Title: Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: smokie on May 13, 2003, 02:59:59 am
Can anyone suggest a way I might get access to the internet while I'm down at LM?
If someone on Maison Blanch (Rick?) has portable computing I could do with 15 mins or so twice a day, at no cost to me!!
Or if anyone from one of the teams or ACO can help that would be good...
Any sensible suggestions welcome!!!
via email if you'd prefer... smokie@stones.com
Gilles - if I get no offers, is there an Internet Cafe near the track? Within cycling distance...
If someone on Maison Blanch (Rick?) has portable computing I could do with 15 mins or so twice a day, at no cost to me!!
Or if anyone from one of the teams or ACO can help that would be good...
Any sensible suggestions welcome!!!
via email if you'd prefer... smokie@stones.com
Gilles - if I get no offers, is there an Internet Cafe near the track? Within cycling distance...
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: Mr. Rick on May 13, 2003, 03:18:10 am
Sorry Smokie, the MB laptop went tits up earlier this year and poor old me can't afford to replace it! Currently not planning to update live from the circuit - but if things change I will let you know!
Cheers
Rick
Cheers
Rick
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: Liszt on May 13, 2003, 10:26:07 am
I will have my Ipaq and mobile with me, but you cant borrow it. The phone charges are enough as it is. Just invest in a couple of magazines.
For God's sake man, it's only a couple of days!
For God's sake man, it's only a couple of days!
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on May 13, 2003, 10:52:14 am
It could be the case of blagging a few days of to be able to make the trip
"Yes boss, I am working from home" do a few emails now and again, and BINGO, scam complete. Or, the wife is expected to be in labour at that time and at least this way, you can get picture of the kiddy on arrival... Well, you wouldnt miss the race now would you ;)
"Yes boss, I am working from home" do a few emails now and again, and BINGO, scam complete. Or, the wife is expected to be in labour at that time and at least this way, you can get picture of the kiddy on arrival... Well, you wouldnt miss the race now would you ;)
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: smokie on May 13, 2003, 10:55:51 am
Exchange has a feature where you can delay the time a mail is sent. Not sure how well it works, but I've used it before for "cover-ups" ;)
It wouldn't be the end of the world without it, but would be better with...so keep the suggestions coming!
It wouldn't be the end of the world without it, but would be better with...so keep the suggestions coming!
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: larry on May 13, 2003, 11:14:03 am
I have heard rumours of a free WIFI hot spot that will cover most of Masion Blanche and Karting Nord from some time wednesday to Sunday evening.....
A huge 2mb pipe etc - More details as I get them.
A huge 2mb pipe etc - More details as I get them.
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 13, 2003, 11:30:29 am
Larry
I haven't the faintest idea what you are talking about! But there's certainly been a wiffy hot spot over MB for years. And I presume the huge pipe is to do with the Morgan owners club. Am I right, or is the Ziggy Marley concert on again?
I haven't the faintest idea what you are talking about! But there's certainly been a wiffy hot spot over MB for years. And I presume the huge pipe is to do with the Morgan owners club. Am I right, or is the Ziggy Marley concert on again?
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: larry on May 13, 2003, 12:09:51 pm
Andy,
To enlighten the terminally bewildered - a WIFI hot spot is FREE access to the next to anyone with a PC or PDA with wireless ethernet also know as WIFI or 802.11b.
The typical range of said hot spot is between 250 & 500 metres (750 - 1500 feet) and if there are repeaters in the mix then it could be a whole lot further.
So all smokie will need to do is get hold of suitably equiped laptop or PDA and he will be able to surf for FREE!!
Larry.
To enlighten the terminally bewildered - a WIFI hot spot is FREE access to the next to anyone with a PC or PDA with wireless ethernet also know as WIFI or 802.11b.
The typical range of said hot spot is between 250 & 500 metres (750 - 1500 feet) and if there are repeaters in the mix then it could be a whole lot further.
So all smokie will need to do is get hold of suitably equiped laptop or PDA and he will be able to surf for FREE!!
Larry.
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: smokie on May 13, 2003, 01:29:42 pm
Larry - my ignorance is showing through. I have a Dell laptop with a wireless network card. Will that do the trick? (Forgetting the risk of theft - it's only a company laptop anyway...)
Would I need an ISP?
Would I need an ISP?
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: larry on May 13, 2003, 02:09:06 pm
Yup that will do the trick - all you need to do if be in range and set your card to Ad Hoc mode and channel 6 then your laptop should detect the hot spot the network name should be LocustWorld
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: smokie on May 13, 2003, 02:25:01 pm
Hmmm...Larry of you hear any more about whether it covers Maison Blanche please let me know
No ISP required?
No ISP required?
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: Mr. Rick on May 13, 2003, 02:29:03 pm
OK now I'm really intrigued. So who is providing the WIFI? Will they know we're there? etc.......
All this techno-babble .. it's enough to turn me to drink!! OK, too late.....
All this techno-babble .. it's enough to turn me to drink!! OK, too late.....
