Posting here where everyone can see it.
I know that there have been hundreds of posts in regard to wireless internet,but for those who are still confused I am sending a copy of an e-mail I sent to Optus (our provider) after I asked them about using it while travelling in a caravan.
Hope this helps.  We use a dongle.

Travelling in a caravan


Discussion Thread
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Response Via Email(Robert) - 31/01/2011 08.33 AM
Dear Frances,

Thank you for your email.

In regards to the external antenna, this is just a little device that connects to the USB
adaptor that you currently have.

It will work with both computers as it only connects to the USB adapter and not your
computer.

The main purpose for the antenna is within poor signal areas the antenna will give you a
better chance of connecting to the internet than just using the USB adapter.

Kind Regards,
Robert
Optus Technical Support

Customer By Email (Frances Hussein) - 30/01/2011 08.55 PM
Thank you for your reply to my e-mail.
Could you please tell me how the external antenna works as I do have an internal one. Also
would the external antenna work for both computers (2) or just the one?
Here are the full details of the USB modems my partner and I have, so that you are able to
tell us what we need. model E:160E FCC ID:QISE 160E HSDPA USB stick
Thank you again for your reply.
Kind regards
Frances

> Wireless Technical Support <wirelesssupport@optus.com.au> wrote:
>



-- Edited by dolphinrider on Tuesday 1st of February 2011 03:19:50 PM

Not sure if Optus answered your question satisfactorly for you -
I have just got a 'dongle' from Optus and on the side is a little plastic plug - that is where the external antenna plugs in.
Do you have the dongle plugged into a 3g router/modem?
That is how you can use two computers at once.

Cheers
Patto

No I don't!  How much does the router modem cost?

Gee'z ya lost me Don't let ya doodle dangle or ya end up with a dongle . I'm glad I have a "teenager" who fixes those fingeze for Me Richo

I am interested in the optus dongle, 1. what is the cost of the dongle? 2. Do you have to go on a contract? 3. if yes, how long? 4. What is the total cost? 5. How much download do you get? 6. does it work in remote area's? As you are asking Otus about the external antenna I will assume that the sig without the external antenna is not very strong, is this correct?

I had the Optus usb dongle for 2 years and also fitted an external antenna to the caravan then purchased patch leads to fit same antenna to both the Optus dongle and the next G mobile phone.

Here is the antenna.
  
http://store.comnet.com.au/details/2336493.html

Here is the patch lead.

http://store.comnet.com.au/details/2613341.html

This site has many solutions for phones and internet connections.


http://www.comnet.com.au/
 I purchased them from this site and installed the antenna myself on the side of my poptop van so that it could be folded down when traveling.

I have since changed providers to Telstra / Bigpond ultimate and have purchased a patch lead to connect it to the same antenna.
The reason why I switched providers is that optus has bogged down a lot lately and goes back to almost dial up speed . And my 2 year contract was up.

You will also find that optus is not available in as many places as Telstra next G. and is also no-where near as fast.

Pricing for Me...
Optus .................. $49.95 per month for 3 Gig which was plentifull.
Bigpond/ Telstra....$49.95 per month for 3 Gig plus a $20 rebate each month because we have a Mobile and a Home phone with Telstra. = $29.95 per month contact for 2 years again.

Hope this all helps,
Cheers Dodg.

http://personal.optus.com.au/web/ocaportal.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=Template_woRHS&FP=/personal/internet/wirelessbroadband&site=personal&tas=sem:omb&cid=SL_Mob_BB_001:BAU:OSC:OMB:SEM:Post_Wireless_BB:30062010&s_kwcid=TC|17954|optus%20wireless||S||8275372081

Hi Wombat,

I have been using Optus wireless after moving into a caravan without a land line and to date have had no problems. My plan is $29 per month paid as a direct debit so I don't have to worry about it. I have 3 gig of downloads if I use the peak times but if I download between midnight and seven AM I get double that.

I have looked closely at the dongle and it does have a plastic flap covering an ariel location and before I set off that will be examined. Also I do have an optus mobile telephone and that is paid for with the wireless direct debit. The link above will give you some idea of the different optus charges, you can prepay but it would be a nuisance whilst on the road.

John

Onedodger & yeoeleven thanks for all the useful information, will have a look into it, at home I have 25gb per month not sure how I would go with only 3gb

I just signed for 24 month contract at $19 per month and the 'dongle' is included.  That gives me 2gb, but there are many other plans available - check the web site. Other companies also have good deals avaiable.

It works wherever you get a 3g phone signal.

The Dlink 3g router was $88 at hardly normal, but several others available on the net. Make sure it is 3G.

Cheers
Patto


-- Edited by Patto44 on Wednesday 2nd of February 2011 05:11:48 PM

Holy Toledo Wombat!!!!  25gb?? I'm on the 6gb plan and have only used 6gb once! But like to keep the 6 in case.

dolphinrider wrote:

---

Holy Toledo Wombat!!!!  25gb?? I'm on the 6gb plan and have only used 6gb once! But like to keep the 6 in case.

---

Hi DR since going onto 25mb I have not gone over my limit I am pleased to say, pain in the bum going over and slowing down to dailup speed, used to do that every month.

 

Have been with telstra for 1 month wireless broadband 7 GB per mt. $59.95 discount to $39.95 per mt. if you have one other Telstra product . very happy much faster speed than our ADSL , running 2 computers using USB wireless modem

I have looked into the antennae for the optus dongle, apparently they are versatile because the one I have just bought from an Optus Shop has suits TELSTRA NEXT-G USB MODEM printed on the wrapper.

The cost was $34.95 and the salesman told me that it would increase my signal strength here whilst in the caravan park and will dramatically increase the coverage area when on the road.

I have installed it with it's magnetic base on the caravan roof and my signal currently is showing at 99% with 4 bars showing as well as the first one with the antennae on top, I hovered the mouse over the bars and it read 99%.

Good information is coming from this thread, thanks to all posters.

John

Remember you have it on your camper van roof which is metal magnetic base wont work on aluminum which most caravan roof are, but antennas are a great help

will not stick on mine, all fibre glass.

yeah the harvey norman 3g routers should be ok, at home im on 200 gigs pm but usually 1p0 gigs when on the road