Motorhome INTERNET WIFI installation - Netgear M5 Nighthawk, Poynting PUCK 2 Antenna Install
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ต.ค. 2024
- Drilling a hole in the roof of your brand new motorhome is a scary prospect!
This is a video guide of how I installed the Poynting PUCK 2 antenna in our Swift motorhome, hiding the cables within the bathroom cupboard and presenting them neatly in the main cabin through a brushed outlet. This is a 5G antenna and Mifi unit so that we the best internet in our motorhome possible - for work and Netflix/Amazon Prime/Disney streaming for the kids (honest!).
Below are some affiliate links to all the parts I used:
Netgear Nighthawk M5 5G Wifi (Mifi): amzn.to/39cHxdH
(or alternatively the Netgear Nighthawk M2 4G version: amzn.to/3lw40Ix)
Antenna: amzn.to/3hwl4Na
TS9 Adaptor cable: amzn.to/3zdj42k
Brush plates: amzn.to/3nC3ECv
USB-C 20cm cable: amzn.to/3Eiyc2j
Flush 12v car adaptor: amzn.to/3hTyYt9
Leave me a comment if you have any questions.
Subscribe and come back next time for a video on all the small motorhome gadgets we've bought since it arrived!
Testing using speedtest.net, on EE, and the same target server gave me 70-80mbps on my phone, and over 200mbps when connected to this new WiFi setup. VERY impressed!
Just installed the Puck 2 but decided to bring it in above the microwave cupboard. Thanks for the video
That's a good place for it too. That's where I brought our solar controller in. What did you do for power?
@@2.4inaVan I've literally just installed the antenna so far. There's plenty of wiring in there to pick up a feed. I'll most likely do a similar install to yours just above the carbon monoxide sensor.
@@jeremyleighton3585 good plan, best of luck
@@2.4inaVan out of interest did you use any sealent around the Puck 2 or just the foam gasket it was supplied with?
You're braver than me, I went for the stick on option, but of course I now wish I'd got a roof mounted one. Howe er, I mentioned it to the other half and she just said flatly - No. Hmm, then some subscribers worried me by suggesting the water ingress warranty might be invalid. I don't think that is the case though. Maybe I'll sell my other antenna and get one of those instead, I might get the dealer to fit it though!
You did a good job there though, lucky escape with the ladder falling...
Yes, definitely! Lesson learned leaving ladders unattended!
We have the m2 in Australia full time in a van. I use an extender pole bought from Aldi with a round metal plate on top. I bought a small antenna for just $50 aus. It has a magnetic base so clamps firmly on even in strong winds. Since a lot of where we travel has no 4g or at best 4g with one bar the Nighthawk even without the antenna performs better than our iPhone a lot. Going into settings, more then status I go by the RSRP -decibel setting to gauge the signal strength. Currently at a caravan park with good internet anyway and it’s sitting at -83dBm which is very good and set to 5GHz I’m getting 175mbps. Amazing. Bush no internet happy if I get under -120dBm. Lower number being better. A bit long winded but I wonder if the Poynting Puck would be that much better. Not finding the little antenna on the pole is really not much better than without it. Maybe 4 to 5 -dBm. Interested in your thoughts. Nice concise video by the way.
Really interesting to hear your experiences. I travel for work and take the M5 with me rather than competing on hotel internet. It works well but I often need to keep it closer to the window to get the better signal. Whilst I've not done extensive tests in the van with/without the puck it makes sense to me to have something outside the vehicle to improve the connection to the mobile mast. Maybe one day we'll get the opportunity to test it in Oz!!
Great video 👍. I’ve recently bought the M2 and the same Poynting Antennae as you. I really wanted to do a DIY install but it would have voided our Bailey caravan bodyshell warranty (so reluctantly had to pay main dealer £80 labour to do what you did). Used the system for the first time in Anglesey this weekend in a very poor signal area and was getting 30 to 40Mbps download (iPhone struggling to get 3Mbps). I feel that the Nighthawk/Poynting Puck combo is great!!! Really enjoyed your style of filming & content & will be subscribing to your channel.
