12v wireless router?

[JimM68]

I'm considering getting a 3G / 4g modem and a wireless router for my Monaco.

I'm wondering if anyone has had any success doing this without 115 VAC?

Most all of these things plug into 115, and have a mini power supply that outputs some sort of low voltage DC to actually run the device. Sure would be nice to just wire the router direct into the coaches 12v system.

Anyone do anything like this before?

[paz]

Our router runs off the inverter if we don't have 120V. If you don't have an onboard inverter, or if your inverter isn't wired to an outlet near where you want to locate the router, you can get a small inverter that should easily be able to handle a router. If you add a small inverter, you'll have to find a 12V power source.

BTW, nice Camaro. I had a '67 rag top that I bought new when I was right out of college.

[Joe O'Melia]

Cradlepoint routers have an optional 12 volt adapter.
I am online using one rigth now a ctr500 sitting in a Walmart lot.

Check out the 3g store
3G & 4G Routers : 3Gstore.com, 3G/4G Routers, Antennas, Amplifiers, WiFi, Verizon & Sprint Data Cards

[ctcamper]

You can also get an adjustable dc to dc voltage converter and set your needed voltage. I have a couple of them... I also tape over the slide switch on them so it has no chance of changing voltage. They usually come with a set of different power plugs to fit different items.

[texnet]

Go with a Cradle Point. It has a slot for your USB 3G/4G device and runs on 12vdc... no adpapters needed, just wire the device into 12 volts. I have been using one for over 2 years and it works great

[dons2346]

I think the Cradlepoint 350 is internal battery powered. The 500 has an adapter so you can use a cigarette lighter socket. The 500 is what I have.

[JimM68]

Thanks guys, that's exactly whatr I'm looking for.

Yes, the knight has an inverter, 2000 watts and fully automatic.
It's just hard on my logic to make 120 from 12 volts just to plug in a device that will step it right back down to 12-18 volts. Thing is I don't know what voltage a commercial router runs on without opening the box and reading the fine print, most stores don't like that.
Sounds like Cradlepoint is made for us, I'll check em out.

[Senior Chief]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dons2346 I think the Cradlepoint 350 is internal battery powered. The 500 has an adapter so you can use a cigarette lighter socket. The 500 is what I have.

Both the 350 (no longer supported) and the 35 have a 120v plug; not 12v.

[JimM68]

back to the drawing board then...

so back to the original question.
Is anyone using a commercial wireless router that will directly take a wireless modem, and connect directly to the RV's 12v system?
(modifications accepted, even encouraged, as long as you share)

[wa8yxm]

I do not know about routers designed to accept air cards, but I do know that the Hawking router I used to use here in the motor home was happy with 12vdc (Battey voltage) I've not tried my new Belkin (That repalced it) on battery ... yet.

[texnet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimM68 back to the drawing board then... so back to the original question. Is anyone using a commercial wireless router that will directly take a wireless modem, and connect directly to the RV's 12v system? (modifications accepted, even encouraged, as long as you share)

YES I AM... As stated in an early post, but explained in more detail in this post :-)

I am using a Cradle Point. I have a 500 and I have a 900. I normally use the 900 in the motorhome and the 500 in the toad. BOTH have a 12vdc input. All you have to do is create a cable with the proper barrel plug on one end and either connect it to a 12vdc point or put a cig ligher plug on the end of it. The 900 has a USB input port for AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, whomever USB 3G/4G card. The 900 has a USB input port and a CF slot, eithe which will accept a 3G/4G device.

I have a more complicated system than you ask about, but thought I would included if if you wish to continue reading... Here is latest setup:

• AT&T Lighting USB device
• Ubiquiti Bullet M2, a/b/g/n, 600mw
• 8dBI vertical antenna
• Bullet and antenna attached to ladder with CAT-5 running inside.
• Cradlepoint MBR-900 router
• The Bullet is on the same IP network as the Cradlepoint
• All ran off the 12vdc house batteries

If I am connecting via the AT&T USB device then I don't have to do anything except connect to the MBR-900 router.


If I want to connect via the Bullet then:

1. Connect the Bullet ethernet cable to port 1,2,3 or 4 on the router.
2. Connect my laptop via WiFi to the router.
3. Point my browser to the IP of the Bullet.
4. Configure the Bullet for the correct AP and Security.
5. Unplug the Bullet ethernet cable from port 1,2,3 or 4 on the router.
6. Plug the Bullet ethernet cable into the Internet port of the router.
7. Connect my laptops, RVputer, and iPhone to the router via WiFi.

The Ubiquiti devices are very solid devices and work without any hassles. The M2 has a list price of $79.00 and the 100w a/b/g version has a list price of $39.00. They do not include the injector and power supply. If you are going to run it off of 12vdc then you don't need the power supply. Injectors are about $10-$12.

[dons2346]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senior Chief Both the 350 (no longer supported) and the 35 have a 120v plug; not 12v.

Don't know anything about a Cradlepoint 35.

I said that my 500 has a power cord with the cigarette lighter end so it can be fed directly from a cigarette lighter socket. It also has a wall wart so it can be powered by 120 also.

[offthewall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimM68 I'm considering getting a 3G / 4g modem and a wireless router for my Monaco. I'm wondering if anyone has had any success doing this without 115 VAC? Most all of these things plug into 115, and have a mini power supply that outputs some sort of low voltage DC to actually run the device. Sure would be nice to just wire the router direct into the coaches 12v system. Anyone do anything like this before?

I used to use the Cradlepoint products but IMHO there are better integrated solutions now.

I have a Verizon MiFi. http://www.verizonwireless.com:80/b2...eCategoryId=10

It's a device barely bigger than a credit card. It is an EVDO 3G modem and wireless router in one. Support up to 5 wireless clients. Runs on USB or 12V power.

Sprint makes a similar one for 3G and 4G. AT&T also has a similar unit.

[Senior Chief]

Different solutions work for different situations.

We choose to use the Millenicom 20GB/mo plan for $59 and no contracts. It uses a Verizon U760 aircard (free to us), which we have plugged into a Cradlepoint 35 router, their newest, which supports the 4 wireless devices on our network and also doubles as a WiFi as Wan, which allows us to switch over to a Wifi signal if one is available and stronger than our 3G EVDO signal. We're pretty much never in a 4G area, so not having 4G capability is a non-issue for us.
Our aircard is in turn directly connected to our Peak Reception "Extreme" Dual Band amplifier and antenna, so we can reach waaaaaaayyyy out for a signal.
We've been pleased with how all our equipment works and the customer service we've gotten.
Had we been able to wait a bit, we might have tried the WiFi Ranger, since it has the WiFi boost capability, but again, not really an issue.
Other people have other needs, other destinations. One size may fit many, but not all.
And yes, all our devices plug into a small inverter in the cupboard where they live- we had a 115v outlet there, but no 12v nearby.