I am looking at getting a wi-fi receiver extender for external mount on my coach. I will mount it on the retractable tv antenna mast. Doesn't have to work while under way. Are there any suggestions on units that I should be looking at?
Thanks, Mike
Assuming you are using a laptop with USB. Read specs as all amplifiers don't work with Mac, Android, etc.
Check all the different styles on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=wifi+external+antennas
Something like this also works well: Amazon.com: TUOSHI Outdoor High Power Wi-Fi Antenna | Long Range USB Wi-Fi... (https://www.amazon.com/TUOSHI-N519D-600Mbps-150Mbps-Wireless/dp/B07FR1BS9G/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=wifi%2Bamplifier%2Bfor%2Blaptop%2Bwith%2Binput%2Bfor%2Bantenna&qid=1596494215&sr=8-9&th=1)
I've used a small USB powered amplifier with a DIY Cantenna. They work really well and very directional so you just point the mouth of the can until the signal maxes. Driving downtown, the WiFi spots filled a page on our MacBook. How To Build A Tin Can DIY WiFi Antenna | SHTFPreparedness (https://www.shtfpreparedness.com/build-tin-can-wifi-antenna/)
With unlimited internet on smart phones, you can mirror your iPhone or Droid phone to any new TV. I use an iPhone and Droid tablet to mirror the screen and sound via HDMI. It's easy, cheap and you get around throttling. You then have almost unlimited TV choices. I have a Velcro attached patch on the back of the iPhone if the reception is bad. It's connected to a cell phone antenna. You can also add amplifiers between the antenna and the cell phone. Just need an inexpensive Apple Lighning to HDMI or Android USB B or C to HDMI. These need to have a charging port so the photo does not go dead. About $10 or so delivered. This is for a wired connection via a HDMI cable.
Also easy to install an inexpensive router to connect your smart phone, a smart TV and be able to get internet at the campfire outside. It's called a LAN for Local Area Network and DOES NOT NEED a WiFi connection to work. The router talks to anything it's connected to and the smart phone supplies the internet.
Excellent, inexpensive and easy to install router: Amazon.com: ASUS RT-AC1200 V2 AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Router, Easy 3-Step... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082YWFR32/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Photos of the Cantenna, iPhone antenna, etc can be shown.
Pierce
This is the unit I have been looking at:
Amazon.com: ALFA Network WiFi CampPro 2v2 (Version 2) Universal WiFi/Internet... (https://www.amazon.com/ALFA-Network-2v2-Universal-Motorhome/dp/B086D645P1/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2WSMSVFQ9MXHD&dchild=1&keywords=wifi+ranger+for+rv&qid=1596501866&sprefix=WiFi+ranger%2Caps%2C627&sr=8-6)
Mike
Mike
Tried to get more info from manufacture and they want you to login on their site. Why would manufacture want login info for reviewing product? This causes me great concern about product.
Quite a few reviews on it on Amazon: Amazon.com : alfa wifi camp pro 2 (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=alfa+wifi+camp+pro+2&crid=JI3SQ1BC93JH&sprefix=alfa+wifi%2Caps%2C513&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_9)
I've had several Alfa WiFi amplifiers and they worked well for the most part. The problem came with drivers for my Mac. As I remember, PCs took the silver one, Macs, the greenish one. I would plug it into the laptop with a Cantenna or antenna out the window. Huge improvement over the laptop's internal antenna.
Make sure to read the reviews to make sure the model you order works with your laptop. Reviews often provide great insight from owners/users.
Pierce
We have the Alpha camp pro 2,works fine with our Macs.
Check this site for all the Alfa stuff with prices. They also have the latest Mac driver for Catalina that will work with four other Alfa products. Camp Pro 2 & R36A Accessories – Rokland (https://store.rokland.com/collections/camp-pro-2-r36a-accessories)
Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2 v2 long range Wi-Fi repeater kit - R36A/Tube-(U)N – Rokland (https://store.rokland.com/products/alfa-wifi-camp-pro-2-long-range-wi-fi-repeater-kit-r36a-tube-un-aoa-2409-tf-antenna)
Pierce
I'm happy with my wifi ranger. It's mounted on the tv antenna mast. This is the same unit Foretravel uses on newer coaches
We have had great success with this set up. We also use it with our hot spot as the source signal and the coach has its own local network to tie all of our electronics together. Just a thought to share.
Private RV Wi-Fi and Making a Better Park Connection for Under 0 -... (https://outsideourbubble.com/secure-private-rv-wi-fi-and-making-a-better-park-connection-for-under-100/)
Tom, do have the inside unit as well? My inside router quit and I'm trying to decide how to replace it. The outside one is still powered by the inside unit.
If your inside router quit, your outside extender just plugs in a 110V outlet and auto connects, right? For about $50 delivered this router has easy setup and will create a LAN onboard. Amazon.com: ASUS RT-AC1200 V2 AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Router, Easy 3-Step... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082YWFR32/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&tag=foreforums-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957)
We have an inexpensive Netgear AC750 extender we plug in outside. The AT&T tech recommended it as there is no setup (unless you want to have a password) so you plug it in and then the iPhone/tablet/Mac auto connect to it. Probably the same as yours. NETGEAR AC750 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR9.TRC1.A0.H0.XNETGEAR+AC750.TRS0&_nkw=NETGEAR+AC750&_sacat=0)
Pierce
I have both the inside and outside WiFi rangers. I bought them on eBay. Very pleased with the setup.
I've been using one like this for years. They used to be available by US sellers on ebay. Not sure why you have to buy from China now.
Outdoor Long Range USB 150Mbps Wireless Wifi Adapter Receiver Antenna 5m... (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Outdoor-Long-Range-USB-150Mbps-Wireless-Wifi-Adapter-Receiver-Antenna-5m-Cable/352727154782?hash=item52202d405e:g:~OUAAOSwoptdNBi6)
It's made in China either way. You can order direct and pay less or pay to have someone else import it and then sell it to you.
This one works well and has drivers for Catalina. Make sure to turn off Wi-Fi once you have the driver installed. You can remove the antenna and run a cable to an outside antenna, etc. About $16 delivered. Amazon.com: OURLINK 600Mbps mini 802.11ac Dual Band 2.4GHz/5GHz Wireless... (https://www.amazon.com/OURLINK-600Mbps-802-11ac-Wireless-10-9-10-13/dp/B018TX8IDA)
Pierce