CARAVAN INTERNET: Which device is right for you! - RV Wifi, Netgear Nighthawk M5, Telstra or Optus

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  • Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024

Комментарии • 127

  • @Aussie_Damo
    @Aussie_Damo Год назад +3

    Im sure you have got it sorted but if you want to put your optus sim card in the nighthawk all you need to do is change the carrier settings, rf shop did a video on this awhile back and how to find the settings needed im pretty sure.
    I just found your videos and have started watching them keep up the content it's good to watch

  • @tempestv8
    @tempestv8 2 года назад +6

    The Netgear M5 or M6 are not locked to Telstra - they just have the Telstra APN in their config, but nothing stopping anyone from using an Optus SIM and changing the APN for Optus in order to get the unit working on the Optus network.

  • @AlexhenrydesignBlogspot00
    @AlexhenrydesignBlogspot00 2 года назад +3

    Thank you for reviewing these, great to see those speeds, great information!
    Just wanted to point out - Mbps is Mega per second, not Megabytes. There are 8 bits to a byte. Therefore, multiply your Mbps by 0.125 (or divide by 8) to get to Megabytes.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Cheers Henry, I’ll make sure to use the mega bits per second in the next video 😀

  • @mikefoster7085
    @mikefoster7085 2 года назад +2

    I run the Nighthawk and the same MIMO antenna, its superb signal and much better than the omnidirectional antennas, I'm not sure if you've touched on this, but a tower map and the DB signal indicator in the Nighthawk will allow you to get the bast signal. Great video 👍🏼

  • @ybr1960
    @ybr1960 Год назад +1

    Thanks for all the info enjoying the channel. We have an American Staffy that loves people but absolutely hates other dogs. Outside that he is a lovable and gentle 7 year-old, so relate to the hole in the fence episode. Happy travels to you all including dogs.

  • @ivena534
    @ivena534 2 года назад +1

    Thank you For taking the time to do this video 😊 very helpful. We have the Nighthawk so pleased to know how it compares with the others. Thanks again 😊

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад +1

      Glad it was helpful, the Nighthawk is a great device, expensive but worth the money you pay for it.

  • @cmdavey
    @cmdavey 2 года назад +2

    Thanks for the video. We have the Netgear Nighthawk M5 with a Telstra Sim and the same external antenna that you have and it works perfectly along the West coast which is renowned for bad connection :-)

    • @HannonBeatz
      @HannonBeatz 2 года назад

      May I ask what website did u get it from?

  • @jebw
    @jebw 2 года назад +1

    Good testing. When using an external aerial in most cases it's important to connect it to the first cellular external aerial socket or 1st and 2nd if connecting both cables of a MIMO aerial.
    Recently I did some tests with a USB Huawei E8372 and a ZTE MF985T Telstra 4GX Hotspot. I used them on an outback trip connected to a RFI CDQ7194-B omni directional aerial mounted on the bull bar of my car.
    The Huawei E8372 performed similar to my mobile and lost cellular connectivity at very close to the same point when travelling away from good mobile signals.
    The ZTE MF985T appeared to have better sensitivity as it maintained mobile connections beyond where the mobile phone lost connection. On one occasion I got out of the car with the phone and moved around to try to regain a signal but it wasn't robust while the ZTE MF985T maintained a connection with the RFI CDQ7194-B aerial. The ZTE MF985T also connected on multiple bands and performed better than the E8372 in less demanding locations.
    A very low cost solution would be a ZTE MF985T Telstra 4GX Hotspot in a bag on the end of a surf fishing rod high in the air. WiFi from most of these devices will be reasonable up to 20m in open air.

  • @offcampnandy7727
    @offcampnandy7727 2 года назад +1

    G'day Guys and thanks for sharing,
    funny how we were just discussing an internet option just this week, think google and Facebook was listening cos I'm now getting adds for it :) :) :) and now your post this up :) :) :) , interesting and thankyou for posting, we have just been using our hot spot for Utube and vids with no TV services but have been looking at the Nighthawk gear so again cheers for sharing :) :) :) Keep the good stuff coming.
    cheers Andy

  • @davidwalsh7486
    @davidwalsh7486 2 года назад +1

    Great video as are all uour videos actually. Ive been dissapointed with the RV Wifi product event with external antanae. fine around bigger towns but as we get more remote its no better than my phone.
    Im now thinking of getting the Nighthawk.
    Keep the great content coming

  • @themacs488
    @themacs488 2 года назад +2

    Great video and very interesting. I have bought a secondhand Nighthawk M2 and have mounted an extension painters pole on the rear of my van. It extends over 4m. I have the same antenna as you, so should be very interesting to do some tests on the road.
    Great work and keep it up, look forward to your future tests with your antenna.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Thank you, so glad it was helpful. I haven’t purchased an extension pole for the Ariel yet. But looking forward to testing it.

