Getting Ready for the Roads

[NollipfSense]

So, I picked up this second vehicle to tour the U.S...it's a 2004 Honda Element and after making the decision to purchase, I researched to discover its a sort after vehicle for exactly what I want to do. I went to the junkyard looking for a part and stumbled onto it...it wasn't selling because it's a stick shift, manual transmission...I said to the junkyard owner that was exactly why I am interested. Mud was everywhere...in the vehicle, on the seats, under the vehicle...the junkyard had been using it as a parts runner between the front (concrete area) to the back where the junk vehicles are.

So, now I would love a low powered pfSense box to have onboard...maybe powered by USB-C. Planning to be on the road in September as I need to address any maintenance first, so, I have sometime to prepare...

I cleaned it up nicely...

[johnpoz]

@NollipfSense said in Getting Ready for the Roads:

So, now I would love a low powered pfSense box to have onboard

I am pretty geeky, übergeek if you will and not really sure why you would want a firewall in your vehicle? What would it be firewalling exactly? It sure not going to be a wifi hotspot? ;)

Does look like it cleaned up pretty well. Personally I wouldn't be doing any touring in a 20 year old vehicle.. But hope you have a great time.. Any major stops planned you wish to share?

20 year old vehicle has no bells and whistles - safety features being big ones..

If I was planning on a long road trip, I would prob wait for the new VW bus to come out, soon I hear called the ID buzz.. ;) That would take me back to my days following the Dead ;)

[NollipfSense]

@johnpoz said in Getting Ready for the Roads:

Any major stops planned you wish to share?

Glad you ask...would love to visit Netgate in Austin...

[NollipfSense]

@johnpoz said in Getting Ready for the Roads:

and not really sure why you would want a firewall in your vehicle?

John, I wanted to have a remote office setup and why I was thinking that way...just to be safe when I contact servers, if I need to.

[LarryFahnoe]

Nothin left to do but smile, smile, smile!

[AndyRH]

I would check the ServeTheHome website. They have a collection of reviews of small PCs. You are unlikely to find anything USB powered that will run pfSense. The site has a number of small systems that will run pfSense.
You might look into an inverter to power what you find. You may want to add an AP to the stack for your cell phone and laptop (Unless the cell phone is the WAN )
Pure bias, but if I was running around in a vintage auto, it would be a Wrangler. Easy to fix on the road.
After your visit to Netgate, break out the scuba gear and hit Lake Travis. One of the clearest mud puddles in the state. Plus, there are some pretty areas to drive through around and near the lake. Time of year does not matter, after 50 feet the water will be in the low 60's.
I am not sure where you are starting, but the BBQ in Austin is fantastic.

(I do not live in Austin, but I have been there many times, mostly for the diving.)

Have fun.

[Patch]

@NollipfSense said in Getting Ready for the Roads:

I would love a low powered pfSense box

Probable Arm device such as 1100 or 2100 would be hard to beat https://www.netgate.com/appliances

[NollipfSense]

@Patch I have been looking at this price-wise: https://www.ebay.com/itm/166733479809
Alternatively, If there refurbished 1100 or 2100, that will be my first choice.

[stephenw10]

I would look for something that can accept a wide input voltage directly so you can run it from the vehicle without an inverter. Adding an inverter will use waaaay more power.

[NollipfSense]

@stephenw10 I have been looking at these refurbished power station that charged with vehicle 12v or solar panel: https://www.ebay.com/itm/144819918766

[Dobby_]

@NollipfSense said in Getting Ready for the Roads:

I have been looking at these refurbished power station that charged with vehicle 12v or solar panel:

With whatever you go, I would be sure that the "unit" can be load also
if the pfSense is powered by that "unit". To prevent hold / start cycles.

[NollipfSense]

@Dobby_ said in Getting Ready for the Roads:

if the pfSense is powered by that "unit". To prevent hold / start cycles.

Thank you Dobby for that insight...