If there is a power cut while you are running a BridgePal session, your BridgePals and laptop will continue to work on batteries, but the router will probably stop working. The power cut backup strategy could be to use a mobile hotspot instead of the failed router.

A mobile hotspot can be used in smaller clubs. Hotspots generally have a limit on the number of devices supported, e.g. 5 or 10, and a more limited range than a wireless router, so may not be suitable for larger clubs.

Any iOS or android phone can be used as a hotspot in this way.

• In Settings on the phone set Personal Hotspot ON (Mobile data must be ON) and set a password for Personal Hotspot
• From visible wireless networks on the laptop choose the hotspot and use the password defined above to connect. The hotspot wifi should be set to "metered connection" to avoid any big downloads like windows update
• From visible wireless networks on all BridgePal phones choose the same hotspot and login with the same password
• If you wish, you can turn off the phone's mobile data connection to prevent internet access by conencted devices.

A message from a user that used this solution for power cuts: This hotspot solution worked very well for them. - Here is their reply:

"Great success - I've used a mobile hotspot on my phone to act as a router, connecting five table-top tablets and the scoring laptop to run an event with BridgePal..
Further, I've trialled starting an event with the Club's "usual" router, simulating it breaking down  (pulled its mains plug out!) and then using my mobile hotspot to take over - again, this was successful.  So, in future, I will have a back-up strategy against the case where there is a power cut or if the router fails."