Super helpful! I'm a full time RV'er and I personally use HomeFi. It's a great option for me and has worked wonderfully for all my remote work and streaming services. It connects me to the nearest strongest signal so I am constantly connected wherever I go.
Thank you Amy, I'm glad you liked the video. I don't think I've seen Homefi, but have seen a similar product in the UK. Thank you for pointing it out. Having the ability to connect to any available network is certainly one of the best ways to guarantee signal if you are travelling a lot.
Really good informative video. As someone who worked for Ericsson and had a caravan, I fitted a Maxview antenna and associated mobile sim router. The only thing you missed out is the wave length of the signal that some carriers operate at. O2 and Vodafone use a shortwave signal system because their cells are smaller and close together because they are designed to operate in cities and towns. EE operates at a longer wavelength signal because they were the old Cable And Wireless designed to work in rural areas. I personally use anew Sim in my caravan router.
That's really useful information to know the background to some of the technical reasons why different providers have better or worse signals. I wasn't aware of that, though to be honest it would probably have made the video a bit too technical. Thanks for sharing though it's always to good to know more. Glad you liked the video. Dave
Great video. I would add that there are quite a few unlimited data sims that are monthly contracts. So you can pay each month for the next month and then pause payments when not in the van. They can a swichched too and from automatic payments. Mine uses the 3 network and costs £15.00 per month.
Thank you. I'm really glad you liked the video and that's a great tip about unlimited data sims. I deliberately didn't go into the choice of sims as it's a bit of a minefield and the options change regularly.
Thanks for the really great video well set out I live in a narrow boat and have already gone down the router route but it's great to now I did the right thing
Thanks for a very informative and well presented video, extremely easy to understand too! I think you touched on a non permanent version of your Avtex but just in case what are your thoughts on the Falcon 4G Combo v2.0 150MBPS All In One Outdoor Router or similar (I assume there are many!) Thanks!
Thank you. I'm really pleased you found it helpful. I haven't tried the Falcon 4G Combo but have looked at it. In theory it should meet a lot of the requirements as it has it's own SIM so you can get a provider with best coverage. It can also be located outside the vehicle which should improve the signal in weak areas. The only negative I saw in it was that, especially if stuck to the window, then there is a very desirable and nickable item unsecured and in plain site. But if pitched somewhere that that would be a problem then you could of course take it down when out. Price is probably about right for that sort of device. If I remember correctly Dan did a review on his channel "The Trudgeans" (I was right here's the link th-cam.com/video/uYkSmZMQdgA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=K8T973OPviRpJXI1)
Thanks for the reply. I have watched Dan’s video which is why I was considering it as an option. Interestingly he also has a fixed aerial, still undecided but better informed now. Thanks again.
This is super interesting. Gaining 4G or 5G is near on impossible inside our van with the doors & windows shut. Starlink always seems the best option but for the cost I just cant justify it.
I'm glad you found it interesting and hopefully helpful. Starlink (or any other satellite based solution) will always be the best option in terms of guaranteed signal. So, if an internet connection is critical, then it would be the best option. If a fast upload speed is important, usually only required if you are uploading something like video on a regular basis, then other options like 5G are faster (if you have a signal). The cost issue with Starlink is, for me, at least, the monthly fee. If you are not using it full time, then it becomes very expensive to the alternative PAYG options. Having access to multiple SIMs that you can easily activate is probably the most cost-effective solution. Since there will often be one provider with a signal in most locations. But when there isn't any provision, that's where Starlink wins out.
Have you thought about an external antenna that has the ability to use an eSIM they are quite a new thing but are more flexible and can work out cheaper! Its Vertual SIM that you download no card to remove or insert!
I haven't seen an external antenna kit that uses eSIM (though it would actually be the router that would need to be eSIM based rather than the antenna. So there would potentially be an option to change to one if someone bought/fitted an external antenna and internal SIM based router.) Certainly a great idea for people that need to swap providers often for example when travelling thru multiple countries. Thanks for making the suggestion.
Have been to a number of sites recently that give you free wifi but at times have very poor reception. Is there a device I could place on the roof to "Grab" the service to boost it insid ethe caravan for say tv,Ipads etc?
