Wifi USB Booster - What to Buy?

[Richard10002]

Having tried loads of things, I now have a 5m low loss cable with a 9db omni outdoor aerial which I haul up to just below the first set of spreaders.

It has an RP-SMA connector and, until recently, it was attached to the laptop with one of these USB adapters on the end of a USB cable:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?V...A:IT&ih=015

However, the flimsy construction of the USB adaptor means it is now U/S and I am considering what look like more substantial alternatives:

would you get this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?V...A:IT&ih=001

with what I think is a 200mw booster

or this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?V...A:IT&ih=019

which has a 500mw booster

or something completely different?

Cheers

Richard

 

[npf1]

There was a thread on here a while back and the WaveRX was suggested as a good solution (details here: http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/waverv.php).

There was a guy, who frequents these fora, selling them in the UK. Detail here: http://www.vasari.net/

 

[bernieoldham]

you could also try
http://www.repeatit.se/products/subscriberunits.4.32d4db7210df50fec2d800021521.html
the only thing i can find against it is its directional
and im on a swinging mooring .but works very well i can see wireless access points literally from miles away (even if to weak to connect)

 

[orizaba]

the best one i've found is by a company called repeat it.
robust comes with 30m cable,designed for marine use,picks up signals up to 2k away guaranteed, all electrics are in the ariel box so no power loss. the one i have is an RS/3.
i think they may have brought out a new model ,its not maybe the cheapest but well made waterproof,and designed for the job, uses standard usb input and proper h/d cables,
google repeatit and see the site.
still not heard from my mate in malta re wifi but will let you know as soon as i do

 

[sarabande]

I have used the Repeatit receiver and it picks up signals from up to 3km away.

OK , it is directional, but it's powered from the PC, and has great support from these people who supply MDL marinas and lots of commercial centres.

www.wifispark.com

Only connection is that of a satisfied customer.

 

[fredcb]

Don't forget its illegal to just pick up and use any old signal!

If its just a marina WiFi you want to use I have found any good quality internal wifi modem on board with with its built in aerial will work in grp and timber hulls with line of site to the transmitter.

 

[Steve Clayton]

Repeatit gets my vote; I've got the RS/3 wifi antenna with 15metres of USB; almost plug and play and it's fantastic. (eBay - £25)

 

[thalassa]

After a series of disappointments with cheap USB dongles, cables and added frying pans as "boosters", I bought the Senao USB adaptor last year, and haven't found a marina yet where I couldn't get a decent signal.

 

[captainslarty]

if you use a usb adapter with rp-sma connector to something like a 9dbi antenna (Realistically probably around 6) you will have no problems in most areas. The trick is to make it weatherproof, buy a small plastic construction box, pop the unit inside with antenna sticking through a hole in the box, usb cable attached, and fill it with epoxy..
I actaully use a cantenna made from a spaghetti tin, superb, the electronics are "potted" the same way. CGeap and it works.
I DO have a 500mw amp that I use occasionaly. Can make all the difference. As for being illegal to borrow bandwidth, yeah, so are lots of things.
Have fun

 

[orizaba]

that was a bargain an rs/3 for 25 pound. mine if i rember right was nearly 80 but as far as i'm concerned still a bargain

 

[Jonny_H]

This came highly recommended to me by a fellow forumite who is in the Med at the moment:

http://www.wifispark.com/index.php/content/view/90

Jonny

 

[Abigail]

Is anyone using one of these with an apple mac? We use both a mac and a pc on board and the aeriel on the Mac is significantly weaker, and I could really do with a strong wifi booster. We use a passive Dlink inside a cantenna, which does help but doesn't really do as well as we would like.

Ta for any advice.