Getting Involved
Getting involved in a community wireless network is easy, and starts right here! See whats happening in your region and let others know what you would like to do, volunteer, learn, have fun and help others to get started. If you can't find it here, let us know and we'll add it...
Surf Life Saving South Australia - Wireless Network
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Air-Stream Wireless is pleased to announce it has begun working with Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) to help them build and deploy the latest in high speed wireless technologies. The new wireless system does not replace existing emergency systems but will compliment the great work of Surf Life Savers by offering them the unique ability to access computer resources and test new environment monitoring technologies. The new network is expected to grow to cover the much of Adelaides’ metropolitan beaches and achieve speeds of up to 75mpbs between each SLSSA club house. Providing unprecedented wireless access for Surf Life Savers on the beach where fixed cabling is impractical. |
The network will be paid, built and owned by Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) with technical and strategic advice from the Air-Stream Wireless Network Planning Committee to ensure systems deployed are not only world-class but also cost-effective and practical, exploiting years of real hands-on experience.
Below is an example of how extensive the SLSSA network may extend in comparison the the Air-Stream network. (Note: example only)
Do you use wireless (802.11*) equipment?
For those interested in social networking there is an unofficial group on Facebook at:
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5573651236&ref=mf
Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)
These pages are dedicated to Free and Open Source Software, which is software which is liberally licensed to grant the right of users to study, change, and improve its design through the availability of its source code.
Please contribute links which are usefull for the wireless community.
Amateur Radio
Linux Hamsoft Database - radio.linux.org.au
theKibbeeRadio AmateurPreservation Society - www.k4hvk.com/linux_links
FOSS Organisations
LocalFOSS www.localfoss.org
The Free Software Foundation www.fsf.org
International Open Source Network www.iosn.net
Open Source Firmwares/Embedded OSes
This page lists the various open source firmware replacements for wireless AP devices such as Linksys WRT54G or Mitsubishi R100 or operating systems for embedded devices such as PC Engines WRAP.
OpenWrt is a Linux distribution for embedded devices, it will install on a wide variety of architectures from wireless APs to x86 - openwrt.org
See also: X-Wrt is a set of packages that enhance the end user experience of OpenWrt - x-wrt.org
DD-WRT is an easy to use firmware replacement for Broadcom based devices such as Linksys WRT54G and Asus-WL500g - www.dd-wrt.com
Ewrt is a firmware replacement specifically for the Linksys WRT54G, maintaining the Linksys look and feel but adding an array of features - www.portless.net
Note: Ewrt project has recently closed and is up for adoption
Freifunk Firmware is a firmware replacement with an emphasis on OLSR. It will run with as little as 2 MB of flash - freifunk.net/wiki/FreifunkFirmwareEnglish
The visual culture that surrounds community wireless networks
Katrina Jungnickel is a PhD sociology student at INCITE [incubator for critical inquiry into technology and ethnography] at the University of Surrey, UK. She is conducting a qualitative study into the visual culture that surrounds community wireless networks in Australia in order to gain a better understanding of the role of visual representations in the design, development and use of new wireless digital technologies. More about Katrina Jungnickel
Farewell Kat
It is with sadness we see our resident bicycle riding PhD student Katrina Jungnickel compete her research in Adelaide.
We all wish her great success in completing the PHD and looking forward to hearing more about the developing conclusions on the visual culture surrounding community wireless.
I would also like to thank her for participating in events and activities during her time as a volunteer member.
Nevertheless you can still keep reading about Kat’s adventures at www.studioincite.com/makingwifi
Making Wifi
Katrina Jungnickel our resident PhD sociology student from the University of Surrey, UK is in Adelaide looking into the visual culture that surrounds community wireless networks. Read about her community wifi adventures at www.studioincite.com/makingwifi
Volunteers always needed...
Air-Stream Wireless is far more than just a network and about promoting information on Wireless LAN and knowing your rights and obligations when using it.
It is also a group of friendly people who have a common interest in wireless technologies who want to learn, share skills and pool resources. If you would like to help other members get more involved, help with a project or need help yourself please contact the committee and let them know.
Digital Divide Project
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The Digital Divide is defined as the gap between those who can access and make effective use of information technology and those who cannot. This doesn't just include those who can't afford it. It is also about how well communities can make best use of new technologies. The Digital Divide Project is an initiative driven by Air-Stream Wireless that aims to build stronger relationships with community organisations who are working to the bridge the digital divide. The aim of the project is to build closer working relationships with community groups and offer our experience in wireless technologies and our network to provide greater access to information services within the broader community. Contact the Committee for more details and how you can become involved. |
Community Information Strategies Australia
CISA (Community Information Strategies Australia Inc.) is the peak community information organisation in South Australia, providing essential community services information and information management services including software, consultancy and training.
