Cell Boosters for Remote Work?

[ImagoX]

We're considering taking the nest out for a week-long 'working vacation'. The issue is the site we like (only about 20 min from home) doesn't have great cell service.

Has anyone used a Cell Booster like any of the ones in the article below, and if so, how did you like it (or not)? We need good call quality AND the ability to access the internet to be able to work.

https://www.rvhometown.com/best-cell...osters-for-rv/

Thanks!

[kscherzi]

I have one, the weboost. Its okay. Will pump one bar to three or four. I don't think it does a lot to speed up internet though, maybe some. Should improve voice calls.

[Mollysdad]

You'll have to decide if a cell booster alone will solve your problem or if you need something like a Jet Pack with it's own data plan.
Your phone can be a hot spot for the internet, but then it's not a phone. Also, you can burn through a lot of data.
The people who keep up with the latest and greatest are
The Mobile Internet Resource Center. They're a couple who split their time between a boat and an RV.
See what they have to recommend:
https://www.rvmobileinternet.com
I always start out with "I'd love some internet in remote places!" and end with "I'm not paying $100 a month to download my junk e-mail."

[Lily&Me]

I have what is listed here as #7, I believe, and it works very well with Verizon.

I use my phone as a hotspot for my IPad, and it automatically goes to a low data usage, which has not affected anything I am aware of.

Maggie

[SSquared]

We sometimes spend 3 to 4 months in one place. We use item #3 from that article.



When we're at our favorite swamp, without the booster, I get no signal on my phone when in my trailer, and outside is not much better. With the booster (and the 25 foot mast for the antenna) we get good signal for phone calls, web browsing, and a bit of streaming. We use a phone as a hot spot and consume 20-25 GB of data per month.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by SSquared

With the booster (and the 25 foot mast for the antenna)

Wow. A 25' mast seems like a beast! How do you keep it under control at the Airstream?

[bbdo]

Originally Posted by ImagoX

We're considering taking the nest out for a week-long 'working vacation'. The issue is the site we like (only about 20 min from home) doesn't have great cell service.

Has anyone used a Cell Booster like any of the ones in the article below, and if so, how did you like it (or not)? We need good call quality AND the ability to access the internet to be able to work.

https://www.rvhometown.com/best-cell...osters-for-rv/

Thanks!

This really depends on how important connectivity is to you. For me, it is absolutely essential and cost is not a factor - results are. With that in mind...

The AP/LTE router we use is a Peplink MAX BR1 MK2. This has dual SIM slots and external antenna connectors. It has been rock solid, highly recommend it.

For regular coverage areas, I use this antenna - Poynting MIMO-3-15 | 2×2 LTE + 2×2 WiFi + GPS. Also is the OEM one for new airstreams: https://poynting.tech/product/mimo-3/

For low coverage areas, I manually switch connectors to the two amps which power these antennas that I built:

https://www.reddit.com/r/GoRVing/com...nna_installed/

Both sides of the antenna are amped now, and it can make the impossible happen, to a point. If there is any signal, it will be pulled in. But it cannot go through mountains.. however it will pull in reflected signals and make it usable. Truly remarkable how well it works!

I have SIM cards from VZW as well as AT&T. VZW is pre-paid and used when I have to, such as in West Yellowstone where VZW is doing much better.

AT&T is unlimited and what I use normally. We also stream ATT-TV which doesn't count against the ATT data cap. We get our home news channel wherever we are!

Best of luck!

[ImagoX]

Originally Posted by bbdo

This really depends on how important connectivity is to you. For me, it is absolutely essential and cost is not a factor - results are. With that in mind...

The AP/LTE router we use is a Peplink MAX BR1 MK2. This has dual SIM slots and external antenna connectors. It has been rock solid, highly recommend it.

For regular coverage areas, I use this antenna - Poynting MIMO-3-15 | 2×2 LTE + 2×2 WiFi + GPS. Also is the OEM one for new airstreams: https://poynting.tech/product/mimo-3/

For low coverage areas, I manually switch connectors to the two amps which power these antennas that I built:

https://www.reddit.com/r/GoRVing/com...nna_installed/

Both sides of the antenna are amped now, and it can make the impossible happen, to a point. If there is any signal, it will be pulled in. But it cannot go through mountains.. however it will pull in reflected signals and make it usable. Truly remarkable how well it works!