Thanks David, glad you got yours sorted and that it's working well!
I always found Anglesey really good reception. Try aberdaron if you want proper bad signal. I've got the poynting omnidirectional. Xpol v1 as standard setup. Worked to similar downloads speeds for me with my m1 on EE. 5G is not available in Wales apart from near Rhyl. So I thought I'd save myself a lot of money and wait for costs to come down. I've modified my m1 to have 4x mimo so if I connect my poynting Xpol v3 directional aerial at same time I can get up to 100mbps spoeds :)
I bought all your recommended components. Just debating M5 v M2. Great series of vids. Thanks.
The only reason I went for the M5 was because I didn't want to replace the M2 in 18 months. That being said, 5G is not particularly useful at the moment because the coverage doesn't overlap with where we'll be camping!
Haha, sorry, I thought you looked familiar from the collab, I’ve watched this one before a couple of times - we have an external antenna but am now looking for a more permanent fixture so this may be what I do for us. Thanks for sharing. Andy and Kim.
No worries 😂😀
Thanks for the video and your follow up comments.
After watching the video, I was interested in just how impactful the aerial is but you have now covered that in your update :-) .
Still going strong :-) are you thinking of installing one?
Yes but struggling with which system to install.
How is the Netgear performing ?
@@nhojre fantastically. We ran our whole house off it without the puck when we moved recently. What are you considering?
@@2.4inaVan
That sounds pretty amazing !!
Just wish I had more confidence in the netgear options.
I am looking at :
Maxview Roam and x - Avtex Wi-Fi and motorhomewifi 5G ready flex.
Just like netgear M1 and M2 they have mixed reviews, apart from motorhomewifi, who seem to be the reliable company option.
I am now looking deeper into it and looking at the pointing Mimo 3 aerial and Teltonika RUTX09 router.
I seem to be spending too long reviewing at the moment :-)
@@nhojre Always best to take your time over a decision. What are the concerns over the netgears?
A little tip for when putting those two part sticky magnets in place is to use the magnetic one on the device allowing it to stick on any ferrous surface even without the other part and then put the other metal mounting part onto that magnet (ALreay stuck to the device) before removing the paper backing. You can then simply push the whole thng into place accurately without having to guess where to put the metal plate separately. I hope that makes sense.
Great tip, thanks!
Any idea where I can buy the magnetic adhesive stickers you use - I've looked in Amazon and they all seem to be just metal disks and not magnetic. Thanks
I think these should do the trick amzn.to/43U9CQT
I have an M2 which appears to have the same TS9 ports. I was planning on having the M2 in my car when we drive to Spain later this year but I hadn't even considered the antenna. I know you said about the improvements, but how much does the puck improve this above and beyond the actual M2?
I am a little worried about drilling holes in the roof of my car. Have also wondered that if it does make a massive difference, how I might go about connecting this to an existing digital, or maybe a smaller usual car size antenna. Obviously would need to route the cable in to and around the car. Just don't want to do all that if it isn't much improvement. Obviously your motorhome is bigger and more space and potentially thicker roof which may block signals.
Any advise on this would be appreciated
My recommendation would be to get the M2 and try it without the antenna. I suspect it will be sufficient but trial it and see how you get on.
@@2.4inaVan Thank you! Yeah, gonna give it a try over the weekend. It is mainly going to be to keep the kids happy with their tablets on a long journey but also so I can use waze for more accurate traffic and routing, so hoping it will be enough
@@AndyPerry1972 I think it will be fine. Best of luck
Great video thanks. How have you found the Netgear?
The Ethernet port can also be used if you temporarily have access to fibre internet or something. The nighthawk can then save on your data plan and use the probably much faster hard line internet connection instead.
We moved house recently and whilst we were waiting for our broadband to go live we connected the ethernet to a switch for all the wired devices. It tied us over well for a couple of weeks
How is your upload speed with the Netgear and this antenna in remote places?
Depends where we've been but it's been great.
