Do the extended range/amplifier wifi pickup connections really help?

jmactootall · 10-28-2013, 11:09 AM

We have been to several locations where internet connections were not available or were very poor and have been thinking about one of the extended range "gadgets". Trips to the camp center or a fast food location with wifi are a pain. If anyone has one or has tried one and had not so good results with it I appreciate any response.

Thanks,
Johnie

sailor · 10-28-2013, 12:20 PM

Here is a thread discussing this topic.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...highlight=wifi

LongIslandCamper · 10-28-2013, 02:19 PM

Yes, they work. I have a usb powered thing that resembles a small satellite dish. I simply point it in the direction I think there's a wifi signal and take it from there. It will pick up a wifi signal that you normally wouldn't get due to distance. It will also boost the signal on wifi that you might be getting currently.

sailor · 10-28-2013, 02:34 PM

What is the brand and model of your USB powered thing?

**norty1** · 10-28-2013, 06:24 PM

I used to use a Alfa Wireless USB adapter. Ordered it online and it did the trick until we got MIFI from Verizon. Never use it anymore.

Cruzinfools · 10-28-2013, 07:19 PM

Sailor how long have you had your new unit. I here in Southern Iowa?

owenssailor · 10-28-2013, 09:09 PM

We used a usb wifi extender last winter. It helped a lot getting signals in the trailer.

jmactootall · 10-31-2013, 03:32 PM

Thanks for the info folks. I believe I will start shopping the available amplifier/extender devices available now so I can have one for the next long trip. Since we don't like to be tied to a schedule I like to be able to look at campgrounds on line when we are ready to move. We always try to move at first part of week and have not had any problems so far.

RoyBraddy · 11-01-2013, 08:29 AM

I use to sniff out all of the FREE WIFI places I could find and got eat up several times with viruses and identify theft problems that I finally decided it just was worth playing the free game anymore...

I did like the other post on here and finally went with VERIZON MIFI and have never looked back. There is no problem now getting connected anywhere you can pick up Verizon Cell Phone service. When we go for walks and like to sit on the beach just slip the MIFI unit in your shirt pocket and works just fine with your tablets and such.

The MIFI units give me WIFI for up to five of our devices and there is no solid connections required (All wireless). We are only using the 3GB monthly dataplan at the present time and it handles our normal check-in with the kids, checking and paying bills, and some surfing the net. It is all very safe to use... If we ever had to downstream TV signals etc we would just upgrade to the 20GB plan with Verizon or use Millenicom...

Was a good and safe move for us going with the Verizon MIFI unit. With my MIFI unit sitting in its normal WILSON SLEEK docking cradle with external antenna we get a real big WIFI hotspot around our trailer sitting at the camp sites. All is password protected. Folks sees us sitting in our big chairs all the time playing with the tablets etc and always comes up and asks how we do this since their's is all dead to use.

Roy Ken

dmax_83 · 11-01-2013, 09:39 AM

I'm with Roy, if you can justify the cost vs usage the mifi is the way to go. Since I travel often it comes in handy at airports and hotels, but it is nice to have camping if I need to do something online. For the most part when I camp I do try to go "electronics free" even going as far as shutting off my phone (gasp).

Clayton4971 · 11-01-2013, 11:43 AM

Over the years I have used just about everything . Started out with a Alf booster then went to a wifi repeater with a four ft antenna on the ladder they were all dependent on the wifi signal that the park had which most of the time was worthless. I have been using the Virgin Mobile mifi device and has been my best option so far their are a few areas that have a poor signal but most areas good. You only have to use it one month out of the year to keep it active, no contract buy top up cards no credit cards is what I do. I use it four months out of the year in the winter when am on the road then throw it in the drawer until next year. I use the Walmart plan $20 for one month with one gigabyte

owenssailor · 11-05-2013, 07:35 PM

The range extender that I use is

Amped Wireless model UA600

I bought it online from their website:

http://www.ampedwireless.com/

It has made a big difference in reception when travelling in the trailer

jmactootall · 12-09-2013, 10:41 AM

Decided to go with MIFI. That way we can use it even while on the road with laptops if needed. DW used it just as a test on a couple of shorter trips(about 50 miles) and we did not even get it to register less than 99 percent available of 5G per month. We will loan it to other family members if we are not using it. Can be useful for checking gas prices on some 12 hour 1 way trips we do several times per year.

Threebutchers · 12-09-2013, 11:30 AM

Awhile back, I purchased a simple USB WIFI antenna and it quadrupled the number of WIFI signals we could pick-up in our neighborhood. We also noticed the signals are held at full strength, whereas previously we would have problems with erratic signal strength from our own wireless router.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290941296817...84.m1439.l2649

Just remember a solution like this will only improve your ability to receive and hold a signal....and if the campgrounds bandwidth is overtaxed you may continue to have slow / poor service.

**Mustang65** · 12-09-2013, 12:56 PM

One of the advantages of the extended range Wi-Fi is that most CC's have more than one Internet Access Point (AP). The extended range allows you to tap into the CC's AP that is least used and increase your Signal/speed. I only used our MiFi a couple of times while traveling out west this year, but is a nice backup for the times when there was no CC or Public FREE internet signals available. I would never be able to just use a MiFi, because of the amount of data that we use. With the outside antenna on a 6' PVC pole attached to the TT's ladder, it is good for around 1.5 miles (line of sight). The newer models of EnGenius are even more powerful now. I guess you just have to figure out what you need it for, then decide if you want MiFi or just extend the range of your Wi-Fi. My system meets my needs perfectly, yours may be different.
Don

Here is the link to my WiFi Album: http://www.jaycoowners.com/album.php?albumid=328

Seann45 · 12-10-2013, 08:56 AM

I also have the Alpha unit... works well but I only use secure wifi.. never an open link as that is sucker bait.

**Mustang65** · 12-10-2013, 12:55 PM

Seann is correct.
For the average internet user the "Public Wi-Fi" can be a shopping place for individuals that want your information. If you set up your system to protect you from those individuals, life can go on without loosing any sleep. If there is HTTPS available from the desired website, I always use that. The Wi-Fi extender is set up as my first line of defense against intruders, followed by my Wi-Fi modem, that acts as my 2nd line of defense, and of course I have my laptop security set up for "Public Internet" usage... and a good PC security program that monitors your connection. If I want, I can have the security status/hits up on a second screen, but the laptops security program notifies me if anyone is trying to gain access. For my stock trading, (Live data stream would kill my Mi-Fi usage limit in a day or two) I use a VPN setup, between my TT and my home computer.

Am I 100% safe, no that is a dream, but it will keep 99.9% of the intruders out. Hopefully that 1/10 of 1% of the intruders is not in the area.

Your connection is only as safe as you make it.

Don
... and I never click on a website that does not have the green check mark on it, produced by my security software.

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