Omnidirectional wifi antennas

[Lasivian]

What make/model are people using out there at the moment?

Thanks!

[Auspicious]

I like the Air802 antennas. Good antennas and good mounting options.

https://www.air802.com/antenna-wifi-...ast-mount.html

https://www.air802.com/antenna-wifi-...ast-mount.html

[Emmalina]

ubiquiti bullet

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by Emmalina

ubiquiti bullet

I use the Bullet also, but the question was for antennas. You may be correct that what was asked was not what was meant.

The Bullet attaches to the bottom of the two antennas I linked.

[Lasivian]

Originally Posted by Auspicious

I use the Bullet also, but the question was for antennas. You may be correct that what was asked was not what was meant.

The Bullet attaches to the bottom of the two antennas I linked.

Correct, but I can't fault the suggestion. It was good information.

[Knot Safety]

Badboy unleashed - with their antenna we get wifi in excess of a Kilometre

[Lasivian]

Originally Posted by Knot Safety

Badboy unleashed - with their antenna we get wifi in excess of a Kilometre

Looks like unfortunately they stopped production in March.

[wsmurdoch]

We have an Alfa USB Tube U connected to a Alfa antenna. Both our models are now out of production, but the current offerings https://www.alfa.com.tw/products_detail/315.htm and https://www.alfa.com.tw/products_detail/327.htm look similar. Ours is not mounted on the boat. We hoist it on a flag halyard when we need it; otherwise, it stays below. A double length powered USB cable connects it to the PC. We can make the laptop a hotspot if other things need the internet connection. The 9 db antenna gives it a good range. Like most things these days, it is just plug and play.

Bill

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by Lasivian

Looks like unfortunately they stopped production in March.

They do have some components still for sale.

It seems that you can get wifi extender systems from most places now - eg Defender and West Marine.

Question - are these systems as useful these days? We're well past the era of countless unlocked access points.

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by Lake-Effect

They do have some components still for sale.

It seems that you can get wifi extender systems from most places now - eg Defender and West Marine.

Question - are these systems as useful these days? We're well past the era of countless unlocked access points.

They're not useful everywhere, but they give a decent alternative to burning cellular data when there's marina wifi, an open network, public wifi, etc. available. Usefulness probably depends on your cruising grounds.

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by Lake-Effect

Question - are these systems as useful these days? We're well past the era of countless unlocked access points.

Even if you don't use it often it gets really big data off cellular: Win updates, MacOS updates, iOS updates, Android updates, app updates, chart updates, etc.

[RaymondR]

Raises some interesting questions for those of us who like to muck about and experiment with radio stuff.

The first question is whether or not "omnidirectional" is really required. Of one is moored in a marina with a consistent heading where a directional antenna might be used is it actually required. Similar situation anchored in tidal streams where extended periods with the boat in a fixed heading.

Assuming that the answer to the first heading is positive could one would use a high gain antenna such as a Yagi. There is some good Yage design freeware available and at the frequencies wifi uses it would not be very big and could be implemented by gluing the elements to a piece of plywood, nailing it to the end of a broom handle and taping it to a stanchion.

Any takers?

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by RaymondR

Raises some interesting questions for those of us who like to muck about and experiment with radio stuff.

The first question is whether or not "omnidirectional" is really required. Of one is moored in a marina with a consistent heading where a directional antenna might be used is it actually required. Similar situation anchored in tidal streams where extended periods with the boat in a fixed heading.

Assuming that the answer to the first heading is positive could one would use a high gain antenna such as a Yagi. There is some good Yage design freeware available and at the frequencies wifi uses it would not be very big and could be implemented by gluing the elements to a piece of plywood, nailing it to the end of a broom handle and taping it to a stanchion.
Any takers?

Directional antennas like that need to be set up and aimed every new location, especially yagis, then you have the (lossy) antenna cable run. Whereas having a decent omni plus transceiver permanently mounted on a spreader (eg a Ubiquiti unit) is much less hassle, and will work well in most marinas and harbours.


A good yagi antenna is so directional that if your boat was rocking in your slip because of a wake, you'd probably lose connection.

But plans do abound.

A panel type directional antenna would probably be easier to get and aim in a marine setting, if the additional gain was desired.

I also have one of those Alfa USB wifi adaptors mentioned earlier, and it works quite well.

[Lasivian]

Originally Posted by Lake-Effect

Question - are these systems as useful these days? We're well past the era of countless unlocked access points.

Well, if you're skilled enough they don't need to be unlocked, LOL.

[Knot Safety]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lake-Effect View Post
Question - are these systems as useful these days? We're well past the era of countless unlocked access points.



Download the app Wifi Map. Easy to access most semi public wifi with it. Just do your part and upload passwords when you know them.