| Author |
Message |
captain ron (Captain_ron)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 1:43 am: | |
Hi every body, been absent for a while for a few reasons, mostly computer related. I'm ready to buy a satelite for my internet so any advice on that would be appreciated. no real problems with the bus this year. had to rebiuld starter a couple weeks ago and had to fix power steering ram clamp. pretty fortunate this year. I'm in river falls Wi. headed to sturgis Sd. to try to line up some gigs for bike week. I'm on the harley this trip, to expensive to drive bus on wild goose chase. update on my inverter and batteries. I can go 4 1/2 days between charges. lifes been good. I'm going to get at least 1 new ac before I go to sturgis in 2 weeks with the bus, the fans aren't cutting it. |
Cliff (Floridacracker)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 7:31 am: | |
Hi Ron,
Glad to hear all is well.
Excellent news on the inverter and batteries, I found my results were similar wtih those batteries.
Finally got my rig on the road, went out to Texas. I had a blast driving this thing. I love the way it floats down the highway and made every second of the work I have done worth it. Of course no trip is complete without a few gremlins.
I had a few air brake issues pop up when I got there, but all fixed before I was back on the road. On the way back the generator I bought threw the timing belt, ended up being a busted cam shaft pulley(explains the minor rough idle I couldn't adjust out) fortunately it happended on shut down and didn't end up with a valve/piston collision. Nothing a $150.00 can't fix. So I can understand your a/c situation as we drove from Lousiana without the genny and it was hot.
Keep us up to date on your bussin adventures.
Cliff |
Bob Vandawalker (Rav221)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 8:16 am: | |
If your looking for a self deploying Mobile Internet Dish, check out the Skycasters website. Just ordered one through them. I talked to three vendors, Skycasters were by far the most pleasant to deal with. $4495.00 minus service plan, which depending on speed can run $90.00/mo plus.
Bob V. |
John that newguy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 8:34 am: | |
Ron-
For a few more bucks, you can buy a used MCI for backup.
Seriously.... Is there any reason you can't make use of a
cellphone connection (I use Verizon) to get to the web? It
comes with my package and doesn't cost a thing extra when
used during the "free" times.
I also use a WiFi connection when I need more speed, or
where it's available... Hell, that's totally free!
Unless you're using the Internet for business purposes (we are),
there are less expensive ways to enjoy the web.. |
captain ron (Captain_ron)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 10:37 am: | |
unfortanatly verizon doesn't offer internet connection in a whole lot of places. trust me I know. every where I spend a lot of time there is no internet conectivity. in Wisconsin it only works in greenbay appleton and milwalkee.
I see a lot of those in motion systems for about $3500. will they work? or are they just for tv? |
Dave 102a3
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 12:32 pm: | |
Ron,
Check out the datastorm users forum at www.datastormusers.com, lots of good info on Sat internet.
I Installed a datastorm on our MCI 102 a3 and it has made doing business while on the road much easier and I no longer have to worry about cell minutes, cell reception or roaming
The system that works in motion (KVH I think) is Sat down but cell for the up link.
The MotoSat Datastorm has a good reputation but I have heard that a company in CA (Ground Control) has come up with their own system worth checking out.
You'll be looking at $4000 + for the system + install. Also apx $100per month for the basic service.
Good luck, |
Jtng
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 1:25 pm: | |
Ron-
Just for information; I won't dwell further:
You don't need to use Verizon for service. Most digital cell
phone service providers will work, provided your cell phone
is capable of acting as a modem using the software and cable
designed for it.
http://www.nextel.com/en/solutions/dataaccess/data_access_plan.shtml
http://cellphones.about.com/od/wirelessdata/
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/tips/aircard555.htm
Lotsa' luck. Good to see ya' back! |
Steve Zona (Highwayrunner)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 1:33 pm: | |
Hi Ron, If you can stand to setup up a tripod mounted dish, you can get internet access from direcway, they say it is not for mobile use and must be used in a fixed installation , but there are ways, as I and a few thousand others are using the system on rv's. if you want more info. email me and I will tell you how. cost is about 1500.00 and 60.00 monthly service.
Steve and Cindi |
Cliff (Floridacracker)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 1:40 pm: | |
Ron,
Unless you have to have the latest and greatest I would not spend thousands on an internet connection.
Most of the major players in the field have plans for massive wi-fi zones in most major cities over the next few years. I'm not talking about the coffe shop or book store, I mean 100% coverage in a city like Orlando. There is a lot of change on the horizon.
JTNG has is right(for the person on the road) with using the cell phone until this happens.
Cliff |
T. (Bluegrass)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 1:42 pm: | |
Ron
I used Verison all last winter while In Florida
and It does work, I just had to wait until after 9:00pm and could use It anytime until 7:00am the next morning, Go to the Version store and they will sell you a kit to install on your puter.
