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03-17-2012, 11:37 AM
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#1
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Venice
Posts: 5,346
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WIFI antenna
Just installed a wireless USB adapter and outdoor antenna to improve reception of CG WIFI. Purchased adapter and antenna from Jefa Tech, Inc. and mounted antenna on 1" pvc pipe.
#1. Cut the 10' pvc in half and joined together with a coupling. (no glue) this way it comes apart for storage.
#2. Ran the antenna cable up through the pipe and attached it to the antenna. (Used another coupling on top end and antenna just slips into) Mounted to ladder with small bungee cords.
#3. Brought cable in through shore power door and connected to USB adapter.
#4. Install adapter software and connected adapter to USB port with extension cable provided with kit.
RESULTS
Before adapter and antenna I had three networks available with "good" signal. (Two were my own from the house)
After .... I now receive 26 networks with "fair" to "excellent" signal. ..... I don't think I will have any trouble at campgrounds now.
__________________
Hank & Lynn
2007 Cougar 290RKS, E-Z Flex, 16" XPS RIBs ( SOLD .. Gonna miss her ... looking for new 5r)
2004.5 Dodge 2500 QC, LB, 5.9HO, WestTach gauges, Ride-Rite
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03-17-2012, 07:38 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Arrey,
Posts: 2,368
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hankpage, Howdy;
Looks like a winner...
Next years project...
hankaye
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Striving for a less complicated life since 1949 ...
Home: 2008 Cougar 278 RKS
T.V.: 2004 F-250 4X4, Level III BulletProofed , Detroit Tru-Track Differential (915A550)
Dog: 2006 Border Collie (Rascal) aka Maximum fur dispersal unit. (08/04/2006 - 12/16/2017) RIP.
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04-07-2012, 07:01 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Venice
Posts: 5,346
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I've been using the antenna in a campground for a week now. I am very pleased with the Wi-Fi reception. I can connect to any one of the five campground sites with solid signals and even see a public library over a half mile away. Very impressive. Hank
__________________
Hank & Lynn
2007 Cougar 290RKS, E-Z Flex, 16" XPS RIBs ( SOLD .. Gonna miss her ... looking for new 5r)
2004.5 Dodge 2500 QC, LB, 5.9HO, WestTach gauges, Ride-Rite
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04-07-2012, 05:23 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: north Dakotan
Posts: 32
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Cool. I need to do that
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04-08-2012, 09:54 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SW Michigan
Posts: 806
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Our campgrund uses the same basic antenna fro the WI-FI transmitter then 2 reapeaters one north and one south. Covers nearly 1/2 mile
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04-19-2012, 12:11 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Virginia Beach
Posts: 250
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Thats a nice 8.5dBi Portable Omni antenna, no wonder you are getting the signal strengths you are...
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2012 Cougar 330RBK
GVWR 12,265
2004 Ford F-350
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04-19-2012, 10:04 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Herndon, VA
Posts: 394
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WiFi booster
I too installed a WiFi booster set up.i elected to use a WiFiRanger set up with a external antenna mounted on the flip up TV antenna and a router mounted inside.
We can both use our iPads and the laptop inside and outside near the trailer. It picks up signals up to 0.5 miles away and in cases where we are at a location that charges for a connection we can use all 3 devices on one connection.
John
__________________
2006 Dodge Cummins 3500 Mega cab, dually
2011Cougar 318SAB
Sidewinder hitch
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06-20-2012, 08:33 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 18
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Great Idea
I got my antenna kit ordered as soon as I read your idea. I used a 1" reducer to 3/4 and with a little "honing" in the inside of the reducer with my Dremel
it fits down inside. I used a ring of silicone seal inside for a nice tight side fit and silicone around the upper lip where the rims meet, and now I'm good to go. I plan to hold the 3/4 upright to the ladder with electrical tie wraps.
I had purchased a small Hawking WIFI Amplifier which had made a small signal improvement, but I'm sure this will really help in the campgrounds.
Thanks.
__________________
2011 325SRX
06 Silverado Duramax
07 Harley Road King
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06-24-2012, 07:38 AM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Venice
Posts: 5,346
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TScott27
Thanks for the instructions. We would be needing that. I still don't know when I would have this assembled, as I don't know how long it would take me to get this up. How long did it take you to finish the project anyways? Thanks.
