internet connection

[mfsykes]

So, have heard that cruisers prefer the Ubiquiti Bullet for boosting their internet signal.

Anyone out there using this? Can you tell me what I need? Bought a cantenna system - without realizing that it is powered solely by the USB port on the computer - limits signal drastically. Looking into Ubiquiti...

Melissa
s/v Cheechako
St. Augustine

[RichH]

Heres a total turn-key system using the Ubitiqui Bullet as its core element ---- Bitstorm BadBoy Extreme. I sometimes get useful signal up to 2-3 miles away.

Bitstorm - Products

[Cptken]

I cannot give you range increases because I have not yet used it on the water. I can tell you that at the house, the Alpha increased the number of signals I can see from 2 to 7. All had decent signal strength, the 2 original increased from 1-2 bars to 4 or 5.

Cruising Solutions | Alfa Wi-Fi

No connections to CS, but do like their products.

[JimMcGee]

I switched to a MiFi this summer and am thrilled with it. Wireless anywhere onboard, the size of a cell phone and no antennas to fool with. Works anywhere in the States where you can get a cell signal for $40/month.

Streamed movies through Netflix, browsed the web and checked email in September while living aboard fifteen or more days and never got near my data limit (which is what I was initially worried about).

It's a much better solution than the repeater/router/antenna setup I had previously.

The MiFi units are available from Comcast, Verizon, Virgin, AT&T, etc. so it pays to compare prices and plans.

Jim

[treilley]

I also use a Mifi. I have one issued from work. Droids and iphone can also act as Mifi devices so you can eliminate the actual Mifi HW.

[mfsykes]

I have a Verizon air card. It works great and have been grandfathered in on unlimited data. With the cantenna, I used an Alpha unit. Again, works ok - but only powering from the computer therefore signals are not that strong. Want to be able piggy back on wi fi signals in the area.

Again, anyone using the Ubiquitis Bullet? I know it needs to be hardwared into the power from the boat, then the computer gets a wireless signal.

Am trying to get rid of the air card - because I have been grandfathered in on unlimited data, as the end of the month nears, my signal slows drastically.

Melissa
s/v Cheechako

[mitchbrown]

Hi Mf

I use the bullet 2, there a pretty nice unit. I have mine hooked directly into the boats 12 volt system. You will want to get a wireless router to distribute the internet to several computers onboard. if you look around you can find one that is 12 volts as well. thats about all you need to make it work except for the cat 5 wire to connnect the bullet to the router. You can get cat 5 that already has the wires striped out for the 12 volt connection or make your own

[mitchbrown]

Someone posted that they are watching video over a MiFi connection. I went to verisons web site to check data package pricing. It cost 10 dollars per gigabite which means that one decent quality movie could cost around 20 to 30 dollars in data charges alone.

Mitch

[JimMcGee]

Mitch,
I have a 5GB limit. Charges kick in over 5GB. I watched a couple of movies and TV shows via Netflix on my laptop and didn't get near my limit. I forget now what the actual usage was, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Jim

[groundhog]

i am using the EnGenius ... ECB3500 i believe is the part number (orange n black box).
Works well so far.
I like that my expensive electronics box is not out in the open for theft. On this unit, you have a coax from the antenna down to an inside the boat mounting spot.

gh