Long Range Wifi Install

[Rooh9699]

Hello all,

Wanted to share the installation of the Red Port Halo WIFI extender i just completed:

First, this is not a cheap option, but the build is excellent and so is the performance.

I wanted to have a secure mast to extend on site, but didnt want to pay hundreds for a true antenna mast. I choose to use a roller extender Lowes sells for $29.00. The mast is fiberglass and aluminum and has spring loaded pin locks. A single push button is used to extend the mast.

The Halo antenna is mounted to a standard marine antenna mount...its heavy stainless steel. The mount loosens to allow the antenna to be stowed during travel.

The Cat 5 connection in the back wall is a mil-std IP-67 through wall female to female connector. Rubber seals are provided with the connector.

Finally, the mast is secured to the ladder with rubber insulators via a set of standard communication standoff antenna mast clamp.

In testing at 22 ft off ground I was able to capture wifi 2 miles away from our local Starbucks.

So far so good. Hope this helps anyone interested in a project like this.

Cheers,

Dave

[wingnut60]

Very nice, had not heard of the brand.

[Whitewolf]

Great idea! I've got a Flagpole Buddy 22' fiberglass collapsable mast that I hang my 3 flags from. I'm thinking I could attach the antennae to the top and run the cable down thru the middle. Hmmmmm.....another project.

[kampfitt]

Could you show more pics of antenna and how you hook it up inside? Thanks

[Rooh9699]

Originally Posted by kampfitt

Could you show more pics of antenna and how you hook it up inside? Thanks

Will do...I'll get some pics this weekend.

[Helipilot]

Nice solution Dave! Thanks for sharing. Mind if I copy your idea?

[Rooh9699]

Originally Posted by Helipilot

Nice solution Dave! Thanks for sharing. Mind if I copy your idea?

Its been working great. I might change the 16ft pole to a 22ft pole, but other then that, working great.

Please let me know if you need mre detail.

Dave

[Hanr3]

Originally Posted by Rooh9699

Its been working great. I might change the 16ft pole to a 22ft pole, but other then that, working great.

Please let me know if you need mre detail.

Dave

I'd like more detail.
What is the bottom picture, what is that called, and where do I find it?
Even more basic question, forgive my ignorance. I get the concept of a booster, but how d?o you make one out of an old router? How do you get it to receive and transmit

[Canuck_Dave]

My camping buddy installed this unit over the summer, Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2 Long Range WiFi Repeater RV kit.

Simple setup and install and the range is very good for the price.

[pterrydactyl]

Has anyone tried the WiFi called BearExtender. Link below but just wonder if anyone has used it and how well it works.

BearExtender Bearifi Outdoor RV & Marine High Power USB Wi-Fi Extender Antenna for PCs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VW4M0WO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FhtjCbA8B8MM6

[Stripit]

I looked at those a while back, but it only works for 1 computer. My wife and I have our own lap top and would need something that would work for more than one. Could just buy 2 units but will hunt for something that will work for us.

[pterrydactyl]

An older or newer router reconfigured to an Access Point (AP) would allow to to plug into it. It then broadcast the signal and can use multiply devices.

I’m not an electronics or computer wiz but this was the understanding I got when it was explained to me.

I was hoping that someone had use it and could tell how well it performed.

Thanks

[Helipilot]

I wonder who does the "reconfiguration" on the old router? I have two older units that could be modified.

[pterrydactyl]

There are instructions on YouTube. That’s where I found out about the AP. My router is a Linksys WRT54g and was used in the video. Step by step instructions were given. I also found instructions on line with screen shots of what to do. This modification has the AP picking up the signal and rebroadcasting the signal then picking up you sendings and back to the signal source. I’m just wondering how will the antenna/booster works from inside the RV. Would an external antenna be more of more benefit.

[Helipilot]

Thanks for that information pterrydactyl. I'll check it out

[pterrydactyl]

There are newer routers that are AP capable. Search on Amazon for “WiFi router with access point”. There are a fair number of new routers with a spread of prices. They didn’t exist when I made the Linksys an access point.