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Topic: WiFi long-range receiver (Read 698 times) previous topic - next topic

WiFi long-range receiver

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
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: WiFi long-range receiver

Reply #1 –

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...

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

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...

Photos of the Cantenna, iPhone antenna, etc can be shown.

Pierce

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: WiFi long-range receiver

Reply #3 –
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.
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: WiFi long-range receiver

Reply #4 –
Quite a few reviews on it on Amazon: Amazon.com : alfa wifi camp pro 2

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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: WiFi long-range receiver

Reply #5 –
We have the Alpha camp pro 2,works fine with our Macs.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: WiFi long-range receiver

Reply #6 –
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

Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2 v2 long range Wi-Fi repeater kit - R36A/Tube-(U)N – Rokland

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: WiFi long-range receiver

Reply #7 –
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
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: WiFi long-range receiver

Reply #8 –
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 -...

Alan & Gerri Ortiz
1996 U295 36 ft.
"Rocinante"
Hartwell, Georgia
1999 Subaru Forester
Build No. 4957 Motorcader 17399

Re: WiFi long-range receiver

Reply #9 –
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. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: WiFi long-range receiver

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Johnstons –
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...

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

Pierce
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: WiFi long-range receiver

Reply #11 –
I have both the inside and outside WiFi rangers. I bought them on eBay. Very pleased with the setup.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: WiFi long-range receiver

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
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...
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...

Pierce
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)