The avtex unit I have (and made a review of) picks up 4G mobile signal but also has an option for connecting to a nearby WiFi signal. We used it recently in Sweden to use the sites WiFi. Alternatively a standard WiFi booster / repeater will just link yo WiFi.
Very interesting and useful videos thanks. Q. we currently use an avtex TV tethering to Iphone, the logging on procedure fails more often than not and is very frustrating often resulting in something or someone being hurled around the caravan, its possibly an phone or network set up issue. we are considering an Avtex wifi unit, Do all devices require a log on at every use (as per the instructions ie. password/QR code)and is the success rate constant or is it like home when ipad logs on automatically after initial set up? thanks again.
I'm not familiar with the Avtex TV but generally any WiFi device should remember the WiFi details and reconnect automatically. The only reasons it would not would be either. 1 The option to SAVE (remember) the connection details was not chosen in the TV inteeface when you connected to the phone's WiFi. 2 The phone may be generating a random wifi password each time you connect. I believe this is an option in iPhones and can be turned off by setting your own fixed hotspot password. If you did purchase a fixed WiFi unit such as the Avtex WiFi then you would only need to connect devices to it once and then you are all set (unless you decided to change the password).
Hi DT, would be grateful for advice from yourself and/or others please,. Have you used, or considered, a surge protector for an outdoor aerial, protecting against a lightening power surge? The site we are permanently at has a decent signal 'most of the time', the mast being only 20 - 30 yds away, but this can drop significantly, at peak usage. All 4 major mobile signals in the area are very weak. I've purchased a WiFi 'booster' for our caravan, as the first attempt to improve broadband stability.The booster comes with a surge protector, which has to be 'grounded'. Whilst we're on the same site, we are not on a permanent pitch, hence any setup has to be temporary.Given the temporary setup, what do you consider a suitable but easy way to earth it. Would a large rod/peg hammered into the ground be sufficient? Learning a lot from your channel, which I've only recently discovered. Thank you.
Is the mast that's 20-30 yards away a WiFi mast for the site or an actual mobile mast? I'm guessing it is because you mentioned a WiFi booster. If it's a WiFi mast and people on the site are all accessing it then it will almost certainly get overloaded very easily unless the site has a high capacity system set up. The booster will only help the signal which probably isn't the problem. In terms of an earthing rod a proper one is usually fairly long and typically copper. So whilst hammering it in will be fairly easy getting it out may not be since copper will bend easily and bend round rocks etc. I'm not an expert on earthing aerials but I found this on an amateur radio reddit. If I'm understanding one of the posts correctly he is suggesting putting a copper strip (from old copper pipe) and then fixing that down at multiple points (multiple pegs going into the ground). I think something like that is probably the only temporary ground you could make up without leaving a trail of ground rods stuck in the ground everywhere you've pitched lol. Also worth thinking about the height of the booster/aerial relative to other objects that would conduct a lightning strike. Hope that helps, or that others suggest better ideas. www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/vhryyw/temporary_station_grounding/?rdt=42641
The only option is to try other providers, so having access to other PAYG sims is usefull. If no providers give coverage then something like Starlink is the only option, since satellite coverage is far more consistent.
Where the site you're on has a wifi connection that you have to 'log into' , via a Web page, this won't work direct to your smart tv . The smart tv only wants a password, and cannot connect directly to a site wifi through a Web login. Your phone can use the wifi, but can't then act as a hot spot for your TV, unless using a 'cellular' connection, which defeats the object of a free wifi.
You raise a very good point. This is where something like the Avtex unit I installed in our caravan can offer a solution. The Avtex can act as a true router which usually connects to a cellular connection but also has the option of connecting to a WiFi connection. This enables you to connect devices such as smart TVs to the router and the router then connects to the site free (or chargeable) WiFi. The smart TV or Firestick will often not support the logon webpage BUT you should be able to access the shared WiFi with something like a laptop or mobile phone which will display the login page. Once you have logged in using the phone or laptop then the connection to the site WiFi should be validated and he smart TV should then work. I can't guarantee it will work with every site's security especially if they've done something weird in their setup. But it should work and we've certainly got ours to work in a similar way when trying to access mobile provider sites to top up credit whilst abroad, which tend to pop up with similar login pages. Hope that helps.
