You Get What You Pay For.
Posted by nathan on 12 Sep 2007 | Tagged as: New Hope stuff., Tech Stuff., my life.
Recently, we have implemented live check-in for our new children’s ministry, High Point. The check-in is done remotely via a WiFi enabled computer and securely connecting to our database.
The computer running the check-in station is an old 900 MHz machine. I paired it with a 15″ flat panel (a CRT would have taken way too much room), and we have an infrared bar code scanner and ‘Boarding Pass’ (nametag) printer attached.
When the kids check in, they get to scan their own ‘Passport’ (which has a bar code printed on it), and the system automatically logs them in and prints out their Boarding Pass.
So, in assembling this unit, I purchased a $20 WiFi USB adapter. I figured, ‘No sense paying $50 for one.’
The $20 unit works great, unless you go more than 30-50′ from the Access Point, at which time it drops signal rather quickly.
So this week, I had to spend $50 on a new Wireless Adapter card, and this one works great. The new card works from the entire Unity Hall/Office Complex, as well as most of the Sanctuary, sans the far side.
So, now, I have paid not $20, not $50, but a total of $70 to get the Wireless up and running properly.
I knew better. Just a reminder to myself, and hopefully you as well…
You get what you pay for.
It’s cheaper to do it right the first time.
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