Community Forums

Ragman · 05-14-2008, 05:21 AM

We have had a Verizon air card for about 18 mos and were very happy with it both at home and while traveling. Suddenly, last month, it went from three bars to one bar at our home. The technicians at Verizon checked out everything and we were told that we are in a marginal coverage area and perhaps there was some new major construction in our area that was pulling the signal away from our location. They offered to let us out of our contract and we went to DSL service at our residence.

We travel about 8 mos of the year and have not been able to get great WIFI reception on our laptop in our MH in most RV parks so we are exploring other options for travel.

We came across two products -- the Antenna 300 (about $300) and WaveRV II wifi adapter (about $150). Has anyone out there used either of these and can give me an evaluation? The plus about these two systems is neither has to be pointed directly toward the hot spot.

http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/waverv2.php

Ragman · 05-14-2008, 05:21 AM

We have had a Verizon air card for about 18 mos and were very happy with it both at home and while traveling. Suddenly, last month, it went from three bars to one bar at our home. The technicians at Verizon checked out everything and we were told that we are in a marginal coverage area and perhaps there was some new major construction in our area that was pulling the signal away from our location. They offered to let us out of our contract and we went to DSL service at our residence.

We travel about 8 mos of the year and have not been able to get great WIFI reception on our laptop in our MH in most RV parks so we are exploring other options for travel.

We came across two products -- the Antenna 300 (about $300) and WaveRV II wifi adapter (about $150). Has anyone out there used either of these and can give me an evaluation? The plus about these two systems is neither has to be pointed directly toward the hot spot.

http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/waverv2.php

Gary RVRoamer · 05-14-2008, 08:18 AM

Most any high end wifi adapter will have a more powerful radio and will dramatically improve your wifi reception. I use an Senao Engenius 362 EXT, which has a 200 mw radio (the typical laptop built-in or plug-in is only around 40 mw) as well as an optional external antenna. Available for under $50 at places like Keenan Systems. Hawking also has some nice models but the directional one is the most popular.

The WaveRV system is a higher powered wifi radio plus an external antenna that mounts on the RV. Ditto for the Antenna 300 system. I've seen reports from satisfied owners of the Wave RV products (they offer several variations). But I think you will do as well with the less expensive products from Senao Engenius or Hawking.

Lindsay Richards · 05-14-2008, 01:53 PM

I just purchased a RV Wave external (waterproof). It is coming via truck and should be here (Florida and coming from Calif) in the next two days. We are leaving Sunday for a short 3 day trip and I sure hope it comes first. I spent the extra $40 to get the waterproof model which will still work inside the coach too). I will post the results. If needed, I will be able to set it up on a telescoping pole velcroed to my grab handle by the entrance door. We just returned from a 3 month trip from Florida to Washington State and back. I swore to get an antenna and this one seemed to be the ticket.

John66 · 05-14-2008, 02:54 PM

I tried the Hawking 'dish' and returned it. Not only did it not sigificantly improve the signal strength, but the LEDs which were supposed to show you signal strength did not light until you were already logged on and did not change when you moved the antenna. But the real kicker was that the software was very difficult to use. I also got the Hawking USB WIFI adapter for my dad; the software was a bit better than that which came with the 'dish'.

Roy W. · 05-15-2008, 04:39 PM

I purchased a WiFire and found that it works as advertised. I have wireless at home and when I tried my laptop at home, it showed many more wifi signals than without it. The signal strength meter that appears on your screen is invaluable for directing the antenna. In a campground it amplifies their signal and I have even piggy backed on a neighbor's signal.

Ray,IN · 05-15-2008, 05:12 PM

The problem arises from wifi being 2.4gh, same as most wireless home phones. This radio frequency does not penetrate metal well_re: RV framwork, siding, etc.

I too am well satisfied with my EnGenius business class USB adapter with 200mW power. It's small size fits in my shirt pocket if need be.
If you wish more power(shades of Tim Taylor), the 600mW S class may better suit your desire.

Lindsay Richards · 05-16-2008, 06:43 PM

4 days after being picked up our new antenna was still in California. It is not going to get here before our Sunday trip. I will report on it after I get it installed and working.

Lindsay Richards · 05-22-2008, 02:50 PM

I got our new antenna while we were away on our camping trip (neighbor saved it for us). The software was on a CD and the CD player on my laptop did not work. I had to buy a thumb drive and transfer it onto the thumb drive. It wouldn't auto start and I had to call the company to do the set up. There are two option; using their setup or Microsoft. I sure recommend the Microsoft. It is now working well, but I have not taken it camping yet. Might take it and the inverter in my truck to experiment around. I know that it receives better as I can get two of my neighbor that I couldn't before, but rally can't quantify it better yet. I will post the results ASAP

rogueii · 05-26-2008, 07:36 AM

I use an iantenna 300 and it has been a good help. I did opt to replace the 4.5db antennae that comes with the system, with a 9db omni directional antenna, which increased coverage. $20