Bristol Wireless Wiki - Monthly Meeting Tues 9 th January 2007

PRESENT

Pete F
Lloyd C
Everton
Michael H
Chris P
Matt T
Woodsy
Ben G
Sam R
Tom T
Rich H
Jim F
Bails
John P
Sean K
Jules

APOLOGIES

Andy L

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.

MATTERS ARISING

Purchase of 3 microclients: Ben G and Martian are already keen on purchasing 2 microclients from Norhtec for testing as thin clients due to their advantages of small size and low power consumption (15W max.). The cost is approx. £80 per unit. In view of the interest expressed, it was proposed by Jim and seconded by Rich that Bristol Wireless purchase 5 microclients instead. This was agreed nem con. LASA circuit riders conference: this is due to be held on 15th Jan in the Digbeth area of Birmingham. Cost: £80. It was proposed by Jim and seconded by Rich to circulate details on the mailing list to find volunteer for a BW delegate. This was agreed. Purchase of new AMD dual core server from Dell for £500 max.: we keep running out of disk space and labserver and would prefer to have a machine with a lower power consumption too. The present labserver could be recycled for use on another project. It was proposed by Jim and seconded by Lloyd that we set a budget of up to £600 max. for the purpose of a new server and 2nd hard disk, the final specification to be decided by the technical committee. This was approved nem con. Financial matters (1): Pete F read out an extract from a letter from our auditor querying the accounts and auditing position in the minutes of the 2004 AGM to the effect that we had no need at that time to appoint an auditor and resolved as such as that AGM. It was proposed by Pete F and seconded by Sam that the 2004 AGM minutes be amended to reflect the auditor's interpretation. Financial matters (2): Jules circulated copies of the project accounts and copies of the balance sheet and trading account for the period 8 April 2005 to 31 December 2006. On the project side we have £3,000 that needs to be spent, whilst the Workstream 2 item is shown as a negative amount pending the submission of invoices by Sam and others. As regards monies outstanding, we are still owed £1,000 on the Vivaldi project that needs chasing. Overall, the accounts show a healthy surplus. As regards accounts for previous financial years, audited accounts for 2004 are now available: 2005 accounts will be ready for the end of January and Jules will be posting them on the wiki for information; Jules is working on preparing the 2006 accounts at present. These 3 sets of accounts will need approval at the next AGM, which is to be held on Tuesday, 3rd April 2007 at 7.30 pm at St Werburghs Community Centre. Finally, Jules reported he is currently meeting Rich every other Monday to liaise on financial matters.

REPORTS

1. Digital Cities

Sam reported on the documentation submitted to Connecting Bristol on the workstreams in which we are involved for collation into the city's Digital Challenge bid. Our documentation was submitted on time and signed off, although we still have to submit our invoice for our efforts. Our proposals include network expansion, installation of more LTSP suites and an open source mapping project comprising community information and history.

Sam, Pete and Rich also reported back from the Momentum Group meeting held earlier that day: most of our proposals have been included in the draft bid. Sam is to talk to Stephen Hilton of Connecting Bristol in the next few days to clarify our role and the work in which we shall be involved. Sam would also like people to examine Workstream 1 to ensure all our proposals are clearly defined.

In addition, Kevin O'Malley of Connecting Bristol asked for our assistance on the recycling and sustainability element of the bid with particular regard to the voluntary sector. Sam reported he will be holding a meeting with Kevin and Byteback to discuss options. As regards our involvement in recycling it was agreed we shall continue to provide machines with Linux installed; any organisation wishing to have a Windows setup shall be encouraged to approach the Scarman Trust who can provide funding for such systems.

The Digital Challenge bid from Connecting Bristol is due to be submitted for assessment by the judging panel at the end of next week. In connection with the bid's submission, Connecting Bristol is keen to get some positive press coverage: in this context installing a 5 terminal suite at the Deaf Centre in Dove Street. Confirmation of the budget for this install is expected in the next few days.

AOB

December Dorkbot: Pete F raised the matter of this event, which as held at St Werburghs CC. BW has been invoiced £20 for the bar, whilst the room hire is still outstanding. We can be reimbursed by the Watershed for all expenses incurred, plus a management fee. Pete F also needs reimbursing for the bar tab!

Backbone news article: Rich reported that a news item on the backbone has now been posted. John P reported on his contact with a very confused Ofcom, particularly as regards the fact that equipment at a height greater than 30 metres needs approval from the local planning authority. All sites where our 5.8 GHz infrastructure equipment have now been registered with Ofcom and a technical write-up is needed.

Wardiving matters: Sam raised the matter of hardware required for a forthcoming wardrive; it was suggested that Andy L be contacted. Matt L has the data from the last wardrive carried out.

Test kit: Lloyd reported that the test kit is missing, possibly stolen or left in the lift room at Holroyd (the latter will be checked on Lloyd's next visit). Lloyd also stated we need a PCMIA wireless card with an external antenna connector for testing; this is reported to be hard to obtain.

Wireless network installs: Chris P reported that funding of £100,000 is available for 6 centres in Bristol to assess the social impact of wireless networks. He also mentioned that a replacement for Jon Elmes is needed to handle forthcoming Knowle West Web installs. As regards the latter, this will be discussed by Chris P, Lloyd and Jon Elmes.

Chris P's connection at The Park: Sam raised the matter of Chris P's connection at The Park, which Chris reported was unreliable and intended to drop. Lloyd reported that testing revealed no problems. However, the connection has still proved unreliable in spite of no problems being detected. Lloyd is to carry out further investigation.