3 ms·

I used the same idea when setting up long-range WiFi (couple of KMs) via antenna for a mesh network. In order to get the best latency/bandwidth, you need to po

I used the same idea when setting up long-range WiFi (couple of KMs) via antenna for a mesh network. In order to get the best latency/bandwidth, you need to point the antennas with precision at each other, and in order to know if you're pointing it right, you need to run some tool on a display at the same time, like `ping`, and see when it gets lower when you're pointing it right. So rather than having to look with one eye towards the horizon, and one eye on a screen to see a tiny number (which I found impossible), I made a quick script that outputs a beep each time ping returns output, with the frequency being higher when the latency got lower. So now I could focus solely on the horizon while using my ears to hear if I was getting in the right direction. Lots of fun, super useful and makes me wonder (just like you) what other tooling we could use more senses with, rather than just our eyes. Similar vain: the vim foot pedal: https://github.com/alevchuk/vim-clutch https://github.com/alevchuk/vim-clutch

anotherhue 4y ago
'ping -a' (audible bell) exists for a similar reason.
Gordonjcp 4y ago
A lot of "proper" microwave links have a beeper inside the ODU that represents RSSI, so you can swing the dish and peak for maximum pitch.
- capableweb 4y ago
  Yeah, that makes sense, professionals have a lot more tools in their toolbox, including lasers and what not. The setup we did was amateur at best, via bunch of WiFi consumer gear like what Ubiquiti has/had.
hahamrfunnyguy 4y ago
It's a good idea. Glider pilots make use of audio variometers which provides a tone to indicate your rate of climb or decent. Basically, it beeps when you go up and it beeps when you go down. Once you start accelerating up or down, it's sometimes difficult to tell what your rate is which is the reason for the instrument. Whether you are climbing or sinking, not having to look at the instrument is really helpful. This is particularly true in turbulent/rowdy conditions where you're 100% focused in on flying the glider.

anotherhue 4y ago

'ping -a' (audible bell) exists for a similar reason.

Gordonjcp 4y ago

A lot of "proper" microwave links have a beeper inside the ODU that represents RSSI, so you can swing the dish and peak for maximum pitch.

capableweb 4y ago
Yeah, that makes sense, professionals have a lot more tools in their toolbox, including lasers and what not. The setup we did was amateur at best, via bunch of WiFi consumer gear like what Ubiquiti has/had.

hahamrfunnyguy 4y ago

It's a good idea. Glider pilots make use of audio variometers which provides a tone to indicate your rate of climb or decent. Basically, it beeps when you go up and it beeps when you go down. Once you start accelerating up or down, it's sometimes difficult to tell what your rate is which is the reason for the instrument. Whether you are climbing or sinking, not having to look at the instrument is really helpful. This is particularly true in turbulent/rowdy conditions where you're 100% focused in on flying the glider.