[Imc-uk-video] Mobile IMC

[ben]

The proposal... Mobile IMC

A bike trailer equiped to provide mobile Indymedia access point and 
cinema powered by battery. This idea has been suggested at several times 
but with too short notice to make it happen before the events it was 
proposed for. However, if it was thought to be worth while - it could be 
put together during the next couple of months for events during the summer.

Provision of the four public web access terminals would be achieved in 
one of two ways..

either..
reasonble spec machines doing their own processing and booting from a 
live CD linux distro.
(recommended spec PII 450mhz with 128mb ram)

or..
 fairly low spec laptops with no drives (thin clients) booting over the 
net from a hi spec server.
(clients Pentium 233mhz 64mb ram, server >1ghz with 512mb)

Internet access would be provided by a dedicated wireless ethernet 
bridge (such as the linksys WAP11) or USB adapter if using a server.

Power from two deep cycle leasure batteries supplying DC.
Laptops do not require AC PSU assuming they are models that can be run 
on 12 volts.

Cinema would require an inverter to power the projector. It would also 
require a 12 volt audio amplifier and speakers.

If a thin client / server system is used then the server could be used 
as the video player. Otherwise standalone a DVD/DivX player could be used.

Screen would be a specially made sheet with bungie cords to ensure good 
tensioning when hung. It would probably end up be stuck up with gaffer 
tape ;-)

This equipment can not be obtained for free but need not cost to much.

Laptops sold for spares or repairs can be purchased off ebay at 
suprisingly low prices. The server could be a laptop with a smashed 
screen. I've recently seen a 1.6 ghz centrino sell for under 100 but 
that was fairly exceptional. Often laptops are sold without drives, 
batteries or powersupplys but thats fine for us as we don't need them. I 
got a nice PIII 600 thinkpad with no drives for about 80. We could 
probably sort out four thin clients for about 50 each on average - they 
might require network cards. The server might require some extra memory 
- 512mb costs about 60.

The wireless would cost under 30.
There are four port switches available for nothing.

The 12 volt audio system wouldn't cost anything.

Two new deepcycle leasure batteries would cost 60

Inverters are pretty cheap these days. If one isn't already available 
(hacklab) then they can be had for about 30.

The bike trailer will need to be built. We can probably get a good price 
as it's a good project. I'd guess that 100 should cover it.

So, roughly it breaks down like this..
bike trailer 100
four thin client terminals 200
server / media player 150
power (batteries & invertor) 90
wireless internet 30

total is therefore less than 600

there are various ways it might be possible to reduce the price. For 
example - comtech or somebody might donate ex corporate laptops for 
free. hacklab might provide the invertor. we could use old batteries. We 
don't need the laptops to have batteries so if they have them we could 
sell them on to recover some money.

What would this mobile IMC be used for?

It would achieve various roles. The most obvious is as a mobile 
indymedia access point during big public events. With a memory card 
reader people would be able to submit photos or video clips (pre edited 
and compressed on their own camera) as well as written or even audio 
reports. A webcam on the server might be able to do limited live video 
streaming. Additionally the unit would act as an advert for indymedia 
and for the open publishing concept itself. It may also be utilised as 
an info point with paper publications etc available to take away. It 
might also be used for demonstrations or courses at festivals or feates. 
During the evening the system could be transformed into an outdoor 
cinema - although with personal experience I can say the scope for 
outdoor screenings is more limited than you might think.