Technology use in an Airstream

[ijoe13]

I’m the first to admit it; I’m a geek. I work in tech, so I’m always learning about and playing with the latest gadgets, etc.

I know AS’s come with Televisions, CD players and speakers. I’ve seen some folks install Apple TV units in them, but haven’t seen much in terms of Alexa, Google Home or other digital assistants. Has anyone done this? How has the experience been?

[turk123]

I have google home in the trailer. We also have two Chromecasts on the tv's. Everything works very well. Of course, we have Airstream's connect system with hotspot.

We have Dish network (have to see the hockey games) and YouTube Tv.

[ijoe13]

Originally Posted by turk123

I have google home in the trailer. We also have two Chromecasts on the tv's. Everything works very well. Of course, we have Airstream's connect system with hotspot.



We have Dish network (have to see the hockey games) and YouTube Tv.

Does the Airstream Connect system hotspot work the same way as the hotspot in a vehicle? I know most carriers (I have AT&T) allow the data connection for a vehicle to be added to a mobile phone data plan. In my case $10/month gives me WiFi in my truck.

Also, how are you using the Google Home setup in your AS? Is it possible to use it for lights, etc. with the way the AS is set up?

[kittmaster]

Originally Posted by ijoe13

I’m the first to admit it; I’m a geek. I work in tech, so I’m always learning about and playing with the latest gadgets, etc.

I know AS’s come with Televisions, CD players and speakers. I’ve seen some folks install Apple TV units in them, but haven’t seen much in terms of Alexa, Google Home or other digital assistants. Has anyone done this? How has the experience been?

Since I have AS connected installed, I added an Echo Dot 2nd gen, not 3rd gen because I can plug it into the USB ports in the media area. Works just like being in the house.

Simple really in that aspect of it.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by ijoe13

Does the Airstream Connect system hotspot work the same way as the hotspot in a vehicle?
. . .

FYI there is a long thread on this:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f451...ed-191803.html

You might also be interested in the following forum, and its listed sub-forums IMO:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f317/

Peter

[ijoe13]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

FYI there is a long thread on this:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f451...ed-191803.html

You might also be interested in the following forum, and its listed sub-forums IMO:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f317/

Peter

Great - thanks for the tip. I’ll check it out.

[cazual6]

I have the following:

1 x Alexa
2 x FireSticks
1 x Media Server
1 x Projector
1 x Screen
1 x Bluetooth with Aux speaker
1 x HDMI audio extractor and Downscaller, HDMI to VGA

A gazoo of chargers, wireless, wired, plug in, portable, etc.

I tried a URC remote, wasn't digging it. Was't worth. Better using the remote.


I'm also in the tech industry.

As so long as I buy with my own funds, the wife could care less.

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by cazual6

I have the following:

1 x Alexa
2 x FireSticks
1 x Media Server
1 x Projector
1 x Screen
1 x Bluetooth with Aux speaker
1 x HDMI audio extractor and Downscaller, HDMI to VGA

A gazoo of chargers, wireless, wired, plug in, portable, etc.

I tried a URC remote, wasn't digging it. Was't worth. Better using the remote.


I'm also in the tech industry.

As so long as I buy with my own funds, the wife could care less.

Where in the world do you hang that stuff ?

[nryn]

For me:

Larger TV (than stock) in lounge
AppleTV
Bose ceiling speakers
SureCall booster
WiFi Ranger
Verizon Jetpack
Dedicated iPad for downloaded content

Removed TV from bedroom.

I standardized on Anker 3-way cables (lightning, Micro USB, USB-C) everywhere so I don’t need to go look for the right cable (which is never the cable you have right there).

[aswell]

Originally Posted by ijoe13

Does the Airstream Connect system hotspot work the same way as the hotspot in a vehicle? I know most carriers (I have AT&T) allow the data connection for a vehicle to be added to a mobile phone data plan. In my case $10/month gives me WiFi in my truck.

Also an ex-tech professional, and as such did a few things to make our AS more livable, tech-wise.

The Airstream Connect is essentially a roof mounted cellular/wifi antenna with an Airstream branded data plan, a router, and an interior wifi hotspot. It's a great solution for people who want a pre-packaged solution, but there isn't anything magic about it.

We have a network consisting of a pfSense router and network switch, using the same roof-mounted cellular antenna as Airstream, and an unlimited Verizon data plan. The router and cellular modem are mounted to the wall in the closet, within reach of the stock antenna cables, and network cabling is run to all device locations. For Audio/Video, we have a Kodi media server with a Sony LCD TV and Bose speakers.

The cellular antenna also has WiFi capability , so that we could use park WiFi as WAN, but we haven't needed to as Verizon has worked at all but one location thus far, as the roof mounted antenna pulls in signal where phones don't normally work. And, we always check Campendium to verify cellular service before booking. Info on antenna: https://store.livinlite.net/5-in-1-C...-GPS_p_60.html

As long as you don't mind fishing network cabling thru cabinets and under the floor from side-to-side, the file transfers between devices and the latency of the internet connection is much better than with WiFi. Besides, it's good to minimize the amount of non-ionizing radiation we introduce in a small aluminum lined living space: https://emfacademy.com/difference-io...ing-radiation/

In situations where we have limited AT&T cell service for our mobile devices, we plug our iPhones into the LAN and use Voice-over-IP to make and receive calls: https://jacobsalmela.com/2016/04/09/...pad-or-iphone/

And, it kind of goes without saying that something like this is always a good idea when you have a lot of electronic devices plugged in to sometimes questionable RV park power: https://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-hw30c

Lots of tech fun to be had, given enough time and effort...

[cazual6]

Originally Posted by franklyfrank

Where in the world do you hang that stuff ?

The two FireSticks are on each TV.

Alexa is next to the Microphone.

Media Server is below the bedroom TV. It is a ASUS wireless router which also has ability to connect to your android phone for its WAN

PJ, HDMI audio extractor/scaler and Bluetooth Speakers stays on my curb side rear storage (I have a Fc25RT)

Screen goes in the truck, taken only when applicable.

If you want pictures, let me know.

[ijoe13]

Originally Posted by cazual6

The two FireSticks are on each TV.



Alexa is next to the Microphone.



Media Server is below the bedroom TV. It is a ASUS wireless router which also has ability to connect to your android phone for its WAN



PJ, HDMI audio extractor/scaler and Bluetooth Speakers stays on my curb side rear storage (I have a Fc25RT)



Screen goes in the truck, taken only when applicable.



If you want pictures, let me know.

Yes, please.