CISA operates on the belief that people need continuous access to appropriate and accurate information in order to make informed decisions and to participate fully in society.
CISA is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation. CISA receives an operating grant from Arts SA. Additional income is generated through sales of and subscriptions to our products and fee-for-service activities.
ITShare
Low-cost computers for people on low incomes.
ITShare SA Inc refurbishes discarded or donated computer parts and peripherals Our team of volunteers accept donations of computers from businesses, institutions and individuals, process them to make very serviceable, open source systems. For a nominal fee these computers are made available to low income groups, individuals and communities and, through joint projects with other agencies, to overseas communities in need.
Contact us
ITShare Bridgewater
ITShares Current base of operations in The Hills
Address:
Bridgewater hall (Downstairs)
Bridgewater
South Australia, Australia.
Website: www.itshare.org.au
Telephone: 61 8 8339 3116
SA Group Enterprises
SA Group Enterprises
is a social enterprise with a difference who not only offer innovative new career opportunities for people with disability through unique businesses, but also through specialist competitive employment services for the Deaf and hearing impaired.
Inprint Design - Graphic design, promotion, print and website design.
Aspitech- Computer retail, repairs and e-waste management.
Wire Ware - Manufacturers and designers of Point of Purchase Display Stands.
Enclave - Achieving valued supported employment within the community.
Your Employment Success - Finding valued work for the Deaf and hearing impaired.
Air-Stream Members on the front cover.
Media International Australia incorporating Culture and Policy publishes new scholarly and applied research on the media, telecommunications, and the cultural industries, and the policy regimes within which they operate. Their November Issue includes pictures of Air-Stream Wireless Members doing their thing on the front cover.
Click to enlarge (370 KB)
Pictures where taken by Katrina Jungnickel (Kat) during her research visit in 2006 into the visual culture that surrounds community wireless networks.
Media International Australia No. 125 is a collection of seven papers on 'Wireless Cultures and Technologies', edited by Gerard Goggin and Melissa Gregg. The authors address diverse aspects of this topic, offering historical, cultural, policy, and theoretical perspectives on wireless. The collection is a timely intervention into the shaping of wireless, especially worthwhile as the first gathering of studies published from this part of the world. The special issue will serve to identify the place of wireless in cultural and media research, as well as generate further discussion on its links with other emerging new media and wider social, cultural and political transformations.
Business Opportunities
The advantage for those businesses who participate in our Members Discount Program will offer increased exposure to a market of people who purchase a wide range of computing, software, electronics and wireless network equipment on a regular basis.
Our membership includes IT professionals, engineers, radio amateurs, community groups and enthusiasts, all regularly promoting and sharing information with each other and other groups around Australia.
Further our website ranks very highly on Google and other search engines in Australia and is frequented by many thousands of enthusiasts every day.
Call for equipment donations (working or not)
Air-Stream Wireless have been regularly presenting at a number of community IT and other Amateur Radio events over the past few years with great success. Along with our regular monthly meetings we are often asked two common questions.
“What sort of equipment do I need to get connected?”
“What do I need to setup my own router for others to connect to me?”
Nothing seems to do the job better that the real thing and although we have tried our best to provide examples at these events. It always seems difficult to pull together the best examples, as they often go into service at some stage.
So we are asking business and our members to help by donating samples. Clearly it doesn’t matter if they work or not as these will only be used for display purposes.
As an added incentive for businesses who donate we give that an opportunity to promote their company alongside these samples with added mention on our website and when ever a picture of the sample is used in articles or promotions.
Here is a list of the most popular items we are currently looking for, any help would be welcome.
Hardware:
- WRAP PCB or other dedicated router boards
- Mini PCI wireless cards
- MiniPCI to PCI cradles
- Ethernet Wireless Client/Bridge
- OpenWRT enabled wireless routers
- Waterproof enclosures
- Pigtails and connectors
Antennas:
- 2.4Ghz 8dbi Omni
- 2.4Ghz 12dbi Sector
- 2.4Ghz 15 to 25dbi Grid Dish
- 5.8Ghz 19 to 29dbi Grid Dish
Event Sponsors
There are many opportunities to promote your business, as we are always looking for sponsors of wireless LAN equipment and related products for new installations, competitions and demonstrations at up-coming events.
The Air-Stream Committee, while still promoting Air-Stream Wireless, is also seeking to engage greater community participation in the projects of the organisation. Consequently, we have organised a number of events through out the year that we believe would also be a great opportunity for businesses to sell wireless products to a very well defined market demographic. These events include:
o Software Freedom Day – Adelaide’s largest FOSS event
o Presentations at Open Source, Radio Amateur and community groups events
o ASLAN a LAN party event held six times a year
o Our Annual General Meetings
o State and National Conferences – On Community Wireless
o and our regular monthly meetings every month except December.
