Been putting up with the very poor caravan wifi for years. Tried using a wifi extender for a while with limited success. Then they upgraded (if you could call it that ) their system which just made things worse. So tried hot spot on my phone which was just as bad. Finally had enough. I bought a Netgear Nighthawk M2 and a amaysim mobile data plan. Have just set it up and will go to bed with a smile on my face. Should have done it earlier. So much better speed and no drop outs yet.
Mike Harding said
06:13 PM Jan 2, 2022
That modem usually gets excellent reviews.
I assume you are using its supplied antennas for mobile signal reception? An external antenna mounted on the van roof or a pole will provide better results in marginal signal areas.
The Optus (Amaysim) network is pretty good these days although you will find Telstra (try Boost) is better in some locations, also take a look at Gomo native Optus low cost.
Corndoggy said
06:55 PM Jan 2, 2022
Not using any attached antenna, just what's inside the box. Good enough reception where I am. Far better than using the caravan parks wifi which is using Telstra as a ISP. Far better than hotspot off my phone with Vodafone. Asked around the park those using hotspot phones and Optus was giving better speeds. Have found out that it doesn't like charging the battery when being used, charges very slow. Will see how fast it charges when turned off. Will be trying other providers over time. I am spoiled. I have ultra fast fttp at home and most things are quick.
Mike Harding said
07:35 PM Jan 2, 2022
Vodafone is a disaster! Do not entertain it outside urban areas - little doubt that is why you could not previously get hot-spot coverage.
PeterD said
10:19 PM Jan 2, 2022
Corndoggy wrote:
I bought a Netgear Nighthawk M2 and a amaysim mobile data plan. Have just set it up and will go to bed with a smile on my face.
That is what is referred to as the Telstra Nighthawk that many on the forum have been referring to. I use the Telstra 4GX Hotspot on a Telstra plan and have no problems in most places I go.
Mike, there are no external antennas supplied with it whether you purchase it from Netgear or Telstra.
Mike Harding said
06:41 AM Jan 3, 2022
Fair enough PeterD, I must be confusing it with a different Nighthawk model, one of them has two external whip antenna and sockets for remote antennas.
Rob Driver said
08:02 AM Jan 3, 2022
When I bought my Nighthawk in a Telstra shop it came with a docking kit that the modem fitted into.
That docking station had aerials which assisted wi fi signal distribution as well has it had a plug in which you could fit an external aerial and another plug for charging.
If I remember correctly the modem was switched off while charging in the dock.
Over time I found the docking station cumbersome when in the van and I ended up just velcroeing the modem to the wall.
From a member on this forum I learnt that you could remove the battery and just run it on the charger.
In the end I proved the modem to be faulty so I bought a unit with an external antennae. It is the RV WiFi brand and it mounts in the van and the option of external antennaes makes it attractive at least to me.
I find the RV WiFi unit works well and meets my expectations and I am currently on a Telstra plan.
Mike H, just for your info Boost do not do a data only plan so that is why I am on Telstra for internet data.
I do think some use a Boost SIM card in their modems but I am not game to do that as I would not like to lose my Boost phone plan. The details are in the Boost fine print.
Rob Driver said
09:04 AM Jan 3, 2022
I just did a bit of a search and found a current list of accessories for the nighthawk. Obviously a few extra since the intro of 5G
My daughter recently bought a bare bones modem on Telstra and she says it works fine in her camper.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Monday 3rd of January 2022 09:08:45 AM
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Monday 3rd of January 2022 09:11:18 AM
Corndoggy said
10:47 AM Jan 3, 2022
Apparently the M2 modem has been made for Telstra, but not locked to Telsta. I got it from JB HiFi and when I opened it up first thing I noticed was the Telstra logo on it. Maybe this is just for Australian models as there are pictures with Netgear rather than Telstra on it, looks like overseas models. It did come preconfigured to use Telstra. I only need this when going away so not looking for a long term plan. Would have liked to got a 5G one for future but cannot justify the price of one at around $800-900. Does have 2 antenna port on the back if you want them. Time will tell when we get back to some travelling around.
