HossTraders < Org

---++ Overview

<BIG> *_[[http://www.qsl.net/k1rqg/][It has been announced that the Hosstraders event itself has been discontinued.]]_* </BIG> 

Hosstraders was a big hamfest (amateur radio festival) and "flea market for geeks".  It was held twice a year at the Hopkinton Fair grounds.  See  Www.HosstradersAnnouncement for more info.  Linux and ham radio go together very well. See Www.HamRadio for why.

GNHLUG tried to have a booth at Hosstraders and do the Linux evangelism thing.  We spead the word about Linux in general and GNHLUG in particular.  We also had CDs/DVDs with recent Linux software (generally burned to order), which we sold for a buck per CD ($3 per DVD).

%MAINWEB%.BenScott and %MAINWEB%.MadDog were the last major coordinators for this, but quite a few others help out, and the help was needed and appreciated.  Just manning the booth and answering questions helped *a lot*.  In the past, %MAINWEB%.EdLawson had sometimes managed to bring a Linux-based ham demo, which really rocked.

---++ People

Present and past volunteers include:

   * %MAINWEB%.BenScott - Event coordinator
   * %MAINWEB%.MadDog - Event coordinator
   * %MAINWEB%.EdLawson - Live Ham radio demo
   * %MAINWEB%.RobLembree
   * %MAINWEB%.PaulLussier
   * %MAINWEB%.MikeLedoux
   * %MAINWEB%.RobertAnderson
   * %MAINWEB%.BayardCoolidge
   * %MAINWEB%.HeatherBrodeur
   * %MAINWEB%.MattBrodeur
   * %MAINWEB%.BillMcGonigle

---++ Wishlist

Ideas for Future Improvements

   * More Ham radio demos and knowledge
   * A custom CD (bootable or otherwise) with radio-related software on it
      * Does this mean "custom with GNHLUG info" or what?  Harv's Hamshack Hack is already a bootable, radio-centric Linux distro. -- Main.BenScott - 20 Sep 2006
   * Load up some of those junkers with an appropriate linux distro - have them live on the 'Net for webmail, and let people take them home for a modest donation.

---++ Checklist

---+++ Pre-show

   * Announcements
   * Reserve booth
   * Table rental for the booth
   * Sign-up warm bodies to man the booth
   * Make signs, banners, flyers, etc.
   * Download Linux distro disc images
   * Gather "Information" (see below)

---+++ Information

This information should be saved to hard drive for offline access while at the event, and/or printed out so we have hard copy.  Preferrably both.

   * GNHLUG
      * Regular meetings
      * Upcoming events
      * Recent events
   * Other area LUGs
   * http://radio.linux.org.au

---+++ Equipment
   * Computers with CD recorders
   * UPS
   * Power cords and strips
   * Ethernet cables and hub

---+++ Supplies
   * Blank discs
   * Disc sleves
   * Markers
   * Rubber bands
   * Masking tape
   * Index cards

---+++ Collateral
   * GNHLUG signs/banners
   * GNHLUG flyers (many copies, for distribution)
   * GNHLUG "business cards"
   * Signs with list of distros/archs and "burned to order" w/ price

---+++ Other
   * Fans and/or space heaters (depending on weather)
   * Umbrella (it *always* rains)
   * Folding chairs
   * Extra folding table(s)?
   * Small spotlights?

---+++ Wireless link back to Ted's House
   * Two WRT54G's in WDS mode
   * Two directional 2.4GHz antennas, 12dB
   * LMR-400 cable with N-to-RP-TNC pigtails
   * One PoE injector
   * 300' of Ethernet cable
   * A couple mounting boards
   * ratchet straps for attaching to a tree
   * cable ties for stringing up wireless feed wire
   * a ladder for getting up in the trees
   * A stable DNS server (Ted's ISP can be shakey, c. spring 2006)
   * a switch/WAP at the booth for distributing the connection

Attachments

Topic attachments
I	Attachment	History	Action	Size	Date	Who	Comment
3g2	Video_050606_001.3g2	r1	manage	516.8 K	2006-11-09 - 10:40	BillMcGonigle	This is how an old squid throws 300' of ethernet cable over a building. Required gear for event.

This topic: Org > PromotingLinux > HossTraders
Topic revision: r5 - 2007-02-10 - BenScott

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