Community Forums

csbaer · 04-26-2018, 06:37 AM

We have a Verizon hotspot device that works ok. Does an external antenna help tremendously? It's not the $40 cost that's stopping me from trying it, it's the poking another hole in the roof and installing it. If anyone else has already tested the with or without scenario, please weigh in. Thanks

BigBillSD · 05-01-2018, 10:57 PM

Why not just run it out the door or window to try it? -Bill

ThePowells · 05-02-2018, 02:48 AM

Here is the link to the thread running below that has a very detailed and informative post about extending your wifi capabilities.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/rv-wi...er-388773.html

wa8yxm · 05-02-2018, 06:59 AM

Mixed post.. Since you are using a Verizon hot spot. NO an external WI-FI antenna will not help. the WI-Fi node is INSIDE the RV.

YOu meant an external CELLULAR antenna. and yes that may help

No need to poke holes however. especially in the roof.

Two types of Radio are used in yoru hot-spot set up
Wi-Fi is basically line of sight (Well at least if you are doing it like I am) I can see both my hot spot and my computer where I'm sitting. very short range so no advantage to a high-up antenna.

Cellular side however (Called Wireless as well) now the tower is oftren "Far off' and when you need LONG RANGE communications Height, generally is MIGHT. so the higher you put the antenna (up to a point) the better. also directionality is a good thing as it adds distance (Think of using a pair of field Glasses (Bioniculars) or Opera Glasses (low power same)

Native eyes you see roughly 180 degree arc but the actors on stage are far off
Opera glasses you see the entire stage and the actors appear much closer

Field glasses you see only a couple actors but they are dang near in your lap visually.

Same with dirctional Radio antennas.

How to do it without drilling.

Mast attaches to ladder, antenna atop mast. run coax cown and into the comnpartmetn with water tanks (waste or fresh) and up through EXISTING holes into the living space.

SkiSmuggs · 05-02-2018, 08:22 AM

The WeBoost Sleek is a relatively inexpensive solution to boost cell strength. You can get them rebuilt from WeBoost for about $120 and put your MiFi in it. I do believe the antenna need to be on a metal plate though as they are made to amplify signal off a car roof.
I recently got a used grandfathered 3G MiFi to try out and you can get a roof mount antenna for those that boost by a few dB. So far, the one cell tower in my area hasn't provided enough signal for a reliable connection but have a road trip in a couple weeks to test and see if it is worth renewing at $5/month.