Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Mobile Broadband

  1. 27th November 2014, 01:55 PM #1
    Simon's Avatar
    Simon
    Simon is offline Master
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    259
    Total Downloaded
    0

    Mobile Broadband

    Sorry if this has been done before, I had a look but couldn't see anything

    I'm considering a Telstra mobile wi-fi device for travelling, for example like the 4G advanced pro-x. To this we'll connect laptop / ipad as need arises (and presumably can also connect iphone for internet)

    Just wondering with regard to coverage should these devices be connected to an antenna to assist pickup in marginal areas? If so what would be the recommendation?

    Apologies if I'm asking questions that make no sense, this is all new to me....

    Thanks

    Simon
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  2. 27th November 2014, 02:18 PM #2
    Tombie Guest
    Take it your iPad isnt 3g/4g equipped version?
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  3. 27th November 2014, 02:21 PM #3
    Eevo's Avatar
    Eevo
    Eevo is offline Swaggie Subscriber
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Adelaide Hills
    Posts
    13,383
    Total Downloaded
    0
    well the telstra network has the best coverage in general.
    for general use, an antenna is more hassle than its worth.

    best thing would be to try without an antenna and see if your happy.
    just remember that an antenna enhances a signal.
    if there is no signal to start with, there is nothing to enhance and you will see no benefit.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  4. 27th November 2014, 02:39 PM #4
    Phil B
    Phil B is offline Wizard Subscriber
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    1,073
    Total Downloaded
    0
    x2 what Eevo has said.
    The other providers are alot cheaper but Telsta has by far the best coverage in remote areas.
    I have an Optus modem for ipods etc which is fine in cities but hopeless in rural areas.
    I wouldn't bother with an antenna.
    Phil
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  5. 27th November 2014, 02:51 PM #5
    Simon's Avatar
    Simon
    Simon is offline Master
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    259
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Yes, the Ipad is wifi only.

    Thoughts of antenna came about through large areas of the telstra coverage map indicating no signal without external antenna. Agreed their coverage is the widest, we are currently with Virgin (optus) and its nowhere near.

    Good point re seeing how we go first. If all goes to plan we'll be on the road for c.11 months so plenty of time finetune things.

    Cheers

    Simon
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  6. 27th November 2014, 03:15 PM #6
    gavinwibrow's Avatar
    gavinwibrow
    gavinwibrow is online now YarnMaster Silver Subscriber
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Fremantle WA
    Posts
    3,839
    Total Downloaded
    0
    I use a small antenna for a 3/4G dongle connected to my laptop in remote areas and it does improve the signal strength, but is very variable. I'm not sure how that translates to wifi use, but on balance, for the price I would think it worth it for remote traveling.
    I remember the old CDMA thick 1 metre high aerials made a significant improvement to mobile phone reception (usually in the order of 20 - 25% for me).
    D4 MY16 TDV6 - Cambo towing magic, Traxide Batteries, X Lifter, GAP ID Tool, Snorkel, Mitch Hitch, Clearview Mirrors, F&R Dashcams, CB
    RRC MY95 LSE Vogue Softdash "Bessie" with MY99 TD5 and 4HP24 transplants
    SADLY SOLD MY04 D2a TD5 auto and MY10 D4 2.7 both with lots of goodies
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  7. 27th November 2014, 03:31 PM #7
    PhilipA
    PhilipA is offline Swaggie Subscriber
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    Avoca Beach
    Posts
    14,152
    Total Downloaded
    0
    It's either on here or Exploroz where you can put your dongle on a pole or up a tree, or as one bloke posted pictures of, camping in a quarry and having the dongle on a hill 100 metres away and getting fine wifi.

    So really your dongle IS the antenna. I got an antenna with mine but never used it.

    I found many times if I chucked it up on the roof of the tent, I got a much better signal.
    Telstra only.
    By dongle I mean a wifi hotspot thingo.
    Regards Philip A
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  8. 27th November 2014, 04:17 PM #8
    bee utey's Avatar
    bee utey
    bee utey is offline AT REST
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Crafers West South Australia
    Posts
    11,732
    Total Downloaded
    0
    I have a Telstra 4G USB wireless broadband dongle thingy (Sierra Wireless) that I cart around the place and use it with my laptop. When reception is poor I use the 2 metre extension cable and hang it higher . I've found also that if I hang it on the cross bar of an aluminium window I get around 1 bar of better signal. I'd imagine that if you fashioned some sort of wire loop and hung it off that it would similarly boost the signal strength. I'm sure you could use a longer extension cord too and a pole.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
« Wiring for Thule Euroway 2 Bike | Tidying up electrics under Defender seat / dual battery etc. »

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Forum Rules

Search AULRO.com ONLY!
 Search All the Web!