This is what I like, keep it factual and succinct, I bet the large majority of people share my view. Good content, thank you 👍. The only thing I do not care for is the Avtex aspect, there are better and more cost effective systems, so sorry but for this alone I won't be subscribing to your channel.
Thanks glad you liked it and found it helpful. In terms of the Avtex that is just the system we went for, for a number of reasons some of will likely not apply to other users. That is why I pointed out that there are other kits available including the option of buying components to make up a kit. If you have specific kits or options that you'd recommend then please do let me know as it will help others in the community. Thanks for the feedback though it really does help the channel.
WOW! Love the channel BUT can’t believe you didn’t mention Starlink!!!! We live on a boat and have it and when travelling in the motorhome take it, it’s simply the BEST option. Sorry you dropped the ball here!
Hi glad you like the channel. I thought I had mentioned mentioned Starlink / satellite. Just checked the video transcript and it is covered, briefly, at around 11:22 including covering some basic costs and performance stats. I didn't have any personal experience of it and given the high cost didn't focus too much on it but it is in there:)
@@DTSquared For Greece (i work a lot on the road) a good working Starlink connection while moving around is too expensive compared to mobile subscription. (50 euro for 3 months unlimited data and 5G speed + free big SIM modem in Greece) But only if you have good antenna's and SIM router (not just one of those mini dongles). Im talking about those mobile wifi subscriptions not the mobile phone subscription. For Greece you need the one from Cosmote for best coverage...Plus with Starlink there are wierd waiting lists and other problems. For now, i think Starlink is amazing for business or much bigger budget...I have critical online work with real deadlines, i tried a lot of stuff and what i said (mobile wifi subscription) is for me the best, for now (2024).
WiFi is actually the local connection between the Internet connected device (such as a Starlink terminal) and the user device. Starlink is a more reliable alternative to 4G and 5G but at significant cost for more occasional users.
Just buy a little more 3/4G. Then just use your hotspot off your phone. Most phones are far ahead of any other piece of kit. I pay £5.00 a month to get plenty of airtime. Can watch between 50 to 70 films a month. No holes in your roof and @ £5.00 a month extra on my phone is super cheap. It would take about 10 years before it equals a wifi router or satellite dish.
Using your mobile phone, as I said in my video, is certainly the lowest cost option for having WiFi on site . . . if you can get signal. In low signal areas it's the least reliable. In the few months since fitting the Avtex unit we have already stayed at several sites where our mobile phones could not get a reliable internet connection. But the Avtex, on the same provider could.
Yes Avtex have been telling people for years nothing works in your cvan or campervan but their kit but this is rubbish. I bought a tv from cash converters £40 & it has worked fine in my cvan for years with digital & analogue channels..
Hopefully not too confused :-) I try to make everything as clear as possible whilst also giving plenty of detail. If there's anything you're not sure about I will always try to explain if I can. :-)
Super helpful! I'm a full time RV'er and I personally use HomeFi. It's a great option for me and has worked wonderfully for all my remote work and streaming services. It connects me to the nearest strongest signal so I am constantly connected wherever I go.
Thank you Amy, I'm glad you liked the video. I don't think I've seen Homefi, but have seen a similar product in the UK. Thank you for pointing it out. Having the ability to connect to any available network is certainly one of the best ways to guarantee signal if you are travelling a lot.
Excellent and instructive. Just what I wanted. Many thanks 🤓
Thank you. I'm glad you found it helpful.
Really good informative video. As someone who worked for Ericsson and had a caravan, I fitted a Maxview antenna and associated mobile sim router. The only thing you missed out is the wave length of the signal that some carriers operate at. O2 and Vodafone use a shortwave signal system because their cells are smaller and close together because they are designed to operate in cities and towns. EE operates at a longer wavelength signal because they were the old Cable And Wireless designed to work in rural areas. I personally use anew Sim in my caravan router.
That's really useful information to know the background to some of the technical reasons why different providers have better or worse signals. I wasn't aware of that, though to be honest it would probably have made the video a bit too technical. Thanks for sharing though it's always to good to know more. Glad you liked the video.
Dave
Thanks for this. I am struggling with what to use so hopefully things are clearer now 😊
I'm really glad you found it helpful.
