QUOTE(Lindsay Richards @ Nov 14 2007, 07:24 PM) [snapback]9137[/snapback] Sorry, I ment FREE. I am having touble with the sticking R. I have 5 unsecured now and I suspect at least 3 are other RV'ers. Am looking at another motorhome and put down a deposit to hold it for a few days until we (that would be my wife) decides. I used to be in the deciding process years ago, but found out it didn't wok out fo us. I understood the 1st sentence, the rest, well, would you decode it for me?
QUOTE There are 7 total WiFi connections available that are fee also. I can tell by the names that most are RV's with satellites and a network. The Flying J and TA are also included in that number. I think free WiFi is here to stay. When I check for available networked with Windows XP, there were 7 that show open. The Lazydays one is the one we were to use and it was not secured (need to buy a password), There was also a Flying J showing up as well as a TA which are both tuck stop/RV places which both had free networks. There were also 4 networks that I think belonged to campers who must have had satellite internet service and then used a WiFi setup. I had my choice of all of them, but chose to use the Lazydays as it had the best reception. I bought a handheld WiFi detector also and it is amazing how many networks there are out there.
QUOTE(Lindsay Richards @ Nov 15 2007, 11:12 PM) [snapback]9148[/snapback] QUOTE There are 7 total WiFi connections available that are fee also. I can tell by the names that most are RV's with satellites and a network. The Flying J and TA are also included in that number. I think free WiFi is here to stay. When I check for available networked with Windows XP, there were 7 that show open. The Lazydays one is the one we were to use and it was not secured (need to buy a password), There was also a Flying J showing up as well as a TA which are both tuck stop/RV places which both had free networks. There were also 4 networks that I think belonged to campers who must have had satellite internet service and then used a WiFi setup. I had my choice of all of them, but chose to use the Lazydays as it had the best reception. I bought a handheld WiFi detector also and it is amazing how many networks there are out there. Ahh, much better ! I also have a Wi-Fi finder, and it works great. L8R
I have a post earlier on this string, but thought I'd comment on the third party issue. I just left a campground that has that system. Since I travel frequently, I can say this one is probably the best that I've used. I was at the back of the park with full signal and excellent speed because it's based on cable broadband. It was $5/nite with very much cheaper rates for weekly, monthly, etc service. 24/7 service from the third party which I needed to use once. Good customer and technical support service. It's nice to find "free" wi-fi, but don't mind paying for a top performer.
QUOTE(RLM @ Nov 16 2007, 09:28 AM) [snapback]9155[/snapback] I have a post earlier on this string, but thought I'd comment on the third party issue. I just left a campground that has that system. Since I travel frequently, I can say this one is probably the best that I've used. I was at the back of the park with full signal and excellent speed because it's based on cable broadband. It was $5/nite with very much cheaper rates for weekly, monthly, etc service. 24/7 service from the third party which I needed to use once. Good customer and technical support service. It's nice to find "free" wi-fi, but don't mind paying for a top performer. I couldn't agree more. In fact, I wouldn't buy an "air card" (@$60.00/mo) if your situation happened more often. IMHO, it's MUCH cheaper thru a third party, if only the coverage were more consistant. BTW, where was this CG?
I couldn't agree more. In fact, I wouldn't buy an "air card" (@$60.00/mo) if your situation happened more often. IMHO, it's MUCH cheaper thru a third party, if only the coverage were more consistant. BTW, where was this CG? [/quote] The Barnyard in Lexington, SC. I did a review, but it hasn’t been posted yet. I recently cancelled my air card service. It was extremely handy since I like to frequent the state and COE parks where there isn't any wi-fi or have my co-pilot be on line as we are actually moving down the road. But it was, as you said, just too expensive for the average person. It's kinda like giving up chocolate. After awhile you learn to deal with it.
Love my aircard and even put it on its own wireless router so we can both use it. I have used it running down the road and at rest stops and all over.
mine is in my coach and i will post the brand when i get it. Looks like we will be buying the 2004 Itaska Suncruiser 33V. We are down to the less than a thousand difference now, so for me that is close enough. Now to get the wife to agree.
I recently cancelled my air card service. It was extremely handy since I like to frequent the state and COE parks where there isn't any wi-fi or have my co-pilot be on line as we are actually moving down the road. But it was, as you said, just too expensive for the average person. It's kinda like giving up chocolate. After awhile you learn to deal with it. ****************** I have the Verizon Version. It works ok. Sometimes faster, sometimes slower. But, when you need it, 9.6K is better than no connectivity at all. A lot of the parks are installing wifi, with a few of them free. And, a few that are not so free. I've never found a wireless company that covers the majority of my travels. Next year, I'll be getting a datastorm installed on my RV. I find and do a lot of my work from my RV and a directlink would work best for me. The one thing that I find funny is the number of people that think it's ok to hook up to their neighbors wifi because they can. h, I found this guy who does not have his wireless secure...so, I'm going to hook up to his and save money." I don't think the guy that is paying for the connection would be too happy to find some of the posters here logged into his router. Most of the places people find to "hookup" is simply because the owner never thought of it...or doesn't know how tp properly secure it. As I sit here in my apartment, there have been 6 machines trying to hook up to mine all day long. Bang away fellows, I do this for a living...and watching you try to hack in is fun. The neat thing about these little electronic "help me to steal service" thingy's is that they work both ways. They can be used to find some clueless guy's PC...and if the person that has it knows what he is doing...can be used to find the clown illegally hooked up top Mr Clueless's rig. Your mileage may vary and some parts are edible. Just because you can don't mean you should...and it might be good for some time in slam for "theft of services".
