Vanlife WiFi - What I use & Why!
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- Опубликовано: 1 май 2023
- What is the best way to get online in your van and keep connected when you go and explore the less beaten track?
In this video I cover my experiences over the past 4 years working out the best network to use, the best wifi router and the best external antenna, I also explain more about boosting a basic mobile phone signal.
Here's a link to my router - amzn.to/3VjIuYU
Here's a link to my External antenna - amzn.to/3HthHUn
Here's a link to the older router Mandy uses - amzn.to/40ZOBm9
Here's a link to the slimline PUK antenna Mandy uses - amzn.to/3NwwGAz
Here's a link to the antenna SMA to TS9 converter for the external antennas - amzn.to/42b3cMI
Here's a link to an EE unlimited SIM card - amzn.to/3NpBRCf
Here's a link to the Blink outdoor wireless cameras - amzn.to/3VqgLWC
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I'm still using the Netgear router and Poynting aerial that you recommended a few years ago with EE Sim. Many thanks, still working reliably and gives me access to everything that I need.
Always good to get the latest info on stuff, and what works where etc. Thanks for explaining your experience and install advice.👋
Hi John great video really good hearing about what Wi-Fi you use really looking forward to seeing your next video keep safe 😊👍🏻
Just came across your post about LPG, I'm thinking about getting a van to convert into a camper, your info was very informative thanks, please keep up the good (thankless at times) input 👍
Thank you John for another informative video. I think it's not the first review that you've done on the MR2. I'm using the poynting 4G antenna which you had been using awhile ago. I've been using it with the Netgear Aircard 810s which works extremely well in Europe. Yesterday I bought the MR2 and like the idea of having both 2.4 and 5Ghz at the same time compared to my 810s. I also use an Apple TV which I transformed into a 12v version, (very easy to do, it takes not more than 15 minutes). Of course the RJ-45 connector is great, it even has ip-passthrough but no VPN. Keep up the good work. Love watching your informative videos.
Excellent and comprehensive summary. You make a choice and pay your money depending on circumstances. I have a pop top so I put an old iPhone up there as my "hotspot" ... maybe it is just a warm spot but that is a debate for another day. 😀
Really interesting and exactly what I’ve found - a number of occasions where IPhone has no signal in the van and my 5G/4G roof aerial and router picks up a signal - got my debit card blocked once as couldn’t get the PIN through as WiFi calling was off 😀 saved me money as decided not to buy it but embarrassing at work when 2 coffees got declined 😂
Completely agree on EE - I bought a Three 5G and have used it twice as EE doing the job (not that I’m biased or anything just from use!)
It’s great not to faff on with hot spots etc for gadgets in the van and you still have the option of using data on your phone. That reminds me must wire up the MiFi so it’s on permanently. I went a bit cheap on the router, at some point will upgrade as 4G but does the job for most things I do and as you say gets signal where you wouldn’t on the phone.
Great well researched setup 🙌
All the best, David 👍
Was looking for some explanation, in comprehensive way + covered by experience, finally found it(very often its not video with most views and takes time to find something really informative)
Hari OM
good practical info as always, John! I look forward to the CCTV discussion, too. YAM xx
Very informative and convinced me to hold off and to probably just stick to my unlimited EE data on my phone and just tether. I’m a weekender with a micro camper and so now I’m thinking a router would be overkill. Cheers Matey
Thanks John, interesting, we have a sim only router at home, great to take with us when we go off in the caravan. Take care.
Top advice! Thank you 😎👍🏻
Interesting video as I’m mounting my roof antenna at the weekend. I will say I’m looking forward to the cctv video 👍
Great information learnt a lot there. Spot on thanks Malc.
We’ve had a selection of routers the nighthawk m1 and m2 now have the M5 and the avtex amr the avtex came as part of our package all really good routers
That was a great vlog John thanks
Be safe
Thanks John, we have the WiFi on board aerial which is linked to a MyFi, but as you said unless you want to share your data or are very remote, for most instances your phone hotspot works fine.
Great advice. Thanks for your research 👍💙❤️
Brilliant .... so usefull ..... thank you John.
Thanks for sharing, I'm going to watch again when I'm near pad n pencil to make notes.
Another ace video Sir 🎩
thank you for this video mate.