Tony |
john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 5:34 pm: | |
Have you tried a Wilson trucker cellphone antenna with special signal amplifier for reception in weak areas. They make adapters to plug into just about every brand and model of phone. Haven't tried it myself on the road.. the antenna alone will get me a signal at home, none without it.I'm curious if anyone has experience with the comb. out on the road. |
Ed Jewett (Kristinsgrandpa)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 6:18 pm: | |
You can do what you want, but I got shafted with a Wilson antenna and amp for my cell phone, to the tune of $308. I bought the ant and amp for my cell phone, and when it wouldn't work I returned it within the 10 day return grace period and never did get my $308 back from the Wilson authorized dealer.(listed on Wilson's website) I would not let Wilson or any of their dealers have another nickle of my money.
I spent over an hour on the phone talking to one of Wilson's tech's and couldn't get it to do anything.
Don,t get shafted at Wilson!!!
Ed Jewett |
Jim Shepherd (Rv_safetyman)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 7:30 pm: | |
Ron, we use the DataStorm (Motosat), since we have to have internet connection on the road to handle our business needs. Yes, it is a bit expensive, but you can get on almost anywhere and not worry about whether you are in cell phone range. To make the investment a little better, we use a fixed dish at the house and then our monthly bill covers us at home.
All of the above non-satellite solutions, now or in the future, are not much good when you want to boon dock in the toolies. I really doubt that you will see long distance WiFi in the deserts of AZ or CA or other equally fun areas.
If you want to get either a Motosat (automatic) or a tripod, I would hope that you would contact Scott Whitney at: http://dustyfoot.com/. He is a bus conversion nut and is very knowledgeable. Indeed, he manufacturers his own tripod units. Great guy to deal with.
Jim Shepherd
Evergreen, CO
’85 Eagle 10
Bus Project details: http://www.rvsafetysystems.com/busproject.htm (updated 2/17/05) |
Jim and Myrna Lawrence (Daffycanuck)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 8:31 pm: | |
Ron, for the past two and one half years, we have used the Motosat Datastorm and highly recomend it. We have coverage from Loretto Baja CS to Northern Saskatchewan (our home). When at home we also use a fixed dish and move our modems into the house.
Each satellite has a particular coverage area so you should be aware that a datastorm user can change satellites when required for a small fee (sometimes free)where tripod user will have a very difficult time changing to a different satellite due to Huges restrictions.
Your satellite internet dealer should be able to explain the ins and outs of either system. A close look at the datastorm users group site mentioned above will indicate the dealer(s) that support their customers....and yes, until you become familiar with either the datastorm or tripod systems, you will need support.
If you would like answers to your questions from a user, feel free to e-mail me and I would be happy to help......I am NOT a dealer and I do not have any affiliation with one.
Jim |
Craig (Ceieio)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 9:02 pm: | |
Ron - check out Rayhoud's group on the subject at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RVInternetbySatellite/?yguid=158816540
Craig = MC7 Oregon |
David Clark (Dclark)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 1:16 am: | |
For what it's worth.....
I travelled 41 states in first my old truck and then a 4106 over the course of 300 days over the last year. I connect via my cellphone and Verizon as stated by others.
You are correct that Verizon doesn't have coverage in all places. They are in almost all fair-sized cities and in the corridors between those cities. There are areas where there's no Verizon to be had. You may have voice access but near as I can tell you cannot count on having data access. Just having access to Verizon's "extended network" -- which may be digital, doesn't necessarily mean you'll have data access even to a dialup number back home. Sometimes it will work, and sometimes it won't.
But, the simple thing is -- look at the phone. If it says "Verizon Wireless Network," then you've got data access.
The way I solved the problem -- and I need to use my computer every day -- was to get a subscription to Flying J's wireless access. It costs about $20/month. You can also buy it for a 24 hr period. You can check your mail while you're fueling or when you're parked for the night. I usually get fuel at Flying J so this makes sense for me. TA also has a network, as does Love's (I think).
If you're in most of the eastern US you'll see a Flying J every so often. Ditto with TA or Love's.
What I liked about Flying J's was that it was fast and I could hit the network from anywhere on the grounds, so I didn't have to leave my bus to check mail. Will also add that having used both Flying J's and TA's access, Flying J was always reliable, always on, whereas TA was spotty at best.
You might also want to look closely at T-Mobile, which I believe supplies WiFi to Starbucks and also Kinko's. Kinko's are located all over and usually in good parking situations.
Also consider that McDonald's is adding WiFi in many locations. The McD's in my little South Georgia town of 3,000 has it, which means a lot of places must have it.
Another interesting twist is that many hotels have WiFi. I have checked mail from several hotel parking lots without staying in them.
Many RV parks have WiFi. More are adding it all the time. I don't stay in RV parks but have talked to others who do, and they tell me about it.
This is also true of parking near apartment complexes or neighborhoods, where you'll almost always find an open link to the net. This sounds like a pain in the neck, and it can be, but it depends on what your needs are.