Nighthawk refers to a series of devices. Have a Nigthawk router at home for quite a few years now and have found it to be very good. Yet someone have reported that they are crap. Has worked well using original and custom firmware without problems.
PeterD said
11:56 AM Jan 3, 2022
Corndoggy wrote:
Apparently the M2 modem has been made for Telstra, but not locked to Telsta. Snip
Would have liked to got a 5G one for future but cannot justify the price of one at around $800-900. Does have 2 antenna port on the back if you want them.
Nighthawk refers to a series of devices. Have a Nigthawk router at home for quite a few years now and have found it to be very good. Yet someone have reported that they are crap. Has worked well using original and custom firmware without problems.
Nighthawk is a range of compatible devices. The M1 and M2 models are the portable devices. The M1 is equipped with the Optus operating frequencies and the M2 is equipped with the Telstra operating frequencies.
Regarding the 5G phone system, it will be a loooong time before there is 5G available where I travel, 5G will be of extremely limited value for me. I seem to manage around 5 years or a little life out of a wireless modem. By the time I get a new modem and 5G will be of some value, modems will come equipped with 4G/5G, not the current 3G/4G that are all the go up until now. Also remember, large data allowance plans cost far more than the home plans. If you have 5G then you will be encouraged to use more data and will thus spend much of the month on throttled speeds or alternately you you will be spending hundreds of dollars for your big data allowance plans.
PeterD said
12:15 PM Jan 3, 2022
Rob Driver wrote:
I just did a bit of a search and found a current list of accessories for the nighthawk. Obviously a few extra since the intro of 5G
My daughter recently bought a bare bones modem on Telstra and she says it works fine in her camper.
The main thing I see with the range of accessories for 5G is the additional antenna models that include the extra 5G operating frequencies.
Regarding the docking station (or cradle as Netgear call them,) I believe it is only suitable for the smaller modems. It is not listed as an accessory for the Nighthawks. I purchased one hoping that it would improve the fringe area performance when I was out camping in remote areas. It failed miserably in those situations, elevating the modem on a pole proved more successful. What it did manage to do was to stuff up the micro USB socket in the modems base. I could not get the back support adjustment set to stop the modem wobbling back and forward when it was mounted. After a few trips the socket became a bit slack and I had to hold the plug over to one side before the battery would charge.
The cradle has sockets to accept external antenna plugs. However, you may as well use external hi-gain antennas connected directly to the modem. The external antennas cost about the same as the cradle and they can be situated in a more favourable signal position than the cradle.
-- Edited by PeterD on Monday 3rd of January 2022 12:20:53 PM
Mike Harding said
01:14 PM Jan 3, 2022
PeterD wrote:
The M1 is equipped with the Optus operating frequencies and the M2 is equipped with the Telstra operating frequencies.
That''s a bit naughty!
So if one wishes to change service providers it's $300 for a second modem! Although Telstra is my main provider I also have an Optus SIM for the areas Telstra does not service well.
So far my phone/tablet has worked OK as a hot spot but it's a bit marginal in some locations and, doubtless, an external antenna would solve that hence my interest in Nighthawk but I'll not buy two of them. I wonder if they do a unit which covers all Oz frequencies or maybe I'll need to look elsewhere.
PeterD: I agree with you about 5G - no use at all to me.
Rob Driver said
02:49 PM Jan 3, 2022
Hi PeterD,
Yes you are correct as far as I can note the new bits are now there for 5G.
The modem I had that fitted into the cradle was from memory an 810S or very similar. It came with Telstra emblazoned on the modem but it certainly appeared to be the same modem as the Nighthawk and the Air Card. The replacement battery I bought certainly fitted those three models. I am fairly positive that the modem I had was the same, at least in dimension as the Nighthawk I do know that my Telstra Nighthawk modem is virtually the same size and fittings as my daughters new modem. BTW she bought hers from JB HiFi, and it is called a Nighthawk.