Great video. I would add that there are quite a few unlimited data sims that are monthly contracts. So you can pay each month for the next month and then pause payments when not in the van. They can a swichched too and from automatic payments. Mine uses the 3 network and costs £15.00 per month.
Thank you. I'm really glad you liked the video and that's a great tip about unlimited data sims. I deliberately didn't go into the choice of sims as it's a bit of a minefield and the options change regularly.
Thanks for the really great video well set out I live in a narrow boat and have already gone down the router route but it's great to now I did the right thing
Can't beat a bit of confirmation 😄
Glad you liked the video.
Dave
This is so well and professionally presented, brilliant. Thankyou Sir.
Thank you so much! I'm really pleased that you found it helpful.
Well done, a refreshingly well presented video. Clear and concise.
Thank you Paul, I'm glad you enjoyed it and hopefully found it useful.
Thanks for a very informative and well presented video, extremely easy to understand too! I think you touched on a non permanent version of your Avtex but just in case what are your thoughts on the Falcon 4G Combo v2.0 150MBPS All In One Outdoor Router or similar (I assume there are many!) Thanks!
Thank you. I'm really pleased you found it helpful. I haven't tried the Falcon 4G Combo but have looked at it. In theory it should meet a lot of the requirements as it has it's own SIM so you can get a provider with best coverage. It can also be located outside the vehicle which should improve the signal in weak areas. The only negative I saw in it was that, especially if stuck to the window, then there is a very desirable and nickable item unsecured and in plain site. But if pitched somewhere that that would be a problem then you could of course take it down when out.
Price is probably about right for that sort of device.
If I remember correctly Dan did a review on his channel "The Trudgeans" (I was right here's the link th-cam.com/video/uYkSmZMQdgA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=K8T973OPviRpJXI1)
Thanks for the reply. I have watched Dan’s video which is why I was considering it as an option. Interestingly he also has a fixed aerial, still undecided but better informed now. Thanks again.
This is super interesting. Gaining 4G or 5G is near on impossible inside our van with the doors & windows shut. Starlink always seems the best option but for the cost I just cant justify it.
I'm glad you found it interesting and hopefully helpful. Starlink (or any other satellite based solution) will always be the best option in terms of guaranteed signal. So, if an internet connection is critical, then it would be the best option. If a fast upload speed is important, usually only required if you are uploading something like video on a regular basis, then other options like 5G are faster (if you have a signal).
The cost issue with Starlink is, for me, at least, the monthly fee. If you are not using it full time, then it becomes very expensive to the alternative PAYG options. Having access to multiple SIMs that you can easily activate is probably the most cost-effective solution. Since there will often be one provider with a signal in most locations. But when there isn't any provision, that's where Starlink wins out.
Have you thought about an external antenna that has the ability to use an eSIM they are quite a new thing but are more flexible and can work out cheaper!
Its Vertual SIM that you download no card to remove or insert!
I haven't seen an external antenna kit that uses eSIM (though it would actually be the router that would need to be eSIM based rather than the antenna. So there would potentially be an option to change to one if someone bought/fitted an external antenna and internal SIM based router.)
Certainly a great idea for people that need to swap providers often for example when travelling thru multiple countries. Thanks for making the suggestion.
Have been to a number of sites recently that give you free wifi but at times have very poor reception. Is there a device I could place on the roof to "Grab" the service to boost it insid ethe caravan for say tv,Ipads etc?
The avtex unit I have (and made a review of) picks up 4G mobile signal but also has an option for connecting to a nearby WiFi signal. We used it recently in Sweden to use the sites WiFi.
Alternatively a standard WiFi booster / repeater will just link yo WiFi.
we went fixed to allow a cctv nanny cam and connect the alarm system
That is one of the benefits of having a fixed aerial, being able to use it at any time, including when away from the van.
Brilliant video, thank you
Thank you. I'm glad you found it helpful.
Very interesting and useful videos thanks.
Q. we currently use an avtex TV tethering to Iphone, the logging on procedure fails more often than not and is very frustrating often resulting in something or someone being hurled around the caravan, its possibly an phone or network set up issue. we are considering an Avtex wifi unit, Do all devices require a log on at every use (as per the instructions ie. password/QR code)and is the success rate constant or is it like home when ipad logs on automatically after initial set up? thanks again.
