Wi-Fi is Like a Box of Chocolates

by Chris Guld, www.GeeksonTour.com

Wi-Fi can be the best way to connect on the road:

1. All current laptop computers have the capability to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots
2. Wi-Fi hotspots are easy to find.  Lots of RV parks, cafes, truck stops, and libraries have Wi-Fi hotspots.
3. There’s no contract, it’s pay-as-you-go.  Many hotspots are even free.
4. Some Wi-Fi hotspots are extremely fast.

BUT …

“You never know what you’re gonna get.”

You may get a Great Wi-Fi Hotspot

One RV park may have multiple Access Points (the antennas/routers you connect to) and have a full T1 connection to the Internet (a high-capacity, high-speed, direct line thru the phone company.)  In this park, you could be just about anywhere and get a good connection.  When you do, it will be a nice fast web-browsing experience because of the T1.

You may get a Poor Wi-Fi Hotspot

Your next RV park may be using a residential size satellite dish for their Internet connection and only have one Access Point/Router.  A residential size satellite dish may be a good way for one person to connect to the Internet – but not for dozens of people to share.  And the one Access Point means you need to be close to it – it may only work in the clubhouse.

You may even get a Great Hotspot that Turns Bad

Lots of things can change or go wrong.

1. You may have a great connection – and then some large RV pulls in next to you and blocks your signal so you can’t connect to the hotspot.
2. Radio Frequency (RF) interference may unpredictably limit your connection to the hotspot.
3. The hotspot may get its Internet connection from a local cable company, and the cable company has an outage. This happened to us once when a construction crew mistakenly cut the cable.  In this case you’re still connected to the hotspot, but the ‘backhaul’ connection to the Internet is non-existent so you can’t browse.
4. You might even be at an RV park hotspot where your Internet usage is monitored and you exceed your limit so get cut off.

#4 is fairly rare, but it has happened to us.  We’d had a series of RV parks with poor or non-existent Wi-Fi.  We had to rely on our Verizon tethered phone connection and were approaching our monthly limit,  then we pulled into a park where the Internet was screaming fast.  We were so excited!  We downloaded all our updates, watched our favorite TV episodes and TED videos, and caught up on lots of work.

Then it died.

We were getting no better than dial-up speed.  Only then did we notice the fine print on the login screen, “This service is designed for email usage and web browsing; Downloading large files or excessive use of bandwidth will result in automatic limitation of Access”

Although it was aggravating to be on the receiving end – a hotspot that monitors bandwidth usage is actually a good thing.  We used to support Wi-Fi hotspots and know how one or two users can ruin it for everyone else.

If you really need the Internet …

The main lesson to be learned is that, if you really need the Internet, you need more than one way to connect as you travel.  Wi-Fi can be great, but when it’s not, you need cellular or satellite.  If you do use cellular or satellite, remember that Wi-Fi can be a good alternative when you’re in a bad cell area, or when there are too many trees for your satellite dish.

Lots more Information

There are many more articles here about this topic, just use the menu above which is labeled ‘Communication Tech’ and choose ‘Internet Access.

Wi-Fi – A Better Antenna will Get You a Better Connection

We’ve said this time and time again, but it’s been a while and we have a lot of new readers. If you’re using a Wi-Fi hotspot and it’s not working so great, get an external Wi-Fi adapter. We have quite a collection of them over the years, but we recently bought a new one to go with our Windows 7 64 bit computer.  Here’s the one we purchased, a Hawking HWDN2:

Read more

We like RV Parks with Wi-Fi!

It seems like most of our ‘Internet on the Road’ articles lately have been about cellular technology.  Although cellular is getting to be more popular with travelers – we sure like RV parks with good Wi-Fi.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder … we did not find any parks with Wi-Fi during our travels in June.

Read more

Firedude’s Top 10 best projects

Firedude’s Top 10 best projects/mods and must have’s….

1. RV Notebook.
My RV Notebook software has to be one of the most valuable programs I have to date. I now have all my pertinent files pertaining to my RV all in one convenient location versus several files scattered all over my computer. It’s made life so much easier and efficient. All my maintenance items, upgrades/mods, costs, travel info and everything to do with your RV’ing all in one neat interactive program. You can learn more here.

