WiFi for the Cruising Sailor

[jaffadog]

8 dBi omnis have ~15 deg elevation beam - so so long as i don't heal more than 7 degs while at anchor, i'm ok ;-).

For comparison, the ns2's elevation beam is 30 deg.

I'm still torn between the choices... so many folks seem to have proven performance using 8 dBi omnis... cost wise, the ns2 is a clear winner - $75 for the whole package... whereas the bullet2hp+omni+poe would easily run me $120+.

Originally Posted by sailingdog

The problem is that the 8 dB gain omni is likely to have a relatively narrow vertical angle of coverage. If your boat rolls much, it is likely to trash the signal every time the boat rocks and rolls. Most boats don't swing all that much in a good anchorage.

[hellosailor]

"I'm still torn between the choices... "
Try the 8db omni, and instead of lashing it to a whip, SUSPEND it from something. Suspend it with a foot or two or parachute cord (something like and flexible) so that the boat rocks under it, allowing the antenna to remain more vertical as the boat heels.
IIRC you should be able to suspend it rightside-up or upside-down, either way, without the signal being affected.

[sck5]

I have a nanostation 2 and so far have never anchored or docked in the chesapeake without finding a free wifi signal. I was all prepared to hoist it but so far it has worked just putting it on the cabin top under the dodger or on top of the bimini. I need to aim it correctly but it works great