I'm not familiar with the Avtex TV but generally any WiFi device should remember the WiFi details and reconnect automatically. The only reasons it would not would be either.
1 The option to SAVE (remember) the connection details was not chosen in the TV inteeface when you connected to the phone's WiFi.
2 The phone may be generating a random wifi password each time you connect. I believe this is an option in iPhones and can be turned off by setting your own fixed hotspot password.
If you did purchase a fixed WiFi unit such as the Avtex WiFi then you would only need to connect devices to it once and then you are all set (unless you decided to change the password).
@@DTSquared Thanks for the reply Dave, given me a few more options to investigate.
Hi DT, would be grateful for advice from yourself and/or others please,.
Have you used, or considered, a surge protector for an outdoor aerial, protecting against a lightening power surge?
The site we are permanently at has a decent signal 'most of the time', the mast being only 20 - 30 yds away, but this can drop significantly, at peak usage. All 4 major mobile signals in the area are very weak.
I've purchased a WiFi 'booster' for our caravan, as the first attempt to improve broadband stability.The booster comes with a surge protector, which has to be 'grounded'.
Whilst we're on the same site, we are not on a permanent pitch, hence any setup has to be temporary.Given the temporary setup, what do you consider a suitable but easy way to earth it. Would a large rod/peg hammered into the ground be sufficient?
Learning a lot from your channel, which I've only recently discovered. Thank you.
Is the mast that's 20-30 yards away a WiFi mast for the site or an actual mobile mast? I'm guessing it is because you mentioned a WiFi booster. If it's a WiFi mast and people on the site are all accessing it then it will almost certainly get overloaded very easily unless the site has a high capacity system set up. The booster will only help the signal which probably isn't the problem.
In terms of an earthing rod a proper one is usually fairly long and typically copper. So whilst hammering it in will be fairly easy getting it out may not be since copper will bend easily and bend round rocks etc.
I'm not an expert on earthing aerials but I found this on an amateur radio reddit. If I'm understanding one of the posts correctly he is suggesting putting a copper strip (from old copper pipe) and then fixing that down at multiple points (multiple pegs going into the ground). I think something like that is probably the only temporary ground you could make up without leaving a trail of ground rods stuck in the ground everywhere you've pitched lol.
Also worth thinking about the height of the booster/aerial relative to other objects that would conduct a lightning strike.
Hope that helps, or that others suggest better ideas.
www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/vhryyw/temporary_station_grounding/?rdt=42641
@@DTSquared thanks for the advice, much appreciated.
But what if you have little or no mobile signal on side, outdoors?
The only option is to try other providers, so having access to other PAYG sims is usefull.
If no providers give coverage then something like Starlink is the only option, since satellite coverage is far more consistent.
@@DTSquared Thanks, much as I feared!
Thanks very helpful - subscibed
Thankyou :)
Where the site you're on has a wifi connection that you have to 'log into' , via a Web page, this won't work direct to your smart tv . The smart tv only wants a password, and cannot connect directly to a site wifi through a Web login. Your phone can use the wifi, but can't then act as a hot spot for your TV, unless using a 'cellular' connection, which defeats the object of a free wifi.
You raise a very good point. This is where something like the Avtex unit I installed in our caravan can offer a solution. The Avtex can act as a true router which usually connects to a cellular connection but also has the option of connecting to a WiFi connection. This enables you to connect devices such as smart TVs to the router and the router then connects to the site free (or chargeable) WiFi. The smart TV or Firestick will often not support the logon webpage BUT you should be able to access the shared WiFi with something like a laptop or mobile phone which will display the login page.
Once you have logged in using the phone or laptop then the connection to the site WiFi should be validated and he smart TV should then work.
I can't guarantee it will work with every site's security especially if they've done something weird in their setup. But it should work and we've certainly got ours to work in a similar way when trying to access mobile provider sites to top up credit whilst abroad, which tend to pop up with similar login pages. Hope that helps.
This is what I like, keep it factual and succinct, I bet the large majority of people share my view.
Good content, thank you 👍.
The only thing I do not care for is the Avtex aspect, there are better and more cost effective systems, so sorry but for this alone I won't be subscribing to your channel.
Thanks glad you liked it and found it helpful. In terms of the Avtex that is just the system we went for, for a number of reasons some of will likely not apply to other users. That is why I pointed out that there are other kits available including the option of buying components to make up a kit. If you have specific kits or options that you'd recommend then please do let me know as it will help others in the community.