2. Mobile Broadband.
After trying many different types of Internet access including a few years with Direcway (Hughes) satellite I finally went with Mobile Broadband utilizing a usb aircard and broadband router thus giving me my own rolling WI-FI hotspot. No setup time, just turn on the computer and I’m on line. Much better speeds, all my on line banking and bill paying is now a breeze and not affected by weather. The Mobile Broadband has made life so much more simple and enjoyable. It’s mobile so if you have a laptop you can use your connection easily while traveling or away from your RV. I explain this more in my Mobile Broadband Guide.

3. Computer Work Station and cabinet addition.
Being I do a lot of work on line I installed and mounted a computer desk in place of one of my recliners. The slides clear it when it comes in and everything is in place with Velcro for traveling. The desk and cabinet are secured in place for travel and pretty much a permanent fixture. I have all the space and work area I need all in the one convenient location now. I simply measure the area to be used and for clearance of the slides and went shopping for the right desk.

4. Storage solution for cabinets.
The overhead cabinets were becoming a mess during travel with things seemingly relocating themselves so I set out to find a better solution. A lot more organized as well and you can even label the drawers if you wish and forget what drawer has what. More on securing them and this in my RV Tech Tip Guide.

5. Addition of fluorescent lighting.
This was a must. The fluorescent lights use less energy (amps) are 12V and do not get HOT like the traditional 12V bulbs. That’s something I do not like being a former firefighter. The light is cleaner and lest intrusive and easier on the eyes. Saves battery power as well when dry camping as well. They are a bit more expensive, but well worth it in my book. I use “Thin Lite’s”. Here’s the link.

6. Double Wrap Velcro, a must have.
One of my Tech Tips. A 25 yard roll and it has a multitude of uses from A-Z . This stuff is too easy to use and is only $20+ delivered and goes a long ways. Secures water hoses easily, neatly groups and holds wires together and a multitude of other uses. Neat, clean appearance of your items as well. It can be obtained here. This has really helped me organize things and also makes for a better appearance of such. Here’s a link for the wrap.

7. Weather Station with wireless remote outdoor sensor.
I always keep any eye on the weather and with the remote sensor can keep an eye on outside temps and humidity. You can ad sensors to some units and also monitor the temperature and humidity in places like your basement etc. Some systems allow you to ad several remote sensors for various things. I added one to my basement after putting one of the dry air pots in there and checked before and after humidity and was surprised to see how much the dry air pots lowered the humidity in the basement. I use a LaCrosse weather station. Here’s a link.

8. My Dry Camping and boondocking package/setup.
With my setup I can dry camp literally indefinitely and never have to hitch up to go dump and take on fresh water and it’s pretty much effortless as long as there is a dump station within a reasonable drive! In addition to my Trojan batteries along with the addition of florescent lighting a new converter and a couple small inverters I am good to go and didn’t have to spend thousands of dollars. With these mods and additions along with my Honda 2000 I can dry camp indefinitely without ever moving the coach an inch and so much easier. More on that here.

9. Accent lighting.
I have also added small strip lights above my kitchen cabinets. They are AC powered of course, but ad a really nice accent at night and provide enough light to function and it is very relaxing. Most the strips only use 1 amp. I also have one placed under the cabinet of above my computer desk and can have all the lights off and it provides ample lighting for working on the computer. along with this and the 2 above the kitchen cabinets it provides enough light to do most things and can have all 3 on and only consume 3 amps of power. I got mine at Ace Hardware. Here is the link.

10. Air ride Pin Box.
My TrailAir air ride pin box (there are others as well) has made all the difference in the world for me in towing. Smoother ride, less tiring, much less structural stress on both the tow vehicle as well as the 5’er frame. My items inside the coach are no longer tossed around like rag dolls and things in the cabinets now seem to ride in their original place. Again there are several different models and makes, but this is the one I chose. Cost delivered was $929 to my door and install was about 2 hours (2 people) with coffee breaks. The cost was well worth it with the results I’ve gotten.

http://www.thefiredude.com

Full-timing RV essentials part #1

From the desk of Firedude.
In this blog I’ll discuss some of the items I have found essential in my 6 years of full-timing. These are items I use and endorse. While everyone is different this is my take and the items I’ve used over time which has greatly improved my full-timing lifestyle.

