Arcticspud
Veteran Member
How do you do that?
WI-FI Booster?
- Thread starter knotheadcharters
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The friendliest place on the web for anyone who enjoys boating.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
caltexflanc
Guru
You'll see better speeds, theoretically, but you won't get better range, not that range within the boat is a big deal. "Theoretically" because the extra speed capability usually exceeds that of the broadband internet connection.
The new "AC" routers and APs are typically "dual band" 2.4 and 5.8. You set up access names and passwords for each band like it was its own router.
Getting back to more practical matters, as mentioned above, the WirieAP takes a lot of the complication and cable running out for those who are gearhead oriented.
Arcticspud
Veteran Member
Are you talking about the router or the booster?
fryedaze
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I put together on of the bullet systems with a large antenna fitted topside. It was the same thing they sell you for $150-$200. I trashed it and got this and it works better than the so called 5 mile systems.
Amazon.com: Alfa AWUS036NH 2000mW 2W 802.11g/n High Gain USB Wireless G / N Long-Range WiFi Network Adapter with 5dBi Screw-On Swivel Rubber Antenna and 7dBi Panel Antenna and Suction cup / Clip Window Mount: Computers & Accessories
Amazon.com: Alfa AWUS036NH 2000mW 2W 802.11g/n High Gain USB Wireless G / N Long-Range WiFi Network Adapter with 5dBi Screw-On Swivel Rubber Antenna and 7dBi Panel Antenna and Suction cup / Clip Window Mount: Computers & Accessories
caltexflanc
Guru
First, the router. Then if you get a booster ("range extender") that too, assuming it is dual band. So when we set up the little Netgear range extender down in the other cabin, we set it up for both the 2.4 and 5.8 network names from the router.
Billylll
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Replace what is commonly mis-labeled as the router. A simple Ethernet switch and a 802.11A and N 5.8GHz access point is what is needed. With the new N standard the 2.4GHz links have gotten much faster hence the need to use a true 2.4GHz bridge unit (the external unit and dual polarity antenna, have that feed a simple Gigabit Ethernet switch have the switch feed a local 5.8GHz 802.11A/N access point for inside the boat coverage.
Bill
Bill
Billylll
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The 2.4GHz units labeled N without 2 antenna ports are only quasi N. It takes 2 antennas or one with dual polarity to get all the true benefits of the 2.4GHz N standard. You can use a component called a 4 port combiner to feed a dual input 2.4GHz bridge unit with a single polarity antenna but you will not achieve true diversity during receive and without both streams transmitting and receiving using a dual polarity antenna you will never realize the full potential of a shore based 2.4GHz N Hot spot.
This goes for all the marine based or RV based WiFi vendors well most but none use a 5.8GHz N access point for inside and around the boat coverage.
Bill
This goes for all the marine based or RV based WiFi vendors well most but none use a 5.8GHz N access point for inside and around the boat coverage.
Bill
Daddyo
Guru
Alfa 9 dBi gain ARS-N19 indoor dipole antenna RP-SMA connector
Amazon.com: Alfa AWUS036NH 2000mW 2W 802.11g/n High Gain USB Wireless G / N Long-Range WiFi Network Adapter with 5dBi Screw-On Swivel Rubber Antenna and 7dBi Panel Antenna and Suction cup / Clip Window Mount: Computers & Accessories
We have this exact setup and it works really well. I often pull signals from a half mile away. 2 bars in this marina without, 5 bars with.
Amazon.com: Alfa AWUS036NH 2000mW 2W 802.11g/n High Gain USB Wireless G / N Long-Range WiFi Network Adapter with 5dBi Screw-On Swivel Rubber Antenna and 7dBi Panel Antenna and Suction cup / Clip Window Mount: Computers & Accessories
We have this exact setup and it works really well. I often pull signals from a half mile away. 2 bars in this marina without, 5 bars with.
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ronlord
Senior Member
We use one as well. You can't beat the price.
thomasonw
Veteran Member
What a fun conversation! I often say, ask 5 boaters how to solve a problem and you will get 7 answers, half of which will be right!
In my opinion I like the Bullet based solutions. One problem with the Alpha USB products is they are designed and rated for indoor use - including their speced temperate range of 0-50c. A slip mate of mine had to bring his expensive 'marine' unit inside to warm it up last winter
You mentioned limited computer skills, FWIW I would offer either the Island-time or the Rouge Wave as good solutions. The major difference between the two is Rouge has done a nice custom firmware to make it simple to manage the whole setup, but to be honest, the default firmware in the bullets is not that hard to learn - and the Island-time unit is much less expensive.
