then be retry and fail again.

You might think of using XCopy from the command line. Of course, it’s better than the Copy command giving you a bit of control of multiple file copies but aside from the difficult-to-use syntax, you also get misleading error messages that are hard to troubleshoot. It still eats up your valuable amount of time trying to get it right.

But thanks to Microsoft RichCopy, copying multiple files and directories in the thousands is now a breeze. This is a Windows GUI tool to let you copy multiple files and directories with so many options available in XCopy. It is fast, simple to use and most of all, it’s free!

Please note that this utility is provided as-is, and it's not supported by Microsoft (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2009.04.utilityspotlight.aspx?pr=blog)

Cool Free Software for Offline E-Mail

Another great application that I used and still using is Zimbra Desktop, the FREE desktop software for full email, contact, calendar, document management and offline access features.

I have used a few email clients in the past like Sea Monkey, ThunderBird, MS Outlook, the GMail plugin to receive and store my emails locally on my PC to make them available even without internet, but Zimbra Desktop has the features of consolidating my different email accounts--- GMail and Yahoo.

Installation is straight-forward. After installation, add your email accounts and sync. The syncing process could take a few minutes, so be patient.

My Favorite Blog Editors

I have narrowed down my preferences to using these two blog editors.

First is with Microsoft’s Windows Live Writer where you can have editing done with your blog site’s template. It has preview and html source editing.

Second is Zoundry Raven. This has also the features that I need but most importantly, it is free!

Happy blogging!

Malusay WiFi: Node 3 is up!

The Malusay community wireless network's Node 3 located in the Bato area is now up and running.

The last node in the network is using a NanoStation 2 with an external home-made antenna in WDS/AP mode. With this milestone, we are nearing the 100% completion of the project with only a few finishing touches to make.

Thanks to all those who volunteered their time. Happy surfing!

 The 70-foot tower.

Deploying the NanoStation

Terminating the PoE.

Malusay WiFi: Node 2 is up!

Node 2 located in the vicinity of the barangay hall is now up. We managed to upgrade the existing tower of Tio Lando the whole day today and deployed the PicoStation 2 repeater. With me working on the tower were Rimbol, Jerry, Rodel, Tio Lando and Toto, our climber.

Node 2 is a WDS AP Bridged with Node 1. Signal level is at -66 dBm which is good.

Installing the PicoStation on the 70-foot mast

Tio Lando overseeing the whole activity

Securing the cable onto the pole

Wrapping up and connecting the PoE to the power source.

Malusay's Got Internet!

At last, the long-awaited internet access has come to our barangay.

Sunday, April 11, 2010, despite the long brownout, we have managed to complete the link to the internet. Thanks to Kenneth for lending us his generator set.

The backhaul link between BH1 at the Cadre Tower and BH2 at Malusay Tower is excellent at -45 dBm with 100% CCQ.

Now, the tasks will involve finalizing everything from securing the tower perimeter, deployment of tower lights and UPS batteries and more to efficiently manage the network and users.

Here are the pictures for yesterday's activity at the Cadre Tower. Enjoy!

A day with our ISP.

The view to the "Taw-Taw".

 

The view to the North.

Installing the PowerStation to the 80-foot tower.

Almost dark, but we finally did it!

Malusay WiFi: "Araw ng Kagitingan" Update

Tomorrow, Araw ng Kagitingan will be a holiday. Popoy scheduled tapping the power source to the tower ready for Saturday's installation by our ISP. Of course, I will be there. Benjie is going home too.

By the way, our gratitude to our uncle, Caesar for providing us the power from his cottage in the area in addition to letting us construct the tower on his property at no charge. Salamat Tio!

More updates and pix next time. Happy holiday and weekend ahead!

Tower At NORSU Area Constructed

I purposely went home last Saturday to check on a few things related to the Malusay Wireless Network. So far so good, the 70-foot BH1 tower at the NORSU area is now up. Popoy called me as soon as I arrived to see the site. Using a PocketPC, I was able to confirm that we have the signal from BH2. 

There are a few things needed for this tower such as the power source, but Popoy will also take care of it. We also have to improve the grounding system for protection against lightning and other static discharges, install a protected box for the UPS and other devices. Jerry will take charge of the tower lighting out of 4.5-volt LEDs he planned to assemble.

At BH2, the pfSense box is already up and running and serving DHCP IP addresses to those who will try to connect through Node1. I left it running until I will be back during the Holy Week--- that will be next week.