Hi Nice video which will help me a lot with my WIF
I have a random question though after seeing your shower area, you seem to have a unique head on your shower, is that the one which came with the van or have you changed it and if so does this particular shape give any specific benefits?
Glad it was useful Steve. No, the shower head came as standard. I've never really questioned it before so it's an interesting observation. I suppose with a smaller surface area of holes, it ultimately lets less water through in any given second. So, perhaps it allows you to wash whislt using less water? It's certainly worked fine for us :-)
Great video and installation. I did the same with a different Puck antenna and a Huawei 4g mobile router. After researching options for the ISP I decided to go with Smarty. Chip is £10 month for unlimited use. No contract so we can save costs when our MH is in storage and we know we will not be using it. Can just liven it up again when we wish to go on a trip. The installation was similar and we are so happy with the reception.
Great to hear Kevin
Took my Poynting MIMO to my Motorhome dealer as I didn’t want to risk my warranty fitting it myself as the Motorhome is only 3 month old.
The dealer refused to fit it because of the flimsy plastic spigot and the poor sealing. The technician also stated that he didn’t feel it was a good idea drilling 6 holes in the roof. He also told me what I suspected that it would only be comparable with a campervan such as a VW Tranporter with a thin steel roof and not a Motorhome with a 70mm cavity. Be warned.
Very interesting feedback, thank you. I have since sealed the puck with Sikaflex around the base of the unit and have not observed any water ingress. Odd that he felt 6 holes would need to be drilled as I only drilled 1, what were the other 5 required for?
Excuse me if this seams like a stupid question 🤓 Should the WIFI wired connections or the LTE ones be connected to the Huawei B535-33 router? Cheers 👍
Not a problem at all. I'm not familiar with that router but it looks like a 4g router similar to the Netgear I'm using. I'd expect you to connect the wires down from the puck antenna to the router, if it has suitable input sockets. I hope this helps but perhaps I've misunderstood your question?
@@2.4inaVan Thanks, it is a 4G router. I set it up and tested it in-house before I fit it into the motorhome. Connecting the puck to the router via the WIFI and LTE cable did give me internet access. Far greater data speeds using the LTE "75Mbps" and changing the setting to "external" antennas. Pretty impressed and happy that this set-up, at under £200 and a £16-a-month unlimited data sim from Voki will meet my needs. Thanks.
Hi did you have to buy the connectors separate i.e the TS9
Yes, from memory I don't think they came with the Netgear
Hi can I ask how has the Netgear router performed , I’m in the processes of purchasing the M2. Great vlogs by the way 👍🏻
Glad they're of use to you John! We love it. It's been completely solid and we've used it everywhere we've been
What size hole saw bit did you use ?
From memory, I think it was 10mm
Great video, have you tested the speed with and without the antenna attached. I would be interested in the gain from the antenna as I have the same router and the antenna doesn’t seem to gain anything. Do the antenna connections go all the way into the netgear router as mine do not?
Not yet, good idea though
Your question is exactly what I thought, I'd say that you'd notice a decent improvement in an area with a poor signal, but hardly any in a good signal area, in fact possibly the opposite...but you're giving yourself a good chance of getting the best averages.
Weird how they give you different length mountings for the roof rather than just put the longer one on and let people trim it to size!
I suppose it's a little easier for people and less risk of cracking the mounting
Question, would this void your water ingress warranty? I have a 2018 caravan and I was told drilling a hole through the roof would void my water ingress warranty.
Definitely worth talking to your warranty provider Hayden
8 month update: we get lots of questions by email and TH-cam comments about how this setup has stood up to the test of time. We thought it might be useful to share this real world experience.
We are currently in "the middle of nowhere" between Exeter and Barnstaple. My phone, inside the van, on EE, gets a ping time of 956ms and a download speed of 3.85Mb/s. To put this into context, the time it takes to connect to a server in New York from London is typically in the region of 70ms. So currently it is 13x slower to connect to the internet over my phone (a London server on speedtest.net) than you would normally expect from a home internet connection. Over my phone, the internet is completely unusable. No video streaming, it takes minutes to download an image, WhatsApp video conversations are impossible and I've got no signal to make normal telephone calls.
