WIFI reception

[Devoman]

I got some things from Hawkings Technology and I can say that they are a very good company.Everything I got from them works really well.
They do have antennas for things like picking up wifi.Some are made really strong and some not so strong.It just depends on what you want and need to use.
I plan on getting some new video cameras from them as they are made to work with the internet and that is very usefull for when we are on trips.With what we have right now around the house these are top notch as you can look at the house anytime you want to online.

[Skater]

Originally Posted by brijbldr

Has anyone used this system, and have comments (good or bad) about it?

There are a lot of campgrounds out there that have WiFi access, but most places I have been, it's necessary to go outside the rig and sometimes walk a distance to get reception. If this works as advertised, it would be a big help.

http://www.anwdevices.com/iantenna30...Data_Sheet.pdf

Bruce

Looks like the primary point of those is to provide you with an ethernet port. I think it'd work but it seems unnecessarily expensive for simply boosting the signal strength. And the lower models (100 and 200) don't even support 802.11g - they're just 802.11b. Finally the 300 model has features you almost certainly don't need - Power over Ethernet, for example.

[Phil/Edee]

Has anyone ever tried the "RVAirport" that's advertised on the Web?? It's supposed to let you connect within two miles of a "hotspot".

Edee

[2airishuman]

hi edee

looks like a nifty device...

i'm sure the 2 miles is 'line of site'...

and how often is that gonna be available, without something in the way?

this might be best for someone with a known regular wifi signal that is weak.

i'm using a verizon broadband cell card right now, and pretty pleased with nearly a year of usage coast to coast.

this is what phil gobie suggested in post #6 and i took his advice.

i'm in a deep dark valley right now in the western rockies and getting a 4 bar broadband signal...

really amazing and so i seldom look for wifi signals anymore.

cheers
2air'

[Jim Clark]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

hi edee

looks like a nifty device...

i'm sure the 2 miles is 'line of site'...

and how often is that gonna be available, without something in the way?

this might be best for someone with a known regular wifi signal that is weak.

i'm using a verizon broadband cell card right now, and pretty pleased with nearly a year of usage coast to coast.

this is what phil gobie suggested in post #6 and i took his advice.

i'm in a deep dark valley right now in the western rockies and getting a 4 bar broadband signal...

really amazing and so i seldom look for wifi signals anymore.

cheers
2air'

2air Dlink makes a WIFI router which has a port for a aircard, the router then is a Gateway for a WIFI network. Handy if you want to throw up a Hotspot for an office or a Rally.

Here is a information link: This one is 3G I thinke they have others.
D-Link 3G Mobile Router - DIR-450, DIR-451

[thecatsandi]

The only problem with most of these solutions is it only half of the equasion.
You computer is only putting out the same amount of power. An external antenna can increase the range but not the power. Once all that power is exhausted then you are out of luck. You may be able to get feet or yards but not miles.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Jim Clark

2air Dlink makes a WIFI router which has a port for a aircard, the router then is a Gateway for a WIFI network. Handy if you want to throw up a Hotspot for an office or a Rally...

hi jim

yep, i've seen those, richL had one at topsail last year but a different brand. it is great for a rally!

the card i'm using is a skinny express 34 model and models that accept this card have been slow to appear.

the link below has an assortment of these routers...

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

...You computer is only putting out the same amount of power. An external antenna can increase the range but not the power...

cats...

i think the device edee referenced has a signal amplifier as well as antenna...

i'm using one from wilson technologies that boosts the signal (to 3 amps?) like the old bag phones...

so a weak or marginal signal or camping on the fringe of coverage...

will often get boosted significantly...as in miles.

artstream showed me this set up, he's been using with satisfaction.

we camped together where i had no cellular signal and he was registering 3-4 bars on the same provider...

that sold me.

i purchased here...

https://3gstore.com/

but wilson products are available at many big truck stops and other vendors...

cheers
2air'

[flashbackk]

If you want to try a simple solution this is THE best usb card out there. It is amplified and you can attach an external antenna if you need to. All the hackers are using it. It's the lastest and greatest. ( don't ask me how I know ). I have one and it's unbelievable how many AP's show up. Having said that, If I was going to spend more time in my airstream I'd look at an external antenna.

The price is crazy on this site. I got mine for $ 60.

Amazon.com: USB 500mW WiFI Adapter for Wardriving & Range Extension *Strongest on the Market*: Electronics

[Phil/Edee]

The USB 500mW .... looks the best I guess.... The specs state Mac OS X Tiger. Wonder if OS X 10.3.9 will work ... or do we have to get moving and upgrade???? *)*

[Tim A.]

Originally Posted by Phil/Edee

The USB 500mW .... looks the best I guess.... The specs state Mac OS X Tiger. Wonder if OS X 10.3.9 will work ... or do we have to get moving and upgrade???? *)*

On another thread (http://www.airforums.com/forums/f452/cell-phone-reception-34617-2.html#post423753 ), I cover the RadioLabs WaveRV antenna we have installed. As I reported there, it worked great on our recent trip and it does work with Mac OS X Tiger. If I recall correctly, however, OS X Tiger is not necessary. A quick check of the RadioLabs website should clarify that.

[flashbackk]

I know the Alfa works with Ubuntu and WinXP. I don't know why it work with any operating system. It uses Realtek rt8187 drivers. With my luck I'd check though.

[thecatsandi]

I have a wilson mobile amp for my truck with external antenna. Actually found it for about $5 more locally than online and walked home with it.
If we are talking about a wifi Amp then yeah range is better but it is only as good as the weakest link. Unless you set up both sides then one will be weaker and thereby limiting.

[thecatsandi]

Rich has/had a Kyocera. At the time he bought his it was the only one on the market.
I bought a D-link Mobile router. PCMCIA Slot, 4 port router and Wi-FI.
I have a Verizon Data Card. At the time it fit both my computer and the router. I bought a new Mac and it has the smaller slot. Now I have to use the Router to get online.
THe WI-FI works ok with the Mac. Something about being in a metal can disturbes the WI-FI.

[Buttercup]

Have you seen this???
ThinkGeek :: Wi-Fi Detector Shirt

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by Buttercup

Have you seen this???
ThinkGeek :: Wi-Fi Detector Shirt

That's too off-the-chain.

What will they think up next.