| Author | Message | ||
| Ilya Fish (Ilyafish)
Registered Member Username: Ilyafish Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 98.221.218.230 Rating: N/A |
Hey guys, I am picking up my first bus (MC9) next friday. I am 21 years old and really dont know too much about alot of stuff....this is a completely new world for me. My band will be using this to tour starting Sept, and over time i will be converting it into an entertainer coach. Of course in one week i wont have much time to do anything more than build temporary bunks for a one month tour, so im not worried about too many things right now. However, my question is about satelite internet. Internet access is extremely crucial to us, and although driving around stealing wifi with a van and trailer like we did last tour worked out....an MC9 with a trailer obviously is a different story. So anyways....to wrap up my story here haha....I dont know if any of you guys have satelite internet in your buses, but i was just wondering what is the best route to go with here....what companies and what the pricing is and so forth. Thank you guys so much -ilya | ||
| JR Lynch (Njt5047)
Registered Member Username: Njt5047 Post Number: 259 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 69.132.233.230 Rating: N/A |
Check with Verizon. They offer a decent mobile internet service. Works almost anywhere there's a dig cell signal. And it works while underway. The signal can be improved with an external antenna...not too expensive. Most other cell phone providers offer mobile internet service too. You may find better service with other than Verizon in the area you're traveling in. Go onto their websites and check their coverage maps. There will be places that you may not have service, but it's much easier to use than Sat internet service. Most bus satellites used for internet services are not "in-motion" units. They must be setup when parked. They can be permanently mounted on your coach, or you could set up a HughesNet type dish. A good bit of work, the latter. Permanent mounts will self lock onto the sat. They are also relatively costly. But, they'll work out in the middle of Blackrock Desert. JR | ||
| James Robinson (Jjrbus)
Registered Member Username: Jjrbus Post Number: 145 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 68.242.37.151 Rating: N/A |
Do you know if your brakes are auto adjust or do they need to be adjusted?? | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 798 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.3.173.51  Rating: N/A |
We use an "air card" from Millenicom. Most cell services such as Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, etc. offer this service. Check with your existing cell provider, you may be able to get a better price as part of a package. AirCards are by far the cheapest way to go, but as mentioned, you need to be in range of a digital cell tower. | ||
| Mark Renner (Boomer)
Registered Member Username: Boomer Post Number: 106 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 75.193.210.79  Rating: N/A |
I suggest that you visit two sites: (1) escapees.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x (then click on "internet access on road") (2) 3Gstore.com You will quickly learn what works best for what you want, and where to get it. For the last 2 years I have been using the Verizon wireless card and to boost the signal I have a Wilson amp with roof mount antenna. The amp then is wired to an internal flat panel antenna which I have mounted inside one of my cabinet doors. Works pretty well where ever there is cell service, with faster speeds in the large cities. Planning to upgrade to a USB router later this summer. The Verizon monthly service charge is 59.99 w/two year contract. Satillite will cost you 6 grand or more, is not "in motion", and the monthly fees are more. However, you will have good service anywhere you have a clear shot to the birds. Hope this helps | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 493 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.32.83.140 Rating: N/A |
I dropped my internet service and just use wifi now the rest areas in different states have wifi and most of the towns in Texas have it so if we need it now I find a Mcdonalds I was told my a WalMart manger they were working on getting wifi at some of the stores.To me it wasn't worth $700.00 a year when we use the bus for 2 months a year but it maybe worth it to you | ||
| Tom Connolly (Tomconnolly)
Registered Member Username: Tomconnolly Post Number: 52 Registered: 9-2003 Posted From: 96.243.156.158 Rating: N/A |
You guys that are paying for air time might want to take a look at this link, PdaNet for Windows Mobile at http://www.junefabrics.com/ I've been useing PdaNet flawlessly for 3 years with my windows Treo docked to my toughbook, it also works via bluetooth. And No additional bill! | ||
| John Zabrocki (John_z)
Registered Member Username: John_z Post Number: 70 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 99.203.96.188 Rating: N/A |
Millencom mobile broadband card (air card). Uses equip of Verizon, Sprint, Altel, so they offer real good coverage for this technology. Also cheaper than the rest because they do not charge taxes or fees, just a flat 59.99 a month for true unlimited, this saves 8 - 9.00 a month. Also, another big feature is they do not make you sign a 2 year contract, it is month by month. | ||
| Ilya Fish (Ilyafish)
Registered Member Username: Ilyafish Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 98.221.218.230 Rating: N/A |
now is there any way to lets say get an air card, but have a router set up....like if we have 3 laptops or so and want internet access on all 3 of them oh and they are all macs too....if that makes a difference. thank you guys so much for your help! | ||
| John Harrelson (Jharl)
Registered Member Username: Jharl Post Number: 96 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 68.34.155.244 Rating: N/A |
I think the brakes on the air card are auto ajustable, but not the verizon air card brakes, that is why there are all of those verizon tech people that follow you around to keep your air card brakes adjusted for you and to make sure that you get a good signal. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 801 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.3.173.51 Rating: N/A |
"now is there any way to lets say get an air card, but have a router set up....like if we have 3 laptops or so and want internet access on all 3 of them" Go to www.3G.com I don't know about the other aircards, but I know they sell routers that are compatible with the Mellenicom aircard. Probably other sources as well. I do not have a router for our aircard, but my understanding (for what it worth, and not necessarily correct) is that you plug the air card directly into the wireless router. Jack | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Registered Member Username: Sffess Post Number: 740 Registered: 1-2002 Posted From: 71.98.146.199 Rating: N/A |
