I work out of my travel trailer when traveling. I need good internet access. I use one of two HotSpots, Sprint and Verizon, depending on the service available.
HotSpots from inside an aluminum trailer are not very effective.
An outside antenna is the solution.
I bought a Yagi antenna from Amazone for $80
A couple of screw in PVC end caps from Lowes were attached to the side of the camper with stainless screws and 3M 5200 sealer/adhesive
Two screws in each into the wood in the corner of the trailer
Attached to these threaded end caps were two PVC saddle connectors.
A 16' aluminum, extention painters pole, also bought from Lowes, snaps right into those two saddle fixtures.
Once the pole is in the fixtures, you can rotate it to get the best reception.
And a piece of PVC with a thumb screw holds the antenna on the top. (I was going to use the handle from a paint roller, but as tight as I could make it, the wind would loosen it and it wouldn't be pointing at the cell tower)
And there you have it. The wire comes into the trailer and commects to the MiFi HotSpot and your computer or phone WiFis into the HotSpot.
I had this set up on my previous camper, but not as elegant. I simply bungy tied the mast to the ladder. Worked fantastic. Way up in Vermont, in a valley, I was the only one with internet service. I had a lot of friends that weekend!
I use a web site called "OpenSignal" to locate the cell tower around me. Be sure to access this site before you reach your final destination as you will not be able to access it if you don't have internet service!
HotSpots from inside an aluminum trailer are not very effective.
An outside antenna is the solution.
I bought a Yagi antenna from Amazone for $80
A couple of screw in PVC end caps from Lowes were attached to the side of the camper with stainless screws and 3M 5200 sealer/adhesive
Two screws in each into the wood in the corner of the trailer
Attached to these threaded end caps were two PVC saddle connectors.
A 16' aluminum, extention painters pole, also bought from Lowes, snaps right into those two saddle fixtures.
Once the pole is in the fixtures, you can rotate it to get the best reception.
And a piece of PVC with a thumb screw holds the antenna on the top. (I was going to use the handle from a paint roller, but as tight as I could make it, the wind would loosen it and it wouldn't be pointing at the cell tower)
And there you have it. The wire comes into the trailer and commects to the MiFi HotSpot and your computer or phone WiFis into the HotSpot.
I had this set up on my previous camper, but not as elegant. I simply bungy tied the mast to the ladder. Worked fantastic. Way up in Vermont, in a valley, I was the only one with internet service. I had a lot of friends that weekend!
I use a web site called "OpenSignal" to locate the cell tower around me. Be sure to access this site before you reach your final destination as you will not be able to access it if you don't have internet service!
RoyB from MA...
Nice setup
I too use an outside PVC pole for my UHF BATWING antenna on my OFF-ROAD POPUP trailer for high def HDTV from the local towns... Mounts in less than five minutes...
I also use an external antenna with my WILSON SLEEK cradle where my MIFI units is docked... My small MIFI unit does not have an external antenna connection but sitting in the WILSON SLEEK its internal antenna gets a big passive 2G/3G signal from the WILSON SLEEK preamp...
Haven't really needed the higher pole like you have as I am only getting my signals from a secure VERIZON CELL-PHONE tower connection...
I gave up using unsecured WIFI signals scattered all over the place along time ago and signed up with the VERIZON MIFI 3G data plan which is all the data I need each month to check my emails, pay a few bills, keep tabs on the kids, and do just a little surfing the internet...
My OFF-ROAD POPUP is also setup for a dual fold up 5-foot 3-inch triangle antenna sections for my Ham Radio operations. I run a PVC pipe up the middle of this setup which puts my OFF-CENTER HF Antenna up around 15-feet at the center. Then I throw the outside ends up into the trees - Works great with ICOM IC-706MKII all band HF radio... I also have a screwdriver antenna setup on the trailer as well...
Been setup this way since around 2009 and works out pretty good back off the beaten path...
RoyB - K9pht from VA...
Nice setup
I too use an outside PVC pole for my UHF BATWING antenna on my OFF-ROAD POPUP trailer for high def HDTV from the local towns... Mounts in less than five minutes...
I also use an external antenna with my WILSON SLEEK cradle where my MIFI units is docked... My small MIFI unit does not have an external antenna connection but sitting in the WILSON SLEEK its internal antenna gets a big passive 2G/3G signal from the WILSON SLEEK preamp...
Haven't really needed the higher pole like you have as I am only getting my signals from a secure VERIZON CELL-PHONE tower connection...
I gave up using unsecured WIFI signals scattered all over the place along time ago and signed up with the VERIZON MIFI 3G data plan which is all the data I need each month to check my emails, pay a few bills, keep tabs on the kids, and do just a little surfing the internet...
My OFF-ROAD POPUP is also setup for a dual fold up 5-foot 3-inch triangle antenna sections for my Ham Radio operations. I run a PVC pipe up the middle of this setup which puts my OFF-CENTER HF Antenna up around 15-feet at the center. Then I throw the outside ends up into the trees - Works great with ICOM IC-706MKII all band HF radio... I also have a screwdriver antenna setup on the trailer as well...
Been setup this way since around 2009 and works out pretty good back off the beaten path...
RoyB - K9pht from VA...
