GPS to find WI-FI networks/hotspots

Rover_Eli · 01-18-2004, 06:52 PM

Hi guys - I have been reading on this forum forever, but never posted. I have bought all my parts, and am working on the install as we speak for the Land Rover carputer -

Anyway, I know I didn't dream this - I saw something on the net the other day where this guy had programmed some sort of add-on to GPS that would show dots on the map that were wireless networks and hotspots. Unfortunately, I didn't bookmark it and I can't find it anywhere.

Have any of you seen anything like this? I have searched and searched through these forums, and I don't think I saw it here, it was somewhere else out on the web. It was a really cool concept - just wondering if anyone else knew anything about it.

Eli

mst · 01-18-2004, 06:57 PM

http://forums.netstumbler.com/

wizardPC · 01-18-2004, 06:57 PM

www.netstumbler.com

Rover_Eli · 01-18-2004, 06:59 PM

Thanks much guys - I knew I wasn't crazy.

Rover_Eli · 01-18-2004, 07:18 PM

Now that I see it - is there anyone here that has been using this software successfully? Reading through, I see that my 802.11 card is not supported with NetStumbler - is it worth it to buy one that is?

robiewp · 01-18-2004, 08:22 PM

Netstumbler has been great for me (w/ my orinoco). I have not been able to get it to work with my Delorme Earthmate GPS, though.

freestyler · 01-18-2004, 10:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Rover_Eli

Now that I see it - is there anyone here that has been using this software successfully? Reading through, I see that my 802.11 card is not supported with NetStumbler - is it worth it to buy one that is?

netstumbler works great

been using it with orinoco cards and my garmin etrex for a few years now without probs, just get supported equip and it's awesome

antimatter · 01-19-2004, 12:03 AM

So maybe one of you guys could save an hour or so gleaning information from the netstumbler website and answer a couple of questions. I would much appreciate it.

How does this work with the GPS and what are the software hardware requiments. I saw on the netstumbler website a package with the orinico card with extension antena but what about GPS hardware.

How does this work. Are you able to find hotspots through the GPS and then access them through the WiFi card and extension antena?

Thanks for the clarity

wizardPC · 01-19-2004, 01:21 AM

netstumbler faq

Laidback · 01-19-2004, 03:27 AM

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...&postcount=158

freestyler · 01-19-2004, 10:58 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by antimatter

How does this work with the GPS and what are the software hardware requiments. I saw on the netstumbler website a package with the orinico card with extension antena but what about GPS hardware.

you hook up the gps to your serial port and tell netstumbler to listen for gps on whatever com port.

Quote: Originally Posted by antimatter

How does this work. Are you able to find hotspots through the GPS and then access them through the WiFi card and extension antena?
Thanks for the clarity

these networks that you find are typically PRIVATE networks NOT PUBLIC so accessing them would be illegal. if you want to know where public networks are most coffee shops offer them and some bookstores.

you really should just learn to read and start reading over at netstumbler

antimatter · 01-19-2004, 11:44 AM

Thanks for the info Freestyler, I appriciate your input.

as for this comment

Quote: Originally Posted by freestyler

you really should just learn to read and start reading over at netstumbler

Usually i do read before i ask and in this case i read the FAQ which gave me very general information, not specific setup.

What i really want to know (from experience) is what hardware/software combination works (especially GPS).

Correct me if i am wrong: The netstumbler software is able to find the open and closed wireless networks through the GPS and then post them on the screen with some icon using your Map software.

thanks guys

RX7FDTT · 01-19-2004, 11:51 AM

From what I understand, you activate your GPS, which usually drops breadcrumbs (markers) on the road you have traveled, with the Wi-Fi card, it only marks the spots where open Wi-Fi connections exist, or closed ones, with green or red dots, respectively, and then once you've mapped your neighborhood, you can then find good wifi spots with your car, once you know where they are on the map, the cool thing is you'd have to slow down, try to connect see if you can gain access etc.. if done manually, and with netstumbler it's automatic, but you still have to do some R&D, it's not like it will point you to the nearest access point in the middle of Ohio !!

freestyler · 01-19-2004, 11:52 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by antimatter

Correct me if i am wrong: The netstumbler software is able to find the open and closed wireless networks through the GPS and then post them on the screen with some icon using your Map software.

thanks guys

incorrect....

netstumbler just finds the networks, IF there is a GPS connected it also records the lat & long so that when you import the exported CSV file for example from Netstumbler into Mappoint it will then plot the AP's on the map. Netstumbler DOES NOT do any mapping, it just puts all the AP's into a data file that you can use with other stuff.

honestly start reading, all these answers are readily available over there....

freestyler · 01-19-2004, 11:55 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by RX7FDTT

the cool thing is you'd have to slow down, try to connect see if you can gain access etc.. if done manually, and with netstumbler it's automatic, but you still have to do some R&D, it's not like it will point you to the nearest access point in the middle of Ohio !!

CONNECTING TO AN ACCESS POINT IS ILLEGAL PEOPLE!!!

cripes, how dumb are you honestly? did you not see my post above? when you connect to an AP that you have NO AUTHORIZATION to do so makes you a COMMON CRIMINAL STEALING from someone else.

Those of us who are true "wardrivers" will TURN OFF ANY AND ALL TCP capabilities so we DO NOT connect to ANY AP's that we find. Wardriving is just geocaching, not illegal activities that MANY here seem to equate it with.

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