RV Tech
Tech Tips for Keeping in Touch
By Alan Lidstone
RVers have a wide selection of wireless mobile phones and smart phones that offer features such as voice, text messaging, e–mail, weather information, TV and video, real–time navigation and Internet connectivity options. Scrutinize the available mobile wireless carriers to select a provider that carries the phone and options you will need in all the different geographic areas you will be traveling through.
The small footprint and ease of use of the laptop or notebook computer make them popular for communicating. As the popularity of RVing and the number of extended and fulltime RVers continues to increase, more and more RVers travel with handy notebook computers. They consider fast and easy high–speed Internet access for personal and business needs away from home an important factor in selecting RV resorts and campgrounds.
The most popular option for high–speed or broadband Internet access is Wi–Fi – the wireless interface technology that is installed on almost all notebook computers. Wi–Fi's increase in popularity for frequent travelers has generally been because of the ease of use and high data transfer rates (up to 3.0M), inexpensive equipment, payment only for the time you need, and low costs.
Many people rely on using Wi–Fi in home networks for cable or DSL Internet access. RVers use Wi–Fi hot spots that are available at an increasing number of RV resorts, campgrounds and state parks, as well as hotels, airports, truck stops (including Love's and Flying J), restaurants, and other locations.
You can check for available Wi–Fi hot spots on the Internet at www.rvtravel.com/wifi.html, www.flyingj.com, and www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/browse/us/.
Broadband data service provided by your mobile wireless phone carrier is another option for high–speed Internet access. Broadband data service is available for users with wireless mobile smart phones. It is also available for a notebook computer, using a broadband data card provided by the wireless service provider that connects via a USB port or card slot). The broadband data service connects your computer to the nearest wireless mobile tower, enabling you to use it while the RV is parked or moving.
Although wireless broadband data service providers eliminate the need for a Wi–Fi connection, the Internet connection data rates are slower than Wi–Fi. Broadband rates vary, from approximately 200K and may range higher into the 1.0 Megabits/second. Broadband data service providers generally require a minimum 12 or 24–month contract, with monthly data service costs approximately $40/month or more, over and above your mobile phone service charges.
The backup plan when traveling through populated areas continues to be the pay phone for phone calls, and the modem and notebook computer for e–mail and Internet access. Carry your modem phone cord for modem Internet access when Wi–Fi service is not available.
Communicating off the Beaten Path – Heading into the hinterlands of National Parks, large state parks, or other wilderness or remote areas may put us out of communications range of cellular towers for wireless mobile phone or broadband data service, with no Wi–Fi availability, and not a payphone or telephone landline in sight.
The RVer is now at a point where additional equipment is necessary to stay in touch. We have two sets of options to dramatically increase the range of connectivity for phone communications and Internet access.
The first is to use a booster–amplifier to increase the range of our wireless mobile phones and wireless broadband data service at a cost ranging from $350 – $2,000 with no additional monthly service fees. This provides connectivity using our current mobile products (cell phones, smart phones, and notebook computers). The booster–amplifier extends the connectivity range of cell phones and smart phones.
Two vendors provide equipment to RVers and people who work in areas some distance away from the cellular towers. The same equipment can also be used to provide Internet access using the broadband data services provided by the wireless mobile telephone service providers to connect their notebook computers and selected wireless smart phones to the Internet.
The Internet In Motion system is popular with RVers because of its ready availability, straight–forward installation in the RV, and portability between the RV and other vehicles. Internet In Motion reports that their system can be configured to increase the wireless transmission range for wireless mobile telephone communications and Internet access to as much as 20 – 30 miles.
The system costs approximately $1,980 – $2,250 plus a small installation charge and can be found at Camping World and selected RV suppliers. Visit the Camping World and Internet In Motion websites for more information.
SmoothTalker is a popular supplier of competitively–priced products extending the range of wireless telephone and data communications. SmoothTalker offers booster–amplifiers, antennas, and miscellaneous cables connectors that are customized to your specific services provider and wireless mobile cell phone or smart phone. Costs will range from approximately $350 – $450.
Various SmoothTalker equipment configurations can increase the wireless transmission range for Internet access and telephone communications to as much as 60 miles or greater.
You can also connect a Kyocera KR1 broadband EVDO data router to the SmoothTalker booster–amplifier to create a wireless network supporting up to four notebook computers with Internet access. The KR–1 costs approximately $150 – $200 and also has a slot for a broadband data service card that is available form from your wireless service provider and costs approximately $50 – $150.
Other advantages of the SmoothTalker and Internet In Motion products are that they can easily be moved between the RV and personal vehicles and the equipment can be used while the RV or vehicle is stationary or in motion.
If you are going out of range of booster amplifiers, and if money is not a limiting factor, you should consider another option: satellite Internet access.
The roof–mounted satellite antenna allows data and voice connections from almost anywhere. It requires a separate satellite dish, hardware, and installation costing approximately $4,200 plus installation, along with monthly service fees ranging from approximately $100/month – $600/month for Internet access and telephone VOIP service. You'll find excellent information about satellite Internet access solutions and monthly costs on the Magellan website (click on Satellite Internet Mobile).
The Magellan MSS (Mobile Satellite System) is a self–contained, automatic pointing, wireless hotspot. The dish will deploy and lock on signal automatically. As long as you have a view of the southern sky, you can connect one or all of your computers to the mobile network.
Available broadband download speeds range from 400 Kbps to 2000 Kbps and upload speeds range from 50 Kbps to 500 Kbps.
Important Note: The Magellan MSS satellite dish cannot be used while the RV is in motion.
We recommend that all RVers heading into remote areas also leave a copy of their itinerary with someone back home. This will assist people trying to reach you if needed.
Remember, Safety First, and Happy RVing!!!
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