All events are generally open to anyone and are always well attended by not only members but many interested people from all walks of life.
Unlike many other wireless groups around Australia Air-Stream Wireless has continued to grow in numbers, coverage and is well known across South Australia. This has been a result of actively involving other groups such as smaller wireless communities, amateur radio clubs, universities, FOSS groups and other community organisations. Through these measures, and dedication of our volunteer members, we now boast the largest non-profit community wireless network in Australia.
Our website also boasts several hundred registered users and is visited by people from all over Australia and the world. With over thousand hits per day we believe we are the most popular website in Australia for people interested in community wireless networks and the technology used.
The majority of attendees at our events are predominantly computer, software, electronics or radio professionals, enthusiasts or students who all are regular consumers of related products.
Therefore these events are ideal for demonstrating and promoting new products and services. Business offering donations will be recognized at each event; your brochures or fliers will be distributed and clearly displayed on our website and any other promotional material we place in public.
Freenet Antennas - On Display
Freenet Antennas have donated one of their famous UltraWAP (Ethernet AP/Client/Bridge), Pigtails, Patch Antenna and PEO Cable Setup for our Wireless Network Display. Special thanks to Rob Clark who is well known for his support and hands-on involvement in DIY wireless networking.
Yawarra Information Appliances - On Display
Special thanks to Yawarra Information Appliances who provide some MiniPCI cards and Pigtails for our Wireless Network Display. Great products and service keep up the good work guys.
Our Community Supporters
Air-Stream Wireless Incorporated thanks the many organizations for their support of the community wireless network including:
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Thirty4 Interactive
APANA, Adelaide
BETTONG.org
Carrick Hill
Community Information Strategies Australia Inc
Internode Systems
Disability SA - Highgate Park
Linux SA
Parkside Primary School
SA Group Enterprises Inc
Smartwave Wireless & Computer Services
South Australian Packet Users Group SAPUG
South Coast Amateur Radio Club Inc
State Emergency Service - South Australia Enfield Organization
Terrapages
UniSA
The Mawson Centre
The City of Salisbury
The Wireless Institute of Australia
If your organization or business would like to support Air-Stream please e-mail
Affiliated Member to the WIA
More great news for members in 2006…
Members will be pleased to know that our application for affiliated membership to the Wireless Institute of Australia has been accepted and our certificate of affiliation is expected to arrive soon. See information on their website at http://www.wia.org.au/
New WIA Website
The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) has a new look website with a number of new and useful features including:
- A public information section "Discover Amateur Radio"
- Event calendar
- Bookshop
- WIA affiliated radio club information
APANA
APANA
The Australian Public Access Network Association Inc. (http://sa.apana.org.au or http://sa.apana.air-stream.wan) is a non-profit hobby group for people with a technical interest in networking and maintaining computer networks. Although not an ISP, APANA provides Internet connectivity for its members. As well, APANA has a connection into the Air-Stream wireless network and operates the North Terrace node.
See APANA's wireless setup page
dorkbotadelaide is comming soon...
Local Adelaide mail lists
music.columbia.edu/mailman/listinfo
dorkbotadelaide-announce = An announcement list for dorkbot-adelaide
dorkbotadelaide-blabber = A discussion list for dorkbot-adelaide
Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club
The Club is small but quite an active group of licensed amateur radio operators. The Club meets twice a month, once for a business meeting and the second meeting is for technical discussion on a specific subject or simply a social chat. In addition there are two "on-air" meetings each month in which members and others call in on a net frequency in one or other of the amateur bands for chat. Why not visit their website...
New Partnership Forged
A new partnership has been forged between Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club (EARC) and Air-Stream Wireless Inc.
On Wednesday 17th January two Air-Stream committee members, Chris Cichon and Paul Ridley, attended an EARC technical meeting as their guest speakers.
The goal of the presentation was to introduce and launch the Air-Stream Network. Along with this launch Chris and Paul explained how the Air-Stream network and can be accessed by EARC members. They also challenged the EARC to think of creative ways their club could further use the Air-Stream network.
The presentation included:
- What is Air-Stream Wireless Inc
- An Overview of the EARC Access Point and where it fits into the Air-Stream Wireless network.
- Air-Stream provided services
- Future network expansion plans
- Questions
- Offical switch on of the EARC PC and network link
One EARC member asked how they may go about securely accessing their home network services from the EARC site. The solution given was to obtain an old PC at their home built containing FOSS to create a router and VPN server. The server would then be connected into their home network and then connected to an Air-Stream access point.
After the presentation everyone moved into the Radio Room next door where EARC was presented with
a computer for its members to explore the Air-Stream Network. This PC was donated by memebers of Air-Stream Wireless Inc and included a wireless access point, CD burner and 17" CRT monitor.
