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04-01-2014, 05:45 AM
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#61
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Rivet Master
1995 30' Excella
Bowie
, Maryland
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,345
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick56Safari
I am curious about this WiFi Ranger. Will it allow me to set up a hot spot within the trailer? My 56 Air Stream has metal screens on the windows and I can't get any signal inside. My previous solution was to run an USB wire from my laptop to an Hawkings Antenna outside, thru the trunk door. But now we both have tablets and Ipods and need WiFi inside.
Also can I just set it on a pole outside and use the same USB cable to access it???
Thanks
Rick
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It's meant to be installed on the batwing antenna, and it uses the coax cable for power.
I've had one for a couple years now, and when we need it, it's great to have. There are a couple quirks, though:
1. It now seems to forget its settings every time I boot up. Presumably the internal battery is dead. I don't think there's any way to replace it. So I always have to use the default wifi network and reset the settings in it.
2. Powering off the coax works, sort of. I needed the extra power connection. Also, my antenna switch panel grounds the coax cable when it's switched off, so I blew several fuses before I figured out that I have to turn on the antenna first before hitting the second switch.
3. If I am using the Wifi Ranger, the TV antenna is also powered. What if I want to use a park's cable TV connection? We normally don't take a TV with us when we camp, so this isn't an issue for us, but others love to watch TV while camping and use the park's cable if it's equipped. For us, it'll be an issue during the 2016 Olympics, I'm guessing, which is the only time we have a TV with us while camping.
Overall, it works well aside from those quirks. I still kind of want to take my old WRT54G router and put some external antennas on it, mounted on the roof (perhaps on the plate that is between the A/C and fridge vent), and use that instead. I'm not sure if a WRT54G can actually do that job, and certainly the interface won't be as slick.
__________________
1995 Airstream Classic 30' Excella 1000
2014 Ram 2500 Crew Cab with Cummins 6.7L Diesel
Sold but not forgotten: 1991 Airstream B190
Sold: 2006 F-250 6.0L Powerstroke Supercab
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04-01-2014, 07:46 AM
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#62
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Rivet Master
2016 30' Classic
Hinckley
, Ohio
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 907
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Hi Florida 55, Thanks for the update. What model Pepwave do you have?
__________________
My budget won't stop me from buying something online that I don't need, but the threat of getting promotional
emails every day for the rest of my life just might!
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04-01-2014, 08:00 AM
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#63
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Rivet Master
2013 28' Flying Cloud
Central
, Canada
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,082
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Florida 55
Doug,
We are still very pleased with the PepWave Surf on the Go router and the Millenicom service....
post clipped to save bandwith
We are extremely satisfied with this approach to providing a reliable wireless hotspot with internet service for our Airstream. It is simple and easy to set up as well as operate. Simple and trouble free is nice to have on the road!
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Thanks very much Chuck (Florida-55) for the detailed post...
Cheers
Doug
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04-01-2014, 08:01 AM
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#64
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Rivet Master
2013 28' Flying Cloud
Central
, Canada
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,082
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Florida 55
Doug,
We are still very pleased with the PepWave Surf on the Go router and the Millenicom service....
post clipped to save bandwith
We are extremely satisfied with this approach to providing a reliable wireless hotspot with internet service for our Airstream. It is simple and easy to set up as well as operate. Simple and trouble free is nice to have on the road!
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Thanks very much Chuck (Florida-55) for the detailed post...
Cheers
Doug
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04-01-2014, 08:33 AM
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#65
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65th Anniversary CLIPPER
1996 36' Clipper Bus
Tub City
, British Columbia
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,309
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I had some of the same issues trying to mount the SKY to the BATWING.
I decided to mount and power mine independently and have been very pleased with the results.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f313...ml#post1144517
Dave
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skater
It's meant to be installed on the batwing antenna, and it uses the coax cable for power.
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__________________
"LOVE and LOSS, are two of the greatest emotions one can experience. -- I went to school to learn about "WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN" but I had to live my life to learn the lesson of: 'WITH LOVE THERE WILL BE SORROW'."
David Stewart. (after loosing my NAVIGATOR)
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04-01-2014, 09:00 AM
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#66
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
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The Sky WiFi Ranger RVPACK2 kit has the internal router box that draws about 14 watts and a permanently attached ethernet cable is installed into the antenna box. That cable carries the signal into a specific port on the router which also sends power upto to the antenna. The router box can be attached to either a 12Vdc power source or use the included wall wart plugged into 120Vac.
There is also an USB port on the router for the Verizon WiFi 4620LE modem to get both power and generate a tethered signal into the router.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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04-01-2014, 04:36 PM
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#67
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Celina
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 541
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghaynes755
Works with any device. Just like your home router. Connect to the ranger and whatever the Ranger is connected to will be a pass through to your laptop/desktop/pad/pod/droid or froid. You do need to use one of them to connect to the WiFIRanger when you first power it up in a new location and tell the internal control panel what WiFi spot you want it to connect to. That might take a couple of minutes but after that every other device that connects is good to go.
