Re: Rpi Mods: Customizing UI, Adding New Applications, Etc.

Hi,

Quote

1. What's the best way to go about customizing the UI? I'm proficient in front-end web development, I just need to be pointed in the write direction so I don't break anything.

Leave the redirect.html , library folder and the cgi-bin folder. Everything else can be customized. The webstuff you find in /opt/piratebox/www
The files for customizing the directory listing are copied the the Shared (Sub-)folder during bootup, if they doesn't already exists. So you can modify these in /opt/piratebox/share/Shared first and after making a backup, you should copy HEADER.txt and FOOTER.txt (or so) to /opt/piratebox/src, that it will be distributed to the subdirectories directly later.

Quote

2. I'd like to add a new application to the server. Preferably a python + flask program. This question is similar to the first one in terms of outlining the general process.

Do you have to run it on a different port, like running a server?

Quote

Recommend external hard drive (preferably == 1tb) and best way to configure it with Pirate Box rPi.

check out the other threads about using external disks on the RPi Piratebox.
Even, all other howtos apply. .. take care of the correct permissions. You can do that with running

/opt/piratebox/bin/install_piratebox.sh /opt/piratebox/conf/piratebox.conf part2

Quote

Recommend way to extend range.

Having a good alfa usb wifi with an exchangeable dongle is a good way to go, in my mind. BUT BUT BUT remember:
1. More power output requires an Powered usb hub
2. Violating law about maximum Xmit-Power can cause you bad troubles
3. If you have a strenght signal, is like having a megaphone but you might not be able to hear the others answering, because the don't have one.

hope that helps,
Matthias