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Topic: Homemade External Wifi ant. (89TK) (Read 534 times) previous topic - next topic
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Homemade External Wifi ant. (89TK)
zoom in photo to see specifics -

Re: Homemade External Wifi ant. (89TK)
Reply #1 –
Quote from: navkcir  - 
zoom in photo to see specifics -
Navkcir (gotta name?), nice set up. Do you have a photo showing what's on top of the pole? Any more details to share with viewers?
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Homemade External Wifi ant. (89TK)
Reply #2 –
The antenna itself on top - ran cable thru stove vent.
Re: Homemade External Wifi ant. (89TK)
Reply #3 –
Looks like a directional cell booster antenna, not a wifi antenna.
Harry 2006RB
 
Re: Homemade External Wifi ant. (89TK)
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Michelle C  - 
several folks on iRV2 have had success with this system, which they refer to as the "David Bott setup"
url=http://www.outsideourbubble.com/secure-private-rv-wi-fi-and-making-a-better-park-connection-for-under-100]Private RV Wi-Fi and Making a Better Park Connection for Under 0 |...[/url]
That is a nice setup for those that regularly use campground WiFi, it isn't very expensive for what does.
Mounting the Ubiquiti NanoStation locoM2, or the more powerful M2 model, on  the TV antenna would allow for aiming, from inside the rig. 
When the TV antenna is in the down position, the  NanoStation is protected from trees and other overhead objects. 
The matching Ubiquiti airGateway-LR  turns the inside of the MH into a Hotspot.
For around a $100, it's hard to beat the price or performance.

Amazon.com: Ubiquiti NanoStation locoM2 2.4GHz Indoor/Outdoor airMax 8dBi...
Amazon.com: Ubiquiti NanoStation M2 - Wireless Access Point - AirMax...
Amazon.com: Ubiquiti airGateway-LR airMAX WISP 2.4 GHz Wireless Access...

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Homemade External Wifi ant. (89TK)
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
That is a nice setup for those that regularly use campground WiFi, it isn't very expensive for what does.
Mounting the Ubiquiti NanoStation locoM2, or the more powerful M2 model, on  the TV antenna would allow for aiming, from inside the rig. 

Larry,

What about using a Ubiquiti BulletM2 instead - no turning needed (and not sensitive to turning), although I believe it has somewhat lower range as a result?  Amazon.com: Ubiquiti Bullet M2 Titanium - Wireless Access Point - AirMax...

(This is essentially what the old WifiRanger MobileTi was, and that's what we have on our TV antenna mast)

Michelle
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Homemade External Wifi ant. (89TK)
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Michelle C link=msg=163115 date=1474319346 [quote author=Michelle C  - 
3115]
What about using a Ubiquiti BulletM2 instead - no turning needed (and not sensitive to turning), although I believe it has somewhat lower range as a result?  Amazon.com: Ubiquiti Bullet M2 Titanium - Wireless Access Point - AirMax...
(This is essentially what the old WifiRanger MobileTi was, and that's what we have on our TV antenna mast)
Had to do catch up on some reading before commenting on this, so much new technology.
In the past I have tried exterior located USB WiFi dongles, Pringle can antennas and a couple other home built WiFi devices.

The WiFiRanger Ti has been around several years and always been attractive except for its price. Our WiFi needs are limited since we seldom stay where it's available, usually relying on cellular data.
The Bullet is similar but would still require an antenna and router. It is less expensive, with a slightly lower output..
Either it or the new WifiRanger Elite would be good choices for RVers that stay frequently in RV parks or places where hotspots are nearby but too weak to use, without amplification. The omnidirectional nature of the antenna does not require any aiming.
The Bullet could also be used with a directional antenna for even greater range, when mounted on an rotating mast.

I'm attracted to the Ubiquiti Nanostations and matching routers since they reasonably priced and the reviews have been mostly positive. The Ubiquity products have a lot of online tutorials and videos, nice for folks like me that have a hard time keeping up with the constantly changing digital world. The Nanostations are self-contained, the transceiver and antenna are both in the box and are powered from a POE (power over ethernet)  device, located inside the coach.
Looks like a Nanostation would fit fine on a crank-up TV antenna, allowing for aiming, without going outside.
One disadvantage of the Nanostations is that they are directional and require aiming toward the source for maximum signal strength. It's likely A Nanostation will work fine in many situations without aiming.
I find this so when using our directional cellular antenna.

I'm tempted to buy one of the Ubiquiti Nanostation for home use, being frustrated with the limited range of the 'long range' wireless routers I have tried. It would be useful to have WiFi in the front driveway, where our LD is parked.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Homemade External Wifi ant. (89TK)
Reply #10 –
"Looks like a Nanostation would fit fine on a crank-up TV antenna, allowing for aiming, without going outside.
One disadvantage of the Nanostations is that they are directional and require aiming toward the source for maximum signal strength. It's likely A Nanostation will work fine in many situations without aiming.
I find this so when using our directional cellular antenna."

Larry, is it not true that in most cases you know where the external WiFi source is, e.g., a restaurant, the RV park office, etc., so it would be easier to latch on to the signal as opposed to a cell tower which may not be in view?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Homemade External Wifi ant. (89TK)
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
"Looks like a Nanostation would fit fine on a crank-up TV antenna, allowing for aiming,
Larry, is it not true that in most cases you know where the external WiFi source is, e.g., a restaurant, the RV park office, etc., so it would be easier to latch on to the signal as opposed to a cell tower which may not be in view?

Most of the time, yes, you know where the WiFi is coming from.  Most of the time, maybe.

In large RV parks, there can be a half dozen or more WiFi repeaters. In these situations, you have no idea which one is the strongest, the box next to you may not be operational.
Being able to spin the antenna and find the strongest signal could be a advantage when using park WiFi.
The Nanostations I looked at all had directional antennas. Others are available that use an external antenna, leaving the choice of an omnidirectional (like the WiFi Ranger Elite uses) or a directional antenna. Omnidirectional antennas do not have the gain or signal strength that an aimed directional antenna has but will produce a stronger signal than an improperly aimed directional antenna.
Like most things, it's a compromise.
On our summer vacation, we stayed at four parks that 'had' WiFi. None were useable, either the signal was too weak or there wasn't any bandwidth (at the hours I wanted to use it). 
At the public parks, none had WiFi and, at three, there was no usable cell service, without using the cell amp and aiming the antenna at the weak signal.
It's good to have both a WiFi and cell system, if you need to or want to stay connected.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Homemade External Wifi ant. (89TK)
Reply #12 –
If you go to the David bought webpage outside our bubble.com. And go through the videos he tells you how to find the best Wi-Fi hotspot what to look for.