Benjie scheduled to file application for internet connection in Dumaguete yesterday. Hopefully, the power supply and the grounding system will be ready when the ISP comes for installation.

We are progressing with this project and the construction of BH1 tower, the confirmation of the strength of the PowerStation AP being detected at BH1 tower, and the application for internet connection from the ISP are considered another milestones that we have done.

I will post images as soon as I have it from Popoy when he documented the BH1 construction.

Keep posted!

Malusay WiFi Valentines Update

Here are a few updates about our long-awaited barangay wifi network. I took a 2-day leave from work last Monday and Tuesday. I (with Eva and the kids) managed to take the 9 am boat from Tangil to Guihulngan on Saturday--- a pleasant and enjoyable ride with excitement to see the famous dolphins. Unfortunately, not one showed up.

Immediately upon arrival at around 11 am, I checked the tower mast at the house that Popoy and team upgraded. The last 10-foot segment is ready to be fitted with the access points which will be raised and installed last.

In the afternoon, with the help of Jerry, Rodel and JR, we constructed the omni antenna that we planned to replace on the Nanostations. The materials were procured from Australia and HongKong (pigtails and N-Panel connectors) via Benjie's paypal account. To make it short, we attached the access points (BH-2 and Node 1), with Node 1 having the new home-made omni antenna on the last segment and performed tests.

With the availability of the "climber", we were able to raise the last segment up--- it was a day under the sun that caused me the burns and the first time for our climber to be up performing such a feat (of course with the industry-grade climbing gear courtesy of Benjie).

Late in the afternoon, we got the signal from the access point above (Node-1) on our test wifi-equipped PocketPC and Cellphones. The signal is weak due to the elevation, but the primary concern is to make this node link with Nodes 2, 3 & 4 (please see network diagram below) while giving the link to users nearby at the same time.

I considered the deployment of the BH-2 and Node-1 a milestone but we also had the opportunity to explain to other people and visitors about our project. All of them praised for the initiative and the help from those outside of the country. They even hoped they can do that in their places with our help some day.

Next, Popoy and I together with Rodel made an ocular inspection at Caesar M's property at the NORSU area. Popoy had prior verbal approval to use his property for the BH-1 tower. The plan is to start the construction on Saturday, Feb 20, 2010 (yesterday). Actually, Popoy sent me sms message that the construction is in progress as scheduled.

The following pictures explain more:

The Planned Network in general

The last segment with the BH-2, Node-1 (PowerStation and Nanostation using external home-made omni antenna)

Rodel staring up the climber

The climber with the climbing gear

The upgraded mast w/ BH-2 and Node-1 (View to the Northeast)

The upgraded mast w/ BH-2 and Node-1 (View to the East)

We also received additional pledge of donation from Benjie for the Squid Caching Server. Daghang salamat!

Of course, I also met the primary objectives and the reasons why I took the leave, but let me keep it to myself.

More updates as we continue this non-profit project for our kababayans!

Malusay WiFi New Year Updates

We missed the December 2009 target for the Malusay Community WiFi to be up and running but we are still actively working on it.

As previously planned, I was supposed to upgrade the tower at the house for our BH-2 and Node-1 radios but the turn-buckles and guy wires were not yet available. Instead, I just picked up a junk Pentium III 650 MHZ and a couple of 10/100 Realtek lan cards for pfSense to run on it, however, Jerry offered his already-working hardware (and a few bottles of beer) and helped me successfully setup pfSense 1.2.3 on it. By the way, thanks to Lemuel for providing the CD installer for pfSense.

The Hardware

pfSense Installation

With the new pfSense box, we were able to configure and test the equipment from Backhaul-1, Backhaul-2, Node-1 and Node-2.

Another reason for the delay is the need to find additional options for the location of Backhaul-1 as construction of the tower would be some kind of a permanent structure to build. Popoy and I visited the NORSU area last Saturday (Jan. 2, 2010) and found 3 more possible locations. From all these 4 locations, we will select the best spot in terms of signal strength, safety and budget considerations.

Also, I was not able to get the UTP cables but fortunately, Popoy released the amount and we can now purchase the roll.

Guys, we need your support. Please bear with us as we are just doing this on our own free time.

Happy New Year sa tanan!

P.S. Thanks to Glencel and Juan also for the RJ-45 connectors!!!