TSP Internet System

TSP  has a wireless Internet System!
Many of our attendees have expressed an interest in having some form of Internet access, typically using your laptop computer. TSP is planning to deploy Internet access throughout many areas of the ranch, including most areas of the TSP observing fields.

External Internet Access
$0 charge for a connection to the Internet worldwide web, where you can use your computer to access your e-mail and webpages. However, there are usage restrictions.

NOT intended for intensive applications such as video, music, Internet games or large file uploads, which demand high-bandwidth for GUI or data transfer. (Your computer may be permanently disconnected if you attempt these.)

Do not bring your own Wireless Router, Access Point, Range Extender, Wireless Print Server, Wireless Peer-to-Peer Network, Wireless Remote Control System or Bluetooth device!
We use 802.11A , B, G, N, and Mimo so all devices in these frequencies are subject to TSP rules.
Bluetooth devices operate in the same frequencies and may cause interference to users connecting with our network.
(See specific details in the Rules for Wireless Access section below.)

Banned telescope-related Internet and Bluetooth devices

  • SkyFi Wireless Telescope Controller (Wi-Fi)
  • Orion StarSeek Wi-Fi Module
  • Meade Wireless Autostar II Computer Controller (bluetooth)
  • Starry Night BlueStar Wireless Telescope Controller (bluetooth)

If you bring one of these or similar devices during TSP, keep it powered off and do not mount it on or near your telescope. If we see this device on your telescope, you will be asked to remove it or leave.
The reason for this ban, is that we are unable to support a high density of these devices in our area, with so many people. Without the ban, our wireless internet capacity will be greatly reduced and your observing neighbors with similar devices will likely experience interference, contention, and other problems.  Read our Explanation.
One possible solution is to use a wired-connection, such as the SkyWire Serial Accessory, which uses a direct wire to your telescope.

How Do I Connect?

  1. Using your 802.11b/g wireless connection, look for our Access Point names beginning with “TSP_” or “Prude_.
    • Depending on where you are, multiple access points may be seen. Because of elevation and antenna differences, you should use the Access Point with the strongest signal.
    • No WEP or other encryption key is needed. Our system may be listed as an “unsecure” network as you set up your connection.
  2. Or using a wired connection, we will provide several Ethernet cables on the front porch (outside) of the TSP Radio building, along with some folding chairs and power strips.Use your web browser and type in any internet URL that you would ordinarily connect to.

    If you have problems using the network, please come by the TSP Radio building located under the ham antenna tower in the upper field/vendor building area.

Rules for Wireless Access:

  • Do Not operate your own Wireless Router, Access Point, Range Extender, Wireless Print Server, Wireless Peer-to-Peer Network, Wireless Remote Control System or Bluetooth device at TSP. There are a limited number of open frequencies in the area and TSP uses all of them to deliver Internet access across the Ranch. Turning on your Wireless Router (or any device listed above) will slow response times for everyone else unnecessarily (due to radio switching) as the competing routers work out whose computer goes to what router.
    It is okay to use your own

    • wire-only router or switch to build a network
    • built-in or external wireless access adapter or card to connect to the TSP system as a client.
    • USB or similar wireless access device that gives your computer wireless connection to the TSP system as a client.
  • Bluetooth devices use the same frequencies as the TSP wireless routers and can cause interference to users connecting with our network. Bluetooth devices include wireless headphones for cellphones, MP3 players and IPods, as well as some remote controllers for telescopes/focussers.
    The use of certain Bluetooth devices at TSP is banned, due to the interference that they may cause to your neighboring observers access to the Internet. (See list at top of page)
  • System performance will vary depending on time of day, the number of active users, and your specific location on the Ranch. It is likely that some areas of the Ranch may not be accessible via wireless.
  • Depending on usage and the capability of our equipment, we may have to exclude users or limit the hours of operation.
  • NOT intended for intensive applications such as video, music, or Internet games, which demand high-bandwidth for GUI or data transfer. We reserve the right to disconnect your computer access and/or exclude offending wireless equipment from TSP for this or similar abuse, without notice.
  • If you are connecting by wire at the TSP Radio Building…. If all cables are in use, a 30 minute disconnect rule applies so that the next user may get a connection. If no one is waiting, there is no limit on connect time.

Note that these services are through volunteer efforts and loans of equipment [especially our Ham Radio team!].
Due to our location and the time/difficulty involved in providing or restoring service, TSP does not guarantee any specific user will be able to connect to the system or that Internet services will be available anywhere on the ranch.

We will post a notice at outside the dining hall door, for the any news on this service.