When I connect to the setup installed in this video (also on EE) I get 38ms ping time and 35.2Mbps - over 11x more data able to be downloaded than over my phone. This is actually the same performance of internet connectivity as I get at home over my Plusnet DSL service. We're in the middle of nowhere and we literally have the same service as we would at home.
We couldn't be happier 🙂
I. Currently streaming Netflix and BBC iPlayer over this setup. I couldn't be happier.
I hope this helps those that are unsure on what to do.
did you ever get any water ingress?
@@benstobbs82 nope, no issues at all
@@2.4inaVan thanks i've just had mine arrive and was wondering whether i needed to add any sealant or anything extra
@@benstobbs82 I did add sealant around the puck. On other holes (ie for solar) I also put it on the cable and pulled that through to seal the hole up. I figured the more the merrier!
I see your poynting antenna was installed 8 months ago. Is everything still waterproof? No leaks yet? Do you also seal the poynting antenna? What about the water tightness guarantee?
Everything's working well and there has been no water ingress. I did seal the antenna with Sikaflex, yes, but only recently when I installed a solar panel. The best thing to do with the guarantee is to check with your manufacturer/distributor.
Hi, great video… sorry if I’ve missed this somewhere, but what service provider / sim did you go with? Do you have to ask for anything specific in relation to the data plan for the Netgear M5? Thanks in advance 👍
No, don't worry, you didn't miss anything. I went for a 5G EE SIM. I called them up and added it as a separate part to my phone contract. I wanted an Unlimited bandwidth agreement so that we could stream with impunity :-) you don't need anything specific to the Netgear M5 and you could just put your phone SIM in if you wanted. From memory it's a micro SIM but most come compatible with different sizes and you just pop out the size you want.
Thank you. That’s a great help!👍
What size does the hole need to be or what size hole saw did you use to cut the hole in the roof?
It was a little while ago now so you'll have to forgive me that I don't remember, apologies!
Could you give an update of how you're finding the system, for both the Netgear and the puck antenna please? Pretty please. LOL.
Still loving the setup. You may not have seen but we've been all over the place and always had good enough internet for the kids to stream games and video and for us to watch Netflix etc on the projector. No regrets here!
How are finding this set up? I’m looking to instal something similar and have different things about the aerial….
I'm really pleased with it. Wherever we've been we've had solid internet suitable for watching Netflix and joining Teams meetings with video working clearly.
Cant believe you drilled through the bathroom ceiling and not in the cupboard
Pissing myself watching you butchering that swift 🤣🤣
Glad to have been of service
Explained in a way l understand. Her indoors still wont let me drill through the roof though. 😜
The trick is to do it in the dead of night
Hello great video is there a monthly cost for this WiFi ie like a mobile phone ?
Best wishes Jack South Wales 🏴
Yes, you still need to put a simcard in We've got one on a contract with EE
Well I am really impressed with your diy skills and was about to say to my husband should we look at doing something like this on our new campervan until I checked at the links for the cost!!!!! I think we will just hotspot off our phones initially 😂😂😂 £700 odd for the net gear nooo. I think I will be telling husband to treat himself to that drone first🙂. Great videos you are putting out though.
Completely understand, you could always take a look at the non 5G model which is much less?
@@2.4inaVan will have a look at that option. 😊
@@ruthkirby9277 amzn.to/3tiv67M this is one of the 4G options. Very popular in motorhomes and campervans
@@2.4inaVan thanks for the info probably good enough for our needs, much appreciated 🙂
Ruth, you don't need the M5. I've just done exactly the same install with the Netgear M2 (high speed 4G version), and i get the same speeds as broadband at home (approx. 50MB)
Great video, does making a hole in the roof compromise the warranty?
It's a great question Phillip. I would suggest double checking with your manufacturer as it could be different for different companies. Glad the video was of use!
@@2.4inaVan, I was just wondering considering the new shell type construction of modern vans. Personally I would not risk it if the van was still under any form of warranty. Keep safe.