Only Milliwatts instead of Watts
Over the past year the Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club (EARC) call sign VK5LZ have been helping to expand community wireless networks for use by not-for-profit community groups, disability organisations, the open source community and local people on the licence free public park spectrum 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.
Although the Amateur Radio Club is licensed to transmit at much higher power levels at these frequencies they have choosen to run low power 802.11a & b wireless LAN equipment, enabling the club to participate as an Access Point Node at their site on the Elizabeth Water Tower.
The aim of the community network is empower communities and help bridge the digital divide, by providing very low cost non-profit wireless networks where people can easily share IT resources and communicate.
The Water Tower AP at Elizabeth is back on the boil
The Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club (EARC) call sign VK5LZ has their main repeater and club located at a 45 metre high water tower in Elizabeth. Work is now back on the boil to install a BGP Router and 802.11b APs and also establish high speed 802.11a Backbones to Northfield, Uleybury and Para Hills.
For information about the project, connecting up or being involved contact our northern project team Chris Cichon or Ryan Roberts.
More information about: the Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club
MAGIC2010
At our August meeting we where fortunate to have Professor David Powers talk about an exciting world robotics competition being held here in Adelaide.
Flinders University in the MAGIC 2010 Challenge
A consortium led by Flinders University with the support of leading defence contractor Thales is one of only six (and the only team from Australia) to have been short-listed for the final from an international field to take part in a global war games challenge.
Sponsored by the US and Australian Departments of Defence, the Multi Autonomous Ground-robotic International Challenge, or MAGIC 2010, aims to develop super-smart robots that can work together to complete a task that involves multiple robots working together to accurately reconnoitre an urban environment, identifying and neutralising targets such as mines or improvised explosive devices.
TerraPages
Air-Stream Wireless will begin working with TerraPages to develop a new node and IP database for the wireless community providing detailed street level map information and directions.
This is a very exciting opportunity as TerraPages is a leading Australian Web Mapping company who deliver innovative and integrated map solutions via online Web interfaces.
Their Powerful TerraPages server platforms will deliver fast online maps and geospatial services direct to our Web site and designated APs across Adelaide.
For more information visit the website at terrapages.com
The Australian Network for Art and Technology
The Australian Network for Art and Technology brokers the synthesis between art and culture, science and technology.
ANAT the peak network and advocacy body for media artists working in screen, sound, installation, performance, literary and networked arenas; creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, innovation, research and development both nationally and internationally. Please visit their website for more information http://www.anat.org.au/
Call for public wireless new media project proposals
Applications close Friday 26th May 2006
The Australian Network for Art & Technology (ANAT) has been commissioned by the Adelaide City Council to investigate creative ways to make use of wireless technology in public spaces. An opportunity exists to develop a project with an emphasis on interactive and engaging uses of wireless technology.
ANAT is now seeking brief project proposals from artists of all disciplines as individuals or collaborations. ANAT is particularly interested in projects that provide opportunities for direct interaction with the audience, and encourage exploration and discovery of public space.
Submissions will be assessed competitively with three short listed proposals to be awarded a fee of $200 each. In consultation with the artist(s), one proposal will form the basis of an application to fund the development and presentation of a project. Unsuccessful proposals will be returned to the artist(s).
Please email to receive an Artist’s Brief with more details. Proposals must be submitted by Friday 26th May.
For examples of recent wireless projects and general wireless information please see links at: anat-thinktank.blogspot.com/
Wireless Networking Arts Think Tank Tuesday 2nd May
ANAT has set up a blog and has gathered some background information on other wireless projects, wireless organisations and general wireless info.
Please see: http://anat-thinktank.blogspot.com/
Event: http://www.air-stream.org.au/art_thing_tank
The Entertainment Technology Center
At the entertainment technology center they train artists, engineers and producers by putting them in pressure situations where they can learn how to work with others.
Students learn that they are not the king of the hill, that their skills are best exploited when people from other disciplines are present to put together a much bigger and much more ambitious project than they could do with a single discipline team.
The Serval Project
At our July members meeting we where very privileged to have Dr Paul Gardner-Stephen as our guest speaker to talk to us about his exciting new project using off-the-shelf smart phones that operate on an open source platform called Android and yes it uses wireless too.
This mobile platform has allowed for the integration of Asterisk and wireless mesh systems used in the Village Telco Project with Paul's own software, DNA (‘Distributed Numbering Architecture’) to create the Batphone an exciting, revolutionary new concept that will change the way we view communications.
Thirty4 Interactive - Thank You
Our thanks go Thirty4 Interactive who through their generosity and support of Air-Stream Wireless have donated a server and are providing an opportunity for hosting and experimental peering.
Thirty4 Interactive is an exciting new business model with a unique approach to solving business needs through a full range of IT business services including reliable collocation, website design and online marketing systems.