I see no one mentioned satelite internet connections. There is no doubt if you are where there is good cell coverage that is better. Also WIFI is faster. If you think you will be in areas with poor or no cell phone coverage, satelite will give you access anywhere. I have had it and found it slower than advertised. I only recommend it if there is no other coverage. My DSL has a dial up number also for when I am travelling. | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 616 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 66.217.103.185  Rating: N/A |
Yeah James.... It's really hysterical, how anyone can be more concerned how their Internet connection will work, versus how their air brakes may or may not work. But most commercial RVs do not require any understanding, or previous knowledge of (or experience with) air brake systems, or driving a 10+ ton vehicle; It's just "buy and drive". Hysterical, but reality; It's the freedom to do what we please. Is it any worse than owning a firearm? Should any item that we own, carry a requirement to know and understand the damage it may cause? I always believed that no "legislation" should limit our freedoms, but that only good common sense, should be the requirement. Sadly, "good common sense", and respect for other's safety, has apppeared to have fallen by the wayside........ And it's loss has caused all of us to lose the freedom we once enjoyed, by the foolish demand that legislation govern things we've lost control of. </rant> | ||
| Debbie and Joe Cannarozzi (Joe_camper)
Registered Member Username: Joe_camper Post Number: 108 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 71.239.202.82 Rating: N/A |
If you are serious and never want to be unconnected you need WI-FI about 4 different phones and carriers and be willing to be flexible and willing to alter plans when a good signal is important. I get my one connection through my exzisting Verizon #. They let me turn it on and off as required and if it is on for 10 days thats all they bill. 35 a month for full time. | ||
| Ilya Fish (Ilyafish)
Registered Member Username: Ilyafish Post Number: 3 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 71.0.105.70 Rating: N/A |
Maybe i wanted internet access so I could post a topic about brakes? :p Honestly I am not sure if they are auto adjust or self, and by no means is that any less of a concern for me. In fact, i am paying quite some money for brake work to be done to it before i even pick it up, only to pick it up and drive it an hour down the road to be looked over by someone from another forum. That being the case, I am also spending an entire day learning about the brakes and everything else before i even drive the bus away as its current owner is a close friend of mine. So if they are self adjust, he will demonstrate how that is done. If they are auto adjust....well....we will then move on to learn about other things :-) Soo...that being said....i inquired about internet access, because all the other questions one may have are either already answered, or will be answered. I am open to any advice though :-) | ||
| David Lower (Dave_l)
Registered Member Username: Dave_l Post Number: 44 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 69.196.133.195  Rating: N/A |
Don't go under the bus with out suporting it. Because you will get crushed if it looses air. You should get a manual for the bus and keep it in it, it will tell you how to adjust the brakes. I have the books for my MC7 in a closet on board, great info to have when on the road. Dave L | ||
| David Dulmage (Daved)
Registered Member Username: Daved Post Number: 207 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 142.46.199.30  Rating: N/A |
Where I live I am required to have an air brake endorsement on my driver's license. I got this by taking a recognized airbrake course at a local community college. The written and practical tests were taken at the college and the Ministry of Transportation upgraded my license when I presented the certificate issued by the college. I have since had to write the test again when my license came up for renewal. Taking an air brake course will give you a very worthwhile understanding of the differences between hydraulic and air operated braking systems and the benefits and limitations of air brakes. IMHO time and money well spent. Dave Dulmage | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 620 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 66.217.106.123 Rating: N/A |
Ilya - My apologies to you. I typed out that harsh comment after a long day showing my bus to three different people that never drove anything bigger than a car, and never did any camping in their lifetime... The last "buyer" jumped into the driver's seat (engine off and no air built up), and proceeded to tell me that the master cylinder was bad because there was no brake pedal... among other things. But please do heed the comments regarding the jacking and blocking points. NEVER go under a bus without insuring it is properly blocked. It only takes one time, to flatten your body beyond repair. As far as Internet service? We used the cellphone as a modem, and our dial-up ISP's nation-wide numbers for access. Unfortunately, most new cell phones may not be able to act as a modem, and most plans now charge extra for data connections. (I still use an older LG4400 and have the same plan). My neighbor has a boat that he spends more than half his life on.. He's been using Verizon's "Air Card", and swears by it. It's around $60 per month and has worked well everyplace he's been. I did my own checking around, and there doesn't seem to be anyplace that offers Internet service for less than $60 per month. Most all say they give "unlimited service", but it's actually limited to 5 gig when you read the fine print. Wifi isn't always available, and the security is el'zippo. If you're a heavy user and have to have access on a daily basis, I'd go with the "Air Card". Pick a carrier that had the best coverage in your area. The "Millencom mobile broadband card" mentioned sounds good, but read the fine print. They're all out to make moolah, and don't care if they give you a brake. | ||
| Chuck Newman (Chuck_newman)
Registered Member Username: Chuck_newman Post Number: 270 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 99.170.66.106 Rating: N/A |
Well John, does that mean you're going to hang up the steering wheel for good? If so, sorry to hear that, but I hope you continue input on the board. I like your sense of reality of most things. By the way "... by the foolish demand that legislation govern things we've lost control of." Ironically, the foolish demand for legislation is demanded by those with little or no common sense. They assume all of us are as stupid as them. | ||
| Keith Wood (Ft6)
Registered Member Username: Ft6 Post Number: 11 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 71.140.185.254 Rating: N/A |
"But please do heed the comments regarding the jacking and blocking points. NEVER go under a bus without insuring it is properly blocked. It only takes one time, to flatten your body beyond repair." It doesn't even need to be flattened -- just squeezed enough that you get just 10% less air than you need. Not a way to go that I would pick . . . |