Reasonable External Antenna for use on an RV?

I would like to have some type of external antenna
that we could connect to with a laptop that would
serve to enhance our wifi reception when dealing
with weaker signals. Realize the weather issues
to be dealt with. I would mount it on our
rotateable tv antenna on the fifthwheel and
connect via a usb extension. This would place the
antenna about 15 feet above ground level.

Would some type of yagi be better or would a patch
antenna be better...assuming they are both very
directional?

Looking to do this within a reasonable cost...$100!

TIA

Brian

Pegleg wrote:
> I would like to have some type of external antenna that we could connect
> to with a laptop that would serve to enhance our wifi reception when
> dealing with weaker signals. Realize the weather issues to be dealt
> with. I would mount it on our rotateable tv antenna on the fifthwheel
> and connect via a usb extension. This would place the antenna about 15
> feet above ground level.
>
> Would some type of yagi be better or would a patch antenna be
> better...assuming they are both very directional?
>
> Looking to do this within a reasonable cost...$100!
>
> TIA
>
> Brian
There is also an RV group where you might find help
search via google groups.

"LouB" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
: Pegleg wrote:
: > I would like to have some type of external antenna that we could connect
: > to with a laptop that would serve to enhance our wifi reception when
: > dealing with weaker signals. Realize the weather issues to be dealt
: > with. I would mount it on our rotateable tv antenna on the fifthwheel
: > and connect via a usb extension. This would place the antenna about 15
: > feet above ground level.
: >
: > Would some type of yagi be better or would a patch antenna be
: > better...assuming they are both very directional?
: >
: > Looking to do this within a reasonable cost...$100!
: >
: > TIA
: >
: > Brian
: There is also an RV group where you might find help
: search via google groups.

rec.outdoors.rv-travel is one such group but I'd recommend you look into RV
blogs that have some adult supervision.

NotMe wrote:

> rec.outdoors.rv-travel is one such group but I'd recommend you look into RV
> blogs that have some adult supervision.

Thanks...I'm familiar with that group...at times I
don't think adult supervision would even help!

Brian

NotMe wrote:
> "LouB" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> : Pegleg wrote:
> : > I would like to have some type of external antenna that we could connect
> : > to with a laptop that would serve to enhance our wifi reception when
> : > dealing with weaker signals. Realize the weather issues to be dealt
> : > with. I would mount it on our rotateable tv antenna on the fifthwheel
> : > and connect via a usb extension. This would place the antenna about 15
> : > feet above ground level.
> : >
> : > Would some type of yagi be better or would a patch antenna be
> : > better...assuming they are both very directional?
> : >
> : > Looking to do this within a reasonable cost...$100!
> : >
> : > TIA
> : >
> : > Brian
> : There is also an RV group where you might find help
> : search via google groups.
>
> rec.outdoors.rv-travel is one such group but I'd recommend you look into RV
> blogs that have some adult supervision.
>
LOL and AGREE very much!
I do not go there anymore because the noise level is so bad.
You have any blogs you like or use?

Lou

Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> On Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:42:44 -0700, Pegleg
> <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>> I would like to have some type of external antenna
>> that we could connect to with a laptop that would
>> serve to enhance our wifi reception when dealing
>> with weaker signals.
>
> first problem is that your laptop probably doesn't have an external
> antenna connector. If you wanna butcher the laptop to add a
> connector, see:
> <http://repair4laptop.org/wireless_lan.html>
> Otherwise, it's a USB or PCMCIA card with an external connector.
>
>> Realize the weather issues
>> to be dealt with. I would mount it on our
>> rotateable tv antenna on the fifthwheel and
>> connect via a usb extension. This would place the
>> antenna about 15 feet above ground level.
>
> The maximum length for a convential USB cable is about 16ft, so that
> might not work. I've gone about 30ft without problems, but there's no
> guarantee that some random USB radio will work. Running a long USB
> cable is generally better than running coax cable because there's no
> RF loss involved.
>
>> Would some type of yagi be better or would a patch
>> antenna be better...assuming they are both very
>> directional?
>
> Both will work. I prefer a panel antenna. However, if you want to
> provide a bird roost, the yagi is better. You can also find a few
> panels that have built in USB radios.
>
>> Looking to do this within a reasonable cost...$100!
>
> No problem:
>
> USB radio with RP-SMA connector $ 50
> Assorted USB extension cables $ 20
> 13dBi panel antenna $ 36
> Type N to SMA adapter or pigtail $ 15
> Tuperware enclosure and RTV seal goo $ 0
> ======
> $121
>
> Ok, cut the cost with a cheapo Hong Kong radio for $19.
> <http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220411838965>
>
> Antenna:
> <http://www.fab-corp.com/product.php?productid=893&cat=255&page=1>
>
> USB wireless:
> <http://www.fab-corp.com/product.php?productid=16186&cat=0&page=1>
>
> Pigtail:
> <http://www.fab-corp.com/product.php?productid=2635>
>
> Also, wrap the RF connectors with teflon plumbers tape and then embalm
> the mess with outdoor electrical tape. The teflon will cold flow and
> act as a sealant. The tape just holds it in place.
>

Jeff

Wow
I occasionally visit this group as a lurker just to try and pick up a
little info.
Today I read this post and learned why I see you post a lot.
You know your stuff:-)) Thank You.

