R-pod Owners Forum : WiFi Ranger (on the cheap)

R-pod Owners Forum : WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 19:46:21 +0000 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 07:45:36 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=10119 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Originally posted by podenvy Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98505#98505 Author: furpod
Subject: 10119
Posted: 25 Aug 2017 at 7:45am

Originally posted by podenvy

Originally posted by furpod

Once you have solar panels, extra USB and 12v ports are still better then an inverter. Why change 12v to 120v and then back to 12v or 5v.. when you can just pull 12v or 5v straight from the system without doubling or tripling the conversion losses?

How are you running your MacBook Pro off 12v? I need 110v to charge its battery and that's not possible without an inverter.

Well, first of all, you couldn't give me a macbook, but that's a different forum. LOL

BUT... I do charge my Alienware using a step up DC transformer.

Here is the first random link from my web search, I did not buy from here, but from Amazon.

Linky.
]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2017 07:45:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98505#98505 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Originally posted by StephenHI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98492#98492 Author: podenvy
Subject: 10119
Posted: 24 Aug 2017 at 10:21pm

Originally posted by StephenH

I use a CPAP machine. That is why I went with dual 6V batteries for 215 AH. I do not use the humidifier if I am running on battery power. I only have water in the tank but the heat is turned off for passive humidification. It seems to work okay and ensures the draw on the batteries is not excessive. I could have sprung for batteries with a higher AH rating, but the ones I got at Batteries and Bulbs were at a reasonable price. The brand is Duracell.

I don't have dual 6V batteries -- I have 2x Group 24 deep cycle. We don't use the humidifier either and we try to make what we have work until we can upgrade the system's capacity. This requires managing our power consumption to that 80AH and figuring out how long we can stretch it.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2017 22:21:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98492#98492 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Originally posted by furpodOnce... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98491#98491 Author: podenvy
Subject: 10119
Posted: 24 Aug 2017 at 10:15pm

How are you running your MacBook Pro off 12v? I need 110v to charge its battery and that's not possible without an inverter.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2017 22:15:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98491#98491 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Originally posted by podenvy Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98099#98099 Author: StephenH
Subject: 10119
Posted: 16 Aug 2017 at 4:14pm

Originally posted by podenvy

Originally posted by StephenH

Have you wired a USB charging port into your R-Pod? If so, you could plug your phone in when using it as a hotspot to keep from draining your battery too quickly. They, along with standard 12V power outlets, are easy to install.

Yes, but the 80 AH from dual deep cycle batteries we have is needed for more important things like a CPAP machine so I use an external 10000 mAH to charge the phones. Once we have solar panels and a pure sine wave inverter, it will be easier.

I use a CPAP machine. That is why I went with dual 6V batteries for 215 AH. I do not use the humidifier if I am running on battery power. I only have water in the tank but the heat is turned off for passive humidification. It seems to work okay and ensures the draw on the batteries is not excessive. I could have sprung for batteries with a higher AH rating, but the ones I got at Batteries and Bulbs were at a reasonable price. The brand is Duracell.
]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:14:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98099#98099 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Originally posted by Kiddo... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98098#98098 Author: StephenH
Subject: 10119
Posted: 16 Aug 2017 at 4:06pm

Originally posted by Kiddo and Baca

Stephen: Where did you get your window "kit". We are looking for the privacy glass like the new R-Pods have and are interested in the size, thickness, and where you got your materials for your door. Kiddo and Baca

The usual place--Amazon. It was this one: R-Pod RV Tear Drop Trailer Camper Windows New 14" x 21" for 1-1/2" Walls.

Amazon does have the privacy glass models available, but the ones I looked at do not specify door thickness. Also, they seem to have plastic instead of metal frames.
]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:06:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98098#98098 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Originally posted by podenvy Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98084#98084 Author: furpod
Subject: 10119
Posted: 16 Aug 2017 at 7:19am

Originally posted by podenvy

Once you have solar panels, extra USB and 12v ports are still better then an inverter. Why change 12v to 120v and then back to 12v or 5v.. when you can just pull 12v or 5v straight from the system without doubling or tripling the conversion losses?
]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2017 07:19:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98084#98084 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Stephen: Where did you get your... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98083#98083 Author: Kiddo and Baca
Subject: 10119
Posted: 15 Aug 2017 at 11:15pm

Stephen: Where did you get your window "kit". We are looking for the privacy glass like the new R-Pods have and are interested in the size, thickness, and where you got your materials for your door. Kiddo and Baca
]]> Tue, 15 Aug 2017 23:15:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=98083#98083 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Originally posted by StephenHHave... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97535#97535 Author: podenvy
Subject: 10119
Posted: 06 Aug 2017 at 11:29am

]]> Sun, 06 Aug 2017 11:29:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97535#97535 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Our 179 is a 2016 model that was... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97410#97410 Author: StephenH
Subject: 10119
Posted: 03 Aug 2017 at 9:29pm

Our 179 is a 2016 model that was built early enough on that it is more of a 2015.5 model since it lacks some of the 2016 changes such as the flip foot and the stainless steel sink. I had to install my own 12V outlets and USB charging ports. It was nice that Forest River incorporated these into the newer models, much as they did a window in the door of the new ones which is also something I had to install myself.]]> Thu, 03 Aug 2017 21:29:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97410#97410 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : I don't think the 179s had... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97406#97406 Author: PilotPodder
Subject: 10119
Posted: 03 Aug 2017 at 7:54pm

I don't think the 179s had the factory installed USB ports until 2017, but Belkin has a nice plug-in unit that I use as well the factory USB port in my 2017 179. I show this in my top 5 tech video (see link in signature). Also at Amazon search for: Belkin Surge Protector with USB Ports BST300 if you are interested. I really like the product.

