Strettonman Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 I’ve currently got an unlimited data package sim in an old smartphone used as a hotspot when we’re onboard. The signal is often ‘patchy’ so I am wondering whether a proper mobile router would be a better solution. I’ve currently only got 12v power so I guess I’ll need the right lead/converter if I use a router designed for the home. Also are there any tips on getting the best signal (router location, additional external antenna ....) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzucraft Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 If you can get an antenna outside the boat connected to it, then yes. External antenna will make a huge difference. Metal boats are basically Faraday cages except for the windows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUMPY Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 My stepson used to use a TP-Link router at home in rural Ireland but has now replaced it with a Huawei B525 with two external antenna, it has gone from being just usable to a rock solid connection where he can now stream netflix etc. The 525 uses less than 2amps @12v I have seen figures of 1amp for power consumption. I also use one as my internet access at the house and its bombproof. https://modem.co.uk/product/huawei-b525/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGoat Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 To start the answers rolling and giving the locals a chance to diminish my suggestions:- 1. Get a suitable MiFi unit - there are lots around (but recently folks have stuffed the price on ebay up a bit). A suitable unit has an aerial socket.... Get a cheap whip aerial that has a magnetic base, with the 'appropriate' connector to fit the MiFi unit. Run the lead through an available orifice in the roof (window etc) and connect it to (1) above. Power up the MiFi indoors and (hopefully) off you go. If you are a moderate internet user this type of solution works. If you want to do gaming - then I don't want to know - it needs a lot of resource which costs £££££. If emails, browsing, a bit of video players is all you need then you can do it for a reasonable cost. I use Huawei units from ebay for around £20 or less from ebay, 12V to 5v power adaptors from ebay. If you're canny, you can do the lot for a reasonable amount. Examples Huawei E5573 - £20 Voadafone R216 - but you may have to faff around to get it unlocked - which you can do if you sign up to a short term PAYG deal. It's a reasonable unit with a nice interface. Enough. Others may join in with counter suggestions.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUMPY Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 18 minutes ago, OldGoat said: Get a cheap whip aerial that has a magnetic base, with the 'appropriate' connector to fit the MiFi unit. For the full benefit of 4g LTE you need 2 aerials ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nbfiresprite Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 (edited) I have Huawei E5172 As-22 4G router with both J45 and BT11 sockets with WiFi as well £26 off Ebay. It comes with AC power supply, but as it is 12v output this was replaced with a 12v to 12v regulator off ebay. External Antenna also off ebay, which plugs into the route. A old landline phone is also plugged into the router to make use of the minuites which come with the sim package. Unlimited from Speedy £20 per month Huawei E5172As-22 router DC-DC Automatic Voltage Stabilizer 5-32V to 12V 3A 36W Power Converter Regulator 4G /3G LTE Outdoor SMA External Antenna Edited November 9, 2020 by nbfiresprite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGoat Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 (edited) 7 minutes ago, Loddon said: For the full benefit of 4g LTE you need 2 aerials ? Yup - if you're going to do lots of things all at once (ie want the remote end to respond instanta) the pend loads of dosh for a massive array of equipment. For browsing the net, emails, some videos - you may not need it. As with most things nowdays it's a matter of degree. That makes trying to give practical advice so difficult..... Praps I shouldn't bother.... ps: be careful with antenna plugs / sockets - it's a challenge as to wht fits... Edited November 9, 2020 by OldGoat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reg Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 Huweai 5372 router (has ts9 connector sockets) Plus TS9 3G 4G LTE External Antenna £19.99 From a1techstore on ebay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmr Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 First check that your mobile phone SIM will actually work in a router (if thats you plan) I have read that some will not. A mifi stuck in the window/porthole might well be perfectly adequate for your needs. A router with internal SIM is bigger so not as easy to get in the window so this pushes you down the external aeriel route. This might well be disappointing as with most simple aeriels what you gain with the aeriel you loose in the cable so it will be more convenient but maybe barely better than putting the router in the window. A 12 volt router might be happy with about 9v, if so you could use a low cost 12v to 9v adapter, driving the router (or any 12volt electronics) directly off the boat 12 volts carries some risk as the 12v can be a lot higher when battery charging and have some voltage spikes. .............Dave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strettonman Posted November 10, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 That’s excellent - thanks everyone. It looks like I’ll be spending this evening on eBay. cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sea Dog Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 17 hours ago, reg said: Huweai 5372 router (has ts9 connector sockets) Plus TS9 3G 4G LTE External Antenna £19.99 From a1techstore on ebay All very well, but all your data will go straight back to China! You could try the Ho'Way, made in Newcastle, not to be confused with the Ha'Way from Sunderland. Sadly, both only work intermittently since the Shipyards closed and Brexit saw off the car plant, but at least ye'll be patriotic like. Why aye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reg Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 14 minutes ago, Sea Dog said: 18 hours ago, reg said: Huweai 5372 router (has ts9 connector sockets) Plus TS9 3G 4G LTE External Antenna £19.99 From a1techstore on ebay All very well, but all your data will go straight back to China! Hadaway man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard10002 Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 18 hours ago, Loddon said: For the full benefit of 4g LTE you need 2 aerials ? I think that relies on the network using MIMO, (multiple in, multiple out, IIRC). Last time I checked, a few years ago, they didn’t. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sea Dog Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 37 minutes ago, reg said: Hadaway man! And shh...? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUMPY Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 In defence of Huawei the kit they make is way better than most others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanD Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 2 hours ago, Richard10002 said: I think that relies on the network using MIMO, (multiple in, multiple out, IIRC). Last time I checked, a few years ago, they didn’t. They do now, but it's easy to get suitable 4G MIMO aerials for the routers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Payne Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 Just installed a 4g router on the boat, makes such a difference with the external antenna on a magnetic pole. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08235ZNPV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019H5V9LW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poynting-Cross-Polarised-Omnidirectional-2dbi/dp/B00ABMPSN6/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2PO4QSY8TQ6MH&dchild=1&keywords=4g+antenna&qid=1605026559&s=computers&sprefix=4g+ante%2Ccomputers%2C156&sr=1-3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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