Here is a great video from http://hsmm-mesh.org/ where they introduce mesh networks and discuss using the WRT54G router to create mesh networks in the Ham bands.

I watched this last night and became even more interested.  Below are two PDF’s of some presentation slides discussing the networks.

Puget Sound Data Ring

Mesh Networking 2013-03-23

Here is another detailed video that shows how to configure your router to create your new node

Here is the list of classes I attended today

EmComm 7: The ABCs of Deployment
Daron Wilson, N7HQR
10:00 AM

What to plan for, and what actually happens. Learn what operators
really need to know when deployed to actual events. Walk through
planning, deployment, and what is actually needed based on
deployments in SW Missouri including the Joplin and
Branson tornados.

HamWAN: Modern multi-megabit
IP-based digitial wide area network
for amateur radio use.
Bart Kus, AE7SJ
11:00 AM

It’s time for ham radio to gain the lead in digital communications,
starting by building a modern network in the Puget Sound. This talk
covers the design of the network and the challenges faced in realizing
such a project on a tight budget.

I caught the end of what was a packed class titled “I’m MESHing, Now What?”
it was taught by a gentleman named Curt Black, WR5J
He discussed Adding Services to your MESH network and about MESH networks and how to use your IP Phones, cameras, chat and web services on your resilient NW-Mesh network  I was sorry I did not get to here the whole thing.

Here is the list of classes I attended Saturday.

EmComm 1: VHF/UHF radios for
Emergency communications
Dan Smith, KK7DS

Features of handhelds vs. mobiles, antenna choices for
handheld/portable/mobile, power sources including battery/solar/wind
with power poles connectors and fusing, and how to program with software
and from the keypad. Bring your radio and practice.

ARES/RACES Seminar
Van Der Hyde, Vince, K7VV
11:00 AM

Oregon ARES/RACES provides the bulk of the amateur radio emergency
communications services in Oregon, especially for county and local
governments. We’ll review what ARES/RACES is, and what the organization
does. We’ll look at training and exercises, problems and accomplishments.
And, yes, we’ll try and recruit you!

EmComm 3: Emergency Communications Repeaters
Dan Smith, KK7DS
12:00 Noon

Demo simplex repeater, cross-band repeater setup, UHF suitcase
repeater, VHF portable suitcase repeater with 2.9 MHz offset, and special
programming required by these systems. Bring your handheld and learn
to program them for the portable systems.

EmComm 4: Supporting emergencys and
the ICS Communications Unit
Scott Honaker, N7SS
1:00 PM

A look at terms from the FEMA AUXCOM course for amateur radio
operators, specific forms for communicators, methods for integrating
amateur emergency communicators into the Communications Unit
working with the COML.

2pm was our Oregon ARES general Meeting

EmComm 5: Mapping and Coordinate systems
for Emergency Communicators
Bob Broughton, KK7RB
3:00 PM

Introduction to various coordinate systems (Lat/Long, UTM, etc.),
basics of mapping and positioning systems, basic compass use and
orienteering, introduction to various map types.

EmComm 6: Being Professional with
Amateur Radio Communications
4:00 PM

Learn how to change your relaxed amateur communications into
efficient professional communications when needed for emergencies.
Learn techniques used by dispatchers and public safety personnel
to make communication details accurate.

EmComm 6: Being Professional with
Amateur Radio Communications
4:00 PM

Learn how to change your relaxed amateur communications into
efficient professional communications when needed for emergencies.
Learn techniques used by dispatchers and public safety personnel
to make communication details accurate.

This was a very interesting concept that seems easily repeatable in various parts of the country.  I am looking forward to watching them succeed.

Here is a video I created for my introduction to digital video class last term.  I wanted to see how well it would embed here.

I installed Blog Engine for my wife several years ago, and this install was very similar.  She is after me to help get her set up with a new site where she can sell some jewelery she makes.  I think WordPress might make a great candidate.  I remember there was a reason I choose Blog Engine before, but I cant remember what it was