Good info ..cheers John
Off topic John but lighting,video and sound is spot on. Stephen
Thank you 😁
I’ve bought a Poynting puck and Netgear router for a small van I’m building for a winter trip north of the arctic circle. At home on 3 I get no usable service, 6kbps or so download. EE is just usable, Vodaphone is best. The router is currently touring the country with a truck driving cousin who’s testing coverage using a Smarty SIM. An experiment that’s of no value where I intend to go but it’s only costing £10 for a month.
I me the fact your using only mobile connection but in my Motorhome I use Starlink and my tour in Christmas around Scotland was flawless.
Great video really helpful and you have also saved me a few quid by considering sourcing a refurbished second hand router.
With regards the antenna, would you recommend I get the 5G version which you are using or would I be better purchasing this 4G antenna instead
Poynting 4G-XPOL-A0001 Cross Polarised 4G Omni LTE Antenna
You have another new subscriber to your channel, thanks again for sharing your wisdom.
Cheers Colin
Thanks for another well explained video John. I note that the antenna has a bundle option on Amazon at the moment with a TP Link router; I've had good experiences of their stuff at home before but no idea how well they'd work 'mobile' . Wonder if anyone on here has used them?
Tried them and they’re pretty unreliable. Netgear M1 or M2 are the ones to get
Mounted my antenna using plastic number plate screws for the bracket, that way if I do catch it on something it shears off.
Thanks for the great info John as always. Can’t wait for the CCTV camera video 👍, QQ - does your Antenna provide a better signal than Mandy’s puck antenna? I was wondering why you both installed different that’s all. Are either of your antenna effective for conference calls in a camper van? Appreciate that it’s down to local network coverage but which would you recommend for conference calls?
Yes, my antenna is much better at getting a stronger signal & faster data connection than the puk Mandy has on her van.
Hi John. Great video. Very informative. How do you power the MR2100 Router?
I’m just doing a similar setup atm.
Netgear & Poynting aerial using a RWG sim on EE with no data caps in Europe. 👍🏻👍🏻
No data cap in Europe? Is this directly with EE or other?
@@sallydacre438 it’s with RWG mobile.
EE doesn’t data cap or limit time either, as stated in my video 👍🏻
@@GadgetJohn I thought it did on new contracts 🤔
My wife’s on an old contract and like you say, that is fine.
I’ve got a new sim contract in the van Wi-Fi & it’s never been capped. I do pay the extra £15 a month for my UK allowances to work in Europe.
Hi John after watching you video I decided to install an out side antenna and a net gear MR2100 is there a power cable for 12v connection so there’s permanently powered thanks
Ur amazing pal 😅
Hi John .thanls for a,very helpful video on wifi antennas . i was thinking of putting 2 of those mini antennas on as you mentioned . or the black small top hat type maybe. is there an appreciable difference ,between these options? also couldn't see the link to all of the gear you were demonstrating . thanks again Steve
If you use the one I show to work the best then you'll have the best antenna. All the links are in the video description.
I brought the Poynting aerial you where using and connoted it to my tplink router & placed it on a pole above my caravan. But the signal strength was better with the mini aerials suppled. I was thinking of shortening the cable, but no sure if that would help. Any advice?.
Thanks John, some really useful information for us as new motorhomers. You said you have an unlimited EE sim card - do they impose any fair usage policies? Cheers.
They’ve never limited our speed or our time out of the UK 👍🏻
Superb to the point content so I'm going to try the external aerial because a few months back I managed to uploading 4K and do everything by tethering from EE contract to my laptop. I took out an O2 unlimited data contract a month ago and everything is a struggle. Signal strength is mostly poor with occasional exceptions near towns. Don't know who to blame the new provider oh my lack of external aerial ? The stranger is that I can often play media content directly from my phone but on tethering it seems to slow down to the point of not working so I'm not sure what's happening ?
O2 is by far the worst network for data speeds, why did you change from EE as that’s the best for data speeds & signal.
Purchased netgear nighthawk M1. Unable to get past the flashing Amber light stage. Help page it wants me to go to comes up can't be reached. Any advice from someone who has one before I send it back as I'm convinced it's faulty?
Another question please. I have an antenna Poynting MIMO-3-15 V2 and a router Teltonika RUTX11 WiFi 5 3G/4G LTE Cat 6 Router. So the question. I see that some sim only deals say its a 5g sim but as my router only supplies 3&4g should I Ignor the 5g cards and buy a 3&4g sim. Also are you aware of the best deals at the moment for a sim only. I also note that you said why go for data only and go for normal sim as they are cheaper. Good tip thank you.
