Community Forums

Roadweary · 07-07-2014, 04:20 PM

I've been reading the threads on the wifi ranger and ranger sky and I also downloaded the user manual. The product sounds great but I'm still confused about the installation. If these products are mounted outside, do they need a power source? I watched one older YouTube video and it looked like the Sky could be used with the powered roof antenna for the TV, thus not needing any further wiring. If I didn't need to drill holes in my roof or fish wire through my rear engine compartment, I would be VERY interested in this product. All my internal devices are wireless wifi capable so I wouldn't need an ethernet wire brought in.

Thanks for any advice or a link to the installation.

CaptBill · 07-07-2014, 07:29 PM

The outside unit (Sky) is a POE device, which means it is powered over the same CAT5 data cable that brings the signal to the router, via a POE power supply. So yes, you need to run a cable to the unit mounted outside.

I have an older system, which uses a Ubiquity receiver and fiberglass antenna, which is mounted on my batwing mast. I routed the cable across thr roof, along and over the gutter, and thru the passenger sidewall, into an averhead cabinet.

The new SKY unit, I believe, can mount directly to the roof, with cable entering from inside. Again, you will need to drill the roof, and route the cable to a location inside the motorhome; usually an overhead cabinet, where you can pick up power, and set the router box.

I thought WFR's website had some pretty good pics and videos of the installation.

Virago-Rider · 07-07-2014, 07:52 PM

WFR?

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CaptBill · 07-07-2014, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Virago-Rider

WFR?

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WFR: WiFi Ranger

BobGed · 07-07-2014, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Virago-Rider

WFR?

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WiFi Ranger

docj · 07-08-2014, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobGed

WiFi Ranger

These days we usually write it WiFiRanger https://www.wifiranger.com/

For those who are not familiar with the company, WFR designs and markets routers designed for the RV and marine communities.

Roadweary · 07-08-2014, 08:13 AM

"I thought WFR's website had some pretty good pics and videos of the installation."

I've looked all over the site and can't find any videos or information on installing these units. There are plenty of docs on setting up the software but that's all I could find. And again, the YouTube video I did watch showed how to used the powered antenna cable and nothing about any other wires. Looks like I'll have to call the Wifi Ranger folks and ask a few questions.

docj · 07-08-2014, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadweary

"I thought WFR's website had some pretty good pics and videos of the installation."

I've looked all over the site and can't find any videos or information on installing these units. There are plenty of docs on setting up the software but that's all I could find. And again, the YouTube video I did watch showed how to used the powered antenna cable and nothing about any other wires. Looks like I'll have to call the Wifi Ranger folks and ask a few questions.

When you refer to a "powered antenna cable" do you mean the cable going to the device on the roof, whether that is a MobileTi or a Sky? I'm assuming that's what you mean since the antennas for both these units are either integral (the Sky) or directly connected (MobileTi).

If that's the case, then you misunderstand that this cable is delivering power to the device and, if there's a Go2 router inside the RV, it's also serving as the data connection between the rooftop unit and the Go2.

I hope I've been clear that there is only one cable involved. If you have more questions, feel free to ask me.

Joel Weiss

BobGed · 07-08-2014, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docj

These days we usually write it WiFiRanger https://www.wifiranger.com/

I'm sure Kelly's skin isn't so thin, but apparently yours is, so please accept my apology for my transgression.

docj · 07-08-2014, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobGed

I'm sure Kelly's skin isn't so thin, but apparently yours is, so please accept my apology for my transgression.

It wasn't at all a matter of having a thin skin; I was trying to be helpful since it's possible that Google searches relating to the product will have more hits if they are consistent with the way the terms are likely to be found. Since we were responding to someone who didn't know the company I was trying to make sure they were pointed in the right direction. I had no intent other than that. Life is far too short to get upset by matters such as this.

Roadweary · 07-08-2014, 11:15 AM

"When you refer to a "powered antenna cable" do you mean the cable going to the device on the roof, whether that is a MobileTi or a Sky? I'm assuming that's what you mean since the antennas for both these units are either integral (the Sky) or directly connected (MobileTi)."

I wasn't very clear on this. My Newmar coach has a crank up TV antenna that's powered by a booster inside the coach. In the video I saw, an older wifi Ranger (no longer available) was attached to the bat wings of the antenna. Then the powered booster cable was disconnected from the antenna and attached to an "in" port on the Ranger. Another cable was connected from an "out" port on the Ranger and reconnected to the antenna. It all looked pretty slick and only took a few minutes. Sorry I can't find the video today or I'd post a link. Maybe I dreamed the whole thing!

docj · 07-08-2014, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadweary

"When you refer to a "powered antenna cable" do you mean the cable going to the device on the roof, whether that is a MobileTi or a Sky? I'm assuming that's what you mean since the antennas for both these units are either integral (the Sky) or directly connected (MobileTi)."

I wasn't very clear on this. My Newmar coach has a crank up TV antenna that's powered by a booster inside the coach. In the video I saw, an older wifi Ranger (no longer available) was attached to the bat wings of the antenna. Then the powered booster cable was disconnected from the antenna and attached to an "in" port on the Ranger. Another cable was connected from an "out" port on the Ranger and reconnected to the antenna. It all looked pretty slick and only took a few minutes. Sorry I can't find the video today or I'd post a link. Maybe I dreamed the whole thing!

I can't comment on what was in the video since I haven't seen it. Suffice it to say that all current WFR rooftop routers will require one (and only one) Ethernet cable that will provide it power and will carry a data signal to an "inside" router, such as the Go2, if you have one. Because it's an Ethernet cable it has no relationship to the cable going to the Batwing, which, I believe is coax.