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If you get the kit from Jefatech you get a small "Rubber Ducky" antenna with it that will improve the signal until you can make up a mast. It also comes with thumb-screw mount for the ladder that works well ..... the mast just gives a little more range. Travel safely, Hank
__________________
Hank & Lynn
2007 Cougar 290RKS, E-Z Flex, 16" XPS RIBs ( SOLD .. Gonna miss her ... looking for new 5r)
2004.5 Dodge 2500 QC, LB, 5.9HO, WestTach gauges, Ride-Rite
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08-12-2014, 02:39 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: west columbia, sc
Posts: 86
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Thanks for the tips. Going to give this a try.
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08-13-2014, 05:19 AM
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#11
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SW Virginia USA
Posts: 58
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So the exterior antenna will replace the little USB stick adapter that I use with the laptop now? I just found out that my phone is a hotspot--new to smartphone--but with only 1 gig of data, it would run out pretty fast. This may help me with the desktop computer out in my workshop 100+ ft from the wireless in the house.
__________________
2014 Bullet 251RBS
2013 Silverado Ext Cab 4x4 5.3/3.42
"Knowledge is good" -- Emil Faber
MM2 USN 1970-75
USS Canisteo AO-99
USS Miller DE-1091 -- The Champagne of Ships
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08-13-2014, 07:17 AM
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#12
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Venice
Posts: 5,346
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave in Va
So the exterior antenna will replace the little USB stick adapter that I use with the laptop now? I just found out that my phone is a hotspot--new to smartphone--but with only 1 gig of data, it would run out pretty fast. This may help me with the desktop computer out in my workshop 100+ ft from the wireless in the house.
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Dave, 100 to 200 ft from your house should not be a problem even using just their small rubber USB mounted antenna. 1 Gig will not go far when used as a hot spot. Using it conservatively 1 Gig lasts me about 1 week while traveling. JM2˘, Hank
__________________
Hank & Lynn
2007 Cougar 290RKS, E-Z Flex, 16" XPS RIBs ( SOLD .. Gonna miss her ... looking for new 5r)
2004.5 Dodge 2500 QC, LB, 5.9HO, WestTach gauges, Ride-Rite
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08-14-2014, 05:13 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Vermont
Posts: 367
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Nice! It would really be great if it could be attached to a router for tablets and smart phones to use. Our little PepWave is okay, but your set up is much better.
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2015 Ford F-350 XLT Ruby Red 6.7L Powerstroke, 4x4, Short Bed, Andersen Ultimate Hitch
Cougar High Country 299RKS, Mor/Ryde pin box, 200w solar
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08-14-2014, 03:40 PM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SW Virginia USA
Posts: 58
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hankpage
Dave, 100 to 200 ft from your house should not be a problem even using just their small rubber USB mounted antenna. 1 Gig will not go far when used as a hot spot. Using it conservatively 1 Gig lasts me about 1 week while traveling. JM2˘, Hank
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Thanks, Hank. Can the exterior and rubber antenna be used at the same time? How about connecting the external to 2 laptops? Sorry, but I'm computer tech challenged...I'm going to call them tomorrow.
__________________
2014 Bullet 251RBS
2013 Silverado Ext Cab 4x4 5.3/3.42
"Knowledge is good" -- Emil Faber
MM2 USN 1970-75
USS Canisteo AO-99
USS Miller DE-1091 -- The Champagne of Ships
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08-14-2014, 08:22 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Here
Posts: 313
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If you are looking at connecting multiple computers and phones then the Long Range WiFi Repeater Kit for RVs from Jefa Tech would suit your needs. I have used one of their kits for a few years now and it has worked quite well for me. Using it now at Myrtle Beach connecting to a TWC wifi hotspot that is near my campsite.
http://www.jefatech.com/product/RV-K...t-for-RVs.html
You do have to figure out how to get the antenna cable routed into your camper to connect it to the repeater.
__________________
2012 Passport GT 3100RK
Previous Campers:
2010 Trailmanor 2720SL
2003 R-Vision Traillite
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08-15-2014, 03:46 AM
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#16
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SW Virginia USA
Posts: 58
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Thanks, B&T. That looks like exactly what I need
__________________
2014 Bullet 251RBS
2013 Silverado Ext Cab 4x4 5.3/3.42
"Knowledge is good" -- Emil Faber
MM2 USN 1970-75
USS Canisteo AO-99
USS Miller DE-1091 -- The Champagne of Ships
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08-16-2014, 10:30 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colleyville TX
Posts: 106
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Wifi Ranger Mobile atop a RV Flag Pole Guys flag pole.
It pulled in a Texas State Park wifi 1/2 mile away.
It's pricey starting at $500 and up...
but it did the job and happy with results.
It has a cool feature - it scans and speed tests all the available wifi spots then chooses the best based on your preferences...
__________________
2015 F350 King Ranch
2012 Yukon XL 2500
2012 Laredo 300RB
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