Hello Darryl

Thanks for the info on the Elmers. Mark and Thor are the two closest.

Question 1 - Is there a limit on the Password Length? I usually use 10 to 12 character passwords. When resetting to recover from a password not working I noticed one attempt were I use a sequence of four numbers only and the password worked afterwards. I have not attempted to close the gap between the 12 character and 4 character password at this point. 

Question 2 - Are there characters which are excluded from use in passwords?

Both units (Ubiquiti and Linksys WRT54GL ver 1.1) exhibit this phenomena thus I think whatever I am doing is not allowed by the firmware rather than the devices.  If I use the longer password I cannot get back in after the password change. Using 3 or 4 characters for the password works. For the time being I will use short passwords but would prefer to use those from my select list which are longer. Call me paranoid.

Thanks

Chuck

Hi Chuck, It definitely sounds environmental with your setup.

Are you giving it enough time to boot-up and sync names? (try and give it 2 mins after power on) before using the name.)

Are you removing the CAT5 between initial config and trying to access with your node name? (this renews the IP address)

Beyond that, you may want to consider contacting one of your regional mesh elmers to sit with you and work thru it.

Here's the list from the Elmer page on the site:

Virginia

Central VA (Albemarle County area) Mike KQ9P mike@kq9p.us

General Central VA Mike AE4ML AE4ML@arrl.net

Fairfax County Mark W4MRW webberm@gmail.com

Fairfax/Vienna Thor KK4UYT thor.berglie@gmail.com

Evening Darryl

I have tried two different laptops and
one desk with integral ethernet card
- no wireless. Same symptoms occur with
all three boxes plus the Ubiquiti and
Linksys are exhibiting the same behavior
relative to the password.

I have just finished recovering the
Linksys WRT54GL v1.1. The Ubiquiti did
the same thing relative to setting the
password. I had to take it back to
default. Very strange as a couple of
years back I set up 11 Linksys boxes
with no issues. They worked well and
allowed me to set up remote sensors.

I am obviously doing something not
required or not doing something that
is required but thus far it has eluded
my search efforts.

I upgraded the Linksys box to version
3.1.0 using the TRX file. It came up
as expected, allowed me to log in with
User ID [root] and Password [hsmm].
I changed the Node Name to WD4HXG-27530-01
and set the password. Then clicked on
"Saved Changes".  

The box rebooted. I attempted to use
the http://WD4HXG-27530-01.local.mesh:8080
string in the browser URL field. The
retort was "Timeout"

I then used IPCONFIG to check the status
of the ethernet connection and it had
pulled an IP Address. The gateway value
in the network connection had automagically
been set to 10.10.88.177. I pinged that IP
Address and received a response. I went back
to the browser, entered 10.10.77.177:8080
and Voila. I was taken to the initial screen.

Then clicking on the "Setup" button I was
challenged for the User ID and Password.
For the User ID I entered "root", and then
the password I assigned earlier. The login
screen refreshed but did not allow me to
enter setup. I tried a couple of more times
but was not allowed to enter.  I also tried
the original default of "root" and "hsmm" a
few times.

I finally used the reset routine to induce
the DMZ to a blinking state and ran the steps
in Telnet to reset the password.

I had the same issue with the Ubiquiti. Had
to go back, reset the password on it. I plan
to continue to see if I can identify the
error of my ways but at this time I am at a
loss. :-)

Chuck

I'm new to HSMM-Mesh myself.  But I would  imagine now that Ubiquiti M9 devices are now supported, that might be a better match for a mobile application such as what you are thinking of.  The 900Mhz band would be a little less crowded in most areas and also it is a little more suitable for an omni directional antenna set up than the higher 2.4Ghz and 5.8Ghz frequencies.  But like I said, I'm no expert and I may be completely wrong in my assumption.

N4TNA

Chris

I am just getting interested in HSMM-MESH and I'm having trouble deciding where to start.  I see advantages and disadvantages with both Lynksis and Ubiquiti products.  Linksys operates on 12 volts, dual diversity antennas, and has both a Wan port and a built in 4 port switch.  Both are good advantages, but the output power is kind of low and to connect better antennas you have to factor in coax losses.  Ubiquiti devices on the other hand have a better output power and some models connect directly to the antenna with a built-in N type connector.  Dissadvantages are only one ethernet port and 24volt poe.  What do you gurus recommend as a first setup to prove concept and get other people excited about HSMM-Mesh.  Mainly I want to impress the local Emergency Management Director with the capability and get him onboard with getting an established network in the area.

Thanks for your advise

N4TNA

Chris

At this point, I could only realistically set up a setup in San Jose (@37.25192,-121.812908). I have the WRT router, is this still the best option? What would I want to do in the way of antennas?

-- Ben  (now K6BHB)

Double post!

Hi James, I am about 3 miles north of you (near Dehavilland). I have flashed the WRT54G but did not see you. Before I go out and buy a high gain antenna, I wanted to see if you are linked and if there is anyone out there. Dave-KA6OOY