Community Forums

Lug_Nut · 04-30-2007, 01:01 PM

Gary, No I am just using the built on antenna and it's actually going through the wooden cabinette and the glass of the windshield and side windows. It works very well.

Peter

GaryKD · 04-30-2007, 01:50 PM

Kev,
Do you have any concern about lightening hitting the pole? Maybe I missed it, but I do not see a ground wire.

digNbubbs · 04-30-2007, 02:55 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GaryKD:
Kev,
Do you have any concern about lightening hitting the pole? Maybe I missed it, but I do not see a ground wire. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It does look like I am trying to gather up some bolts here

The pole is typically 3-5" off the ground. It is held to the ladder via insulated clips. It is my hope that something taller and more attractive is close by in case that ever happens

--kev

Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376 · 05-01-2007, 05:41 AM

Did a little work on the new AC595 last night. I updated firmware on the DIR-450. Re-installed the AC595 to the DIR-450 and moved the DIR-450 closer to glass. I don't have my new adapter cable for the antenna yet. The results were nothing short of fantastic. Using speakeasy.com/speedtest as a benchmark. Downlaod 1065kbps upload 264kbps. For being 15 miles south of Gilroy Cal., in the middle of nowhere, I am quite happy. Our Vonage phone works better than ever and the internet is once again fun to use.

GaryKD · 05-01-2007, 06:44 AM

Kev,
Being home based in South Florida, I am always concerned about lightening. With your setup, to help minimize the lightening possibility, consider putting as many wooden blocks as possible under your jacks. Or raise the jacks when there will be storms in the area you are in. When parked, the jacks ground your coach. I do not think the insulated brackets will help much, if lightening comes down the pole. Lightening will jump several feet to get to a ground path.

I have taken the same view as you. I try to insulate my coach so lightening will choose another place to strike.

buildergirl · 05-01-2007, 07:28 AM

Another great idea is a portable weather alert radio. We set it to the county we are traveling in. It works great....Where are you traveling now?

Retird2Golf · 05-01-2007, 07:55 AM

unfortunately ... back home in VA

doing things I let go for six months while in Florida. Next trip May North

digNbubbs · 05-01-2007, 08:05 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GaryKD:
Kev,
Being home based in South Florida, I am always concerned about lightening. With your setup, to help minimize the lightening possibility, consider putting as many wooden blocks as possible under your jacks. Or raise the jacks when there will be storms in the area you are in. When parked, the jacks ground your coach. I do not think the insulated brackets will help much, if lightening comes down the pole. Lightening will jump several feet to get to a ground path.

I have taken the same view as you. I try to insulate my coach so lightening will choose another place to strike. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gary - thanks for the sound advice. I had not really thought about pulling the jacks up when the skies are charged. I have considered a whole-house surge protector, and will probably be more inspired now after this conversation. Not sure how that will handle a lightning strike, but doing everything I can to prevent a total meltdown would probably serve me best.

Thanks again for the advice -

--kev

Jetsmania · 05-03-2007, 04:48 AM

Hi Peter! I hate to admit to it but, I have had that router in my coach since Jan. I never hooked it up. Next time I see you we will be hooking it up together, along with the Mud Flap mod, and what ever else you come up with by then!

The one thing I wanted to try, my friend has used a cell phone repeater (around $350.) at his house. He has added a few bars with it. I was told it would work with our phone and also the router. Have you tried one yet? http://www.cellamericas.com/YX-dual-band-cell-phone-sig...ooster-pr-16349.html He is using the single band one. When he unplugs it, his bars on his phone drop down. I was told this unit acts just like a cell tower? I ordered an exterior cell antanae on our coach. I was hoping to hook it up to this. Do you think it will help with the aircard and phone. Here is a link to another model. http://www.alternativewireless.com/cellular-antennas/wi...ifier-dual-band.html I like the home one better as you can use it in the house also. Regards to Cherry. Paul

rebelsbeach · 05-03-2007, 05:03 AM

Paul, scroll down in the page to GaryKD's post found
HERE

that deals with his cell phone booster mod...

Jetsmania · 05-03-2007, 08:44 AM

Hi! Bob great info! Thanks. I also would like to hear from Peter as to what he thinks. Paul

Lug_Nut · 05-04-2007, 03:11 AM

Paul, As far as cell boosters/repeaters, there are many available on the market. Some better than other with many probably not worth it. A typical 3 db gain can usually be accomplished by merely having an external antenna. 3 db is about the difference found using a cell phone inside a vehicle in a fringe area compared to standing outside the vehicle. We have tested several repeaters in the past and found that few of the cheaper units perform well except the Smooth Talker. I have forwarded the link on this product to my office and we might order one to test. Should this happen I will post the findings.

Peter

rebelsbeach · 05-04-2007, 03:18 AM

Not much use going down the road,but I've solved the fringe cell experience by using a SAT phone...iDirect's latency is next to nothing....It does require a little more of an investment though.....

Lug_Nut · 05-05-2007, 01:36 PM

I use GlobalStar Sat. phone which operates on CDMA and works great. I only need it when in the boonie boonies or when I go on a cruise. Speaking of which, we are leaving Vancouver Canada in September for a 1 month cruise ending in Aukland Newzealand.
Geez, Bob, how come my mirrors can't be at the elevation of yours? They work. Additionally your power window can afford you a view without the need to look through glass, the Essex does not.

Peter