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So if I do not have any laptop with me I cannot tell the internal control panel what to connect to?
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04-01-2014, 05:30 PM
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#68
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65th Anniversary CLIPPER
1996 36' Clipper Bus
Tub City
, British Columbia
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,309
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Once the SKY or the Ranger is powered up, it will auto connect to the strongest open signal available.
Some of these signals, (Starbucks and others) will still require you to consent to their conditions before accessing the INTERNET on their signal. Just wait on that page to load before proceeding to the WWW.
By using the menu on the Ranger product, all your are doing is setting preferences.
Dave
Quote:
Originally Posted by Castaway
[/COLOR]
So if I do not have any laptop with me I cannot tell the internal control panel what to connect to?
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__________________
"LOVE and LOSS, are two of the greatest emotions one can experience. -- I went to school to learn about "WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN" but I had to live my life to learn the lesson of: 'WITH LOVE THERE WILL BE SORROW'."
David Stewart. (after loosing my NAVIGATOR)
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04-01-2014, 10:15 PM
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#69
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Rivet Master
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Pfafftown
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 918
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The Pepwave Surf to Go router will work on any network including T-Mobile. You just need a USB modem compatible with your network to plug into the Pepwave. Likely you can buy the USB modem directly from your wireless service provider. If you want 4G service make sure the USB modem you buy supports 4G on the wireless provider you are using. If you aren't buying your USB modem directly from the wireless service, make sure you get a list of compatible USB modems from your provider before you go shopping.
__________________
Chuck
Airstream - 2008 Safari 27FB SE (Sweet Pea)
TV - 2022 Ford F350 King Ranch, 6.7 Diesel, 4X4 (Big Red)
WBCCI 3823 - Unit 12 | AIR 48265
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04-02-2014, 06:08 AM
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#70
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Rivet Master
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Pfafftown
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 918
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Millenicom Price Increase
Yesterday Millenicom announced a price increase for all of its data plans to $89.99 per month for 20GB of service. The increase is effective May 1, 2014. The company explained its upstream provider (Verizon) raised the cost of service to Millenicom forcing them to pass through the higher costs. Up to now I've been paying $59.99 per month for 20GB.
On a price per GB basis Millenicom is still a good deal but no longer a fantastic deal. Depending on your data usage per month your out of pocket cost could now be lower going with a data plan with a lower GB per month (say 6 or 8) directly with Verizon, ATT, Sprint or another carrier, particularly if the minutes are shared with a smartphone package. It really depends on data usage. Heavy users will stick with Millenicom and light users will switch.
With a modem USB stick from any carrier, and the Pepwave Surf on the Go, you can achieve the same results for a mobile hotspot in your Airstream as I have using the Pepwave Surf on the Go and the Millenicom service.
I've now got to do some number crunching to determine if I'll stick with Millenicom for the Airstream hotspot or move to a Verizon family plan sharing data with my mobile phones. In any event I intend to keep the Pepwave Surf on the Go as the router in the Airstream.
__________________
Chuck
Airstream - 2008 Safari 27FB SE (Sweet Pea)
TV - 2022 Ford F350 King Ranch, 6.7 Diesel, 4X4 (Big Red)
WBCCI 3823 - Unit 12 | AIR 48265
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04-02-2014, 06:54 AM
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#71
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4 Rivet Member
2004 34' Classic S/O
Stafford
, Virginia
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 266
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Florida 55
The Pepwave Surf to Go router will work on any network including T-Mobile. You just need a USB modem compatible with your network to plug into the Pepwave. Likely you can buy the USB modem directly from your wireless service provider. If you want 4G service make sure the USB modem you buy supports 4G on the wireless provider you are using. If you aren't buying your USB modem directly from the wireless service, make sure you get a list of compatible USB modems from your provider before you go shopping.
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Thanks!
__________________
Mike, Miho &
S/OS#069
TAC # TX-33
WBCCI #5702
"Eva" 2004 Classic Limited 34' S/O
"Wall-E" 2012 Ford F250 King Ranch
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04-02-2014, 08:53 AM
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#72
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65th Anniversary CLIPPER
1996 36' Clipper Bus
Tub City
, British Columbia
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,309
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If you are purchasing routers or unlocked phones you must be aware that not all carriers use the same wireless communication standard.
At this point I think you want GSM and LTE minimum.
This information is available on line and a partial list of USA providers is available here.
List of United States wireless communications service providers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Also available for Canada here.
List of Canadian mobile phone companies - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nothing is simple.
The OP requests information on signal amplifiers and any signal amplifier will work with any system. You just have to have the right SIM card and hardware capability to use the signal.
Dave
__________________
"LOVE and LOSS, are two of the greatest emotions one can experience. -- I went to school to learn about "WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN" but I had to live my life to learn the lesson of: 'WITH LOVE THERE WILL BE SORROW'."
