20 replies to this topic

[FleetToy]

Has anyone had a good experience with finding a good Wi-Fi and cell phone extender?

[Taku]

Have used a WebBoost for years. Often one bar will go to three. We just use the small, magnetic external antenna.

[Vic Harder]

Has anyone had a good experience with finding a good Wi-Fi and cell phone extender?

+1 on the Weboost.  I have the "Drive" unit and added their OTR antenna.  1 bar will turn in to 5.  I work from my camper using ZOOM for video conferencing and it works well.

[Gentle on my world]

I'm pretty much technologically inept. 

 

Will Musk's efforts to populate the earth's low orbit with internet satellites end up reducing the need for such devices? 

[rando]

Space X is deploying something called Starlink.   It is supposed to enter a public Beta later this year.   Initially anyway it will be focused on fixed ground stations, not mobile use, but mobile use could happen in the future.    This is a little more complex than a satellite phone system like Iridium, you will need a ~50cm diameter antenna that can track the satellites.   The upside is you get broadband speed (50Mb +) and the expected price point will be way less than other satellite options.  

 

Professionally I am very excited about this as we use satellite comms a lot in remote areas, and Iridium leaves a lot to be desired.   We will see if this becomes viable for personal use.

[smlobx]

We have been using a WeBoost cellular booster on our trip across North America this summer and have been very happy with the results.

 

It will not create a signal out of thin air but if there is one it will make it usable.

[earbuzz]

Can you all please tell me which model exactly of the weboost you got? 

Thanks,

Evan

[Vic Harder]

I'm using the Drive-X RV.   

https://www.weboost....ucts/drive-x-rv

 

Seriously looking to upgrade to a much more expensive and capable unit next camping season!

[JaSAn]

Seriously looking to upgrade to a much more expensive and capable unit next camping season!

 

What? and Why?  Inquiring minds want to know 

[Vic Harder]

Well.... The Weboost (and other such devices) all work great for boosting the signal to your cell phone.  The way mine works, I park the camper, hoist the antenna, and if I have even 1 bar I can get 4-5 bars of signal... when I place my cell phone right onto the internal antenna.  I then use my phone as a hot spot and can make my zoom calls, get email, etc.

 

If I want to hold my phone in my hand, the signal boost almost disappears and it really doesn't do anything when sitting around the campfire a few feet away.  Plus some cell companies really don't like me using my phone as a hotspot and can/will throttle down my signal.

 

With a more $$$ system, you can receive cell signals via one or more antennas, and then transmit a strong wifi signal that is usable all around your campsite.

 

I'm thinking of something like this - https://www.mobilemu...ndle_p_168.html

 

Vic