Great vid John, really enjoy keeping up and sound reviews. We bought the M2 router and find it goes flat relatively quickly, also tells you to take it off charge when full, do you keep yours on a permanent power supply? Also, we have the same poynting aerial, we have male connectors into the router that have a resistance type fit so have a habit of just falling out, any tips? Thanks again
If you watch the video you’ll see answers to your questions 👍🏻
@@GadgetJohn I did watch, I'll re watch and pay more attention maybe 😂 thank you. Loving your work
Hi John, my battery in my identical router as yours seems to overheat quite regularly so how do you get round that if you constantly keep it plugged in ? I have had to buy spare batteries but it still overheats on them too.
The router manages the charge levels itself if you enable that feature in the settings so I’ve never had a problem, it’s also mounted in an open area too that means it’s got plenty of ventilation.
John , can I ask a question ? I too still have the NEOS cameras and I have always found them to be tempramental. Do you leave yours on all the time ? Thanks .
I power them on at the time I need them.
Could I get the external aerial to boost the signal for my phone to use so I can tether my iPhone to it and use the data on the phone sim?
If you can find a way to attach it to a phone then yes 👍🏻
Hiya John, Just the info we needed right now. The EE card you’ve linked to says it isn’t enabled for roaming. Do you use this one abroad or do you use another SIM card for traveling in Europe?
Mandy has to get local SIM cards in Europe, right now she’s bought a sim only package on the French FREE network.
Hi John,
Just wanted to know the boat Ariel you recommended a few years ago is still on my caravan roof connected to my MR1 and I was wondering should I just stay with it as it’s giving me a great reception over most of Europe with Vodaphone Sim 😉
3G 4G Lte Buitenantenne High Gain 12DBi Mimo Antenne Dual Head Verbeterde Ontva
If it works for you then keep it, I’ve got a new antenna as the old one went with the motor home.
Hi John
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Would there be much difference in the current one you have against the one you recommended a few years ago now that I’m still using with my M1 - has the technology changed that much ? As I know being Gadget John you like the latest and greatest - myself I’m a real gadget man as well!
Thanks for the info John. Is there a cheaper 4g router that you would recommend..?
Thanks
Sadly not mate, Since I work online I value the quality & security of the device I use, so I haven’t used cheaper ones.
@@GadgetJohn totally see your point... cheers
We are with 3 5g been all over the place & went to Scotland & we are still getting over 200meg so for us happy us
Sounds great! Is that with an external antenna plus router set up? Would you share the models you're using if so? Cheers 😄
Bonjour John from du Perche area. I find figuring out data strategies all part of the fun. I was struggling with o2 as they do apply a ‘fair use’ abroad 20Gig/month limit which meant local sims instead.
I find even within EU operators here do seem to apply data limits while roaming in other EU countries which seemed a disappointingly un-EU way to do things. Voice is fine though.
I’d be minded to swap to EE if you have found that they seem to be a bit relaxed about roaming data caps?
EE have never capped or limited my speeds or access, even after 9 months of travel outside the UK.
Have you considered Starlink or is it just the high price that puts you off? I'm considering using it at home with a view to taking it away with me when I'm in my van. I'm just waiting for a special offer on the hardware. I am aware some people have problems with Starlink.
Starlink is currently being tested fully. So I’ll make a video on that soon.
Do you run the sub power connector on 12v usb adapter or off your inverter ?
Sub power?
Hi... is your 4g or 5g fast enough to watch TV on a firestik? Thanks John 👍
Definitely 👍🏻
What actual download and upload speeds to you typically get?
That varies so much, but in most situations this setup will give a much better speed.
Hi John great info as usual, just looked at the ee sim via your link seems a good, but it has no roaming ? What do you use in Europe as you are about to embark on a three month tour 👍 Regards Rob
I use my contract sim in Europe, Mandy uses the prepaid sim which only works in the uk. In Europe she uses a FREE SIM card.
Thanks John, l have tried a "Local" sim when in Europe the only problem l have with these sims is when trying to stream TV it obviously knows l am out of the UK so it won't let me stream, could this be sorted if l use a VPN to "mask" my IP. Regards Rob
@@alanhat5252 thankyou for your reply 👍
Hi John I know you said EE have never capped you, but do they charge you for roaming, when using data, because they don't give you free roaming for calls or texts since we left the UK. Having looked it appears it is mainly Smarty, ID Mobile and Lebara that still provide free roaming.
