Marina Internet Service?

[Bob Triggs]

I am wondering what people use, stories and experiences? How does it work for you? Signal Clarity? Quality? Lost data? Cost?
Just wonderin here. I have heard mixed stories depending upon region, wi-fi or hardwired etc.

[paladin]

In relative closeness to shore, the wifi seems to be the best....things can be done to increase the range and effectiveness. If your notebook is working in the conventional cell phone frequency band, a cellular repeater may be the answer....offshore, a SSB radio and a Pactor converter will allow you to send and receive e-mails offshore, both using the commercial and amateur bands. I have two ssb units (and a spare that I used on 2 circumnavigations) and they are all over 15 years old and still function just fine.

[TimH]

This works in most marinas and everywhere else

http://shop.unl.edu/michael/aircard.gif

[BETTY-B]

Is that 3G technology, Tim?

3G has a maximum speed of 3.1 mbps. And in the actual world, averages far less than 2mbps. Uploads even slower.

Wi Fi(802.11) is currently up to 70mbps.

DAN

[TimH]

its 3G

Yes, but do you really need more speed? Wi Fi is faster but I would have to sign up for access at every marina I go to. 3G I can take almost anywhere and have instant access. It even works while driving down the freeway.

[willmarsh3]

In some marinas it's free. Brown's Creek Sailing Marina is one. Also in downtown Chattanooga there are several free WI-FI networks that work quite well. I never pay for WI-FI access.

[BETTY-B]

That's true, Tim. But, there are networks that work in all the marinas in Wa, Or, Ca, AK. And some Ca. But more will be added soon. And most marinas have plenty of other networks nearby. Sitting in a marina in Seattle, with a 12db anatena will give you litterally thousands of networks to choose from. Many secured yes, but many wide open and free.

Of course you need more speed. Who doesnt?

What's your max amount a month, Tim? Verizon only allows 5 gigs of data. One movie is almost double that.

When I'm on the boat, i like to use the net just like I do in a home. It's just not possible with a cellular modem.

DAN

[TimH]

What's your max amount a month, Tim? Verizon only allows 5 gigs of data. One movie is almost double that.



Sprint is unlimited.

[BETTY-B]

Sprint is unlimited.

How much does it cost?

[TimH]

$60 /month

If I were streaming movies I could see the need for more bandwidth.

[S/V Laura Ellen]

SYC has WiFi access available in most of the boat slips. No charge, so the price is definitely right for the quality of service provided.

[rbgarr]

If you plug in be careful that the 'cable sheath' doesn't create stray current problems for your boat.

[BETTY-B]

There should be no problems if you choose your installation particularily wisely.

[kc8pql]

WiFi is free in my marina (or included with the slip rental to be more accurate). We stream movies from Netflix with only the built in antenna in the laptop, so it seems they cared enough to set up a good system.

[Bob Triggs]

Does the make or type of on board equipment, antennea etc, have a big impact on the quality of the signal, image etc? What kind of reception are w talking about? Miles distant, how far offshore etc???

[S/V Laura Ellen]

Does the make or type of on board equipment, antennea etc, have a big impact on the quality of the signal, image etc? What kind of reception are w talking about? Miles distant, how far offshore etc???

WiFi has a very limited range. I would not expect it to work once you leave your dock or mooring.
Cell type service could work off shore, will work as long as there is reasonable 3G service, you can usually check this with your cell phone.

[kc8pql]

Cell service is line of sight, just like VHF. It's not going to be reliable more than 15 or 20 miles from the tower, depending on antenna heights. If you want internet offshore it's going to take satellite service.

[BETTY-B]

Does the make or type of on board equipment, antennea etc, have a big impact on the quality of the signal, image etc? What kind of reception are w talking about? Miles distant, how far offshore etc???

Absolutely. WiFi is also line of sight, but you can boost your signal with a quality router and transceiver with an external 12-15dBi antenna mounted outside the boat. You dont want to mount them at the top of the mast because of the way they are designed, they dont transmit down. You could possibly see above the antenna mounted in the marina(usually on the roof of the closest building to the marina).

So yes, you can go from a couple hundred feet with your built in, or go to many miles away with additional equiptment.

DAN