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How can we share files in a direct and personal way with the people in our immediate surroundings? We would like to develop a prototype for a server that we can sit around in a circle, exchanging files with each other without using the internet. It works like a cozy campfire—only instead of stories, we share files. | How can we share files in a direct and personal way with the people in our immediate surroundings? We would like to develop a prototype for a server that we can sit around in a circle, exchanging files with each other without using the internet. It works like a cozy campfire—only instead of stories, we share files. | ||
====How to implement==== | ====How to implement?==== | ||
We could use a '''server charm''' such as | We could use a '''server charm''' such as those from the actinomy collective (see: [[User:LEa/workshops/servercharm|Server Charm Workshop]]). This is a portable server made from a ESP32 microcontroller, powered by a small battery. Instead of transmitting one site via a WiFi from a server that belongs to one person only, it would be interesting to see if we can all connect to the same server. One goal is to be able to share images with each other, despite the small storage space. To share images with small file sizes, we could use pixelated or dithered images,or SVGs. | ||
Another option is to use a RaspberryPi, which would allow for a bit more freedom in regards to storage space. | Another option is to use a '''RaspberryPi''', which would allow for a bit more freedom in regards to storage space. | ||
====Testing==== | ====Testing==== | ||
[[File:5759DF6D-8F14-4F1D-BDAB-64C5C57A8A6C 1 105 c.jpg|alt=guestbook page|thumb|guestbook page|433x433px]] | |||
The model of the microcontroller that we used is ESP32 C3 Super Mini. It has 4MB flash memory, so our options for playing around are very limited. Youjung flashed the server with a template from the workshop—a small guestbook page that allows users to interactively leave their trace on the page by leaving a comment. The code can be found in [https://codeberg.org/StrangeGirlMurph/Server-Charms/src/branch/main/Manual.pdf this manual]. When trying to add a function that allows image uploads, the page kept crashing on clicking the upload button. So for now, we settled on just the guestbook page as is. | |||
====Outlook==== | |||
We could work further on making the guestbook work with images, or just try to host a static website that uses images to test the boundaries of our storage space. After the class with Doriane and Marie, we might also ask: [[Web_Hosting_on_Smartphones#Compressed_images|Do we really need images during our campfire?]] | |||
Instead of buying new hardware (more microcontrollers or a RaspberryPi)—Can we use an old smartphone as our shared server? Using Termux during the workshop with Marie, we were able to SSH into each others phones, and to interact by turning flashlights on, changing wallpapers, and adding files. This fits the idea of the campfire, even though it was very device-centered. | |||
Latest revision as of 00:17, 10 February 2026
Campfire: A prototype for local-first file sharing
Proposal
How can we share files in a direct and personal way with the people in our immediate surroundings? We would like to develop a prototype for a server that we can sit around in a circle, exchanging files with each other without using the internet. It works like a cozy campfire—only instead of stories, we share files.
How to implement?
We could use a server charm such as those from the actinomy collective (see: Server Charm Workshop). This is a portable server made from a ESP32 microcontroller, powered by a small battery. Instead of transmitting one site via a WiFi from a server that belongs to one person only, it would be interesting to see if we can all connect to the same server. One goal is to be able to share images with each other, despite the small storage space. To share images with small file sizes, we could use pixelated or dithered images,or SVGs.
Another option is to use a RaspberryPi, which would allow for a bit more freedom in regards to storage space.
Testing
The model of the microcontroller that we used is ESP32 C3 Super Mini. It has 4MB flash memory, so our options for playing around are very limited. Youjung flashed the server with a template from the workshop—a small guestbook page that allows users to interactively leave their trace on the page by leaving a comment. The code can be found in this manual. When trying to add a function that allows image uploads, the page kept crashing on clicking the upload button. So for now, we settled on just the guestbook page as is.
Outlook
We could work further on making the guestbook work with images, or just try to host a static website that uses images to test the boundaries of our storage space. After the class with Doriane and Marie, we might also ask: Do we really need images during our campfire?
Instead of buying new hardware (more microcontrollers or a RaspberryPi)—Can we use an old smartphone as our shared server? Using Termux during the workshop with Marie, we were able to SSH into each others phones, and to interact by turning flashlights on, changing wallpapers, and adding files. This fits the idea of the campfire, even though it was very device-centered.