Applications and Implications

What will it do?

Provide a convenient way to securely exchange files and communication "off the grid" by acting as a Secure Scuttlebutt (SSC) client and peering with nearby clients over Wifi and/or Bluetooth. The device will be powered by a solar panel and batteries. It can be turned on by pressing a button (or maybe via Bluetooth LE. After that it will boot the main computer and either display information on how to connect or the access point pops up a portal page with instructions. After 15 minutes it will send a shutdown signal to the access point.

Who's done what beforehand?

I will be using an existing SSB implementation and a Raspberry Pi Zero W. I will also use an existing charging controller, but if I have enough time I will try to create my own board for that.

What will you design?

A weather resistant and unsuspicious case. A board that turns on the Raspberry Pi and communicates with it to get information about the connection and keep track of the uptime.

What materials and components will be used?

Where will they come from?

All either from Ebay or from the FabLab

How much will they cost?

What parts and systems will be made?

The "disguised" and weather resistant case and the board that controls the access point.

What processes will be used?

Laser cutting or milling, vacuum forming, 3D printing, PCB milling

What questions need to be answered?

How long can the batteries provide power for the Raspberry Pi? How long do they need to recharge completely? Is the Pi powerful enough?

How will it be evaluated?

The project is successful when it's running ssb-server, messages can be exchanged via patchwork, no external power is needed, users can turn it on and it can easily be attached to something like a tree.

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