Community Forums

Bob (WA0MQE) · 08-13-2007, 02:29 AM

Does anyone have this system in their coach?

I've read about it to some extent but don't know how well it works. It apparently uses Verizon's EVDO high-speed data network, which isn't everywhere but it covers quite a few major cities and supposedly is growing larger each year.

It also has an integrated wifi hub so you can stay connected with a laptop anywhere in the coach.

Bob (WA0MQE) · 08-13-2007, 02:29 AM

Does anyone have this system in their coach?

I've read about it to some extent but don't know how well it works. It apparently uses Verizon's EVDO high-speed data network, which isn't everywhere but it covers quite a few major cities and supposedly is growing larger each year.

It also has an integrated wifi hub so you can stay connected with a laptop anywhere in the coach.

JamieB · 08-13-2007, 05:16 AM

Bob.

If you are interested in this product, you might also look at a company called "internet in motion". They have a product that is similar, but I believe it to be heavier duty. Also, the IIM product has very low profile antennas(only 3"), where the KVH system uses 18" antennas.

I honestly haven't sold andy of the KVH TracNet 100's because most of my customers that are interested in one tend to lean toward the IIM product after they have seen the product and the features.

The address is www.internetinmotion.net

Jamie Billingsley
Satellite Internet Solution

Bill Adams · 08-13-2007, 02:26 PM

Both of these systems utilize the wireless signals just as a wireless card would. In the case of the Internet in Motion system is adds a 3-watt amp and an external antenna which will increase the range that you can get away from a tower but does not effect your speeds.
I am not sure about the new KVH system but I don't believe it uses their large antenna but rather one of their low profile units or a totally separate antenna from their TV dishes.
If you buy a wireless card and put it into one of the routers designed to share the signal you will get the same service for about $2000 less but your range to the tower will be shortened. There are external antennas and signal boosters that can be added separately again for much less money than the combined packages.

Bob (WA0MQE) · 08-13-2007, 02:38 PM

Thanks JamieB and Bill for you suggestions. I'll check out the internet in motion site.

Bill, I agree with the wireless card in one of the routers. But, in checking out the different forums that cover this type of equipment, everyone seems to complain that these types of routers are troublesome. So far in every case the guys that purchased these routers are complaining about them hanging up. A couple tried different brands swearing they were better only to come back a few days or weeks later and saying the same thing.

So I'm just looking at alternatives. I didn't go far enough to see how much the KVH system cost, but if it's $2000 I don't want it.

I'm beginning to think just the wireless card by itself and swap it between my laptop and my wife's laptop. Just don't use both on internet at same time.

Thanks again.

JamieB · 08-13-2007, 03:24 PM

Bob.

The KVH will cost about $2,300 if you get it installed. You can get it for around $2,100 without installation. Some places maybe even less. I agree with Bill 100%. Using either of these setups will be better than just using an aircard, but you can get the same thing by purchasing the pieces seperately and have around $600 to $800 invested. To equal what the Internet in Motion setup has, you would need a 3 watt amplifier, a cellular router, and external antennas. You can certainly get all of that for less than $1,000.

The reason that some choose to go with the IIM or KVH setup is convenience, and others because of the commercial/heavy duty construction. In the case of the IIM setup, They are designed for heavy use/abuse. For someone needing an extra rugged system, they work great. For the casual user, you'd be better off with a different solution in many cases.

Jamie Billingsley
Satellite Internet Solutions