Read more

Wireless Internet Tips

• The frame of your slides and major structural members may interrupt the line-of-sight Wi-Fi signal.
• The number of computers logged on at one given time will affect the signal strength. Please work off-line, and then connect while the Internet is needed.
• The antenna on your computer must aim itself toward the intended transmitting antenna. Another building, RV or tree may lessen the line-of-sight signal.
• Other RV’ers may be transmitting from their own system and restrict the signal you are trying to receive.
• The best channels for the Wi-Fi systems to work on are channels 1-6&11.
• If you have your own wireless system, you may want to use one of these channels.
• These channels are less likely to interfere with another Wi-Fi system.
• External antennas are available for your wi-fi signal to be received with less chance of low signal. These antennas will also allow you to access more systems or antennas from the same system.
• Atmospheric conditions, storms, water on trees and other conditions can derogate your signal.
• Try placing your laptop on a table outside your RV, aiming your antenna at different directions can give you an ideas as to how powerful the signal is in your area at one given time.

Please e-mail me for clarifications and additional ideas. There is a link on our website to our e-mail address. info@rv101.com OR f.brandeberrysr@att.net

Fred Brandeberry

Wi-Fire Long-range WiFi Adapter

Wi-Fire Long-range WiFi Adapter
hField Technologies www.hfield.com
MSRP $79

Do you sometimes have connectivity issues using Wi-Fi hotspots in campgrounds?

WiFi is low-power, two-way radio. Just as with any other radio, a better antenna will give you a better connection. Wi-Fi technology was designed for small offices, home offices and coffee shops. Campgrounds and RV parks present difficult challenges for connecting with many obstructions and reflective surfaces.

The Wi-Fire Long-range WiFi adapter is a better radio and antenna than what is built-in to your computer. With it, you can connect reliably from a much greater distance.

Installation Video: (be patient, it can take a minute for the Play button to appear)

 

FEATURES
The unit combines a high powered Wi-Fi radio with a high gain directional antenna in a four ounce package which can be mounted on a laptop or LCD screen or just set on a table or shelf. A 4’ retractable USB cable connects to both older 1.1 and newer 2.0 ports. It is compatible with 802.11 b and g protocols in the 2.4GHz frequency range (standard Wi-Fi). WEP, WPA and WPA2 security are supported.

Support for Windows XP or Vista and Mac OS X are included on the supplied installation CD. Also on the CD is a Window’s Connection Manager program. Support for Linux is available on the website.

PERFORMANCE
I have been using the Wi-Fire adapter for a week in the RV park where we are staying. I tested the Wi-Fire at several distances from the access points. Our site is 200 feet from the tower. I get excellent signal with the Wi-Fire and good signal with my built-in. Browsing experience is about the same with either adapter inside my RV. I see 3 more APs using the Wi-Fire. Testing again at 330 feet, I can still connect with my built-in, but browsing is slower. With the Wi-Fire, signal is good and browsing is fast. In the far corner of the park 460 feet from the tower, I could still connect with my built-in, but browsing was much better with the Wi-Fire. Outside the RV park at over 500 feet, I couldn’t stay connected with my built-in and the Wi-Fire connected and browsing was acceptable.

BEFORE WiFire:

AFTER WiFire

The included Connection Manager software is good and does not interfere with Windows configuration utility, in fact, it works with it.

SUMMARY
Not all WiFi hotspots are the same. When you connect using WiFi, you are not connecting directly to the Internet. You are connecting to an access point which is connected to the Internet. If you are close to access point, your built-in Wi-Fi will work just fine. As you put distance and obstructions between you and the access point, you need a better device to connect reliably. This is where the Wi-Fire Long-range WiFi adapter excels.

The mount is a bit clunky and the antenna fell off a couple of times while I was aiming it. Because the antenna is so directional, it takes more time to get the best signal. The retractable USB cable is easily tangled.
The Wi-Fire adapter is a good affordable solution for better connections at WiFi hotspots.

Jim Guld
www.GeeksOnTour.com

Cell Phone Internet Hot-Spot

If you’ve been reading my posts about connecting to the Internet as you travel, you know that I love my satellite dish! But, I also am a big advocate of Wi-Fi and of cellular connections to the Internet. If you absolutely, positively need the Internet – you need to use all three methods. When we’re in the forest and the trees block our satellite dish, we’ll use our cell phone tethered to the computer and connect thru Verizon. If the Verizon signal isn’t available, we’ll find a Wi-Fi hotspot somewhere.