David Stewart. (after loosing my NAVIGATOR)
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04-03-2014, 05:10 PM
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#73
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari
St. Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,670
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This is a great thread but there are also several different subjects being discussed at once. The wifi ranger products include the Sky and the Mobile - both outdoor (rooftop) routers. The mobile does not have batteries, it is powered by a special low resistance cable that goes to a second router inside the camper. The sky has this option too known as the RVpack2 currently. The indoor router is referred to as the Go. The pep wave I believe is similar to a Go- an indoor router with antenna. The two routers work together to spread signal - one to gather (on top of the trailer outside void of obstructions) and the other to broadcast the wifi inside the trailer just like in a house. This ALL to gather WiFi signals from ANY source. The mobile or known as the bullet in the industry is a strong radio- 600mw and is an excellent choice for long range- thus it is marketed that way. The challenge is that the bullet should be mounted vertically with an antenna on top to get the best performance. This on an Airstream is achieved by using the batwing pole. On a motorhome perhaps the ladder. This system is designed only to pick up and transmit any wifi signal.
Cellular is another whole discussion as are the carriers of such service. The antennas are different and other types of equipment will be needed for that. I followed the advice of several on this forum and purchased the universal Wilson sleek with their most powerful cellular antenna. I have never been anywhere yet that I do not have a signal - but that is not saying much at this point as my travel has been limited to the southeastern US. Regardless, several persons raved about the sleek as doing as much or in some cases more than larger systems- this coming from people posting from the northwestern woodlands. Cell service is a fleeting thing as areas have a different champion service. The sleek works with my ATT iPhone (straight talk ATT service) or my Sprint Mifi unit for Internet.
Those that are really into WiFi refer to Radiolabs. They have all kinds of items and cater to marine use too. https://www.radiolabs.com
__________________
WBCCI 8653/AIR 60240
2022 Ford F150 PowerBoost Platinum w/7.2KW
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04-16-2014, 05:06 PM
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#74
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari
St. Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,670
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Here are some pics of my setup with the new antenna
__________________
WBCCI 8653/AIR 60240
2022 Ford F150 PowerBoost Platinum w/7.2KW
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04-16-2014, 08:56 PM
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#75
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2020 Classic 33
Box Elder
, South Dakota
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,731
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How did you route the Ethernet cable from the Bullet to the WiFiRanger GO?
__________________
Gary
2020 Classic 33 Twin, 2019 Ram 3500 Longhorn, ProPride
NØVPN
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04-16-2014, 09:04 PM
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#76
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari
St. Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,670
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From the Winegard I ran the cable down, then across the roof attaching it to the edge of the skylight with lock ties at the holes on the edges then through the refrigerator vent screen with a rubber grommet and down the vent behind the fridge to the wall, drilled out spot for the wire and sealed it once in place. Attached wire to the GO router inside. Done.
__________________
WBCCI 8653/AIR 60240
2022 Ford F150 PowerBoost Platinum w/7.2KW
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04-17-2014, 07:12 AM
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#77
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
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We mounted the WiFi Ranger antenna and the Verizon 4G modem antenna on the refrigerator exhaust roof. The wiring was brought into the roof locker next to the refrigerator along with a power outlet for the Ranger.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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04-18-2014, 01:54 PM
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#78
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari
St. Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,670
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Some additional
Here is a video explaining network types and routers. Wifi Ranger creates an N network in the trailer useable by any wifi device. It is also compatible to G network devices.
As far as 3G, 4G, and LTE go, the current LTE is TRUE 4G speed (about 12mbps) and this relates to cellular communication. Here is a video regarding what is coming in the use of cellular data:
To reiterate, Wifi Ranger is for wifi not cellular.
__________________
WBCCI 8653/AIR 60240
2022 Ford F150 PowerBoost Platinum w/7.2KW
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04-19-2014, 08:08 AM
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#79
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
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We installed both the WiFi Ranger antenna and the Verizon MiFi cellular data antenna on the refrigerator roof vent.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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04-19-2014, 10:12 AM
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#80
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 213
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Switz,
Earlier you said:
"There is also an USB port on the router for the Verizon WiFi 4620LE modem to get both power and generate a tethered signal into the router."
Have you run a speed test of the modem versus the tethered signal into the Ranger router? My understanding is that by tethering one doesn't have a speed reduction. If the Ranger picks up the modem hotspot (no tether) I believe that the speed is cut in half.
I plan to send my AT&T Unite Pro (very fast LTE) modem to the WiFiRanger people so they can confirm that it will tether with the Ranger Go2. So far the only documented modem that can be tethered is yours.
Is the 4620LE happy to be mounted next to the Ranger Go2 for months and receive power from the USB tether connection?
If so all one needs to do for a trip is to mount the modem next to the Ranger Go2 and connect via USB.
If there isn't a good WiFi signal then one can fall back on the cellular signal. This year I expect cell amps/repeaters to show up that do 3G and 4G LTE (Verizon and At&T), work in an RV and be sized for an RV. Then one can obtain cellular signals even in weak areas.
Barry
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