Manually starting Ad-Hoc Mode with an ath_pci Device.

Took me some digging to solve this small problem. As I am a real fan of the "Freifunk"-project, I was not able to switch my Toshiba Satellite to Adhoc-mode. Neither using Gnomes network-manager nor using a console.

At first I thought it was about the ath5-Debian/ath_pci-MadWiFi drama: but as Debian ath5 module still lacks support for the Atheros 2524(?) in my Satellite A-120, I have to stay and live with the MadWiFi-Project, which still works.

Short solution: You have to 'destroy' the ath0 Interface? WTF?

Here we go: (all as root 4sure)
wlanconfig ath0 destroy
wlanconfig ath0 create wlandev wifi0 wlanmode adhoc
iwconfig ath0 channel 2 (whatever channel you need)
iwconfig ath0 essid 'Name_of_the_Station'
ifconfig ath0 up
dhclient ath0

It works? It works.

Sources:
MadWifi-Project
Debian Wiki/Atheros AR5xxx devices (MadWifi)
Ubuntu Adhoc Wireless Networking