Comments on: Building the BRCK: A backup generator for the internet

By: Re:Publica Conference on Internet and Society in Berlin | Indigo Trust

Re:Publica Conference on Internet and Society in Berlin | Indigo Trust — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:43:49 +0000

[…] also showcased one of his new inventions, Brck-a simple, redundant Internet device designed for Africa which becomes a mobile hotspot and can be […]

By: HASH

HASH — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:01:40 +0000

Hi Bill,

The BRCK differs for a couple different reasons:
First, the 3g connectivity is built in, you don’t need to add a 3g modem/dongle to it via USB. It’s built to automatically failover to 3g from the ethernet port as well.
Second, it has an 8-hour battery life and provides up to 20 simultaneous connections.
Third, you can plug any sensors or other hardware into the BRCK and control them via the cloud backend.

Hope that helps.

By: HASH

HASH — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:54:19 +0000

Hello “r” from Capetown. You’re basically correct on how the BRCK is setup/works. It’s a simple device, not any really new technology in it, just a new way that it’s being packaged so that it works for us here.

There is a USB power input, so you can charge via car, solar, whatever you like.

By: HASH

HASH — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:52:28 +0000

Hey Ryan, yes this works. We’ve been using them as we go through the prototyping stages, so we know they do.

I’m guessing that this will be a great device for people living out in the bush. The main thing is that they still need access to at least a mobile phone tower to get that data signal.

By: r

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:18:42 +0000

Your first statement about the most interesting ideas appearing _without_ internet access (i.e. distractions!) attracted further reading! 🙂
So if my understanding is correct, this “brick” is a lead-acid battery powered wireless router that uses a mobile phone SIM card for communication?

My first thought on seeing in the car: is there an input for micro-solar PV? Or, possibility to use a dynamo, (as used for old bicycle lights) as a mechanical source of electricity?

Look forward to further posts, thanks.

By: ryan

ryan — Sat, 11 May 2013 12:30:26 +0000

Erik! What a great idea! Will it really work?

If so, I knowevery safari guide and every remote safari camp will buy one!!!

Ryan

By: The BRCK, Wireless Router with Internal Battery, Fails Over to 4G Internet - Techweez

Thu, 09 May 2013 20:26:44 +0000

[…] 3G or 4G. It can provide WiFi for up to 20 devices. It has a simple setup interface although the creators admit that the router setup still needs some work. Power status and internet use can be monitored from dashboard provided by the device software. The […]

By: Jeni Engels

Jeni Engels — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:54:23 +0000

Sound like an excellent idea. I am only small fry but I too would like to invest.
Best of luck

By: bill

bill — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:34:03 +0000

How is this different from DLink’s shareport go?

By: Welove

Welove — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:41:11 +0000

WOW, great idea. I will indeed invest.