General Boards > Redecorating and Updating your Motorhome
Upgraded WiFi Connections
Edward Buker:
Jeff,
I think it is a lot of effort to do things twice. I would either do a dash mount, like I did, if it was convenient to get ethernet cables to that location and you also had a good location with power to mount the POE and router with 120V available for the other end of the ethernet cable. The other consideration is that you do not mind setting it up or taking it down for use which takes a couple of minutes.
If that was less convenient I would do a ladder mount and run the ethernet cable down the ladder using velcro straps and into the engine compartment using a marine cable fitting above the engine hatch. Then locate the best routing to get the cable into the closet. From there sort out where to mount the POE and router. I like the airport exress but a Linksys would work also. If you are mounting a router inside the envelope of your coach I do not think there would be an issue linking to it from anywhere in the coach from my experience. The only issue I see is that I would probably want a small spring loaded vertical antenna if doing the ladder mount in case a tree limb was to contact it. Lcom has one but it was a little more expensive. From a learning viewpoint you can play with either arrangement before any installation takes place.
Later Ed
Jeff Watt:
Jim,
Good to know about ubnt.ca
Thanks ......... chat later.
It is now attitude adjustment hour ;)
JimDyer:
Jeff, there are two types of antennas I'd look at if I were you. If you're going inside with the mount, go with a compact directional antenna and make the mount flexible, allowing you to point it. If you look at L-com's 'closeout' page, the first item is a 12dB directional for $10.00. That's the one I have.
If you plan on an outside mounting, go with a 10 to 12 dB omnidirectional antenna, which will be roughly 48"x 3/4" and cost $50 to $70 each. 8dB will be a little weak.
Make sure they're 2.4Ghz and have an N type connector.
I don't think you need to mount the downstream router mid-coach, unless wifi in the bedroom is a big deal for you.
Edward Buker:
Jeff,
Jim has some good info on gain of 2.4GHZ omni antennas but I think you need to balance gain vs size here given that there are wind load issues driving and branch issues coming into campsites. The real issue with signal strength at 2.4ghz is getting a clean line of site view to the transmitting antenna. By getting a ladder mount antenna in place you have the best opportunity for that line of site view. I would go with a 3db vertical that is just 8.7 inches long if it was non flexible. I would mount it on the ladder and try and have it be protected by not having the tip elevated above the ladder. I would run it with a Bullet and get it to connect to a router and then check the signal strength. I would raise it to see if the aluminum ladder mount is causing much attenuation and if so find a good compromise height for mounting. These are stiff fiberglass antennas made for fixed locations so you need to take that into account.
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=22263
This is taller, higher gain, and has a spring base which may be a good way to go. Ther are some rubber duck type antennas that are also flexible.
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=27275
You may want to discuss this application with Lcom and see what they recommend. I think any vertical antenna that has line of site view of a campground wifi antenna will do the job quite well. My first choice would be a short one that was flexible.
later Ed
JimDyer:
Actually, Ed, I would try your 2" PVC pipe mounting system......Set the top of the pipe at about the top of the ladder, and put a stop in the pipe (bolt or whatever) so that the antenna tip just clears the pipe. Then to use the system just lift it up and pop in a temp stop to keep it high. Of course with a short antenna you could have it above the roofline but below your a/c's .
If somebody tries this I'd love to hear what size antenna you find practical.
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