J.M.

]]> Thu, 03 Aug 2017 19:54:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97406#97406 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Originally posted by podenvy.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97216#97216 Author: StephenH
Subject: 10119
Posted: 31 Jul 2017 at 9:07am

Originally posted by podenvy

. . . I mainly use my phone as a hotspot but it drains the battery way too quickly.

Have you wired a USB charging port into your R-Pod? If so, you could plug your phone in when using it as a hotspot to keep from draining your battery too quickly. They, along with standard 12V power outlets, are easy to install.
]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2017 09:07:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97216#97216 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Wanted to thank you for posting... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97215#97215 Author: podenvy
Subject: 10119
Posted: 31 Jul 2017 at 8:13am

Wanted to thank you for posting this because sometimes have to work from the pod and we use a travel router too. I didn't think of using a TB dongle for ethernet!

I mainly use my phone as a hotspot but it drains the battery way too quickly.

]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2017 08:13:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97215#97215 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : panel antennas are great for gain,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97058#97058 Author: techntrek
Subject: 10119
Posted: 27 Jul 2017 at 8:23pm

panel antennas are great for gain, just keep in mind that they are very directional.]]> Thu, 27 Jul 2017 20:23:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=97058#97058 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : I just realized I also should... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=96804#96804 Author: fwunder
Subject: 10119
Posted: 22 Jul 2017 at 3:15pm

I just realized I also should have noted that in the picture above I have the travel router plugged into a 13000mAh USB charger. I always carry a couple of these for energy storage. Of course, if your laptop has an ethernet port and two USB ports, you would not need these additions.

Hope that helps.

fred

]]> Sat, 22 Jul 2017 15:15:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=96804#96804 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Yes:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M77HMU0/My... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=96803#96803 Author: fwunder
Subject: 10119
Posted: 22 Jul 2017 at 2:56pm

Yes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M77HMU0/

My MacBook doesn't have an ethernet port. If you don't mind sacrificing a USB port, this inexpensive adapter works fine. Otherwise, use a thunderbolt to ethernet adapter.

fred

]]> Sat, 22 Jul 2017 14:56:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=96803#96803 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Itlooks like you may have a USB... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=96802#96802 Author: PilotPodder
Subject: 10119
Posted: 22 Jul 2017 at 2:50pm

It looks like you may have a USB to Ethernet converter in the picture to get the signal from the MacBook to the Travel Router? If so, is this a separate purchase? ]]> Sat, 22 Jul 2017 14:50:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=96802#96802 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : Great idea, thanks for testing... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=94664#94664 Author: M0tl3y
Subject: 10119
Posted: 08 Jun 2017 at 8:04pm

Great idea, thanks for testing it out. I've wanted to try something similar to extend my WiFi while traveling so I've ordered this from Amazon to try out. ]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2017 20:04:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=94664#94664 WiFi Ranger (on the cheap) : This was really just a proof... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=94592#94592 Author: fwunder
Subject: 10119
Posted: 07 Jun 2017 at 5:09pm

This was really just a proof of concept thing, but it worked out surprisingly well.

I have a bunch of Mac stuff (MacBooks and iDevices), a Google Chromecast, Fire Stick, Apple TV, etc., etc. I just wanted to see how far from WiFi source (sans phone Hotspot and cheaply and easily) I could make everything usable. I'm sure WifiRanger is very effective, but for the few times I want to use it, it's currently way out of my budget. I also didn't want to make a "pringles can" antenna or paperclip Yagi. I wanted something that worked out of the box.

My MacBooks (2015+) actually have very good built in antennas. My MacBook's usable WiFi connection maxes out at about 200 feet from my primary home router (Airport Extreme) with little obstruction.

To share the MacBook's WiFi connection I use a TP-Link N300 Travel Router. It works very well, is USB powered and all my devices have no problem connecting to it, sharing my MacBook Wifi connection. In this simple scenario, the MacBook is the WiFi extender for all the other devices.

I wanted to see if I could (cheaply) push that further.

I ordered a Alfa AWUS036NH 802.11n WIRELESS-N USB Wi-Fi adapter- 2 watt. It came with a small omni directional antenna which could easily be changed. I figured I would test it out to see how it compared with MacBook antenna. Not bad. My tests indicated it increase my bandwidth usability about 20-30 feet. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it encouraged me that the drivers and basic functionality was worth exploring.

I then ordered a Alfa 7 dBi gain RP-SMA directional panel antenna. I walked to neighbors barn and pointed antenna back towards my home router.

Doing some tests today, I have to say I was surprised. At a measured distance of 375 feet and through a bunch of trees I measured 10Mbps+ download and easily watched full screen streaming video.

So, for less than $60.00, I significantly increased my WiFi capability (including router), all USB powered. Pretty cool. I'm convinced I could add a Yagi antenna and really stretch it out!

Yes, I know that campground WiFi is mostly dependent on the campground bandwidth, how many campers are using it, what's in the way, etc. But, for $60.00 I figure I got a better chance than most and it's fun!

fred

]]> Wed, 07 Jun 2017 17:09:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10119&PID=94592#94592