[plug] Next InstallFest

[Nick Bannon]

Hi Tim, Karl, all!

On Fri, Oct 17, 2025 at 04:47:17PM +0800, James Henstridge wrote:
> On Wed, 15 Oct 2025 at 09:35, Tim <tim at wants.coffee> wrote:
> > I discovered PLUG this afternoon while looking around for for EndOf10
> > events. Talking to Nick on IRC he mentioned there might be plans soon to
> > host another. If so I'd be keen to help where I can to organize / assist
> > on the day!
[...]
> The main thing I wish we could have handled better was Internet
> access. The Collins Street Centre did not provide any access, and
> cellular coverage was a bit spotty. We could help people install the
> systems we'd prepared ISOs for, but had to ask people not to go wild
> on other downloads.
[...]

I think we're ramping up to do another! Networking was a pain point, every
time we do one it can be improved. Smart OpenWRT config with fallback to
4G cellular? and meshtastic/meshcore LoRa as a little side-channel? and a
"tally light" status to see if latency or packet loss is getting worse?

Karl donated a:
- https://www.tp-link.com/au/business-networking/outdoor-radio/cpe610
  - 5GHz with an outdoor 23dBi antenna
  - Passive Power over Ethernet via LAN (+4,5pins; -7,8pins)
    Voltage range: 16-27VDC

...and I've got a Ubiquiti Powerbeam M5 to test as another end,
hopefully soon.

> We'll always welcome more people willing to help out with events. I
> imagine any future installfest would be held next year: it's a bit
> close to organise and advertise one for November, and we were planning
> to hold a barbeque for December. [...]

- Quick hack arvo this coming weekend?
- Microbackup Server Workshop next week, 2025-11-10 (test run tonight, come along!)
- Installfest around the 22nd?
- PLUG-in-the-Pub Wednesday 2025-11-26
- End-of-year/Xmas BBQ + hack arvo 2025-12-14 11:00?
- January 2026: hack arvo+AGM+PLUG-in-the-Pub
- February/March: Raspberry Jam/Installfest/seminar?

Nick.

-- 
   Nick Bannon   | "I made this letter longer than usual because
nick-sig at rcpt.to | I lack the time to make it shorter." - Pascal