It depends on your EE contract, older contracts include free roaming, newer contracts you can opt to pay £15 a month to have your unlimited everything UK allowance for Europe.
@@GadgetJohn Thanks John, enjoy the rest of your trip.
Hi John, my parents are looking at doing this to be able to watch TV (netflix, amazon prime etc), is the signal usually strong enough for this when in the middle of scotland?
I’ve recently been in the middle of the Galloway forest where there’s no phone signal but my van WiFi setup had enough signal to stream RUclips etc.
@@GadgetJohn great stuff, thank you John, really appreciate the guidance. The folks have both retired this year and will be touring Europe next year and this advice has helped massively to get them all set up and on their way!
If you only recommend 4g then would my old antenna ( Poynting 4G-XPOL-A0001 Cross Polarised 4G Omni LTE Antenna ) still be as good as the 5g variant you have linked .. or should I upgrade ? It's only £85 on Amazon .. but no point if no benefit thank you
Stick with the 4G antenna you have
Hi sorry to ask I'm after a cheap camera to watch our dog at home and then it would be going into our van when done for same reason have tried finding the square one on your website but can't find in stock have found others like blink indoor camera but they say 2.4ghz only does that make a difference or can you recommend another camera thanks in advance from a non tech person
Something like this will work fine amzn.to/3LLAYms and most wifi routers are 2.4ghz as standard
@@GadgetJohn thank you very much I really value your opinion
Hi John, I'm took your previous recommendation and bought a Netgear MR1100 (think that's what you reccd) and the Poynting 4G-XPOL-A0001.
I tried using my Talkmobile SIM in the router in Italy, (just removed it from phone) but the Netgear kept on saying that roaming was disabled.
However when the SIM was in my phone there was no problem getting data.
Any thoughts as to why that would be the case?
Have you checked the network settings in your router app to ensure roaming is enabled?
@@GadgetJohn Thanks John, I'll take another look at the settings - however its hard to check these things actually work when back in the UK
John I'm assuming you don't know about 3 network bundle. . If you open business account with them it's only £13 mth unlimited data. I've had that for 5yrs.was £11 when I started
I’m not interested in saving money, I’m more concerned about working online so I need a network I can rely on.
Thanks good video, we have unlimited EE also and use in motorhome with router and external Ariel, works all over Europe never been locked off but am noticing you get a text at 80% and when 100% of data that has been shared..believe this is 100gb, after this the speed is limited badly in mifi device, but fine if you put in a device. Do you notice this, or have any workaround?
The sharing data is a feature of your package, I don’t use that and so far I’ve used 400Gbs of roaming data in a week and no issues with speed. The last big trip we spent 9 months outside the UK and had no issues with EE
When you say feature that you don’t use what do you mean by that? I do not gift the data just use it permanently in mifi device but from reading EE forums this is considering tethering and subject to 100gb gifting allowance at which point traffic management kicks in and throttles your speed. Frustrating as haven’t noticed this for the last 18 months touring Europe, just recently and seems to be at peak times..wondering if there’s anyway around this..
Do you receive any SMS messages regarding data gifting etc, when I connect to my mifi device when it’s slowing down I notice it correlates with the SMS messages..
Hi John, have you ever tested any of the Teltonika routers?
No I’ve stayed away since they’re not able to meet the specs I need.
@@GadgetJohnreally? How exactly, being professional industrial gear they WAY higher spec than any consumer grade gear like net gear etc.
You clearly been looking at the low end Teltonikas! Things like my X50 will wipe floor with consumer public made gear!
There’s a reason theres tens of thousands of them fitted to vehicles professional 🤷♀️
Also the Teltonika 5g antennas are way more robust and and actually designed for the job unlike poyntings building designed models. Also very much more affordable.
Hi John, can I ask if you're still using the same set up? Netgear MR2100 router and Poynting antenna? And if you are, would be looking to upgrade? And what about Starlinks? Seems really expensive don't you think? I know you're busy mate - if you get time to answer I'd really appreciate it. Cheers Jimmy
Check out my recent video 👍🏻
Did do, thanks mate@@GadgetJohn
so, open question - as my camper is a wooden box - presumably I won't have any problems with a signal then?