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: larry on May 13, 2003, 03:39:53 pm
My understanding of what is plan, based on discusions with the guy putting the WIFI element together, is that the wifi access will be a side effect of a group of journo's who have arranged here own connection (via satelitte I believe) and will be working out of the Media centre and more importantly the Karting Nord site.
The plan is that the will be as close to the fence as possible which will mean that with out repeaters there WIFI will be covering at least 250m in all directions which looking at the details topographical plans the guy I was talking to had means that it should cover most of the southern bits of KN and the southern bit of MB - Now if they were to put repeaters in then that means that the whole of the KN site would have coverage and most of the MB....
Anyone with a WIFI enabled device will be able to surf for free - just set the card up right and off you go - expect them to restrict the bandwidth slightly when they are using it but with a minimum of 2mbps availabe (that 4 x BT ADSL) then there should be plently to go round - that is as far as my technical knowledge goes.
It is a case of await some more information which I will share as and when I have it...
The plan is that the will be as close to the fence as possible which will mean that with out repeaters there WIFI will be covering at least 250m in all directions which looking at the details topographical plans the guy I was talking to had means that it should cover most of the southern bits of KN and the southern bit of MB - Now if they were to put repeaters in then that means that the whole of the KN site would have coverage and most of the MB....
Anyone with a WIFI enabled device will be able to surf for free - just set the card up right and off you go - expect them to restrict the bandwidth slightly when they are using it but with a minimum of 2mbps availabe (that 4 x BT ADSL) then there should be plently to go round - that is as far as my technical knowledge goes.
It is a case of await some more information which I will share as and when I have it...
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: Mr. Rick on May 13, 2003, 04:52:05 pm
Sounds interesting! The main media centre is above the pits though, so is this something for Audi/Bentley who usually have large encampments opposite from MB?
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: Chrisgr31 on May 13, 2003, 05:53:47 pm
Ok, so I have a mobile, albeit ageing. What do I need to make it Wi-Fi and how much does it cost? Come to that where in the south east can I take it to test once the bits are in it!
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: larry on May 13, 2003, 08:18:37 pm
Chrisgr31
If your lap top runs either Windows 98 Second edition or newer then all you need is a PCMCIA wireless ethernet card - look on ebay they are about £30... As for places to test check out some of the motorway service stations or even your local starbucks.
Rickmiester
Dunno if they are going to have the wifi available at the Media Centre but It will be available toward the southern end of MB and KN.
My understanding is that the arrangement is purely a private one - ie Not ACO sanctioned.
If your lap top runs either Windows 98 Second edition or newer then all you need is a PCMCIA wireless ethernet card - look on ebay they are about £30... As for places to test check out some of the motorway service stations or even your local starbucks.
Rickmiester
Dunno if they are going to have the wifi available at the Media Centre but It will be available toward the southern end of MB and KN.
My understanding is that the arrangement is purely a private one - ie Not ACO sanctioned.
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: Chrisgr31 on May 13, 2003, 08:29:43 pm
Chrisgr31
If your lap top runs either Windows 98 Second edition or newer then all you need is a PCMCIA wireless ethernet card - look on ebay they are about £30... As for places to test check out some of the motorway service stations or even your local starbucks.
If your lap top runs either Windows 98 Second edition or newer then all you need is a PCMCIA wireless ethernet card - look on ebay they are about £30... As for places to test check out some of the motorway service stations or even your local starbucks.
Time to go shopping, that will go down well with the other half! All I need now is for wi-fi access in Expo but suppose I can't have everything!
Wonder if my honeymoon hotels will have wi-fi access.
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: smokie on May 13, 2003, 08:49:49 pm
"Wonder if my honeymoon hotels will have wi-fi access"
No, just Wi-Fey access, if your lucky. And make the most of it cos it won't last...
<groan>
No, just Wi-Fey access, if your lucky. And make the most of it cos it won't last...
<groan>
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: hgb on May 13, 2003, 09:53:32 pm
Can I fake myself at work with that WIFI technology ? That sounds pretty amazing... whow.
Title: What's a cycling distance for you?
Post by: Gilles on May 13, 2003, 10:28:45 pm
Can anyone suggest a way I might get access to the internet while I'm down at LM?
Gilles - if I get no offers, is there an Internet Cafe near the track? Within cycling distance...
Gilles - if I get no offers, is there an Internet Cafe near the track? Within cycling distance...
:-\ Sorry for you Smokie but I don't see any cyber cafe really near to the track. the nearest Internet access from the track that I know is mine! ;)
What's the use of the Web, Is it to moderate the forum?
gilles.trahard@voila.fr
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: smokie on May 13, 2003, 10:34:15 pm
Sadly, Gilles, yes it is for moderating. Well, maybe surf a little porn too 8)
Chris asked if I could carry on from the circuit as it should be a busy time on the forums. Especially as I'll be there early (Mon morning latest) so can give weather updates etc.
Mind you, I will say loud and clear, it will NOT be my Number One Priority!!!