    • @dennismagro2112
      @dennismagro2112 2 года назад

      Well Mac , also interested to learn about how you got your pole. ..Dennyboy

    • @dennismagro2112
      @dennismagro2112 2 года назад

      Meaning did you make it or purchase it. I have not looked at the aerial options yet

    • @andrewford80
      @andrewford80 Год назад

      Nice work. I'm looking at using a window cleaners pole. 60 bucks from Bunnings and is 3.66m

  • @Raynmick
    @Raynmick 2 года назад +1

    Thanks Bianca really good info for our next trip. Have been researching this also 😃

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Thanks for watching Michelle, glad you found some value 😀

  • @stephenwade8093
    @stephenwade8093 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for the comparison tests, well worth it, With the long antenna you had the antennas horizontally polarized, test them with the antenna vertical I think you will get better reception

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Hi Stephen, thanks for watching. When the high gain antenna (the long one) was plugged in, Grant was holding it vertically on top of the caravan.

  • @uncagedjuganaut7337
    @uncagedjuganaut7337 2 года назад +1

    Keen to see the testing from the Nighthawk M5 when you are say 50km from the nearest town and the phones drop out as we are looking for something in our new BT!

  • @garyjones980
    @garyjones980 2 года назад +1

    Hello again guys, another informative video, that nighthawk thingy was way out infront of the others, one question...
    Do you have any pictures of Grant leaning out the door with the hi gain antenna, that would be gold!!😂😂😂😂
    Hope your all well, travel safe, Kezngaz x

  • @Wildernessadventuresoz
    @Wildernessadventuresoz 2 года назад +1

    Thankyou for this it’s absolutely what I needed right now. You guys rock

  • @Romeo-lu7wt
    @Romeo-lu7wt 2 года назад +2

    I'm nearly 150 yrs old , you lost me with all that tech talk, 😂😂, Back in my day a note on a carrier pigeon worked well, But I'm sure the information was good for the younger generation, Cheers Bevan 🤠❤️🇦🇺

    • @colinl9018
      @colinl9018 2 года назад +3

      I'm 63 and won't be getting rid of the pigeons just yet.... currently watching and Re-watching this video to get my head around it, will be calling our 11 yr old grandaughter later i think. 🤣 (or the Jaycar shop)

    • @offcampnandy7727
      @offcampnandy7727 2 года назад +3

      @@colinl9018 Ha Ha Ha , I actually called my son to watch this vid and comment :) :) :)

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад +1

      Haha 😂 you’re hilarious Bevan, 5 gold ⭐️s for sticking through it 😊

  • @ronrogers9610
    @ronrogers9610 2 года назад +1

    Very interesting I have been thinking of doing something besides the phone only thanks I have enjoyed all of your videos see you Ron

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Ron, hopefully we’ve given you some info to think about. 😊

    • @ronrogers9610
      @ronrogers9610 2 года назад +1

      @@Livin_Like_Kings_ sure have thanks

  • @frenchvista_wandering_aus
    @frenchvista_wandering_aus 2 года назад +2

    Another great video Grant and Bianca. Great to see an unbiased opinion on the wifi, was there a yearly sim you can get from Telstra etc.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Tom and Jenni, yes you can purchase a yearly prepaid sim from Telstra. Or you can go on a monthly plan, it depends on how much you want to use.

    • @frenchvista_wandering_aus
      @frenchvista_wandering_aus 2 года назад +1

      @@Livin_Like_Kings_ thanks for that Bianca and Grant.

  • @peterokeefe1463
    @peterokeefe1463 2 года назад +1

    Thanks Bianca great job you’re a natural. A very informative vid 👍 👍👍

  • @paulmoran7775
    @paulmoran7775 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for the informative video. I was surprised that the Nighthawk was so powerful and it will be very interesting to see how the antenna performs?

