Internet connections offshore?

[2Gringos]

What do you cruising sailboat guys do for internet access ? We are really getting the old sailboat fever again, now that the house is just about completed. One of our problems is that we really need internet access every day or so. It's tied to our income.
What's the latest and greatest for a boat? I haven't looked into the technology for over a year now, figure someone must be coming up with some solutions for cruisers who need to stay in touch via internet.
Or do you all just use wi-fi when you get to a port?

Any suggestions?

[Gryzio]

I used two ways last time I was out on a boat for any length of time.

First, I have a regular wireless card like we use in the house. If I close enough, I know a few "Hotspots" to connect to and will try to anchor in that area. Normally a Hotspot is not a secure inet connection, but, a firewall usually keep me safe. Totally free if you find a connection. Many Web-Sites for locating hotspots for a particular area. Try a "Search" for "internet hotspots" without the quotes. The link is just for example;

https://selfcare.hotspot.t-mobile.co...LocationMap.do

Second, I have a Cell Phone that Best Buy had a cable so it connect to my computer. I can use a "Net-Zero" access number for the area and have a slow dial-up connection. This not totally free as you charged your regular cell phone rates as if you were talking to someone.

The difference of #1 and #2;
#1 you have to be close enough to the hotspot to make a connection.

#2 you have to be close enough for the cell phone to work (make a connection). Many times I have used the cell phone to connect and it work until I see building begin to sink on the horizon.

My next setup I am looking at the wireless inet cards that basically connect to the Cell Phone Towers. This seems to be getting common (which may or may not make it cheaper). But, I assume it work like my above #2 approach and not sure of costs. I been browsing around and may use Verizon (Not sure). I guess they all work the same.

I also looking at using my HF ham radio to connect. I not up on all of this, as far as what all I need. So, if it similar to a cell phone, I know it "line of sight" transmission, but, may get a little further out than a cell phone or wireless inet card.

Also, the HF radio may be able to connect to a satellite (I really not sure). I know years ago I was able to talk to some of the NASA guys playing "Spaceman" when they were in range. Just a quick; "This is cool" and then I cleared off so others could do the same.

So, a ham radio may be another option that "May" be as good as a satellite phone (I just need to learn more). But, you do have to have an FCC license for that.

I looked at those "Satellite Phones" but, that is expensive and I not want to go there unless some specific cruise I make would dictate this approach.

This about all I know for now and hope this summer to know more facts on the "Ham".

[camaraderie]

Gringos...once outside of the coastal USA...any solution to getting internet access at sea is quite expensive. The KVH type dishes remain the only practical solution since Globalstar SatPhones are unreliable and Iridium is slow and very costly. In the T&C you may also be to get cell phone air cards to provide access when you are near Provo...but I wouldn't count on it elsewhere in T&C.
I think most cruisers these days are waiting till they hit the harbors for wifi access or internet cafes both of which are a generally available.
If you just need TEXT email...you can get it via SSB/Pactor setup or use Iridium.

[PBzeer]

For coastal cruising in the US, I've connected with my Verizon card up to 6 miles offshore along the Florida coast.

[sailingdog]

Gryzio-

Using a cellular phone as a modem to dial up to an ISP like netzero is a big mistake. They charge you airtime for that... and it is really slow. You'd be much better off getting a data plan and using the high-speed data network capabilities of the phone instead. While it is a little more expensive, it is a lot faster most of the time and often more reliable.

HF/MF ham radio can't connect to the internet per se... they can connect to dedicated email gateways, but not the actual internet generally—so no websurfing from an SSB or Ham connection.

Satellite phones generally charge by the data packet—per megabyte, rather than the flat fee available with most cellular phone data packages, so it adds up really quickly.

WiFi hotspots give you the fastest connection generally, but have the most limited coverage.


Best solutions:

If you're cruising relatively near civilization, then an unlimited cellular data package would probably be the best way to go. A Bluetooth equipped cell phone and laptop are probably the best combination. An "aircard" generally requires a second cellular account/line and is more expensive and without significant speed advantages over a good 3G cell phone. Coverage by some of the networks extends out 20-30 miles or more along the coastline, especially if you use a mast mounted external cellular antenna.

If you're going to be marina hopping, and don't want the monthly cost of a cellular data plan, then WiFi is the way to go. Get an decent 6-9 dB gain patch antenna with about a 90˚ coverage area, and then use it to increase the range at which you can get decent WiFi coverage. I've setup WiFi networks using 18 dB gain parabolic grid antennae with a range over 4 miles... and used the flat panel antennae for ranges up to a mile. 90˚ of coverage will allow for some boat movement and swing.