I have SIM cards from VZW as well as AT&T. VZW is pre-paid and used when I have to, such as in West Yellowstone where VZW is doing much better.

AT&T is unlimited and what I use normally. We also stream ATT-TV which doesn't count against the ATT data cap. We get our home news channel wherever we are!

Best of luck!

Question: I'm on ATT now, but want to use Verizon as a backup - how do I add a device like the MAX BR1 MK2 to my carrier(s)? I started this inquiry by contacting Verizon and they were NO help at all - almost like they weren't interested in selling me anything short of a full carrier swap to them from ATT (which I don't want to do).

Thanks!!

[SSquared]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Wow. A 25' mast seems like a beast! How do you keep it under control at the Airstream?

At the place where we use the mast, there is a sturdy six foot tall signpost at the corner of each site. We last our pole to that post (very tightly) with heavy-duty zip ties. (It's important to keep the pole from spinning in the wind because the antenna is directional).

The picture shows our set-up with the mast extended to about 20 feet (it collapses to about 5.5 feet for travel). We have a big tripod for the mast but have not needed it (the mast came from a ham radio supply store).

We've also taken the booster on a month-long road trip where we used it just a couple of times. For that trip, we left the 25 foot pole home, and brought an aluminum painter's pole instead. We lashed that to our main awning (which means we can't use the awning at the same time as the booster).

[matthewk]

I built this to travel with and have an extendable antenna with a large spike on the bottom I can hammer into the dirt. Runs multiple SIMs on ATT, Verizon and Sprint with a maximum bandwidth of 940 Mbps. I've never been anywhere I couldn't get a signal.

[ImagoX]

Originally Posted by matthewk

I built this to travel with and have an extendable antenna with a large spike on the bottom I can hammer into the dirt. Runs multiple SIMs on ATT, Verizon and Sprint with a maximum bandwidth of 940 Mbps. I've never been anywhere I couldn't get a signal.

Same question for you, matthewk - what's the process of getting the mobile hub device added to existing cell data plans and/or establishing new service? Making calls to Verizon just to ASK about this sort of thing, for example, was VERY frustrating - since I don't have an account# with Verizon yet their IVR didn't know how to get me to someone to answer questions or activate me, and the folks who man the Verizon brick-and-mortar stores only seem interested in selling the cell phones and full-account-swap services they're no-doubt incentivized to push to typical consumers.

I'm pretty sure I'll go with something like this to boost our cell signals while we work (sans the huge mast antenna... for now anyway) - thanks very much to everyone who responded to confirm this is a viable solution!

[lsbrodsky]

In my case, I bought the SIM cards from the providers I chose, then used on-line sign-up. Never talked with a person. In an instance where no SIM card was needed I just needed the IMEI from the device for the on-line sign-up. There are some MVNO's like RedPocket with very helpful customer service to help you get setup, but I have never had good help from the big boys.
Larry

[ImagoX]

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

In my case, I bought the SIM cards from the providers I chose, then used on-line sign-up. Never talked with a person. In an instance where no SIM card was needed I just needed the IMEI from the device for the on-line sign-up. There are some MVNO's like RedPocket with very helpful customer service to help you get setup, but I have never had good help from the big boys.
Larry

That's super helpful - thank you! I assumed the cell device had an IMEI like a phone does, but wasn't sure. Appreciate it...

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by SSquared

At the place where we use the mast, there is a sturdy six foot tall signpost at the corner of each site. We last our pole to that post (very tightly) with heavy-duty zip ties. (It's important to keep the pole from spinning in the wind because the antenna is directional).