And if you are interested in rolling your own, I put a post in our blog about our Bullet based system, including steps for configuration of each component. We have used it for many years now, most when in marinas to get reliable access to their 'marine WiFi'. Total cost is around $150 or so..
mv.VikingStar: WiFi Repeater for the boat - An Update
(FYI: I have an idea to make it simpler to configure things and will be adjusting this posting in a few days, if anyone who really knows what they are doing has some hints - pass them on!)
Good luck with which ever you end up picking!
-al-
In my opinion I like the Bullet based solutions. One problem with the Alpha USB products is they are designed and rated for indoor use - including their speced temperate range of 0-50c. A slip mate of mine had to bring his expensive 'marine' unit inside to warm it up last winter
You mentioned limited computer skills, FWIW I would offer either the Island-time or the Rouge Wave as good solutions. The major difference between the two is Rouge has done a nice custom firmware to make it simple to manage the whole setup, but to be honest, the default firmware in the bullets is not that hard to learn - and the Island-time unit is much less expensive.
And if you are interested in rolling your own, I put a post in our blog about our Bullet based system, including steps for configuration of each component. We have used it for many years now, most when in marinas to get reliable access to their 'marine WiFi'. Total cost is around $150 or so..
mv.VikingStar: WiFi Repeater for the boat - An Update
(FYI: I have an idea to make it simpler to configure things and will be adjusting this posting in a few days, if anyone who really knows what they are doing has some hints - pass them on!)
Good luck with which ever you end up picking!
-al-
Edelweiss
Guru
Just about anything beats the Laptops built in antenna.
When I travel on business, I was looking for a small simple solution for marginal wireless hotspots. I found this small USB wireless adapter with built in modem, 6' cable and magnetic mount antenna triples the range of my notebooks wireless reception. I bought a 10' USB extension for the boat which gives me enough cable length to set the antenna on the flybridge if necessary and use the notebook from the comfort of the lounge table. The magnetic base is strong enough to hold the Antenna solid on a cars roof at highway speed. $15 from Tiger Direct
When I travel on business, I was looking for a small simple solution for marginal wireless hotspots. I found this small USB wireless adapter with built in modem, 6' cable and magnetic mount antenna triples the range of my notebooks wireless reception. I bought a 10' USB extension for the boat which gives me enough cable length to set the antenna on the flybridge if necessary and use the notebook from the comfort of the lounge table. The magnetic base is strong enough to hold the Antenna solid on a cars roof at highway speed. $15 from Tiger Direct
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It's helpful having a wifi extender like that one. I'm sitting here on Mildred Island, a flooded tract of land in the CA Delta, miles from civilization and 2.7 miles as the crow flies from Tiki Lagun Marina. I can pull in their wifi signal and am using it now to access the internet with my Rogue Wave Wifi Extender.
Wxx3
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Your solution is here:
Marine WiFi Systems
Especially if you're not very comfortable in this WiFi world, Bob will provide the help you need whenever you need it.
I too hesisated all year to get one, constantly incresing my data plan.
The Island PC solution is great, it works great, even here in the Azores and Bob has the patience of a saint
It's the best money I ever spent.
Capt.Bill11
Guru
Hello Richard, when you are offshore and away from the internet how and what are you using to get up to date weather data? I saw you mentioned OCENS, are you using their software and getting files that you can open and view on your computer via SAT phone batch download? Or?
Just to throw some options into the mix...
I've recently switched from using the ubiquitous Ubiquiti Bullet to a MikroTik Groove. It provides the same performance and has some nice features (user-interface/price) while having almost the exact footprint of the Bullet.
I've also been playing with the MikroTik router. There's a lot to like about it as well. It's a POE router so one power connection can power it and the high-gain Groove. It also allows the creation of multiple sub-routers (whatever they're called) so you can have guests segmented from your traffic. It also allows IP filtering which allows it to connect to the Garmin network to share data over a single network. I'll be hitting it hard this fall.
I've recently switched from using the ubiquitous Ubiquiti Bullet to a MikroTik Groove. It provides the same performance and has some nice features (user-interface/price) while having almost the exact footprint of the Bullet.