[GySgt]

First, start with the EnGenius USB adapter which retails for $50. This little black box works well due to it's 200 milliwatt power output (compared to a laptop internal device which only transmits in the 35-50 milliwatt range). The EnGenius hooks in to your USB port with the supplied USB cable and a small rubber duck style antenna threads on to the adapter.
While this device by itself may allow you to connect to a near by signal, but I also recommend getting an external antenna to mount somewhere outside on your boat.

Having tried multiple antennas, I think I would recommend something in the 8 to 10 decibel range. The db rating of the antenna describes the manner in which the antenna broadcasts its signal and at an 8 to 10 db rating, you are just about middle of the road.

The higher you mount you antenna, the better signal strength you will get, but for practical purposes, just mounting it outside at deck level is usually sufficient.

To connect the antenna to the USB adapter, you will need an antenna cable. These are custom made to the length you specify. The longer the cable, the less power you will have transmitting. Runs over about 40 feet are on the edge of requiring signal amplification or regeneration, so keep your cable length as short as possible.
Also, make sure you have the proper ends on your cable. For the above setup, you need a male N type on one end and a RP-SMA fitting on the other. Talk to your dealer to ensure you get the right ends!
Finally there is the installation. The adapter comes with a CD that is used to install the proper driver on your computer. As for the antenna and cable, hopefully common sense will prevail here and you will not mount your antenna inside the swing radius of your wind generator or something else equally inadvisable.
Good luck and happy surfing.

[Gryzio]

Yes, I knew the Cell Phone was not the best idea. Usually I would check and send e-mail as Netzero is slow, and more slow around larger towns it seemed, as more people be on-line.

I do like the hotspots, but, have to be pretty close.

Well, I was hoping the old Ham Radio be an option. I was telling a woman friend I may be able to get my Web-Cam going and she see from the boat just like she was there.

Thanks SD now I have a few things to look into more.

All the new technology can be fun, but, figuring it out, puts a strain on my brain.

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Gryzio-

Using a cellular phone as a modem to dial up to an ISP like netzero is a big mistake. They charge you airtime for that... and it is really slow. You'd be much better off getting a data plan and using the high-speed data network capabilities of the phone instead. While it is a little more expensive, it is a lot faster most of the time and often more reliable.

HF/MF ham radio can't connect to the internet per se... they can connect to dedicated email gateways, but not the actual internet generally—so no websurfing from an SSB or Ham connection.

Satellite phones generally charge by the data packet—per megabyte, rather than the flat fee available with most cellular phone data packages, so it adds up really quickly.

WiFi hotspots give you the fastest connection generally, but have the most limited coverage.


Best solutions:

If you're cruising relatively near civilization, then an unlimited cellular data package would probably be the best way to go. A Bluetooth equipped cell phone and laptop are probably the best combination. An "aircard" generally requires a second cellular account/line and is more expensive and without significant speed advantages over a good 3G cell phone. Coverage by some of the networks extends out 20-30 miles or more along the coastline, especially if you use a mast mounted external cellular antenna.

If you're going to be marina hopping, and don't want the monthly cost of a cellular data plan, then WiFi is the way to go. Get an decent 6-9 dB gain patch antenna with about a 90˚ coverage area, and then use it to increase the range at which you can get decent WiFi coverage. I've setup WiFi networks using 18 dB gain parabolic grid antennae with a range over 4 miles... and used the flat panel antennae for ranges up to a mile. 90˚ of coverage will allow for some boat movement and swing.

[2Gringos]

So, what I think I am reading here is that there isn't some easy way to have internet while offshore? We don't even have cell phone coverage from one island to the next half the time here, so that's probably not a way to go. All the internet WiFi type networks are clustered in the towns, which are few and far between, so that's not much help.

I wonder what the research vessels are using. They must need tons of bandwidth for the scientists onboard.

[Freesail99]

If your willing to spend about $50 a month what Pbzeer suggested is a great idea and works well.

[sailingdog]

Sure there is... you can have internet almost anywhere on the planet... the problem is doing so at a reasonable cost. If you can afford a gyro-stabilized satellite dish and two-way broadband internet, you can have it anywhere you want... the equipment will set you back $4,000 or so, and the monthy charges will kill you, but you can do it.

Originally Posted by 2Gringos

So, what I think I am reading here is that there isn't some easy way to have internet while offshore? We don't even have cell phone coverage from one island to the next half the time here, so that's probably not a way to go. All the internet WiFi type networks are clustered in the towns, which are few and far between, so that's not much help.

I wonder what the research vessels are using. They must need tons of bandwidth for the scientists onboard.