I don’t understand why you did not try how good the WiFi was after you finished. That would give you a start in areas and the strength you where getting. I have a NETGEAR nighthawk M2. With a similar arrangement. I’m really disappointed in mine as I find the NETGEAR on its own next to the window is more powerful. I have same connections as yours but feel they are not good. The TS9 screw on great but the push on is a bit on the loose side I have snapped a few TS9 adapters trying for a better fit. Now where you have a usb socket to keep it charged I have a power bank. That keeps it charged for about a month. I hope yours worked out for you but I have bout lots of Ariels and found no joy out of any of them. My friend and I both feel the connections are poor. Great video but I never put a hole in my roof till I check it out and it works first. Thanks again Ray K UK YNWA.
Very sensible approach Ray. We're really pleased and get better connectivity in the van than we do at home. Home connection is about 40mbps. The van gets 110mbps. We were just next to StoneHenge this weekend and we're getting 50mbps there whilst our phones were dropping in and out signal. It works for us!
Unfortunately the great internet meant I had no excuses for why we couldn't stream Eurovision on the projector...
@@2.4inaVan I would thank the almighty internet GODS for that one what type of screen do you have for your projector? Since I’ve moved into a MH from my AutoSleeper I have to admit I’ve only used my projector outside using the van as a screen but I do love my Toumei projector.I’ve had it for 5 years and have sky built in with many other internet programs. Plus it fits neatly into my jeans back pocket. Haha
@@raykeogh1972 if you've subscribed you'll see a video soon
Great video and good comments. I'm about to buy the M2 (I think!) and will be trying it initially without an external antenna on the roof to see the performance of that, or possible adding some small TS-9 antennas before buying a roof mounted antenna.
What was the difference in speed?
Hi, do you have a link for the netgear magnetic mounting and bracket? Please
Apologies Ernie, I didn't spot your reply. I just used one of these: amzn.to/3BaYwtn . It's showing as out of stock so probably one of these for the wall: amzn.to/3D15tO4 and this amzn.to/3upDHaR for the back of the Netgear should work.
Thank you
@@erniesmith-motorcyclist no problem
I'd be definatley be using sealant instead of relying on 3M stickies, as these will without doubt let water in, in warmer/ hot weather .
Thanks for the tip Peter. I'm curious why the warmer weather will be the factor?
2.4 in a Van I would hazard a guess that it could be that some materials expand due to heat , 😊
@@lawrencerichards1415 thanks Lawrence
Superb video. Would be good to see back to back speed tests with and without the antenna plugged into the router? See what difference it actually makes
Great suggestion!
Can I use the phone carrier chip and put in this and would it be the same speed or faster???
I found it faster doing exactly that, yes
@@2.4inaVan so if i can connect my phone carrier chip it shoudl work fine?
@@miguelsilvagarcia3878 yes, that would be fine as long as the SIM card is the same size. Obviously moving the SIM card back and forth between your phone and the Netgear is more faff than having a second contract, but it's less expensive
Dumb Q maybe, but is it backwards compatible to 4G Networks ?
Of course it is dummy
It's definitely compatible, no problems there Jeremy
How come you didn't just measure the cupboard where you wanted the hole from the skylight, that way you could have just concealed it in the cupboard as per the original plan 🤔
It's a good idea
Did I miss you splicing into the power.
No, not at all. I positioned the MiFi above a 12v socket and powered it from there
where did you get that facia?
The brush plate? Here: amzn.to/3nC3ECv
@@2.4inaVan Thanks very useful.... I'm intending doing the same but my caravan is still under warranty so I'll have the dealer drill the hole. I'll do the rest
@@gibsonmb1 best of luck!
I would have had it done at dealers for The sake of warranty issues
why not just get a right angled chuck..........it would of allowed you to fit it in the cupboard
Good idea, might need to add that to my kit list as I don't have one currently
Nice vid , but 700quid plus for a router, madness
The M2 with 4g is much less expensive
i was hoping to see you test the signal compared to just using your phone. :/
I can check that for you. Just speedtests you're looking for? Happy for me to post the results as replies here?