  • @bradkark
    @bradkark 2 года назад +2

    I read on the internet that the issue with using the Nighthawk on Optus is that the router is not programmed for all of the Optus frequencies. These extra frequencies can be manually programmed into the router with a laptop. I haven’t done this so I’m not sure how hard it is to do. It may not make much difference unless you are in marginal coverage conditions.
    I’ll be really interested to see how the directional antenna goes.
    I’m keen to see what awning you go with. We have also broken the “Coolabah” awning on our BT, which we found difficult to pack away anyway, and are thinking about replacing it with an electric awning.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Yes I forgot about that, when I was waiting for Telstra to unlock the nighthawk I msg Optus and got the codes, I was pretty easy and you can do it on the device.
      We are getting a new coolabah, it’s more work to set up but stronger and we don’t mind the set up, we don’t alway put it up anyway.

  • @rrstaffies
    @rrstaffies 2 года назад +1

    Great real persons perspective here.. Well done and thanks. Can you confirm that where you were you had a 5g service. If so it would be interesting to see how the nighthawk performs there with and without your new antenna.. Cheers.

  • @mjpt57
    @mjpt57 2 года назад

    Thanks for the comparo. I have the RV Wifi (installed during the van's construction). However, it is not a very good performer. I have a couple of comments about your test of it. The antennas really need to be placed outside on the roof. Unless your van is all fibreglass or composite then the aluminium cladding will act as a Faraday Cage and weaken the signal.
    Also, I'm looking at getting the high gain antenna for the RV Wifi. At $100 it's not a cheap experiment to see if that will improve it. But I have the instructions here. When connecting it to the RV, the 4G lead from the other external "hockey puck" antenna is disconnected and the High Gain lead is connected to that. They say that the puck still needs to be connected via the second lead.
    If you still have the gear I'd like to see it done again and with the antenna perched on the roof of the van to see if it does make a difference. Otherwise I'll give up on it and go with the Netgear M6 (if I can get one) and a suitable external antenna, of which there are many from which to choose.
    Thanks again.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Hi 😁👋
      Thanks for the feedback!
      We no longer have the rvwifi so cannot do any further test’s.
      When we tested our MIMO antenna, we ran a cable from the external antenna through the front of the tunnel boot into the van where we plugged the rvwifi in to the more powerful antenna and still got relatively low reception compared to the nighthawk. The frame of the caravan doesn’t affect the results with this method. If the modem was connecting to the antenna wirelessly then yes you’d be on the money!
      I hope our vid was helpful, we may do others in the future so you’re comments will me helpful in making them better!
      We did show that the rvwifi does work, and in towns and cities it performs fairly well, but it depends on your requirements!
      We work on the road so require higher performance. If you only require service for Facebook, emails and some streaming then it will certainly fit the bill!
      Cheers 😁👍

  • @ericavery4332
    @ericavery4332 2 года назад +1

    Perfect timing with this, We only want to be able to watch Netflix etc when the weather is bad. Just the $100 Optus unit is all we need then?

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Great Eric, so you’ll be mostly using your phone as a hotspot. And then having the Optus dongle as a back up.
      It’s hard to know how much you’ll really need internet until your out here. It’s also a great idea to have some movies etc download onto a hard drive for when you have no reception and it’s raining etc.

  • @anddoh
    @anddoh 2 года назад +1

    Hi wish you would of shown the phone internet as well but great info and cant wait for the remote test

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      I can add that into the next vid. I have a iPhone 12 on a Telstra plan and grant has an iPhone 11 on a Boost plan. Can test both of those.

  • @The_Spleener
    @The_Spleener Год назад +1

    Great video! Were you guys in a 4G or 5G area?

  • @zoneroamingmortos
    @zoneroamingmortos 2 года назад +1

    Most informative, thank you for the time taken to do all the testing for us.
    Any experience with cel-fi-go?

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад +1

      So happy you found value in it. We have a celfi-go on the car, I’ll try to remember to include that when I test in low service area. 😊

    • @zoneroamingmortos
      @zoneroamingmortos 2 года назад +1

      @@Livin_Like_Kings_ Thank you so much.

  • @mikesherwood5497
    @mikesherwood5497 2 года назад +1

    Ok thanks a lot, appreciate the clarification

  • @kerrybeldzinski8595
    @kerrybeldzinski8595 2 года назад +1

    Hi thanks for posting this comparison . The Nighthawk M5 definitely looks the goods, however unfortunately it’s now not available to buy it shows as unavailable online, I spoke with someone at a Telstra store they said that there had been a lot of problems with the M5 so it’s been taken down …. So right now there’s only the M2 which is cheaper but 4G only …. Perhaps a new model M6 will be out soon so I’m just waiting to see , we don’t leave for our travels for a few months so I can wait.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      That’s interesting I hadn’t heard that. I haven’t had any problems with ours at all. Hopefully the M6 is out soon

    • @tempestv8
      @tempestv8 2 года назад +1

      @@Livin_Like_Kings_ The Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro is now out and Telstra stores have them in stock. Cheaper than the M5 too, which is a bonus!