I've also been playing with the MikroTik router. There's a lot to like about it as well. It's a POE router so one power connection can power it and the high-gain Groove. It also allows the creation of multiple sub-routers (whatever they're called) so you can have guests segmented from your traffic. It also allows IP filtering which allows it to connect to the Garmin network to share data over a single network. I'll be hitting it hard this fall.
thomasonw
Veteran Member
MikroTik looks like nice offerings per spec sheet. Nice to see comp for Bullets. I noticed IslandTime is also offering a kit based on them to go along with their Bullets.. Will be interesting to see what you come up with!
-al-
Bay Pelican
Moderator Emeritus
Al
Thinking of getting a MikroTik Groove as a backup or replacement for my Bullet. Have you compared the two enough to know if they are equal or is one better than the other?
I own both - one is at home and one is on the boat though. The Groove at home definitely works and provides significantly more range than normal WiFi. I've had it at home learning it and experimenting. In another couple of weeks I'll be back on my boat (for good!) and will be doing head-to-head comparisons between the Bullet and Groove in identical locations and environments. I hope to write all about it in September.
thomasonw
Veteran Member
On paper they look about equivalent, though the Groove claims a bit better sensitivity in some modes - which could be an noticeable advantage. Talk power looks equivalent and I like that MikroTik has more complete info/specs available. They are a bit lower cost IIRC.
But other then looking at the spec sheets I have no experience with the Groove. However, I if I was doing things today I likely would give them a try.
-al-
Microtik Groove
I got the Microtik router and Groove radio transmitter from Islandtime PC. I find it very frustrating to use. I called Bob several times, and he is kind and patient, but that doesn't help the fact that his kit has horrible user interface. The installation was easy and clear. But the software is way too user unfriendly. First of all, there is not adequate user manual details on what the various settings are for. I know it is a powerful machine that can do more than I will ever need. But why do I have to bother with a thousand settings when all I want is to connect to an AP. I have a cheap USB wifi at home to connect to my main computer there. It is easy and works every time without having to worry about gain, IP address, MAC, username, password, SSID, and a myriad of other settings.
On the boat I use the Microtik to connect to the internet through the iPad. I think Bob mentioned something along the lines of OSX not being fully compatible with the Groove. My most frustrating thing is when I see the list of available SSIDs and click on the one I think is unlocked, and then just wait and wait, and wait. The machine doesn't respond with what is going on, and then after a long time it comes back with the login page with the words "Internal Error." And when that happens, it takes a lot of trial and error to even get back to the page of available SSIDs. My first reaction is to do something like "Disconnect." Failing that, I try "log out;" failing that I recycle the power to the system and start all over. It takes literally half and hour to connect to a hot spot. Sometimes after all that, the hot spot comes back and ask for a password even though it was supposed to be unlocked, and the process starts all over again.
Am I doing something wrong? Is it supposed to be so difficult to find a free hot spot while cruising to save a few megabytes of cellular plan? I hear people raving about Rogue and Islandtime, but I am not having the same success. Please help.
One time the system worked when I was tied to the free town dock at Elizabeth City, NC. It worked well. But then, I think that it would have worked even without the external antenna. IOW, I think the iPad's internal antenna was picking that strong signal without the need for any Microtik and Groove.
I got the Microtik router and Groove radio transmitter from Islandtime PC. I find it very frustrating to use. I called Bob several times, and he is kind and patient, but that doesn't help the fact that his kit has horrible user interface. The installation was easy and clear. But the software is way too user unfriendly. First of all, there is not adequate user manual details on what the various settings are for. I know it is a powerful machine that can do more than I will ever need. But why do I have to bother with a thousand settings when all I want is to connect to an AP. I have a cheap USB wifi at home to connect to my main computer there. It is easy and works every time without having to worry about gain, IP address, MAC, username, password, SSID, and a myriad of other settings.
On the boat I use the Microtik to connect to the internet through the iPad. I think Bob mentioned something along the lines of OSX not being fully compatible with the Groove. My most frustrating thing is when I see the list of available SSIDs and click on the one I think is unlocked, and then just wait and wait, and wait. The machine doesn't respond with what is going on, and then after a long time it comes back with the login page with the words "Internal Error." And when that happens, it takes a lot of trial and error to even get back to the page of available SSIDs. My first reaction is to do something like "Disconnect." Failing that, I try "log out;" failing that I recycle the power to the system and start all over. It takes literally half and hour to connect to a hot spot. Sometimes after all that, the hot spot comes back and ask for a password even though it was supposed to be unlocked, and the process starts all over again.
