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Subject Topic: Caravan Wi-fi Network Post Reply Post New Topic
04/3/2019 at 2:28pm
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: 2016 Swift Conqueror 630
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We're looking at setting up wifi in our van as we will be using it to live in for the next year or so and have already chosen our network supplier but we need hardware advice.
We are looking at supplying data for 2 mobile phones, 3 laptops, 1 tablet, and adding Google Home, a wireless printer and 1 tv via chromecast to the network.

Now the techy bit.
Would a mobile hotspot (mifi or similar device) control and supply a internet connection and network for these or do we need a wifi router to make them all communicate (e.g printer to work, and chromecast be able to receive from phones).
If it is a router we need, which I suspect it is, can anyone suggest a 12V router as all the ones I've seen plug in to 240V.

Alternatively how have you set up a wifi network in your van for devices to communicate?


04/3/2019 at 3:16pm
 Location: North Devon
 Outfit: Robens Fairbanks Coleman Phad X3
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I think you'll need a router. If you're living in the van for a year or so will you not have some sort of mains hook-up anyway?

-------------
Sean


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04/3/2019 at 6:02pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB
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Have a Google for motorhomewifi.com, they have lots of advice as well as the equipment to get you sorted. They are very helpful if you have any technical queries.


Rob


via mobile 04/3/2019 at 8:26pm
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: 2016 Swift Conqueror 630
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Quote: Originally posted by seanfdh on 04/3/2019
I think you'll need a router. If you're living in the van for a year or so will you not have some sort of mains hook-up anyway?


We'll have hookup but I figured that if I'm going to install it I'd like it to work when we're off grid too as that's how we do most of our caravanning.


via mobile 04/3/2019 at 9:35pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford
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Look at a TP Link with a dongle this will power of mains or when off mains from laptop.


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05/3/2019 at 8:19am
 Location: Northamptonshire
 Outfit: Lunar SB + Volvo XC70
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I've recently posted an article on my experience of installing a MiFi hotspot in our caravan which may be of help.

http://wandering.me.uk/mobile-data-capture/


05/3/2019 at 9:08am
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB
View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
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Thanks for the link Dave, I've read that page of your blog and bookmarked your site so I can refer to it again later.

Rob


05/3/2019 at 10:13am
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: 2016 Swift Conqueror 630
View BadBoyBushy's Profile View Profile   Reply to BadBoyBushy Reply   Quote BadBoyBushy Quote  
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Quote: Originally posted by DaveMiller on 05/3/2019
I've recently posted an article on my experience of installing a MiFi hotspot in our caravan which may be of help.


Interesting read Dave, thank you. I'll have to have a proper read of everything when time allows.
I'd not considered the reduced signal inside the van. While I know where we'll be has an excellent signal, we have in the past been on sites where the signal is poor and the metal from the van blocks out the signal completely so I think the external aerial could be a must.



via mobile 06/3/2019 at 9:55pm
 Location: Stockton on Tees
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman SB Kia Sorento
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Another vote for Motorhomewifi get their number any give them a call .The company is owned and run by a young couple who are very helpful.


07/3/2019 at 1:50pm
 Location: West Yorkshire
 Outfit: Bessacarr Cameo 625 2011
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Motorhomewifi is good quality kit, and its main advantage on CC sites is that you are able to use more than one device at the same time, which is not possible normally. Its also designed to be capable of use outside or inside, dependent on the signal available.


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via mobile 07/3/2019 at 10:59pm
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: 2016 Swift Conqueror 630
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Thanks for all your replies.
Following further reading we've opted to go for the following kit.
Vodafone mobile phone Sim deal. 100Gb per month at �20 (special offer)
Huawei B593 LTE 4G Wireless Router

The router will allow us to set up a network so all our devices can communicate with each other (which mifi won't do) and provide them all with an internet connection. It can also be configured so that the phone part of the Sim can still be used as a phone by connecting a DECT phone so we can effectivity have not only a data connection but also a traditional phone handset provided by the 4g network.
The router currently runs off a mains transformer providing a 12v supply. All we need to do it source the correct connection to make up a replacement lead and we'll be able to power it from the caravans 12v circuit for off grid use.


07/3/2019 at 11:03pm
 Location: North Devon
 Outfit: Robens Fairbanks Coleman Phad X3
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Sounds like a neat solution.

-------------
Sean


08/3/2019 at 1:26pm
 Location: West Yorkshire
 Outfit: Bessacarr Cameo 625 2011
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It is, if you can get a mobile phone signal. We had an earlier version of this, but 2 of our preferred sites have no mobile signal, so there is no option but to rely on the MHCC wifi, slow though it is.


08/3/2019 at 4:50pm
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: 2016 Swift Conqueror 630
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Quote: Originally posted by chrisn7 on 08/3/2019
It is, if you can get a mobile phone signal. We had an earlier version of this, but 2 of our preferred sites have no mobile signal, so there is no option but to rely on the MHCC wifi, slow though it is.



We visit one particular site every year and it has no signal on any network, so we are forced to use the wifi in the local pub


10/3/2019 at 12:05pm
 Location: Central Scotland
 Outfit: Coachman 630 Extra
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I bought a hootoo trip mate, a famous blogger said you can use it with one caravan site connection, then connect multiple devices to the trip mate. The wifi services on french sites are too smart for that. Bit of a waste of money. Handy power bank, thats about it.

-------------
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