WiFi (not MiFi) installation

The iBoost I have has a 12v cig adaptor to power the router and POE box so there must be 12v POE boxes out there.

Perhaps this is why Addie from Motorhomewifi cornered the market and put such a good package together.
 
Couple of years ago I bought a yagi aerial with "built in" booster (it's actually strapped with velcro to it). It just plugs straight in to the usb port of my laptop, no extra power required.

at danets, we enhance your wireless experience: YAGI WiFi antenna think I got it from solwise but they don't seem to have them now.

I just use a usb extension cable (no good in heavy rain (another job to sort out )) and pop it on the roof on it's tripod.

If I wish to use my tablet I just plug my wifi repeater in although that does require a power source.

I had no problem with hotspots and FON whilst in Scotland.
 
wildebus said:
Lots of people here are fans of the THREE data sims, which give 12GB over 12 Months, but I need more data then that for my requirements ;)
I have a phone package that offers 16GB a month on BT Mobile. This uses the EE Network, but I have found coverage a bit too patchy on mobile networks and want to cover more bases for connectivity, so decided to install a Mobile WiFi setup to allow me to use local Free hotspots, BT Fon networks and other accessible systems such as McD's, Starbucks, O2, etc without having to go into the premises or park up outside someones house :D

The problem is that the amount of accessible wi-fi networks picked up by your average iPad network card is pretty small I find.
This is what I see on my Driveway ....
image_8.jpeg

So two networks apart from my own, and no public or accessible ones, such as BT Fon (I don't even see my own FON network outside :( )

Bought and setup an WiFi Booster (the Ubiquiti NanoStation) which can receive signals from a significant distance and boost them to it's own network, plus a WiFi Router.
This is the Booster, fitted in a temporary test location strapped to the headrest:
image_2.jpeg

And the WiFi router is another Ubiquiti product which clips neatly to the booster power unit so needs no seperate supply
image_6.jpeg

Opted for the LR (Long Range) Router rather then the standard 'internal' version as I want to be able to use the wifi outside the camper as well (at Festivals in my Marquee for example), so for the extra £12 or so, thought it worth the extra :dance:

Difference between iPad network card and Booster as far as visible networks go?
The first picture showed what the iPad found. The next picture shows what the NanoStation found when strapped to the headrest ...
image_5.jpeg

This unit also finds mobile hotspots as well as ordinary broadband, so it does mean if I enable my hotspot on the phone, I don't need to change the network the iPad is connected to to use it, just select it from the browser window that talks to the Booster :)


This is a directional radio aerial, so pointing in different directions will change signal strength and find additional/different networks. Also mounting externally will improve performance.

I rigged up a temporary mast support from a cut section of Awning Pole and tywrapped to my roof baset:
image_1.jpeg


Then tywrapped the unit to another Awning Pole which can drop into the support
image.jpeg


For getting a potentially better range, more sections of the Poles can be fitted inbetween as well (the benefit of using these poles as a mast)
image_3.jpeg


Looking forward to use free WiFi out and about and save my Mobile Data for when no other option :D
Click to expand...



So does this give you totally free wi-fi? Surely most wlans are password protected, or does it decode them or bypass the security?
 
A polite request ...

Please try to avoid quoting threads with lots of images. This can be really irksome if you are using a low speed or expensive data connection.

Thanks :D
 
StevenJ said:
Couple of years ago I bought a yagi aerial with "built in" booster (it's actually strapped with velcro to it). It just plugs straight in to the usb port of my laptop, no extra power required.

at danets, we enhance your wireless experience: YAGI WiFi antenna think I got it from solwise but they don't seem to have them now.

I just use a usb extension cable (no good in heavy rain (another job to sort out )) and pop it on the roof on it's tripod.

If I wish to use my tablet I just plug my wifi repeater in although that does require a power source.

I had no problem with hotspots and FON whilst in Scotland.
Click to expand...

