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Old 03-25-2012, 05:42 PM   #61
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Originally Posted by azflycaster View Post
Many smart phones can be used as a wifi hotspot and/or USB tether as well.
I know this is true, but have no experience with them. I do believe that the amount of data you can download and upload is quite limited though, or some things are not available. For light data users they may work just fine. Someone else might let their experiences be known.

It is very hard to keep up with it all, and what was true a year ago may not be the best thing now. I have a lot of experience with what I have been using, but that does not say it is what will work for every individual, or what is best for them.
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Old 03-25-2012, 05:48 PM   #62
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I'm going to let it rest for a while. I have to get ready to go to Denver in the morning and will be looking at stuff when I'm there, but need to recover from Information Overload.

I may adopt a 9 year old when there and he or she will understand all this. I have sent an e-mail to Wifi Ranger with many questions and maybe they will educate me. It attaches to the Winegard antenna and sends a signal down the TV coax and I think there's a box that broadcasts to devices in the trailer. There some indication it may work for cell signals too, but I have to confirm that. I also have to see if it works with an iPad as they have many limits. One version has a claimed range of 750 meters and other 1,000 meters. Of course, if there's a big 5th wheel or Class A next to you, it may not work. Right now they are discounted to $250, but other discounts may be available to Facebook users—not us though as we don't want to deal with Facebook. I haven't had any success trying to find them (except for the really cheap one) at other retailers.

When I learn more about the Wifi Ranger, I'll let you know. No one is an expert at this and the companies that sell this stuff do not explain it well. They assume everyone knows what they do and I am unready to get an EE degree; I tried that in college and quickly learned arts and science was more my style.

Now to pack for tomorrow and watch MadMen.

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Old 03-25-2012, 06:27 PM   #63
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I am close to adding broadband service to our Bambi via cellular modem and WiFi. However, each time I am about to order, I find more information and the price goes up. We have had pretty good luck using WiFi outside our relative's homes when we visit; but campground WiFi has been unavailable/unreliable and very disappointing. Cellular modem service is expensive, relatively slow (when one is used to DSL broadband), and plans keep changing with each new iPhone release.

Now, I am about burned out on this subject, too; but I plan to reread it in the next few days to see if I am any closer to deciding how to proceed. I guess I need to win the lottery, have a half-dozen devices installed, put antennas all over the roof, and quit worrying about how much it costs.

It appears I should have bought Verizon and mobile broadband/WiFi device stock about 20 years ago...
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Old 03-25-2012, 08:08 PM   #64
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Also, Spenfolder, which MiFi has an external antenna connector?

Thanks,
Phoenix
I have a Verizon MiFi 4G LTE. It's model #4510L. It has a small external antenna port on the side. Apparently, Verizon has a plug in adapter that can connect to an antenna they sell, or another brand. I'm just starting to read up on it.

Stan
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Old 03-26-2012, 03:43 PM   #65
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The Ranger Pro is compatible with the "WiFi hot spot" on the Driod phones...sayeth the company!

( Essentially this technology supplants the air card.) We are charged for our hot spot connection only when used --not on contractual agreements-- and pro rated on daily use only. This connection can be terminated at any time. e.g. when we are traveling and if I only need the connection for 3,4, 5 weeks, then I can activate / terminate the service by 'puter log on.

Next question(s): transmission speeds with hot spots, ease of installation of the Ranger Pro, reliability, etc.
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Old 03-26-2012, 03:52 PM   #66
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Easy Tether

I have a Verizon 3 g droid. I downloaded Easytether for $9.95 on both my lap top and my phone. Whenever I want to go online I hook up my phone to the laptop and open up easytether.....voila....I have access to the internet without paying for another data plan....I have unlimited data, I think but I don't download movies or big stuff.....also, I can still use the phone while hooked up to easy tether....I used it all over the country last summer and it worked anywhere I could get Verizon 3 g service and was a lot better than trying to use campground wifi. paula
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Old 03-26-2012, 04:01 PM   #67
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I just found my cell phone in my truck and turned it on, anybody tell me how to answer it? jim
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Old 03-26-2012, 04:19 PM   #68
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I wouldn't answer it Jim... Just let it go to voicemail.
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Old 03-29-2012, 09:14 AM   #69
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[on edit, 05.01.2012:

I have made some edits to split out two quite different topics. This thread now stands as a location for mifi discussion.

In-common posts leading up to a major transfer of the WiFi Ranger discussion has been relocated to http://www.airforums.com/forums/f451...ead-90596.html ]
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Old 05-26-2012, 06:58 AM   #70
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3gstore.com just announced the release of the new Wilson Sleek 4G-V Signal Booster for 3G and Verizon 4G LTE - 815126 [700V/800/1900mhz] - Ships on 06/13/2012

http://3Gstore.com/sleek4g
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Old 06-07-2012, 12:11 PM   #71
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For those following this thread, see update at this link:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f317...ml#post1157676
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Old 06-11-2012, 11:02 PM   #72
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Quote:
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For those following this thread, see update at this link:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f317...ml#post1157676
It appears that you posted a mangled link.
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Old 06-12-2012, 02:59 AM   #73
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Sorry, method used to cut and paste link truncated part of the text. See corrected link, below:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f317...ml#post1157676
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Old 08-03-2012, 06:35 PM   #74
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The Wilson Sleek antenna is a magnet mount; it doesn't as though it would work on the aluminum a/s. How do you mount your antenna?
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Old 08-03-2012, 08:43 PM   #75
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The magnetic mount antenna I am using is made by Cyfre, and it is not part of the Wilson Sleek package (which I do not own). Also, I am still testing this equipment, and the magnetic mount antenna is currently stuck to a (steel) cookie sheet in my office.

As part of the field test, I plan on mounting the external antenna on the cab of our Tundra, and will eventually mount it to a piece of sheet metal, semi-permanently attached to the top of our Bambi.
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Old 08-03-2012, 10:05 PM   #76
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The Wilson Sleek antenna is a magnet mount; it doesn't as though it would work on the aluminum a/s. How do you mount your antenna?
I took a small steel L bracket and bent it to fit in the end of my awning rail. It has a horizontal shelf now. I can reach out my door and stick the antenna in place and run the wire through the door gasket. This is for temp use of course. If I were to leave it in one place I would consider sticking something like a piece of sheet metal to the AL roof with one of the normal RV adhesives, then the magnet would have a grip.
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Old 08-04-2012, 12:26 AM   #77
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Sorry, I assumed that the last post was directed at me.

Idroba, would like to see a photo of your bracket, as I am looking for an easy way to mount our magnetic mount antenna. I don't really want to nail a cookie sheet to the roof of our Bambi; and those aluminum magnets are really had to find, even on the Internet!

(Hope you know I'm joking...)
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Old 08-04-2012, 12:34 AM   #78
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i'll try to get a photo tomorrow and post it. I think it is still in place on the 18' Caravel. I usually use the Argosy with steel end caps for travel these days. Then I have to be careful not to bring the aluminum magnet antenna which does not stick to steel... grin.
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Old 08-04-2012, 04:43 PM   #79
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Ok, here are three photos of my magnetic antenna mount which sticks into the end of the awning rail on my 18' Caravel. The antenna shown is for my MiFi but the Wilson sleek antenna also is magnetic mount and works the same way.
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