Wood still blocks signals, just like a forest blocks phone signals
@@GadgetJohn ahh, thanks John - you're a legend - but NOT the answer I wanted!! 🤷♂ Looking forward to the CCTV episode too
But the video you watched already answered your question, a router with a roof mounted antenna is better than a phone in a box.
@@GadgetJohn and there IS the problem John. The last thing I want is an antenna protruding from my roof (especially as my unit is significantly higher than yours - 7.5T Merc). I also did research on the wood and plywood offers no distortion. Forests do bc it's the multiple water content in leaves that block signals. Plywood fine. Forests Not - keep up the good work
Hi John, can you tell me the model number of your poynting antenna please.
I no longer use this, please check for the more recent video on my mobile data setup.
@@GadgetJohn Thanks John, and a big thanks to you and your helpful videos
Interesting that you use phone Sims. Last time I tried this I was given a message that I was using a phone SIM in a data device and this wasn't allowed. Has this changed?
I've been using phone sims for over 7 years, never had any issues.
I've had my phone with Vodafone for over 25 years and have always been yappy with them and they are offering me a decent second sim package. Is there any reason why you didn't mention Vodafone?
Yes, Vodafone is the worst network for coverage & internet speeds as an average across the UK.
I'm with Vodafone, I have a puck roof aerial and a Huawei 5577 router, I've never had a problem, from Scotland to lands end. I travel 6 months of the year in France and Spain, I've never had a problem. Just wanted to add some real life experience.
How did you get a second sim linked to the same sim only contract?
2 sims on 1 account. The 2 sims don’t share the same number.
@@GadgetJohn oh I see. It sounded like you had somehow got a linked SIM, like you can get in some 4g smart watch contracts.
Great info thank you. Have you tried and tested Starlink ?
Starlink isn’t an option for me due to the operating conditions. I want internet on the move & I love the countryside & forests.
@@GadgetJohn Ah right I thought it had almost full coverage
@@alanhat5252 I see thanks for info
As a Starlink user, mines on 24/7 mounted to van roof flat. No motors and no pointing needed. Yes does involve some modifications but easy diy.
Generally get about 150-250Mbs anywhere in Europe, it does reduce under trees but mostly works still.
I move park up every day, it’s working great on the move and mine works out £25 less a month than I was paying for EE. And main bonus is super fast internet when ZERO cell signal 😂😂
No criticism johns good advice but if he tried it, and setup as most RVrs do he’d realise it would work for him very well.
@@alanhat5252you don’t need to aim it, mines bolted to roof flat next to solar. Works flawlessly
What model is the Netgear router
M2 👍🏻
I still prefer smoke signals
Starlink?
Covered that already 👍🏻
EE charge for roaming
I have 3 contracts, I only get charged for 1 of them
Thank you John. I’m looking to install a wifi system so I can work from my MH.
A problem I had with EE, Vodafone and o2 & their technical supports couldn’t help either, was that none of them allowed access to a private VPN so that I could log into and access my works pc from my laptop. Three doesn’t block this so I reluctantly switched from EE. Do you know a way round this please so I could go back to EE?? Thanks
I’ve never been blocked from any vpn system by EE and I use over 20 of them for customer networks.
Thank you for replying. That’s just plain weird then that they wouldn’t let me log on to our network remotely.
You can always turn 5g off via router settings if it's causing you an issue. 5g is far superior to 4g.
No point spending money on a 5G router if you’re not using 5G. Besides, 5G is only useful in urban areas, which are mostly away from peaceful wild camping park ups we use.
Very good information there john love your videos (thought i was subscribe but i wasn't i am now),
Starlink for me
It doesn’t work whilst you’re moving and it doesn’t work in forest locations. I’ve already made a video all about that.
@@GadgetJohn so you know better than someone with the dish on my roof John? Good attitude …… 🤦🏻
For anyone reading less blinkered, that’s wants facts. I can assure you folks it does work whilst moving just fine. 100s of RUclips videos and channels document this already.
Trees, yes will depend on thickness of canopy sure, but we have a family woodland and with a “light” canopy of trees above the dish, it’s working fine.
Don’t be blinkered John and maybe take the facts from someone who ACTUALLY has one in their vanlife roof.
OMG 😱🫣😳🙄 I can see your mouth moving but I did not understand some of that. 😮😂😂😂😂😂 but thank you anyway 😊
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