15 replies to this topic

[Gottago4it]

I may be a little dense on this option, but let me know if I understand this correctly. The parsec gets mounted to the 18" ground plate, then the ground plate is mounted to the tracks. Then how do you run the wires from the parsec to the location of the modem/router?

[Vic Harder]

Thanks for the question, I really should post some pics and more details.  Another project for when it warms up outside.

 

The wires for the Parsec (and there are a bundle of them) run along the roof rack rails to the far rear passenger corner.  I made a hole there similar to one I made for my Solar Panel.  The wires run inside the camper behind the lift panel, and then in a split wire loom from the bottom of the soft top to the top of the side bench.  The router is mounted with my other electrical gear.  

 

I can't say it enough: The new system is way better than the Weboost!

 

Edited to add picture of camper roof.  The parsec is the white round thing next to the maxtrax

Edited by Vic Harder, 10 January 2023 - 07:58 PM.

[Lighthawk]

Thanks for the question, I really should post some pics and more details.  Another project for when it warms up outside.

 

 

This looks great, Vic.   I'm taking notes for our next camper build when we plan to add a booster.

I also like the low profile Parsec, compared to the WeBoost antennae I see on rigs.  It seems like they would be vulnerable to tree damage on narrow roads.

[Vic Harder]

This looks great, Vic.   I'm taking notes for our next camper build when we plan to add a booster.

I also like the low profile Parsec, compared to the WeBoost antennae I see on rigs.  It seems like they would be vulnerable to tree damage on narrow roads.

The weboost antenna can and does flex.  The Parsec is a much bigger commitment in terms of cost and real estate on the roof.  To be clear, the weboost and the PepWave setup I have now function very differently.  The weboost amplifies whatever signal it gets and resends the same signal out.  The Pepwave has a much much better antenna, and rebroadcasts WIFI not cell signal.

[Durango1]

The weboost antenna can and does flex.  The Parsec is a much bigger commitment in terms of cost and real estate on the roof.  To be clear, the weboost and the PepWave setup I have now function very differently.  The weboost amplifies whatever signal it gets and resends the same signal out.  The Pepwave has a much much better antenna, and rebroadcasts WIFI not cell signal.

I'm no Elon Musk fan, Vic. But I gotta ask, given the recent developments with Starlink RV (more availability, the 599.00 portable panel cost and the ability to switch on the 135.00 @ month fee only when needed) would you still go with your system? (The mercurial nature of Elon does concern me re: making a commitment to Starlink.)

 

NOTE: I'm a non-technical person, Vic, and really want to know your thoughts. I appreciate your posts a LOT!

[Vic Harder]

Thanks for the kind words.  Post has been edited!

 

OK, thanks for the poke ot look at Starlink again - STARLINK FOR RVs

The price has come down a LOT.  Used to be more like $2000 vs $800 (canadian dollars).

Lots of variables! 

1) The setup I have now (PepWave Router) works really well while in motion and at camp. I don’t have 5g, but given where I want to be camped, that’s not a problem at all.  I can switch out SIM cards manually if the place I am in has no coverage for the one I'm currently using.  Higher end routers than mine can have two SIMs (plans) in them at the same time, and get even higher bandwidth and redundancy.  

 

2) Starlink needs a clear view of the sky, so no hiding from the sun under trees or behind big rocks.

 

3) Starlink uses a LOT more power than my setup... think two DC fridges worth.

 

4) Starlink is now less expensive up front than my setup was a year ago.  Definitely a disruptor!

Keep the questions coming!

Edited by Vic Harder, 29 January 2023 - 09:10 PM.