As far as WiFi...we have only had a few problems....Mostly the inabilty to get a signal in our tt. My husband has resorted to siting outside and trying to use our EasyUp as an antenna. We do tend to stay in more "rustic" sites. So, there are usually some hills and definitely trees.
LeftyF: You might want to give additional consideration to having a Motosat Datastorm installed on your coach next year. We just removed our's after four years. It got to the point that, when we could not get on, we'd spend hours on the phone with technical support trying to figure out the problem and, when we could get on, it was so slow, because of overuse and overselling by Hughes and continually narrowing bandwith because of volume, until we would not use it if RV park wi-fi was available. Just a thought before you waste five or six grand on it.
QUOTE(Beastdriver @ Dec 7 2007, 11:06 AM) [snapback]9382[/snapback] LeftyF: You might want to give additional consideration to having a Motosat Datastorm installed on your coach next year. We just removed our's after four years. It got to the point that, when we could not get on, we'd spend hours on the phone with technical support trying to figure out the problem and, when we could get on, it was so slow, because of overuse and overselling by Hughes and continually narrowing bandwith because of volume, until we would not use it if RV park wi-fi was available. Just a thought before you waste five or six grand on it. I've heard this many times before.
Hi Lefty, Sounds like datastorm is a thing of the past almost. I live in Canada and that adds a host of other concerns about internet via satellite. The only reason I would consider datastorm is for boondocking in very out of the way places. I also resent that in order to have tv service a second dish is required. The fee per month is quite high too--at least if I get a verison card I'll be able to turn it "on and off" as needed. As I pay a flat rate for my broadband I deliberately leave it wide open for anyone who needs to use it. There are thousands of wifi hotspots that are free as well. How am I supposed to know the difference between one that is "open" and "not free" and one that is intended for public use? QUOTE(leftyf @ Nov 25 2007, 04:24 PM) [snapback]9226[/snapback] I have the Verizon Version. It works ok. Sometimes faster, sometimes slower. But, when you need it, 9.6K is better than no connectivity at all. A lot of the parks are installing wifi, with a few of them free. And, a few that are not so free. I've never found a wireless company that covers the majority of my travels. Next year, I'll be getting a datastorm installed on my RV. I find and do a lot of my work from my RV and a directlink would work best for me. The one thing that I find funny is the number of people that think it's ok to hook up to their neighbors wifi because they can. h, I found this guy who does not have his wireless secure...so, I'm going to hook up to his and save money." Your mileage may vary and some parts are edible. Just because you can don't mean you should...and it might be good for some time in slam for "theft of services".
Hello Let introduce myself. I am a networking engineer with experience as a professor in computer science, in IT and networking. I fully understand the concerns posted here by both users and RV resort owners. Let me start by saying that I have NEVER come across a public WIFI establishment, whether a Hotel, airport etc... that has met with my standard of what I would consider a well planned and installed WIFI. Had my students done it even as student projects, most sites would receive a C- at best. The science of wireless communications is actually very complex. Unlike most technicians view, it isnt about nailing a AP somewhere near a convenient electrical outlet. A lot of calculations and technical decisions go into implementing a sucessful WIFI. A goof WIFI provides the users fast, reliable and secure access from any point within the boundaries of the establishment. A good WIFI should not have to be upgraded every year or even two years!! It should provide at least 3 or more years of reliable usage. If the cost of installation and monthly charge is very low, it is surely a bad install. The old saying, you get what you pay for. AVOID budget installations, it will be more headache and cost you more later then its initially worth!! Keep in mind a professional installation would be designed by a real engineer/computer scienctist, implmented by highly trained technicians with high quality test equipment (good test equip easiy costs $5ooo to $15,000 EACH) and with high quality equipment (huge difference between high quality networking equip and the ones being used by WIFI access sites, which are usually very cheap junk). I understand if RV park owners are unwilling/unable to pay for a WIFI install from a competent company (not like one exists anyway), but if a RV park owner is paying luxury prices he/she should get a high end WIFI install. As for cellular data connections, it has a LOOONG way to go before it is fast enough, reliable enough or has enough coverage to meet the needs of a traveling laptop user. I estimate at least 15 to 20 years before cellular data becomes practical for mobile users. So its essential for RV park owners to provide what the world is growing accustomed to in hotels, airports and cafes. Unfortunately for RV park owners the challenge of setting up a wifi is far more challenging then a cafe. Unfortunately dishonest, immoral companies are using the same easy and cheap techniques to setup RV parks as they do in a small cafe. So how can a RV resort owner deal with this problem...? Don't always go to the local dealer... its rare to find a good engineer in the country, never the less in the neighborhood. Don't always go for the cheapest install. Good people and equipment simply cost more, but it will more then make up for the extra cost in both money saved and frustrations avoided in the future. Hire professionals, if the designer cannt even understand the mathematics of a propgation map he shouldnt be trying to sell you a contract. During the installation if you don't see constant testing and adjusting by competent people with the right equipment then most likely these people are just gambling the design will work. A good installation should work even under heavy usage, in the WORST storm, and not require a upgrade for several years. I wish I could help more, but this such a complex topic, its very easy for a installer to cut corners and make mistakes without the RV park owner even being aware of it. If you feel you got ripped off or have and concerns feel free to ask. I can be found in some of the technical discussion groups as well. myregistrationrecords@yahoo.com
Hi Mr. Engineer, Could you speak about satellite internet access please? Broad band is nice--but I still am able to do almost everything via my cell phone at 14.4 (max). It's far better than "spotty" wifi. Any tips for improving wifi in stick homes?