Looks like the same thing is available through Ebay and Amazon

Watching this thread with interest as I've been after some sort of signal boosting receiver type aerial thingy. Trying to understand the "techy" bits.... sorry if it's a dumb question but why does Wildebus's one have ethernet cable and the (Steve's link)Turbotenna usb - is that just ethernet cable with a usb plug attached?
 
ScamperVan said:
Looks like the same thing is available through Ebay and Amazon

Watching this thread with interest as I've been after some sort of signal boosting receiver type aerial thingy. Trying to understand the "techy" bits.... sorry if it's a dumb question but why does Wildebus's one have ethernet cable and the (Steve's link)Turbotenna usb - is that just ethernet cable with a usb plug attached?
Click to expand...

The USB option will plug into a laptop and that device is then on a network.
My booster plugs into a WiFi Router and that broadcasts so I can use any device via WiFi.
You could think of it same as in the original days of broadband, where you would have a USB "Router" for one device, but could pay extra for a WiFi capable one if you wanted.
Nowadays with phones and tablets, the WiFi option is much more flexible, but I think Steve mentioned he can plug into router to get wifi capability?
 
You have your location as North East England? Whereabouts? I am just over the border and depending on locations, you can have a look at my setup if you are considering similar?
 
Thanks, am in Sunderland area. I wouldn't be able to use your set up unless on EHU as we don't have inverter or solar panels, and I think you said it was quite power hungry?
 
ScamperVan said:
Thanks, am in Sunderland area. I wouldn't be able to use your set up unless on EHU as we don't have inverter or solar panels, and I think you said it was quite power hungry?
Click to expand...
Just over 1A an hour in use. So not very power hungry, but just a little more then I would have expected.

1A is 12W. To put into context, a 12V TV might draw say 30W, a standard non-LED courtesy door light will be 5 or 12W and a set of LED roof lights between 5 and 15W.
 
wildebus said:
Just over 1A an hour in use. So not very power hungry, but just a little more then I would have expected.

1A is 12W. To put into context, a 12V TV might draw say 30W, a standard non-LED courtesy door light will be 5 or 12W and a set of LED roof lights between 5 and 15W.
Click to expand...

Ah, thanks - that is very helpful. :)
 
wildebus said:
I think Steve mentioned he can plug into router to get wifi capability?
Click to expand...

To use my wifi repeater I still need to use my laptop to configure it , so there is some faffing about , given the choice available now I may not have chosen this option , but it is still a viable option if you have a limited power source. Also it's very quick to set up at a maccies , plug antenna into laptop and jump straight on their wifi without the need to go sit inside.
 
Been using my iBoost from www.motorhomewifi.com for the first time on a cl where we will be for at least three weeks. Have to say it's excellent and was a doddle to get working. Bt wifi fon is about four hundred metres away and I'm getting 2.8mb down 500k up. More than enough for streaming etc

Much prefer it over the old USB one as we have three devices in the van now. It's great that people are putting their own solutions together but if your not technical and want hassle free I would highly recommend the iBoost.
 
Managed to be an iboost off eBay £120 delivered :)
Bit for than the setup originally posted here but all 12v and hopefully hassle free.
G
 
Took delivery of the iboost today, I managed to get a secondhand one off eBay, tried it in the van outside the house and picked up about 10-15 signals no problem.
Looking forward to trying it in the wild,
G
 
Good to hear - I've bittten the bullet and purchased the iboost too. In the end, cobbling one together was getting too complicated (for me) so I've gone for the more expensive plug and play option.
 
ScamperVan said:
Good to hear - I've bittten the bullet and purchased the iboost too. In the end, cobbling one together was getting too complicated (for me) so I've gone for the more expensive plug and play option.
Click to expand...

Not sure of the "cobbling one together" description ;) putting three products that are designed to work together and from the same company ....

Anyway, I would be interested to see the setup process of the iBoost and how you select the chosen network :)
 
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