The mention of whole towns becoming "hotspots" is also real. I have been in several towns that already have public parks and other easily accessed areas (even in a bus) that have hotspots. Danville, Illinois, for instance, has a public park with WiFi access, and plenty of room to park right there. As an aside, it's also a good place to park for a fantastic meal at The Deluxe Restaurant, which is one of the best eating places in America.
$5,000 plus monthly fees to access the Net (or anything else) strikes me as ridiculous.
If you're resourceful enough to ride a motorcycle on a wild goose chase for gigs (I'm a musician so I understand), then you're plenty resourceful enough to make this work out to suit you without spending 5 grand. I depend on daily connection to the Net for my work, and so far I haven't suffered by not having the fastest and the most expensive.
If I must have the speed, for large uploads, modifying my website, etc... then I do it at Flying J or equivalent. Sometimes speed is important, but for checking mail, 14.4k on a cellphone works just fine, considering it's free. That's the slowest speed you'll likely see on Verizon, though usually it's about 50k or so, about what you'd get on dialup at home (if you're lucky).
Also bear in mind that Verizon has already tested a "broadband" wireless situation in several large cities. They have recently expanded it to other markets. A friend of mine who works with Verizon says that their big holdup is figuring out how to bill for it -- that once they see it works it's just a matter of adding gizmos to existing tower setups. This effort on Verizon's part is fueling a competitive urge in the same direction from somebody (Sprint, I think), and so these efforts will drive the thing to be more available and cheaper.
It's sort of like fixing up an old bus. You have to decide what you need and want, and what you're willing to pay for.
David Clark
Cochran, Ga. |
Dennis Johnson
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 10:51 am: | |
Our experience with Verizon for internet connections has apparently been better. We have been in the bus about half of the time for the last year, from N.J. to California and I would say we were able to get internet from verizon about 80% of the time. We use the Verizon mobile office software which you have to buy separately and is not available for all phones. Still it is frustrating as the signal is not always there and hard to predict when it will be there. We found that there are often parts of a campground that can get a satisfactory signal and parts that cannot. So we sometime walk around with cell phone seeing where the signal is better or just ask others that are staying there. It also often happened that we could only get the 14.4 Quick2Net service rather than the much faster Express service. It apparently depends on the local tower. We bought a Wilson trucker antenna for about $59 and found that it helps a lot in marginal areas, but of course doesn't help if there is no signal. I considered it a good investment.
We didn't like that verizon cell phone service was only practical to use after 9 p.m. or on weekends. And it is often slow. It is good for checking email and other quick uses but my wife and I both like to use the internet and we would run the battery down needing 2 or 3 hours before we could use again.
So we bought a tripod satellite system and we like that much better. We get a much faster signal that is available anywhere (unless completely blocked by trees.) The tripod systems are not cheap but much less expensive than rooftop. We usually park for a week or 2 so it works for us, and we use at home as well as on the road. A datastorm or similar rooftop system would be better if you have a lot of one or two day stops. I would second the suggestions to check our the datastorm and RVInternetbySatellite groups noted above. |
bruce knee (Bruceknee)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 5:27 pm: | |
I have a verizon wireless card for my laptop. $100. to buy it, $89 month for unlimited use. works almost everywhere I go. It is faster than dialup at home. |
Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 11:31 pm: | |
My son travelled with us last October with the Verizon high speed wireless card and transacted business while travelling as long as there was a signal. It was satisfactory, but the the whole interstate system in West Virginia from north of Ashville to PA was without signal as was South Georgia on I-75. Verizon's maps of coverage were accurate if you zoomed in enough to see the gaps. Coverage should be better this year, but I expect there will stil be gaps. |
Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 3:15 am: | |
David, I'm glad to see you posting! We've been wondering about getting into some internet connectivity while away from Alaska, and this thread is a big help.
I hope that life is treating you well. We're not doing too bad. We're sort of looking at another trip in August, just not too far south.
I'll be doing some checking on phone and internet possibilities while on the road.
Maybe you could let us know how you're making out with your 4106.
Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576
Suncatcher |
John MC9
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 7:07 am: | |
The problem with "the Verizon high speed wireless card" (or any
computer WiFi card for that matter), is the simple fact that
the reception of a signal is limited to where your computer is
at the time you're trying to use it.
I have a fifteen foot USB cable for my WIFI laptop adapter,
and have been able to use connections that would have never
been available if the WiFi box was not placed high into the air.
Likewise, the cellphone works better if you can get it and it's
antenna well above any obstructions. The trucker's external
antenna for cellphones is said to work well. I don't have one,
but will make that investment once we're roadworthy. |
captain ron (Captain_ron)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 2:10 pm: | |
Thanks for all the replies. as soon as I get back from Sturgis in 2 weeks I will get a satelite system as it will be more reliable. I do have an office conectivity kit so I can use both in cases where one won't work or I'm away from my bus. |