Satellite data will never become mainstream. Simple calculations will reveal that the shear distance the signal has to cover makes it incompatible with most services out there that will time out. This will only get worse as most internet services will require faster and faster bandwith and less latency. Cellular data also suffers from great latency, about 20x slower then a typical DSL or cable modem. Time out errors are common in satellite and celluar connections. Copper wire and fiber is still the most reliable and fastest means of communicating. Only the final jump should be wireless and even that kept to a reasonable confined area. As of now, the best option a mobile business man/traveler has is to plug his laptop into a hotel ethernet outlet. WiFi in most places can be very frustrating in reliablity.
QUOTE(pianotuna @ Dec 12 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]9436[/snapback] Hi Mr. Engineer, Could you speak about satellite internet access please? Broad band is nice--but I still am able to do almost everything via my cell phone at 14.4 (max). It's far better than "spotty" wifi. Any tips for improving wifi in stick homes? WiFi in the sticks ---- More and more servers will be rejecting 14.4 cell conections. Thats because IT managers are configuring the servers with greater and greater content and stricter parameters. Stick homes? I imagine that means 2x4 pine wood homes? Or do you mean out in no where land like the Ozarks of Missouri? Diffraction, echoes etc... is minimal in a wooden house so thats a good thing. Most home WiFi setups suffer from the AP itself simply crashing frequently. The chipsets used in residential APs are a hit or miss, you may or may not get the reliable batch. Second problem is the built in antenna. Its always a omni directional low sensitivity antenna. But then it is so cheap (under $100 now) one should not expect much from a residential AP. Third problem is that residential APs often don't have the algorithms to handle interference. Interference can be caused by nearby APs, electrical devices etc... As long as your stick house is small and away from a cluster of interfering APs from your nearby neighbors the problem can be solved to a reasonable degree by simply placing the AP in the center of the house and buying the best residential AP still within the budget of a average home. I recommend Apple Extreme Airport for a home user with a limited budget. Keep in mind this AP would not be used in a commercial, misson critical setup, but for home use it will do. If you want to reach a distant AP, use what is called a Yagi/Uda ant. Named after the two Japanese invenotrs. A yagi has what is called a high gain. Each unit of gain is a 10 fold increase. The quality of a yagi varies greatly! Some are excellently designed and made and many are awful. Satellites ----- Sats... require as above a good yagi or a parabolic dish to focus the signal. Flat arrays are being developed for mobile use. Its still a new technology. Sats are not very good when it comes to connecting to the internet. The slow latency and unrelaible uplink causes most servers on the other end to think the connection has been lost. In Hollywood movies sat links are fast, reliable and very reactive. In reality they are NOT. Sats are recommneded for scientists who use remote monitoring devices or for people who have no other choice. As of now I am seeing the shameless sale of inapprpriate technology by dishonest companies to people who are not tech savvy. Some Sat companies are very deceptive in their ads. The Sat will download very fast, but what they dont tell the consumer is that the uplink is a phone line modem. Worse the latency is horrific. Conclusion - Prepare youself to move up to something better then your GMS/GPRS cell connection. More and more web sites will become incompatible with this type of connection. I dont recommend sats for anyone except scientists and people who have no other choice. Look into Yagi ants for establishing weak Wifi connections. It can be a bit tricky setting them up but it works exponentially better then a omni ant. Cellular data is very spotty in America. So no solution exists in terms of cellualr unless one stays within the borders of a major city. There are other solutions for a traveler, but require more technical know how. Mr Engineer =)
Hi Engineer, Thanks for the information. Would you care to share the "other" solutions? I want/need an in motion connection to the internet. So far as I am aware I've never been "kicked off" a web site for my low speed connection to the net. I use my cell phone to call a dialup isp. Perhaps they act as a server for me, so I don't have problems? QUOTE(TheEngineer @ Dec 12 2007, 02:17 PM) [snapback]9438[/snapback] There are other solutions for a traveler, but require more technical know how. Mr Engineer =)