Chris asked if I could carry on from the circuit as it should be a busy time on the forums. Especially as I'll be there early (Mon morning latest) so can give weather updates etc.
Mind you, I will say loud and clear, it will NOT be my Number One Priority!!!
Title: Latest WIFI Info
Post by: larry on May 14, 2003, 02:49:34 pm
I have just got off the phone from my mate who is putting the WIFI thing together. Here is the deal.
The Master Cell will be located in the southen part of Karting Nord between to the new Cell Phone tower and the track.
There will be upto 3 repeaters dotted around the place which depending on their location will cover the whole of karting nord.
The 250m+ radius should cover the southern part of MB and if there is somewhere in MB they can put a repeater then it may cover some of Blue as well!!!
The technical details should be as my earlier message.
The Master Cell will be located in the southen part of Karting Nord between to the new Cell Phone tower and the track.
There will be upto 3 repeaters dotted around the place which depending on their location will cover the whole of karting nord.
The 250m+ radius should cover the southern part of MB and if there is somewhere in MB they can put a repeater then it may cover some of Blue as well!!!
The technical details should be as my earlier message.
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 14, 2003, 03:18:47 pm
Smokie
I wouldn't worry too much about logging on twice a day. If you look at the old forum, there were very few posts between 12th-17th June last year, probably less than a dozen or so.
Still, you may want the porn...
I wouldn't worry too much about logging on twice a day. If you look at the old forum, there were very few posts between 12th-17th June last year, probably less than a dozen or so.
Still, you may want the porn...
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: smokie on May 14, 2003, 03:36:59 pm
Good point Andy...will you tell the boss or shall I? ???
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: BigH on May 14, 2003, 09:42:42 pm
Smokie,
I may have the answer, it's not quite as hi-tech as a stinking sphincter, but it may do the trick.
Stand on a soap box in the Village, with a sandwich board saying 'Club Arnage', and a megaphone. Punters could take deli style tickets from rolls marked 'General Discussion' etc, you then let the crowd have it at full volume with the discussion point or query.
The answers and replies, or just plain abuse, can be posted (via the megaphone) in the Champers bar around midnite Saturday.
How do you think the internet got started?
H
I may have the answer, it's not quite as hi-tech as a stinking sphincter, but it may do the trick.
Stand on a soap box in the Village, with a sandwich board saying 'Club Arnage', and a megaphone. Punters could take deli style tickets from rolls marked 'General Discussion' etc, you then let the crowd have it at full volume with the discussion point or query.
The answers and replies, or just plain abuse, can be posted (via the megaphone) in the Champers bar around midnite Saturday.
How do you think the internet got started?
H
Title: Re:Latest WIFI Info
Post by: Chrisgr31 on May 14, 2003, 11:25:06 pm
I have just got off the phone from my mate who is putting the WIFI thing together. Here is the deal.
The Master Cell will be located in the southen part of Karting Nord between to the new Cell Phone tower and the track.
There will be upto 3 repeaters dotted around the place which depending on their location will cover the whole of karting nord.
The 250m+ radius should cover the southern part of MB and if there is somewhere in MB they can put a repeater then it may cover some of Blue as well!!!
The technical details should be as my earlier message.
The Master Cell will be located in the southen part of Karting Nord between to the new Cell Phone tower and the track.
There will be upto 3 repeaters dotted around the place which depending on their location will cover the whole of karting nord.
The 250m+ radius should cover the southern part of MB and if there is somewhere in MB they can put a repeater then it may cover some of Blue as well!!!
The technical details should be as my earlier message.
Hmmm I'd best see if I can change campsites, and move out of Expo to go to Karting Nord, which incidentially I prefer to Expo. Mind you if it rains the cattle sheds in Expo are a distict advantage!
Anyway if I can get the Wi-fi working I'll bring the laptop over but not arriving yuntil Thursday. If Smokie wants a go on it then he'll have to shout!
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: smokie on May 15, 2003, 12:31:18 am
I'm rapidly starting to think that the site can do without me for a few days...it has done for many years so far...
Title: Re:Internet access from Le Mans
Post by: BigH on May 15, 2003, 08:01:34 pm
Well, you've got me worried about my preparations now.
I'd scheduled the usual tent test this weekend, ie erect it, hose it out, get in there and zip it up and start on a 2 minute fart that changes note three times and then ends with a flourish.
Now, I've had to get Raoul to speak to his ISP and arrange a great reeking be-glittered bumhole to descend in a Spielberg-like vortex over our post code, sucking data from hard drives and allowing temporary internet contact with ancient dead relatives.
Sometimes I just feel like technology is leaving me behind...
H
I'd scheduled the usual tent test this weekend, ie erect it, hose it out, get in there and zip it up and start on a 2 minute fart that changes note three times and then ends with a flourish.
Now, I've had to get Raoul to speak to his ISP and arrange a great reeking be-glittered bumhole to descend in a Spielberg-like vortex over our post code, sucking data from hard drives and allowing temporary internet contact with ancient dead relatives.
Sometimes I just feel like technology is leaving me behind...
H