  • @leoniebrown7570
    @leoniebrown7570 2 года назад +1

    thank you so much for a simple explanation

  • @alexanderahlen7359
    @alexanderahlen7359 Год назад +1

    Thank you this helpt me alot 😊

  • @traceylumsden6569
    @traceylumsden6569 2 месяца назад +1

    Hi Bianca. The RV WIFI. Is that the 3/4G one ? That you tested ? As There is now a 4/5G one? Looking at buying this one. Thank yo7 for the info.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 месяца назад

      Yeah it was the 3/4g one, I haven’t used the new 5g one.

  • @PeterKnagge
    @PeterKnagge 11 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks for video. Do you have any recommendations for vanlifers who don't want to go anywhere too remote but just primarily want internet access for navigation, music, and WiFi calling?
    Should I install an external antenna in case of emergencies?
    My phone has Vodafone which doesn't have much coverage outside cities.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  11 месяцев назад +1

      Hi Peter, in my opinion the cheapest option would be to change your phone plan to Telstra or Boost mobile. You can use your phone as a wifi hotspot as well. Not sure if they still have the deal, but I got a really good Telstra plan from the good guys. Go check them out

  • @livingtotravel4290
    @livingtotravel4290 2 года назад +1

    Quick question - do you use a data only sim. We have a prepaid Telstra phone sim that we take with us if we need it as our main phones are Optus and like you said you can’t always get one or the other. . We have been looking at the nighthawk so I think this video has sold us on it.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      We have a data sim for Telstra, but the Optus sim I was using was a phone sim, so I’d assume the Telstra phone sim would work as well. But I haven’t tried.

  • @chelma1974
    @chelma1974 2 года назад +1

    Excellent video. Thanks for sharing 👍

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Thanks for watching, so glad for got something from it.

  • @lachlanandrosieyoung1750
    @lachlanandrosieyoung1750 2 года назад +1

    Awesome video. How you going with the external antenna test with the Nighthawk. I am in the same working situation and about to be purchasing the equipment. Zoom meetings, screen shares and VOIP calls. Any feedback would be greatfully appreciated.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Lachlan and Rosie, part 2 is coming out tomorrow. Hope you enjoy it

  • @Mangold108
    @Mangold108 Год назад +1

    I guess how could have been the speed to put the modem near the window...

  • @Fanzmahn
    @Fanzmahn 2 года назад +1

    Great video, thanks. So which ones work best in the deep bush where coverage is really low?

  • @warreng3142
    @warreng3142 Год назад +1

    Hi with the Nighthawk, do you use it for TV internet as well? for watching Netflix and the sort?

  • @ellgee9402
    @ellgee9402 4 месяца назад

    its megabits. 8 bits to a byte. MBps is megabytes per second whereas Mbps is megabits per second. Conversion will be to divide mbps by 8 to get MBps

  • @flyflagaus573
    @flyflagaus573 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for the insight great info

  • @margaretlavrencic7943
    @margaretlavrencic7943 2 года назад +1

    Since watching your vid, we've got a Nighthawk 2 and the RFI antenna and adaptors but only a fairly short mast (actually our TV mast which we otherwise don't use). I'm guessing the higher the mast the better chance of good reception? Our reception hasn't been as good as I'd hoped. Thanks!!

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Yep the higher the better, but it’ll also depend if the location and how far the tower is and how big that tower is. Lots to factor in. I’ve been in places that we still haven’t been able to get reception, but overall our setup works for us. 😊

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Also I don’t think the Nighthawk 2 is 5g enabled that could possibly impact the reception

  • @davidgirdham1439
    @davidgirdham1439 2 года назад +1

    I would like to know if you can use the mimo antenna here in Australia because of its functionality of grabbing bandwidth. Interested to know thanks

  • @mattsmith2051
    @mattsmith2051 Год назад +1

    Have you experienced issues with your m5 not being able to find reception after using a high gain antenna? I’m having this very issue with ours

  • @allthingsme9810
    @allthingsme9810 8 месяцев назад +1

    How was the nighthawk unlocked? What service did you use?

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  8 месяцев назад

      Hey 👋, I purchased it outright with Telstra and I had to ring them up and get them to unlock it. I did have to ask a couple of times to get them to do it.
      But we now have Starlink, and find it great, only issue is it uses power to run, while the nighthawk doesn’t.

