Hardware Kit (OpenSolaceHaiti)

From CrisisCommons Wiki

Compilations of hardware that are appropriate for our project initiatives:

[edit] Hardware Kit

Anyone who wants to volunteer to be a video messenger on the ground in Haiti might want to consider bringing the following hardware. This list is a work in progress, as we continue to iterate and improve this ad hoc, peer to peer, "sneakernet".

In all hardware categories we are still looking for the best balance between price, size/weight, durability, and quality. If you have any hardware suggestions, please add them here.

• Video Capture Device Used to capture 3 minute video messages from Haitians to the World, on the ground in Haiti
  • We recommend the Kodak Zi8 over the Flip since it supports an external mic, has removable storage (SD Memory cards), and a removable battery
  • Accessories - a tripod is really nice, small, and inexpensive. SD->usb readers (~$5)

• External Microphone Best to try to get the best audio possible.
  • The Lavalier mics are the best here, but any external mic will be better than the built in.

• Extra Memory Lots of SD Cards and USB Keychains. They are ~ $10 for 2G, so take as many as you can?

• White Board and Markers For creating opening/closing title

• Portable Video Projector For playing back video postcards to larger crowds in Haiti. We are still looking to find the best balance between price, size/weight, power consumption, lumens, and projection size. If you have any hardware suggestions, please add them here. Other considertations - removable battery, onboard storage, and most important ability to connect directly to the video capture gadget - mini-hdmi? mini-vga? eeek!

• • Optoma Pico PK102 Pocket Projector is a strong contender
  • 3m mpro line I have seen these in person, and they seem like a very good fit too

• Portable Speakers For playing back video postcards to larger crowds in Haiti. We are still looking to find the best balance between size/weight, power, and output. If you have any hardware suggestions, please add them here.
  • iHome Portable Speakers - Suitable for small screenings, alongside a portable projector
  • Boom Box - suitable for larger outdoor screenings, alongside a powerful projector (TODO research connectivity requirements - does this have a standard line-in?)

• Extra Batteries and Convectors
  • Ideal power backup solution XPower Powerpack 1500 - needed for running a full power projector (not a hand held). Also really useful for many other purposes

• Solar Charger Power is precious
  • Tactical Solar Power The more watts/amps the better. We need a minimum of 500Watts, and the canvas should be foldable
  • Voltaic Systems Solar Bags Backpacks w/ built in solar panels and batteries
  • Yogen Handheld, yo-yo style charger
  • Solio Portable Chargers
  • Green Goods Technology

• Laptop (optional) depending on your plans for projection, you may want a laptop or netbook to hook up to the proector, store video, and upload it over the internet.

• Network Relief Kit (optional) NKR Pricey, but if you can afford one, this kit will provide you with internet anywhere.