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magentawave's avatar
magentawave
Explorer
Nov 14, 2013

Best way to boost free WiFi signals while in motorhome?

Does anyone have suggestions for the best equipment and best ways to boost free WiFi signals?

I'm going to be living full-time and traveling in my motorhome and want to be able to use the free WiFi while I'm parked outside of places like Starbucks, McDonalds, Walmart, Home Depot, etc. for my Macbook Pro and iPad. The distance from me in the parking lot to their equipment will require a good antenna and a WiFi signal booster. (In case its relevant, the shell of my motorhome is made out of fiberglass.)

This setup was recommended a couple years ago...

1) Amped Wireless A8EX Power Outdoor 8dbi Omni-Directional WiFi Antenna Kit mounted on top of motorhome: Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Amped-Wireless-Outdoor-Omni-Directional-A8EX/dp/B004X1IQ44/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384452618&sr=8-1&keywords=Amped+Wireless+A8EX+Power+Outdoor+8dbi+Omni-Directional+WiFi+Antenna+Kit

2) Coax cable from Amped antenna described above connects to Hawking HSB2 Hi-Gain Signal Booster inside: http://www.amazon.com/Hawking-HSB2-H.../dp/B0009MYSHU

3) Cable from Hawking signal booster connects to Sabrent NT-H802N IEEE 802.11n USB - WiFi Adpater - NT-H802N: http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?item=KT5750

4) USB cable from Sabrent external adapter goes to USB port of MacBook Pro.

Computer stuff keeps getting better so I'm wondering if there is better equipment and better ways to do this now?

Thanks

Steve

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  • Matt_Colie's avatar
    Matt_Colie
    Explorer II
    Nov 14, 2013
    Steve,

    I did all of that stuff for years and have about called it quits....

    There is a big problem with open Wifi, it is always slow. Most of the places that let you get it for free are also only g level and not n. Many places shut it off when they close up. This has been the case with McD, Panera, Caribo Coffee, and CRS has wiped the rest.... With everything else considered, look up an Alfa awus036nhr. It may not come packaged with an OS 10.7 driver, but that can be downloaded. It is a simple, clean package and not expensive.

    Other problem, free wifi is never be available when you are underway. You have to be parked someplace that you may not want to be.

    So, investigate high speed wireless. If you aren't going to stream video, it can be affordable. You can't do what I do because I'm grandfathered in to a good Verizon plan, but you can get a 4G smart phone and one of the buy-it-once apps for Mifi and just be careful of your use. Be cautious, some of the carriers have put in traps so those apps like FoxFi and PDAnet won't work, so you have to find out before you buy into a carrier.

    The easy thing to do is get a smartphone and tether - either cable or wirelessly.

    Matt

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