expoweb/handbook/computing/computer.html

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>CUCC Expedition Handbook: Expo computer</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="../css/main2.css" />
</head>
<body>
<h2 id="tophead">CUCC Expedition Handbook</h2>


<h1>Expo computing setup</h1>

<div align=center>
<p>If the internet is not working, the <b>first thing to check</b> is that<br>the black WiFi antennae are 
still upright and have not been knocked sideways.
</div>
<br>

<p>Since 2018 we now have proper internet access in the tatty hut so the set-up on expo is exactly the same
as the rest of the year.  One or two <em>Expo laptops</em> are provided, but you should be
able to use your own computer in exactly the same way (if you brought one) as you do at home.</p>
<figure class="onright">
<a href="/piclinks/typing.htm"><img  src="/images/typing.jpg"></a>
<br><figcaption>Tony Rooke at computer in 1991 - in the old potato hut</figcaption>
</figure>

<p>We have our own WiFi ("tattyhut" and usual cavey:beery password) which is connected (deviously) 
to the Gasthof campsite WiFi. So please don't stream video or do a lot of operating system updates using it
as the Gasthof is probably paying per GB to their supplier.

<h3>Two WiFi systems</h3>
<p>Our own Wifi only works very close to the tatty hut. If you are camped over the road near the Gasthof you 
will need to use the Gasthof WiFi 'staudnwirt'. This takes you to a login page on a web browser and it will 
log you out if you stop using it or whenever it thinks you have been on too long. Get instructions from the 
Gasthof campsite reception.

<h3>Nerding</h3>


<p>Expo now requires so much nerding that it is part of <a href="/years/2018/training-weekends.html#nerding">the pre-expo training</a>.

<h3>Expo laptop</h3>

<p>The primary <em>Expo laptop</em> in the tatty hut is a 2011 Dell Latitude E4200 laptop 'Crowley' (on loan from Philip
Sargent) which is connected to the hut network by a cable. It
also has an external numberpad available as a couple of vital keys are dead
(e.g. down-arrow, del - it has a new keyboard in 2023 but the contacts on the ribbon cable need cleaning). 
<p>This <em>Expo laptop</em> runs Linux [Cinnamon/Debian] and is configured as both 
an <a href="surveylaptop.html"><em>Expo survey laptop</em></a> with Tunnel and Therion and as an
<a href="#bulk"><em>Expo bulk update laptop</em></a>.
<figure class="onright">
<a href="/years/2018/training-weekends.html#nerding"><img width= 250 src="/years/2018/blogimages/emzyUBQm.jpg"></a>
<br><figcaption>Training weekend laptop in 2018<br />this is much smarter then the expo laptops</figcaption></figure>
<p>It is mostly used for:
<ul>
<li>Typing in survey data
<li>Uploading scans of survey notes
<li>Uploading photos
</ul>
which can actually be done using any internet browser or a phone. 

<p>Any laptop or phone can connect to the server via the "tattyhut" WiFi and, 
with some configuration, can be set up to do all those things too. New expoers 
are advised to use an <em>Expo laptop</em> first to see how it all works.</p>

<p>The laptop is usually positioned permanently on the unused stove and is connected by ethernet cable to the hut network. It is connected to an extra LCD screen and external full-size keyboard (where all the keys do work) and mouse. The bigger screen is so that you can see surveys more easily as the laptop itself is small.

<P>Through the miracle of the distributed version control system, everyone can edit the 
data on multiple laptops at the same time and it should all get merged.</p>

<p>At the end of expo we don't need to bring the <em>Expo laptop</em> back back to the UK 
(though we will, as we will want to do operating system updates during the year) as all the caving data updates are continuously 
synchronised with the public server expo.survex.com during the expo.</p>

<h4 id="bulk">Bulk updates</h4>
<p>For experienced expo surveyers the <em>Expo laptop</em> is also set up as an
<a href="bulkupdatelaptop.html"><em>Expo bulk update laptop</em></a> with file-transfer and version control capability to the expo server. New expoers should use the web forms, which work from any browser on any laptop. 