Am I doing something wrong? Is it supposed to be so difficult to find a free hot spot while cruising to save a few megabytes of cellular plan? I hear people raving about Rogue and Islandtime, but I am not having the same success. Please help.
One time the system worked when I was tied to the free town dock at Elizabeth City, NC. It worked well. But then, I think that it would have worked even without the external antenna. IOW, I think the iPad's internal antenna was picking that strong signal without the need for any Microtik and Groove.
thomasonw
Veteran Member
Just my guess - you are not doing anything wrong, and I would say do not let your experience with the new to the market Microtik / Groove based systems cast a bad shadow on repeaters and/or IslandTime.
Till now many all repeats used the Ubinti Bullet as their base, the Microtik Groove is a new device and on paper looks like a nice unit. However, it does have a higher level of flexibility in its firmware - and hence more opportunity for complexity...
Both the Bullet and the Groove were designed for light-commercial use, and as such have a lot of options in their firmware. The Bullet has been out there long enough folks have published some step-by-step instructions for configuring and using it, but the Groove is too new. And it may be more complex to begin with anyway
My suggesting: Contact IslandTime and see if he thinks switching out to their Bullet based unit would be simpler to use - Or perhaps find someone local who can sit down with you and make up a simple cheat sheet on using the Groove. . . .
This firmware is one of the big advantages offerings like Wave Wifi have - with is custom firmware wrapper, hides all the complexity. But as with most things in life, everything comes with a $ sign.
And of course the USB based offerings (many of which have been posted about prior in this thread) are also very simple to use. Just hang them outside when you need them. But they may not get the full range one can get out of a bullet type solution, and they are limited to one computer at a time w/o getting back into extra levels of complexity... (BTW, if you really want dirt cheep WiFi extender that actually works rather well, Google up "Wok-Fi")
-al-
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I think the Groove user-interface is more complex - you're right. Some of that is what you're used to but they really packed the features into their box and exposed controls to all of it. People are going to find it harder to use.
Developers are able to write their own front end to it. I would hope that someone would do that to make it easier to use. For most boating setups, there are really very few settings needed and 90% of the junk on those admin pages could be removed.
Developers are able to write their own front end to it. I would hope that someone would do that to make it easier to use. For most boating setups, there are really very few settings needed and 90% of the junk on those admin pages could be removed.
Groove firmware
I don't mind having to steer clear of the 95% of the settings that the Groove provides and that I don't need. What bothers me is the fact that it just doesn't do its job very well. Like not informing me what it is doing, while I wait. Like suddenly stating that there has been an internal error. Like not being able to disconnect from a hotspot I was trying to connect to (I just keep hitting the disconnect button and nothing happens). Like disconnecting from a hot spot, and failing to subsequently scan for the available hot spots. Like asking me to log in, when I was logged in already. If it cannot connect to a hotspot for some reason, just say it can't, and don't beat around the bush. I try to fiddle with the gain, and recycling the power, etc. Very frustrating when I can't tell what it is doing. I am not a computer wizzard, but I am no computer fool either. Why is this thing so user unfriendly? Is it just incompatible with the iPad's Safari which is only one year old?
I don't mind having to steer clear of the 95% of the settings that the Groove provides and that I don't need. What bothers me is the fact that it just doesn't do its job very well. Like not informing me what it is doing, while I wait. Like suddenly stating that there has been an internal error. Like not being able to disconnect from a hotspot I was trying to connect to (I just keep hitting the disconnect button and nothing happens). Like disconnecting from a hot spot, and failing to subsequently scan for the available hot spots. Like asking me to log in, when I was logged in already. If it cannot connect to a hotspot for some reason, just say it can't, and don't beat around the bush. I try to fiddle with the gain, and recycling the power, etc. Very frustrating when I can't tell what it is doing. I am not a computer wizzard, but I am no computer fool either. Why is this thing so user unfriendly? Is it just incompatible with the iPad's Safari which is only one year old?
That might easily be part of it.
For what it's worth, I use a Mac as my main computer (it's what I'm typing on right now). I almost never use Safari. You should be using Firefox. I have yet to see any of the issues you're seeing with the Groove.
mbevins
Guru
Has anyone used the PDQ booster? It's Ubiquiti based. It came complete with bullet, antenna, poe, router and front end software. Just assemble and follow instructions for assigning a site.
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