Testing using speedtest.net, on EE, and the same target server gave me 70-80mbps on my phone, and over 200mbps when connected to this new WiFi setup. VERY impressed!
Thanks for the reply and the video I'll get one for mine now 😁
@@njb126 best of luck!
Can you please do a video with your speed tests and coverage. Is this 5G?
Good video but £700 quid for a wifi router?!! 🥴
The 4G version is quite a bit cheaper if that's an option for you
"Swap these out" what kind of talk is that, dont you mean swap them over? ....was thinking this was a decent channel and not an American wanna be (comments and thoughts are my own and not aimed at upsetting anyone feelings) look forward to future vids, with better employment of the English language.
This made me smile Dave. I'll have to go back and listen to what I said. I'm not usually one for Americanisms!
@@2.4inaVan haha it was all tongue in cheek, I love how the Americans use the english language, however stuck behind somebody from Bradford in the McDonalds que, and they are saying "om could i like om, get om a big mac, and om can i like om swap out the fries for the cheese bites" no need!! thats when my fantasises of violence and dismembering kick in. great channel tho, i did a few mods on my motorhome, and a few holes was drilled in the roof (terrifying) as long as you do a habitation check annually your safe as houses!!
Don't worry, I knew it was :-) Hab checks are very important
Sorry bro I gave you a thumbs down for not getting a different drill instead of moving the hole placement...🤣
Tough crowd!! :-)
@@2.4inaVan 😂
NETGEAR HAS FALSE ADVERTISEMENTS. LTE CAT20 IS NOT WORKING. IT CAN'T EVEN HANDLE TWO LTE BANDS AT THE SAME TIME. I JUST WASTED MONEY ON THIS USELESS DEVICE.
Forgive me but I don't know what category LTE we have in the UK. However, I've had speeds of 100-200mb/s on this setup across the UK and France. Sorry to hear it isn't working for you
After some quick searching it appears that our network (EE) is as follows "EEBand 3 (1800MHz), Band 7 (2600MHz)"
So boring
Sorry you feel like that
Why comment if you weren’t interested? Not everyone thinks like you and some people (like me) are interested in having Internet in their MH. 2.4 in a van….thanks for making this video and showing how to get internet into a MH and showing the pitfalls and the problems in the installation. Excellent video and very informative. Can you do another video showing how you are using the M5 and again can you do some Speedtests with the Antenna and without…..just show if there is much of a difference. Also can you say what carrier you are using for your internet? Thanks
@@davidjohn0505 using the M5 is just like using your home WiFi. There is an access point to connect to and you're away.
I've been very pleased with the performance including having 80mbps download, 20mbps upload in the New Forest.
The antenna makes the most difference when you are in the lowest signal areas. Most of the time it makes little difference but when signal is really low it is the difference between it working, and not.
We're on EE. They seem to have the largest network coverage, at least in the UK.
Thank you for your kind comments about the video, much appreciated!
@@2.4inaVan thanks for your quick reply. I just came across your channel and this video from searching about the Netgear and watched your very informative video. When I saw that senseless and stupid comment From that troll I was annoyed and to let you know that your video was great. We have just bought our first caravan and was interested in getting Wi-Fi and far as I can see the Netgear is one of the best ( but expensive). Those speed figures seem quite good considering all things and because mine is a static I think I probably don’t need the antenna plus maybe the older M2 model would do the job
@@davidjohn0505 I would definitely test it without the antenna first. That makes a lot of sense. I believe the difference between the M2 and M5 is just 4G and 5G respectively.
A 23 minute long video that more or less shows how to drill a hole and how to vacuum the dust afterwards. Interesting...
Apologies you didn't find it useful Erik
I'm sure it gave some people the confidence to get on and do it.
I myself watched it, hoping for a speed test compared to a phone.
My speed test results with the same setup www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/phone-signal-boost-in-remote-places.240992/post-4509545
Brilliant Rob, over a 10x improvement. Glad the video was helpful!
@@2.4inaVan Great help thanks, easy install and great results!! Thank you!!