The tethered cell phone is a fabulous option for occasional use because it does not involve a separate contract.  Read more

Is Your RV Hi Tech?

New and improved technologies are emerging faster than some of us can load and unload our RVs. From Wi-Fi to Wii, from iPods to XM and from satellite TV to DVDs, our mobile entertainment options have exploded – and keeping up with them can be daunting.

Here’s the low-down on high-tech RV entertainment accessories and tips for using them.

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)
With the boom of Wi-Fi hotspots (and many of them free), there is no longer any reason you should be hauling your computer around in search of a modem connection.

What is it? Wi-Fi has become the term used for the technology behind products that use radio frequency to communicate. One form of wireless is mobile wireless – the ability to move almost anywhere while staying connected to the Internet.

How do I use it? First, you’ll need a wireless client card. Most computers and PDAs today have this feature built in. If your computer isn’t already Wi-Fi enabled, you can purchase the wireless client card at a computer, office supply, electronics store, or even on e-Bay for about $50. When you’re shopping, look for a product that specifies it’s Wi-Fi certified or 802.11b compatible.

Once you confirm your computer is Wi-Fi enabled, you’ll need to download software that will locate hotspots (places where wireless Internet access is available) and connect you to them. Two popular wireless providers among RVers are Boingo and Hotspotzz. Many RV parks and campgrounds offer Wi-Fi connections. Some offer free access, but sometimes there’s a pay-as-you-go fee.

Satellite Radio
Keeping the soundtrack to your life running – without annoying commercials – whether you’re driving through congested streets of Chicago or through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, has never been easier with satellite radio.

What is it? Also called digital radio, satellite radio offers uninterrupted, digital music beamed to your radio from space. The two major radio subscription services are XM radio and Sirius.

How do I use it? Although some new RV models come equipped with satellite radio systems, most of us have to install and purchase them after-market. With both XM radio and Sirius, you can either purchase a portable unit that can be taken from home to vehicle, or you can install a receiver in your RV. Once you’ve purchased the receiver, you pay a monthly subscription fee for the service. Although they use slightly different technology, both XM Radio and Sirius deliver clear sound and quality programming. Compare channel listings to see which you’ll enjoy more.

Satellite TV
Hundreds of thousands of RVers have taken advantage of watching television on the road and many luxury models include it as a standard package. For the rest of us…

What is it? It’s wireless system for delivering television programming directly to your home or RV via broadcast signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. Since satellites are high in the sky, there are a lot more customers in the line of site. Satellite television systems transmit and receive radio signals using specialized antennae.

How do I use it? There are many more options when it comes to setting up satellite television, but most systems include a small satellite dish, a receiver and a remote control.

There are two types of dish antennae: manual, which is less expensive but requires some effort in pointing the dish in the right direction and keeping it there; and automatic, which costs more but automatically points toward the system. There are also mounting options. You can either install a standard roof mount or use a dish tripod. There are three major RV dish suppliers: KVH, Winegard and King Controls, Camping World has a huge variety of RV hi-tech satellite tv and radio equipment for you to choose from.

Once you install the receiver and dish, you’ll subscribe to one of the satellite TV service providers, DIRECTV or Dish Network, which charge a monthly service fee.

This article was brought to you by Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service

One Fee for Nationwide Wi-Fi

I just received an email “Boingo announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks across US and Canada.”

If RVers could pay one monthly fee and have access to Wi-Fi hotspots at RV parks all over the country, they’d be signing up in droves! Boingo’s ad claims “Connect any time you like, for as long as you want, at thousands of North American hotspots for just $9.95/month for 3 months!”

So, what’s the catch?

The main thing is simply that RVers are not Boingo’s target market.  Most of those ‘thousands of hotspots’ are hotels, restaurants and McDonalds.  Boingo is servicing the traveling business person.

If you found yourself in the campground with the sign pictured here, a Boingo membership would do you no good.  They’ve never heard of Boingo and you need to pay $9.95/day to get online here!

NomadISP, the subject of their press release IS for RV parks. But many, if not all, of the parks listed on their site offer Wi-Fi as an included amenity.  So, once again, you would not be using your Boingo account.

Read more

Next Page »