Lou

"Jeff Liebermann" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> On Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:42:44 -0700, Pegleg
> <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>>I would like to have some type of external antenna
>>that we could connect to with a laptop that would
>>serve to enhance our wifi reception when dealing
>>with weaker signals.
>
> first problem is that your laptop probably doesn't have an external
> antenna connector. If you wanna butcher the laptop to add a
> connector, see:
> <http://repair4laptop.org/wireless_lan.html>
> Otherwise, it's a USB or PCMCIA card with an external connector.
>
>>Realize the weather issues
>>to be dealt with. I would mount it on our
>>rotateable tv antenna on the fifthwheel and
>>connect via a usb extension. This would place the
>>antenna about 15 feet above ground level.
>
> The maximum length for a convential USB cable is about 16ft, so that
> might not work. I've gone about 30ft without problems, but there's no
> guarantee that some random USB radio will work. Running a long USB
> cable is generally better than running coax cable because there's no
> RF loss involved.
>
>>Would some type of yagi be better or would a patch
>>antenna be better...assuming they are both very
>>directional?
>
> Both will work. I prefer a panel antenna. However, if you want to
> provide a bird roost, the yagi is better. You can also find a few
> panels that have built in USB radios.
>
>>Looking to do this within a reasonable cost...$100!
>
> No problem:
>
> USB radio with RP-SMA connector $ 50
> Assorted USB extension cables $ 20
> 13dBi panel antenna $ 36
> Type N to SMA adapter or pigtail $ 15
> Tuperware enclosure and RTV seal goo $ 0
> ======
> $121
Ok, cut the cost with a cheapo Hong Kong radio for $19.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=220411838965
USB wireless:
http://www.fab-corp.com/product.php?productid=16186&cat=0&page=1>
>
> --
> Jeff Liebermann

Hi Jeff,
I'm thinking only one of the following is required not both, is that
correct?

Ok, cut the cost with a cheapo Hong Kong radio for $19.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=220411838965

USB wireless:
http://www.fab-corp.com/product.php?...6&cat=0&page=1

I see the "Wireless LAN 802.11b/g 500mW USB Adapter" has increased output
power.

Can you give me your thoughts on the 500mw output vs. the more common 23mw.
In what situations will the extra power help when the signal your trying to
receive is
not any stronger.
Thanks, Mike

"LouB" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
: NotMe wrote:
: > "LouB" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
: > news:(E-Mail Removed)...
: > : Pegleg wrote:
: > : > I would like to have some type of external antenna that we could
connect
: > : > to with a laptop that would serve to enhance our wifi reception when
: > : > dealing with weaker signals. Realize the weather issues to be dealt
: > : > with. I would mount it on our rotateable tv antenna on the
fifthwheel
: > : > and connect via a usb extension. This would place the antenna about
15
: > : > feet above ground level.
: > : >
: > : > Would some type of yagi be better or would a patch antenna be
: > : > better...assuming they are both very directional?
: > : >
: > : > Looking to do this within a reasonable cost...$100!
: > : >
: > : > TIA
: > : >
: > : > Brian
: > : There is also an RV group where you might find help
: > : search via google groups.
: >
: > rec.outdoors.rv-travel is one such group but I'd recommend you look into
RV
: > blogs that have some adult supervision.
: >
: LOL and AGREE very much!
: I do not go there anymore because the noise level is so bad.
: You have any blogs you like or use?
:
Naw, to be honest I sub to rort a for the grins and giggles. Some there
get wound up like an eight day clock sooo easily and the vindictive is a
hoot not to mention the twisted world views.

NotMe wrote:

> Naw, to be honest I sub to rort a for the grins and giggles. Some there
> get wound up like an eight day clock sooo easily and the vindictive is a
> hoot not to mention the twisted world views.

I read it occasionally also but there is no
comparison of the crap that gets posted there with
the valuable, accurate information that is on
RV.NET! And without all the criticism and
sarcastic comments. A lot of way over inflated
egos on RORT!

Brian

Pegleg wrote:
> NotMe wrote:
>
>> Naw, to be honest I sub to rort a for the grins and giggles. Some
>> there get wound up like an eight day clock sooo easily and the
>> vindictive is a hoot not to mention the twisted world views.
>
> I read it occasionally also but there is no comparison of the crap that
> gets posted there with the valuable, accurate information that is on
> RV.NET! And without all the criticism and sarcastic comments. A lot of
> way over inflated egos on RORT!
>
> Brian
Thanks for that RV.NET comment. Is that a blog?

Lou