<p>Once you are familiar with the <a href="upload-simple.html">uploading forms</a> and know how to use the system, you can 
configure your own laptop to do <a href="bulkupdatelaptop.html">bulk upload</a> of many files and 
manage the version control yourself, but 
initially it is easier to use the <em>Expo laptop</em> as the software is already set up (cryptographic key 
exchange etc. is pre-configured). </p>

<div class="onright">
<figure>
<a href="../l/hut-cables.html"><img width=200 src="../i/acer-blue-aspire-one-netbook.jpg"></a>
<br><figcaption>AA1 netbook<br /> sits high up out of reach<br /> 
(ours is less shiny)</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<h3>Printing and Scanning</h3>
We have A4 printer and scanner attached via usb cables and a usb hub to the <em>Expo laptop</em>.
In 2018 we also connected the printer to the Netgear router with an ethernet cable and this made things more reliable.
Configuring the scanner to be used via WiFi is yet to be done, but the printer is "shared" by the 
<em>Expo laptop</em> and so can be used by any laptop. (The printer has WiFi itself and so should be useable
directly but we haven't got this configured properly yet.) Use a usb stick to transfer files for printing
if you can't get your own laptop or phone to work with the printer.

<h3 id="network">The Expo Laptops: Crowley's Friend: Aziraphale</h3>
<p>The <i>expo laptop</i> is  called "Crowley". Crowley was rather too ill to be useful during the 2022 expo (being left in the potato hut for 3 years was not a healthy experience) but is now feeling much better... apart from the WiFi which needs a software driver update, but as Crowley is connected to the ethernet cable this is not vital.

<p>In 2023 we will have another general-use laptop (it was also on expo in 2019). This is not connected by any cabling and just uses WiFi. Like the <i>expo laptop</i> it is running Debian and has the same set of software installed 
  (survex/aven, tunnelx, therion, git etc.) and you login to it using the username "expo" and the usual cavey:beery password. It has the identical[Cinnamon/Debian] configuration and survey software installed as Crowley. It is a big, heavy R61 14-inch Thinkpad on loan from Michael Sargent and it is called "Aziraphale".  (Note that Azirophale's SD code slot doesn't work).
 
  <p>Both laptops have had RAM upgrades and solid-state disc upgrades over winter 2022/23. They each hold a local complete copy of <em>expofiles</em> and the <em>expoweb, loser, drawings and troggle</em> <a href="repos.html">repositories</a> but do not have the troggle software configured to run locally, though this could be enabled if necessary.
<h4>Laptop batteries</h4>
<p>Both expo laptops are old and have bad batteries. Crowley only runs 10-20 minutes on battery and Aziraphale only about half an hour or so. So both should be run permanently plugged in to mains power. The netbook may not even boot up on battery. 

<figure class="onright" >
<a href="../l/hut-cables.html"><img  border=1 width=250 src="../t/hut-cables-small.jpg"></a>
<br><figcaption>Hut Network<br />click to enlarge <br />and to read instructions</figcaption>
</figure>

<h3 id="network">Networking Hardware - wiring up</h3>
<p>The networking hardware is three boxes: an Alfa high-gain antenna device, an Acer Aspire One netbook and a Netgear WRT4000 ethernet/wifi box. These keep us logged in to the Gasthof to provide WiFi in the hut. 
<p>As normal WiFi does not reach across the road to the Gasthof, we have 
a high-power dual antenna WiFi tiny black box (Alfa 036ACH) on a small shelf high above the sink/stove area and connected via a usb cable to the tiny dark-blue Acer netbook 'tclaspire3' which is connected by ethernet cable to the Netgear box. It is the Netgear box which provides the WiFi in the hut. </p>
<p>Note that we have <a href="../l/hut-cables.html">4 different</a> power-supply bricks.


<h3 id="network">Networking Software - configuration nerding</h3>
<p>This is now described on <a href="netconfig.html">a separate page</a>.

<hr />
Go on to: 
    <a href="../l/hut-cables.html">Hut cabling</a><br />
Go on to: 
    <a href="netconfig.html">Network configuration</a><br />
Go back to: 
<a href="onlinesystems.html">Expo online systems</a><br />
<hr /></body></body></html>
Austrian Kataser and Coordinates 2022-11-21 01:03:04 +00:00			`<!DOCTYPE html>`
Pushing obscure and old info deeper, putting idiot-guides at the top 2018-06-28 21:03:32 +01:00			`<html>`
			`<head>`
			`<title>CUCC Expedition Handbook: Expo computer</title>`
			`<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="../css/main2.css" />`
			`</head>`
More cleaning - all difficult website stuff now in one place 2018-06-28 21:42:26 +01:00			`<body>`
Add expo computer page (already linked from handbook) 2018-06-15 03:01:44 +01:00			`<h2 id="tophead">CUCC Expedition Handbook</h2>`
more troubleshooting instructions 2018-08-26 11:35:01 +01:00

