Stompbox - Howto #1 - Before You Start
This is the start of my Stompbox Network howto. I have 6 parts planned so far, but may add a couple more later when I add GPS and a Webcam to my stompbox.
Why A Stompbox
The first thing to ask is if you really need one of these, and I suppose the second is can you really afford one. Odds are that you don’t really NEED mobile internet everywhere you go, but for those of us who do and anyone with money for toys, then this can be a cool project. This is not a cheap $50 Linksys router hack. It is built on a solid industrial grade platform and the cost reflects that. My total cost to date is around $400, excluding the initial cost of the EVDO and cellular antennas. The monthly cost for Verizon EVDO is $80 and you’ll most likely need to sign a two year contract to get a new card for cheap. If you have a voice plan with Verizon you may be able to get the monthly cost down to $60, check the forums for details.
Experience
I’d recommend that you be familiar with Linux, especially a Debian distro. While it is possible to create a stompbox with no prior knowledge of Linux it won’t be easy. Try not to blame Linux for things you don’t understand. Linux is a powerful and oft difficult to understand beast. The Stompbox image is stripped to the bones and a bit fragile but with care and some experimenting you can get this box to do just about anything.
Sites to Bookmark
Before you get started a lot of research can save you headaches down the road. Don’t buy a single thing until you’ve spend a few evenings reading about other experiences. It’s a lot cheaper to learn from someone elses mistakes. Here’s a list of sites that I frequented while researching and setting up the Stompbox and EVDO in general.
- Stompbox Networks
- Stompbox Forums
- EVDO Forums
- Airprime 5220 with Linux - General EVDO on Linux howto.
- PC5740 on Linux - General EVDO on Linux howto.
Forum For Help
Don’t be afraid of the forums. I had the experience of setting up an EVDO router on an old laptop to fall back on so I didn’t ask any questions but I did find plenty of answers for the little problems. Use the search function on the forum, google for answers, and if all that fails, post a question in the appropriate forum. Most people are glad to help as long as the answer isn’t too obvious or off topic. Cries for help compiling a linux kernel in an EVDO forum are generally ignored. Keep the questions on topic and go elsewhere if you have problems that don’t fit the forum.
EVDO
I would highly recommend that you research EVDO cards, purchase one, and get it working with Linux before you buy anything else. If you are a Linux novice try to make it all work on Windows first, then once you know EVDO works in your area, proceed to make it work with Linux.
Disclaimer
All the information provided here is for your entertainment and edification. If you choose to reproduce any of the actions described herein you take full responsibility for them and won’t hold me responsible. The results of your actions may include, but are not limited to, violating your ISP’s TOS, dead or smoking hardware, electrocution, spousal dissatisfacction, loss of bladder control, abdominal discomfort and in rare cases a fully working stompbox network. If you experience any but the last symptom, consult with your eBay specialist to cut your losses. (Be sure to post a link to your auction on the forums so others can profit from your losses.)
Part 1 - Before You Start
Part 2 - Getting The Hardware
Part 3 - First Boot
Part 4 - Config and Customize
Part 5 - Future Plans
Part 6 - Summary