  • @darrelwright7871
    @darrelwright7871 2 года назад +1

    Hi Bianca , Thankyou great job explaining ,I have the 4GX dongle Telstra but I think the Nighthawk would suit me more, hopefully can pay it of monthly ? Thanks again for your help Kind Regards Darrel

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Darryll, you can definitely pay for it monthly on a plan, but the device will be locked to Telstra until it’s paid off. That might not be a problem for you though

    • @darrelwright7871
      @darrelwright7871 2 года назад +1

      @@Livin_Like_Kings_ Thanks Bianca , no should be ok I am happy to stay with Telstra, have a great week and enjoy 😊

  • @brentmcd12
    @brentmcd12 2 года назад +1

    anything with telstra and external antennas is going to work the best .

    • @brentmcd12
      @brentmcd12 2 года назад +1

      your speed tests domt mean anything tho between the carriers as telstra is based on coverage not speed . you should check in GUI of the device for the signal strength

    • @brentmcd12
      @brentmcd12 2 года назад +1

      you need to learn about antennas and the devices some more . good video though .

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Agree I’m definitely no expert here 😀

  • @kobba2350
    @kobba2350 Год назад +1

    Hi, Can the netgear nighthawk router run as normal on AC power with the battery remaining placed in the router? If yes would the battery automatically take over if the power cut out? Looking for a failsafe set up.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  Год назад +1

      Hi 👋, I have our plugged into power all of the time, the cave is a usb, so can plug into 240v with an adapter. It doesn’t run out of power

  • @russellyoung6290
    @russellyoung6290 2 года назад +1

    Hi very informative video,
    to get the nighthawk unlocked how did you do this & is there any cost involved cheers

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Thanks Russell, if you purchase the device outright, then all you need to do is conte t the service team and ask for them to unlock it.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Also you need to contact Optus and get the settings and add them in the device

  • @ktmman1503
    @ktmman1503 2 года назад +1

    Hi Bianca, thanks for the video.. like you guys we have tried many devices and have the RV Wifi.. work ok sort of.. however I have a question.. that Nighthawk is a rocket ship.. But ! You said it was a 5g unit and the others are all 4g.. so was the reason the Nighthawk was so fast.. was it using the 5g network at the time of testing thus able to use a higher speed network? And all the others were only able to use the 4g network..

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад

      Hi, I just double checked the Telstra coverage map and it shows that Margaret River doesn’t have 5g coverage yet.

    • @ktmman1503
      @ktmman1503 2 года назад +1

      @@Livin_Like_Kings_ Hi Bianca, wow.. well if they are all using 4G from the same tower, that nighthawk is very impressive indeed.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад +1

      @@ktmman1503 I’ve definitely noticed the speed difference between the Nighthawk and the 4g dongle.

  • @klatlap
    @klatlap 3 месяца назад +1

    Your connections all looked backward, most providers give higher download.

  • @caroldale-pl2ql
    @caroldale-pl2ql Год назад +1

    How has your mimo antenna work

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  Год назад

      Great, watch the video on it here CARAVAN INTERNET: How to get internet in remote locations!
      ruclips.net/video/N_G4LgcpTN0/видео.html

  • @mikesherwood5497
    @mikesherwood5497 2 года назад +1

    Is there another device called CelFiGo or similar? If so, how do they compare ?

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад +1

      There is, however celfi-go is not an internet dongle/modem etc. it is a mobile phone signal booster for phone calls and text messages. But I’m not an expert in this area.

  • @robertwilson1827
    @robertwilson1827 9 дней назад

    It's Sept. '24!
    What are you using today that is viable and effective??
    R

  • @user-gm6bg1dj7m
    @user-gm6bg1dj7m Год назад +1

    How much a month is it costing you?

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  Год назад

      We have a 400gb plan with Telstra for the nighthawk $75 pm

  • @UFO-35
    @UFO-35 2 года назад

    The real test for these devices is when mobile reception is poor, i can personally say that my iPhone 12 has better reception than the RVWifi. A complete waist of money, unfortunately its now impossible to buy a Nighhawk M5 through Telstra given the M6 is around the corner.

    • @Livin_Like_Kings_
      @Livin_Like_Kings_  2 года назад +1

      Where we were there was no reception without the antenna- with it we did, a big difference.
      We found the same with the RVwifi.
      I think it may be worth the wait for the Nighthawk

  • @mikerammelt2420
    @mikerammelt2420 2 года назад

    TPW4G is a TP-Link device