Shotley Camera

I have been looking for boosters for when I am at another marina and/or mooring. Several posts from last year in the liveaboard section seemed to rate these adapters from Alfa.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alfa-Network-...K_Computing_Networking_SM&hash=item3cb3a7dee4

The 5db antenna can be replaced with a 9db one from the same site. They also do a 2000 mw version as well.

Never used one, but maybe someone here has had some experience? Interesting to note their 'claim' that there are cheap copies of the Alfa booster which do not work.

Also, I am hoping that as a home user of BT Internet, I get free access to openzone and FON hotspots so may be able to avoid logging into wifi in marinas with huge access charges
 
Last edited:
DipperToo said:
I have been looking for boosters for when I am at another marina and/or mooring. Several posts from last year in the liveaboard section seemed to rate these adapters from Alfa.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alfa-Network-...K_Computing_Networking_SM&hash=item3cb3a7dee4

The 5db antenna can be replaced with a 9db one from the same site. They also do a 2000 mw version as well.

Never used one, but maybe someone here has had some experience? Interesting to note their 'claim' that there are cheap copies of the Alfa booster which do not work.

Also, I am hoping that as a home user of BT Internet, I get free access to openzone and FON hotspots so may be able to avoid logging into wifi in marinas with huge access charges
Click to expand...

I think the db of the aerial is a bit on the low side.
I always think of these like camera lenses - big number draws in something from further afield but you need to be accurate in where your aerial points (they have a disc pattern of signal you receive which is narrower on the 'bigger' db aerials) amd a small number catches a wider area but less distance.
You can get directional aerials, which are often flat panel ones, which are useful for your 'home marina' as you can set these up to pick a signal up from a specific source. http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=3645
Otherwise it's a powerful aerial and low loss cable.
The cable on the one Paul posted looks very weedy, which may be a problem. If you have an 11db aerial and the cable is 5m and loses 1db per metre, it's a 6db signal at best etc

Don't proclaim to be 'all knowing' but have spent ages sorting and setting up systems on our boat......
 
Originally posted by Wingdiver
You can help yourselves with wifi access by getting something to improve your signal gathering capabilities.
Most laptops will not pick up signals from a long way off.
If you want the best option, a wifi system on board can be set up.
Basically this is:
omnidirectional aerial -> access point -> router
The aerial will pick up signals from much further away and the router will mean you don't have to cower in the cockpit trying to get 'line of sight' access.
We have this system on board and it has worked for some while at various marinas.
Nowadays, you
You need to ensure as short a run as possible from the aerial to the access point or use ultra low loss cable so you still get a decent signal strength.
You can get one unit that combines the access point and router and just plug an aerial in one side.
Don't forget to password protect your router as your neighbours will probably be able to pick up your onboard signal.
Failing that, badger the marina staff into getting a further wifi access point down your end of the marina to improve coverage.
Click to expand...

Thanks WD that is most useful
 
Morgana said:
Vast improvement.... Very nice site now!... Especially like the fact that shipwreck specials menu is online...
Click to expand...
I agree about the site in general & it's nice to have the webcam back but I think the weather page is a step backwards - I much preferred the previous layout.

The new one is just a jumble & the graphics are back to the days of Win98.
 
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