Update 'computer' hangbook page with 2018 setup 2018-07-06 04:26:27 +01:00			`<h1>Expo computing setup</h1>`
Separating out training weekends from logbooks 2022-12-23 15:26:18 +00:00
more troubleshooting instructions 2018-08-26 11:35:01 +01:00			`<div align=center>`
update about azirophale and new WiFi tiny box - online edit of handbook/computer.html 2022-11-15 18:42:39 +00:00			`<p>If the internet is not working, the <b>first thing to check</b> is that<br>the black WiFi antennae are`
			`still upright and have not been knocked sideways.`
more troubleshooting instructions 2018-08-26 11:35:01 +01:00			`</div>`
			`<br>`
Update 'computer' hangbook page with 2018 setup 2018-07-06 04:26:27 +01:00
2019 server config updated 2019-07-08 12:23:14 +01:00			`<p>Since 2018 we now have proper internet access in the tatty hut so the set-up on expo is exactly the same`
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`as the rest of the year. One or two <em>Expo laptops</em> are provided, but you should be`
Completely up tpo date hardware 2018-07-11 00:51:27 +01:00			`able to use your own computer in exactly the same way (if you brought one) as you do at home.</p>`
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`<figure class="onright">`
			`<a href="/piclinks/typing.htm"><img src="/images/typing.jpg"></a>`
			`<br><figcaption>Tony Rooke at computer in 1991 - in the old potato hut</figcaption>`
			`</figure>`
Update 'computer' hangbook page with 2018 setup 2018-07-06 04:26:27 +01:00
2019 server config updated 2019-07-08 12:23:14 +01:00			`<p>We have our own WiFi ("tattyhut" and usual cavey:beery password) which is connected (deviously)`
Completely up tpo date hardware 2018-07-11 00:51:27 +01:00			`to the Gasthof campsite WiFi. So please don't stream video or do a lot of operating system updates using it`
			`as the Gasthof is probably paying per GB to their supplier.`
Update 'computer' hangbook page with 2018 setup 2018-07-06 04:26:27 +01:00
Completely up tpo date hardware 2018-07-11 00:51:27 +01:00			`<h3>Two WiFi systems</h3>`
Basecamp computers and network updates 2022-11-15 21:11:41 +00:00			`<p>Our own Wifi only works very close to the tatty hut. If you are camped over the road near the Gasthof you`
			`will need to use the Gasthof WiFi 'staudnwirt'. This takes you to a login page on a web browser and it will`
			`log you out if you stop using it or whenever it thinks you have been on too long. Get instructions from the`
			`Gasthof campsite reception.`
Basecmp laptops updates 2022-11-15 21:25:02 +00:00
Separating out training weekends from logbooks 2022-12-23 15:26:18 +00:00			`<h3>Nerding</h3>`

Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00

fix broken image urls 2023-03-15 22:27:12 +00:00			`<p>Expo now requires so much nerding that it is part of <a href="/years/2018/training-weekends.html#nerding">the pre-expo training</a>.`
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00
Completely up tpo date hardware 2018-07-11 00:51:27 +01:00			`<h3>Expo laptop</h3>`

netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`<p>The primary <em>Expo laptop</em> in the tatty hut is a 2011 Dell Latitude E4200 laptop 'Crowley' (on loan from Philip`
			`Sargent) which is connected to the hut network by a cable. It`
			`also has an external numberpad available as a couple of vital keys are dead`
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`(e.g. down-arrow, del - it has a new keyboard in 2023 but the contacts on the ribbon cable need cleaning).`
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`<p>This <em>Expo laptop</em> runs Linux [Cinnamon/Debian] and is configured as both`
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`an <a href="surveylaptop.html"><em>Expo survey laptop</em></a> with Tunnel and Therion and as an`
			`<a href="#bulk"><em>Expo bulk update laptop</em></a>.`
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`<figure class="onright">`
			`<a href="/years/2018/training-weekends.html#nerding"><img width= 250 src="/years/2018/blogimages/emzyUBQm.jpg"></a>`
			`<br><figcaption>Training weekend laptop in 2018<br />this is much smarter then the expo laptops</figcaption></figure>`
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`<p>It is mostly used for:`
Pushing obscure and old info deeper, putting idiot-guides at the top 2018-06-28 21:03:32 +01:00			`<ul>`
			`<li>Typing in survey data`
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`<li>Uploading scans of survey notes`
			`<li>Uploading photos`
Pushing obscure and old info deeper, putting idiot-guides at the top 2018-06-28 21:03:32 +01:00			`</ul>`
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`which can actually be done using any internet browser or a phone.`
Pushing obscure and old info deeper, putting idiot-guides at the top 2018-06-28 21:03:32 +01:00
2019 server config updated 2019-07-08 12:23:14 +01:00			`<p>Any laptop or phone can connect to the server via the "tattyhut" WiFi and,`
Completely up tpo date hardware 2018-07-11 00:51:27 +01:00			`with some configuration, can be set up to do all those things too. New expoers`
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`are advised to use an <em>Expo laptop</em> first to see how it all works.</p>`
Completely up tpo date hardware 2018-07-11 00:51:27 +01:00
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`<p>The laptop is usually positioned permanently on the unused stove and is connected by ethernet cable to the hut network. It is connected to an extra LCD screen and external full-size keyboard (where all the keys do work) and mouse. The bigger screen is so that you can see surveys more easily as the laptop itself is small.`
Update 'computer' hangbook page with 2018 setup 2018-07-06 04:26:27 +01:00
Completely up tpo date hardware 2018-07-11 00:51:27 +01:00			`<P>Through the miracle of the distributed version control system, everyone can edit the`
			`data on multiple laptops at the same time and it should all get merged.</p>`
Update 'computer' hangbook page with 2018 setup 2018-07-06 04:26:27 +01:00
moreconsistent language used, typo fixed. 2018-07-15 21:50:40 +01:00			`<p>At the end of expo we don't need to bring the <em>Expo laptop</em> back back to the UK`
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`(though we will, as we will want to do operating system updates during the year) as all the caving data updates are continuously`
Completely up tpo date hardware 2018-07-11 00:51:27 +01:00			`synchronised with the public server expo.survex.com during the expo.</p>`
Illustration added 2022-03-13 23:35:49 +00:00
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`<h4 id="bulk">Bulk updates</h4>`
			`<p>For experienced expo surveyers the <em>Expo laptop</em> is also set up as an`
			`<a href="bulkupdatelaptop.html"><em>Expo bulk update laptop</em></a> with file-transfer and version control capability to the expo server. New expoers should use the web forms, which work from any browser on any laptop.`

netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`<p>Once you are familiar with the <a href="upload-simple.html">uploading forms</a> and know how to use the system, you can`
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`configure your own laptop to do <a href="bulkupdatelaptop.html">bulk upload</a> of many files and`
			`manage the version control yourself, but`
			`initially it is easier to use the <em>Expo laptop</em> as the software is already set up (cryptographic key`
			`exchange etc. is pre-configured). </p>`

netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`<div class="onright">`
			`<figure>`
			`<a href="../l/hut-cables.html"><img width=200 src="../i/acer-blue-aspire-one-netbook.jpg"></a>`
			`<br><figcaption>AA1 netbook<br /> sits high up out of reach<br />`
			`(ours is less shiny)</figcaption>`
			`</figure>`
			`</div>`
Completely up tpo date hardware 2018-07-11 00:51:27 +01:00			`<h3>Printing and Scanning</h3>`
2019 server config updated 2019-07-08 12:23:14 +01:00			`We have A4 printer and scanner attached via usb cables and a usb hub to the <em>Expo laptop</em>.`
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`In 2018 we also connected the printer to the Netgear router with an ethernet cable and this made things more reliable.`
more troubleshooting instructions 2018-08-26 11:35:01 +01:00			`Configuring the scanner to be used via WiFi is yet to be done, but the printer is "shared" by the`
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`<em>Expo laptop</em> and so can be used by any laptop. (The printer has WiFi itself and so should be useable`
more troubleshooting instructions 2018-08-26 11:35:01 +01:00			`directly but we haven't got this configured properly yet.) Use a usb stick to transfer files for printing`
			`if you can't get your own laptop or phone to work with the printer.`
Completely up tpo date hardware 2018-07-11 00:51:27 +01:00
new hut cabling diagrams 2023-03-26 18:53:57 +01:00			`<h3 id="network">The Expo Laptops: Crowley's Friend: Aziraphale</h3>`
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`<p>The <i>expo laptop</i> is called "Crowley". Crowley was rather too ill to be useful during the 2022 expo (being left in the potato hut for 3 years was not a healthy experience) but is now feeling much better... apart from the WiFi which needs a software driver update, but as Crowley is connected to the ethernet cable this is not vital.`
fix broken image urls 2023-03-15 22:27:12 +00:00
			`<p>In 2023 we will have another general-use laptop (it was also on expo in 2019). This is not connected by any cabling and just uses WiFi. Like the <i>expo laptop</i> it is running Debian and has the same set of software installed`
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`(survex/aven, tunnelx, therion, git etc.) and you login to it using the username "expo" and the usual cavey:beery password. It has the identical[Cinnamon/Debian] configuration and survey software installed as Crowley. It is a big, heavy R61 14-inch Thinkpad on loan from Michael Sargent and it is called "Aziraphale". (Note that Azirophale's SD code slot doesn't work).`
fix broken image urls 2023-03-15 22:27:12 +00:00
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`<p>Both laptops have had RAM upgrades and solid-state disc upgrades over winter 2022/23. They each hold a local complete copy of <em>expofiles</em> and the <em>expoweb, loser, drawings and troggle</em> <a href="repos.html">repositories</a> but do not have the troggle software configured to run locally, though this could be enabled if necessary.`
hut networking 2023-03-28 15:48:36 +01:00			`<h4>Laptop batteries</h4>`
			`<p>Both expo laptops are old and have bad batteries. Crowley only runs 10-20 minutes on battery and Aziraphale only about half an hour or so. So both should be run permanently plugged in to mains power. The netbook may not even boot up on battery.`
second expo laptop 2019-07-10 18:42:21 +01:00
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`<figure class="onright" >`
			`<a href="../l/hut-cables.html"><img border=1 width=250 src="../t/hut-cables-small.jpg"></a>`
			`<br><figcaption>Hut Network<br />click to enlarge <br />and to read instructions</figcaption>`
Update tatty hut computer & networking 2023-03-20 22:04:03 +00:00			`</figure>`
more troubleshooting instructions 2018-08-26 11:35:01 +01:00
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`<h3 id="network">Networking Hardware - wiring up</h3>`
hut networking 2023-03-28 15:48:36 +01:00			`<p>The networking hardware is three boxes: an Alfa high-gain antenna device, an Acer Aspire One netbook and a Netgear WRT4000 ethernet/wifi box. These keep us logged in to the Gasthof to provide WiFi in the hut.`
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`<p>As normal WiFi does not reach across the road to the Gasthof, we have`
			`a high-power dual antenna WiFi tiny black box (Alfa 036ACH) on a small shelf high above the sink/stove area and connected via a usb cable to the tiny dark-blue Acer netbook 'tclaspire3' which is connected by ethernet cable to the Netgear box. It is the Netgear box which provides the WiFi in the hut. </p>`
			`<p>Note that we have <a href="../l/hut-cables.html">4 different</a> power-supply bricks.`


Basecamp computers and network updates 2022-11-15 21:11:41 +00:00
netconfig spearated out 2023-03-26 19:48:23 +01:00			`<h3 id="network">Networking Software - configuration nerding</h3>`
			`<p>This is now described on <a href="netconfig.html">a separate page</a>.`
2019 server config updated 2019-07-08 12:23:14 +01:00
Troggle programmers guide - beginnings 2021-04-29 17:52:28 +01:00			`<hr />`
urls fixed 2023-03-27 02:02:23 +01:00			`Go on to:`
			`<a href="../l/hut-cables.html">Hut cabling</a><br />`
			`Go on to:`
			`<a href="netconfig.html">Network configuration</a><br />`
			`Go back to:`
			`<a href="onlinesystems.html">Expo online systems</a><br />`
Removed password of Gastoff WiFi, which we should not be publically made available by us. - online edit of handbook/computer.html 2022-07-24 20:57:57 +01:00			`<hr /></body></body></html>`