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divemaster5734's avatar
divemaster5734
Explorer
Aug 15, 2019

A question about wifi amps and receivers

Hello,
I'm new to this forum and trailer camping.
Just got my first purpose built travel trailer, which I am already using for remote projects, and will use for the first time this weekend to stay in the pits at motorcycle race events.
I play on closed circuit asphalt tracks, MX parks, and off road enduro events usually held at an ORV park.
The reason I got so detailed is I am trying to decide which antenna/amplifier to get.
Depending on the event, there may not be any organized "facilities" for miles.
Most of the tracks have power, but the MX and enduro events are primitive and miles from the nearest anything.
I've been reading reviews and write-ups for two weeks and my head is about to start spinning in circles.
If any care to share, I would be very interested in what system you use and how it performs.
Thanks in advance
  • mgirardo's avatar
    mgirardo
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2019
    You are better off trying to use a smartphone as a WiFi hotspot. If there is cell service in the area, you can get boosters for a better signal. If you are miles away from a WiFi source, you won't have much luck bringing it into your RV.

    -Michael
  • LiamBlack's avatar
    LiamBlack
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2019
    A powerful antenna should help. Why don't you understand the amplifier, do you want to distribute it from a mobile or another device?
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Aug 15, 2019
    2oldman wrote:
    divemaster5734 wrote:
    but the MX and enduro events are primitive and miles from the nearest anything.
    A wifi antenna/amp can't make something out of nothing.



    Ubiquiti has some devices they claim will hit 40 miles.. The one I have says it's good for 4 but In both cases that is line of sight no trees and I strongly suspect a "like" device at the other end.


    Mine is a Nano Station Loco M2

    And I will tell you it made a HUGH difference in several places I park
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Aug 15, 2019
    Most public WiFi service sucks even when you’re standing next to the source so adding an antenna and amp won’t help.

    I went with a Weboost RV antenna/amp which boosts all cell systems and added a OTRmobile ATT puck and we have Verizon iPhones. Between the three, I can usually get acceptable speeds in the 3-10 MBs range. Sometime faster.
  • PNW_Steve's avatar
    PNW_Steve
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2019
    2oldman wrote:
    divemaster5734 wrote:
    but the MX and enduro events are primitive and miles from the nearest anything.
    A wifi antenna/amp can't make something out of nothing.


    Absolutely!

    If there is WiFi signal but it is weak then upgrading equipment may make it better. If there is zero signal then you are out of luck. Zero times anything equals zero.

    If you have marginal signal and want to make it better I would suggest that you look at Ubiquiti client radios.

    Something like this: https://www.ui.com/airmax/powerbeam-ac-gen2/

    That is what I use on the road.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Aug 15, 2019
    divemaster5734 wrote:
    but the MX and enduro events are primitive and miles from the nearest anything.
    A wifi antenna/amp can't make something out of nothing.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2019
    Don't forget wifi is a two way conversation. If you have a nice radio and antenna on your end, and you're trying to talk to a Walmart special radio over distance on the other end, it might just not work.

    Unless you're a licensed HAM there's limits on what you can technically do antenna and power-wise with WiFi.

    If Internet is a high priority for you, look at a cellular booster and personal hotspot or 4g router.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Aug 15, 2019
    Start with a good antenna. The "rubber duckie" that are on most WiFi Access points are not very good. Sadly the nest antennas are very directional (they work in the direction the are pointed). Omni-directional antenna just don't work as well.

    The "best" antennas are a Yagi design. A horizontal stick with small stick coming out at 90° from the main stick. Very directional, but very good and cheap !

    Because 802.11 uses two different frequencies (2.4GHz and 5GHz) you really need two antennas. If you are handy and can do some simple soldering there are DIY video on how to make your own. Accuracy of wire lengths and angle of bend is VERY IMPORTANT !

    Also when frequencies are in the GHz GOOD amplifiers that really work are $$$ !
  • Matt_Colie's avatar
    Matt_Colie
    Explorer II
    Aug 15, 2019
    Dive,

    If you are that far from anything, why do you think that a Wifi amp will do you any good at all?

    If you think it might, then go for an add-on USB 802.11 called Alfa. they are inexpensive and when I do use mine, I can often work with an access point I can't see.

    What you probably will do better with, if I understand you correctly, would be to use your smartphone as an internet access hot spot. And if the places you go have bed coverage, then get a dedicated repeater (aka booster) like a WeBoost or other and put up a good outside antenna.

    Matt

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