General Boards > Redecorating and Updating your Motorhome
Upgraded WiFi Connections
Jeff Watt:
I'm thinking of some kind of WiFi upgrade (when I'll do it is another matter) and at least initially I may try an inside set up like Ed has shown, however I am wondering can an antennae be mounted outside (say on the ladder) and then can an antennae cable be run inside to the Bullet? Or does the Bullet need to be physically attached to the antennae? I think it would be good to see the strength meter on the bullet - or does that show up in its set-up window?
Jeff
Joel Weiss:
Jeff-
I'm using a Bullet as part of a WiFi Ranger system. You can read signal strength either off of the WiFi Ranger control panel or the Bullet's own control screen so you don't need to see the diode display. I believe it is important to keep the antenna as close to the Bullet as possible; I actually have mine in the MH in the old TV cabinet above the driver.
Joel
Edward Buker:
Jeff,
The beauty of the Bullet is that it is made to be mounted outside, with a small vertical antenna on it. At 2.4GHZ, the antenna needs to be mounted on the Transmitter/Receiver, because the RF line losses are so great. That was the driving force for moving all the electronics into a Bullet type arrangement. If you do a ladder mount and use a vertical antenna, there is no need to see the signal strength LEDs on the unit, given the antenna is omnidirectional and tuning is not involved. The software on the computer will show the signal strength of each available router, when you select one. If I did a windshield arrangement like mine, I would use a directional antenna. If I was using the ladder mount, it would be a small vertical antenna with the Bullet mounted on it. Hope this helps.
Later Ed
Jeff Watt:
Thanks Ed and Joel.
I think I am understanding it a bit better. Am I understanding it correctly that the power of the POE should be related to the distance the ethernet cable has to run from it to the Bullet, i.e short may be ok with 12/15v but long may need 24v? I am contemplating two possible installs:
1) a system like Ed and Joel have i.e., small directional antennae mounted to the Bullet and then placed inside probably with an Airport Express. This may be the first route as I can play with it while learning.
2) a permanent system with an antennae mounted on the ladder with the ethernet cable going into the bedroom, probably with the POE and airport express mounted in the cabinet below the TV. If this was done, would the signal from the Airport reach the front of the motorhome? I guess doing this system would limit use to only using it when access to 110 (or inverter)?
I have found a supplier in Canada which carries the Bullet at a price of $76 which is similar to US pricing - I think the Bullet M2 HP is the one to use? POE of about $15-20. Also a supplier of an antennae - omni $25.
JimDyer:
--- Quote from: Jeff Watt ---Thanks Ed and Joel.
I think I am understanding it a bit better. Am I understanding it correctly that the power of the POE should be related to the distance the ethernet cable has to run from it to the Bullet, i.e short may be ok with 12/15v but long may need 24v? I am contemplating two possible installs:
1) a system like Ed and Joel have i.e., small directional antennae mounted to the Bullet and then placed inside probably with an Airport Express. This may be the first route as I can play with it while learning.
2) a permanent system with an antennae mounted on the ladder with the ethernet cable going into the bedroom, probably with the POE and airport express mounted in the cabinet below the TV. If this was done, would the signal from the Airport reach the front of the motorhome? I guess doing this system would limit use to only using it when access to 110 (or inverter)?
I have found a supplier in Canada which carries the Bullet at a price of $76 which is similar to US pricing - I think the Bullet M2 HP is the one to use? POE of about $15-20. Also a supplier of an antennae - omni $25.
--- End quote ---
Jeffrey, the choice of POE voltage is not governed by ethernet cable distance, but by the number of powered devices on the ethernet cable. So, if you put two bullets on the same cable but with aerials pointed in different directions, you would use the 24v adapter.
On pricing,, try L-com.com. I have had good results and paid $39 for my last M2. Their antenas are also well priced. They ship UPS so you'll end up with a brokerage fee ,usually about $20 for the shipment.
On in-rig range I have a Linksys WRT54G2 which has an internal antenna - at home the signal passes through several wood/gyproc walls successfully......mounted in the forward curbside sidewall overhead cabinet I can reach my printer on the counter under the bedroom TV, but my HP tablet has a hard time for anybody lying on the bed, especially if any of the interior doors are closed.
I'd recommend something with a removeable external antenna for your downstream router. If I was buying it would be a second bullet, as with that you could use wireless rather than wired for the Bullet to Bullet link, and probably avoid putting any holes in the rig envelope. I have a Bullet mounted inside my motel lobby that feeds internet wirelessly to an outdoor bullet which in turn feeds internet back inside to the motel rooms..... If you do go that way I'd make sure to secure the Bullet to bullet link so that you don't get hitchikers ( or open up the network when you're connectrd securely through the first Bullet.
I may just try that myself......
(edited to add thoughts on wireless secondary link)
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