Thanks for the feedback though it really does help the channel.
What an excellent, informative vid. This has really helped me to narrow down my options. Just got to make the decision now. Thanks very much. Des
Thank you that's very kind. I'm so glad you found it helpful.
i use a TPLink with a year of data on it brilliant
Sounds like a good option. Which network is the data with?
@@DTSquared EE
Really helpful.
Thank you 😊
WOW! Love the channel BUT can’t believe you didn’t mention Starlink!!!! We live on a boat and have it and when travelling in the motorhome take it, it’s simply the BEST option. Sorry you dropped the ball here!
Hi glad you like the channel. I thought I had mentioned mentioned Starlink / satellite. Just checked the video transcript and it is covered, briefly, at around 11:22 including covering some basic costs and performance stats. I didn't have any personal experience of it and given the high cost didn't focus too much on it but it is in there:)
@@DTSquared For Greece (i work a lot on the road) a good working Starlink connection while moving around is too expensive compared to mobile subscription. (50 euro for 3 months unlimited data and 5G speed + free big SIM modem in Greece) But only if you have good antenna's and SIM router (not just one of those mini dongles). Im talking about those mobile wifi subscriptions not the mobile phone subscription. For Greece you need the one from Cosmote for best coverage...Plus with Starlink there are wierd waiting lists and other problems. For now, i think Starlink is amazing for business or much bigger budget...I have critical online work with real deadlines, i tried a lot of stuff and what i said (mobile wifi subscription) is for me the best, for now (2024).
He did mention Starlink!!
You won't beat Starlink. Fast, reliable and portable. Why even think about WiFi!
WiFi is actually the local connection between the Internet connected device (such as a Starlink terminal) and the user device.
Starlink is a more reliable alternative to 4G and 5G but at significant cost for more occasional users.
I was going to get Starlink but need internet connectivity on the move in my motorhome. So it’s no good for me.
@@KennyMcC Starlink Mini will operate well at speed! Plenty of information out there including You tube!
@@brotherkithThanks. I’ll look into that 👍
Starlink 😂😂😂
Another Musk controlled endeavour.
3G is also being shutdown.
Thanks for mentioning that.
Just buy a little more 3/4G. Then just use your hotspot off your phone. Most phones are far ahead of any other piece of kit. I pay £5.00 a month to get plenty of airtime. Can watch between 50 to 70 films a month. No holes in your roof and @ £5.00 a month extra on my phone is super cheap.
It would take about 10 years before it equals a wifi router or satellite dish.
Using your mobile phone, as I said in my video, is certainly the lowest cost option for having WiFi on site . . . if you can get signal. In low signal areas it's the least reliable. In the few months since fitting the Avtex unit we have already stayed at several sites where our mobile phones could not get a reliable internet connection. But the Avtex, on the same provider could.
Starlink mini 👍
👍
I find Avtex equipment don't work very well and very costly. There are other options on the market.
That's interesting to know, were there any specific issues with the Avtex gear? And was it their WiFi unit you had problems with or their TVs?
Yes Avtex have been telling people for years nothing works in your cvan or campervan but their kit but this is rubbish. I bought a tv from cash converters £40 & it has worked fine in my cvan for years with digital & analogue channels..
Starlink is fantastic.
Definitely the best option to guarantee a connection. .
Might just read a bunch of books instead of Wi-Fi.
LOL
I'll have to make a video on reading lights. 🤣
Rip your DVDs down To Mpeg 4 and you can get about 700 Dvds On a 1 tb Memory Card
We used to do this for a while. But never found the time to sit there ripping DVDs.
sorry i had to turn you off it was so boring
Ah well, I guess the information is not for everybody. But thank you for taking the time to comment, it really helps the channel.
Complete answer: Starlink. Not even mentioned?
It is actually mentioned at around 11:22, including covering some basic costs and stats.
It was mentioned in the one I watched. Perhaps you lost the Internet at that point.
Yes it was!!
Even more confused now 🤪
Hopefully not too confused :-) I try to make everything as clear as possible whilst also giving plenty of detail. If there's anything you're not sure about I will always try to explain if I can. :-)