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Peplink Router with External Antenna
After a couple of years of studying solutions (ok and procrastinating) I have just completed the install of my Peplink router and Parsec external antenna. After deciding to move ahead, I was very nervous about the install so I thought I’d share a few things for anyone in a similar boat.
My big reason for selecting this system was that I wanted an outside antenna to pick up cell and wifi signals and not a cell booster. This unit has wifi as WAN if you buy the license.
I have a 2015, 28’ international with a couch and overhead bin in the front. This was part of a relatively simple install.
I bought the Full Timer bundle from mobilemusthave. Their educational videos and technical help were outstanding before and after purchase.
They router is on the right side in the overhead bin. The antenna is on the end cap on the left. Both items are forward of the bulkhead where the end cap starts - this was important as it avoided running antenna cables fore and aft.
Antenna install
I located the Parsec Doberman 5 in 1 mimo antenna 18+ inches from the fm antenna per mobilemusthave recommendation. I choose the left side of Sali so it would be separated from the router. I don’t know this was necessary but I was a bit concerned about the antenna being just inches above the router.
With the double size radio out ( a mod I did previously) there is room to reach in and beside and on top of the overhead bin to get to the antenna cable. There is a space of about 3-4 inches between the overhead cabinet and the outside skin. This was perfect for routing the antenna cable. On the roof, I measured at least 4 times, then drilled a 1/8 pilot hole (fillable with a rivet just in case). After confirming I was in the void I opened the hole to 1-1/8. I put an electrical fishing wire tool in the hole and from inside I tied a string to the fish were and pulled it back through. I then went on the roof and tied the string to the antenna cable and pulled it through to the wiring space. The antenna cables were just long enough so be careful where you choose to put the antenna and router. With the c wire routing done I used the sticky tape that came with the antenna to mount it to the roof and sealed around the edges.
Router install
I installed the router in the cabinet with Velcro strips. If you have some basic computer skills, with the aid of the excellent mobilemusthave videos you can set up the router.
I have powered it up multiple times in my drive connecting to my home internet and it works very well. Right now I’m using just wifi as WAN but I will be getting an RV cell data plan you can “turn off” in the winter. I ran the Peplink admin program using my laptop, but have since used my iphone and ipad both to run the admin program and select data sources.
Hope this helps someone. If you need a detail I missed you can pm me.
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