Got it! Good to have a solid pole as a support.
I was concerned about high winds and lightning. In my previous life, I used something called "Hot sticks". They're designed for power company workers, but I used them differently. They were fiberglas, 35' if extended all the way. In the wind they'd be a handful. I lashed them to fence posts with ratchet straps. A continuous ratchet strap would work for you too. (no hooks)

[bbdo]

Originally Posted by ImagoX

Question: I'm on ATT now, but want to use Verizon as a backup - how do I add a device like the MAX BR1 MK2 to my carrier(s)? I started this inquiry by contacting Verizon and they were NO help at all - almost like they weren't interested in selling me anything short of a full carrier swap to them from ATT (which I don't want to do).

Thanks!!

We have a separate dataplan for a jetpack. The key is it has to be activated at some point FROM a jetpack but can then be used in another device. I happen to have an old jetpack and used that for activation. You may need a friendly helper in the store to do that for you. Just needs to come online and get an IP address to be activated AFAIK.

[Fawudd]

Originally Posted by ImagoX

We're considering taking the nest out for a week-long 'working vacation'. The issue is the site we like (only about 20 min from home) doesn't have great cell service.

Has anyone used a Cell Booster like any of the ones in the article below, and if so, how did you like it (or not)? We need good call quality AND the ability to access the internet to be able to work.

https://www.rvhometown.com/best-cell...osters-for-rv/

Thanks!

We use #4 from the article. If you are just doing this occasionally, this solution is fine for voice calls, internet access, and even Netflix depending on the strength of your signal. Zoom calls were often subject to dropouts unless I turned off video. It boils down to the nature of the bandwidth you need. From the description, your needs sound modest, and if you are just 20 mins from decent signal, without mountains in between you and the cell tower, the Weboost usually works well in our experience. YMMV

[Kittycatcat]

This couple is a good resource for connectivity on the road:
https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/

I believe they address a variety of situations, including a section I saw (but didn't go into) on remote working.

[Ch47d1sg]

I use #1 and also use peplink br1 max and a poynting 5 in 1. Att SIM card fir now no backup. Not the AirConnect mind you. Have had good luck

[twbucksr]

Sorry for getting to this blog late but better late than never.

We have been using the weBoost with an Omni Directional Antenna (360 degrees) for the last 6 years. It works well at boosting a cell signal. I have mine mounted on top of a 10’ long 1” diameter EMT which I mount to my 27FBQ FC with a Suction Cup Antenna Mount from Techno RV and secured at the ground to prevent movement at the base of the pole with a spike. I started out using a 10’ long 1.25” diameter schedule 40 pvc pipe but the winds here in Pueblo Colorado,with gusts over 40 often, had that pole swaying too much so I switched. I routed the antenna cable thru the furnace compartment with a flat cable and mounted the weBoost under the street side dinette seat.








weBoost now offers the Connect RV 65 which offers a 25’ telescoping pole with a Directional Antenna which you can point in the direction of the nearest cell tower which would work better than the Omni Directional. There are apps available that locate cell towers.


We have a dedicated cell phone that we use as a hot spot in addition to our 2 personal cell phones. Had I known about the Pepwave products prior, I would have gone that route. I will be ordering a Directional Antenna to replace my Omni Directional once we have relocated to our next location in Cripple Creek this Thursday.

[RMNummi]

2 working full timers super glamping/remote work setup: 2014 AS23D, Pepwave LTE, 1 Verizon unlimited sim, 1 Calyx Institute (sprint) unlimited sim. Mobilemark 9 in 1 antenna mounted on AC shroud, Apple TV 4K, Dell Ultrafine 5k thunderbolt w/ collapsible stand, 2 MBP’s. TV: Samsung 32” Q50 4k.

The good: Fully connected 24/7 at 1gps up and down. Fully functional in Boondocking in middle of no where…(Grand Escalante, Midway Everglades etc.)… Pepwave hotspot works while towing provides high speed LTE internet to TV.

The bad: there is no bad. Well, maybe the fact that your mobile hotspot(s) that you used to carry around are now permanently fixed to your AS.

Definitely not for your “we wanna get away from tech” crowd. Our setup is for “we work full time and are on call 24/7 anywhere we go” folks. www.mobile musthave was our go to vendor, all pieces parts were DIY.