When I bought the modem and cradle I did not buy the external aerial as the store advised me to try it without the external antennae. Prior to me buying this modem I had a smaller unit that was a little larger than a current USB Drive. This would not fit the cradle and had no provision for any antennae or other accessories. The cradle I had also had Ethernet plugs in the rear as well.
My Telstra Modem lasted about 7 years and during its life I changed from Telstra to Optus for a couple of years. Originally the Telstra people would not unlock the modem as they claimed it was theirs to maintain. It was amazing how they changed their tune when I showed them my Telstra History on how I bought the equipment outright and was never on a purchase / rent plan. The girl in the Telstra office was very supportive as she knew I was within my rights to have it unlocked. She stated that they will muck people around even when they were entitled to it being not locked to any telco. Telstra wanted me to send them my modem. The shop assistant fortunately had a better way of doing it.
What she asked me to do was leave the modem with her overnight and come back when the store opened the next morning. Low and behold it was like magic that my modem was now unlocked. She even fitted the Optus sim and ensured that it worked. She suggested that I do not ask how it was all done but it went along the line of, we were in a country store and many people (good customers) were locals and repeat clients. We had bought a lot of equipment from them over the years for both private and business use.
She knew a tech that could easily unlock these modems.
It was funny that when I went back to Telstra their comment was that I had not used this modem for some time. I had to ask Telstra to reactivate my modem to run Telstra again. They did this online in minutes. I really think it was just their Sim that they activated.
Apparently, Legally in Aus no telco can lock you permanently to their service if you own the equipment, or in other words did not sign a rental and pay by the month agreement with them. If you did rent to buy then you may be screwed. If you buy outright be it from J B HiFi or a Telstra or Optus shop they can not legally lock you permanently to their service.
To you Mike Harding, it may pay to do some investigative research as to your current position with two SIM cards from different telcos in these modems as when I had mine it was not as simple as swapping sims. Recent comments from an Optus rep indicated that it is Telstra that have this magical lock system, he claimed Optus dont do it. Dont shoot the messenger if this is not true but remember you must have purchased the device outright.
My current RV WiFi will take either or any Telco Simcard and you can swap from card to card at your whim.
When you take into account the antennae and all equipment that comes with the RV WiFi unit it makes the opportunity to receive good internet in most places without having to deal with a telco apart from an activation email or call, not a bad choice.
Apart from a battery that failed I found very little wrong with my Telstra/ Netgear / Nighthawk modem until it began only working intermittently. This is when I went the RV WiFi unit.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Monday 3rd of January 2022 02:53:34 PM
PeterD said
07:11 PM Jan 3, 2022
Mike Harding wrote:
PeterD wrote:
The M1 is equipped with the Optus operating frequencies and the M2 is equipped with the Telstra operating frequencies.
That''s a bit naughty!
So far my phone/tablet has worked OK as a hot spot but it's a bit marginal in some locations and, doubtless, an external antenna would solve that hence my interest in Nighthawk but I'll not buy two of them. I wonder if they do a unit which covers all Oz frequencies or maybe I'll need to look elsewhere.
Netgear may have a model to cover all bands. However, I suspect my next wireless modem could be something like the RV WIFI+4GX Portable Caravan WIFI Internet.The kit comes with an external antenna.
gdayjr said
08:04 AM Jan 5, 2022
I have recently purchased a Nighthawk M5 Router. This router works with any brand sim card.
I use it with a Boost Sim card.
I have a Mimo antena connected to it, and when in remote areas i will have it attached to a 5.7 mmeter extendable mast that mounts on my rear spare wheel carrier.
I don't get my caravan until this July, but i am using the set up at home in Westmead N.S.W and getting some very good results on speed tests.
Rob Driver said
09:18 AM Jan 5, 2022
gdayjr wrote:
I have recently purchased a Nighthawk M5 Router. This router works with any brand sim card.
I use it with a Boost Sim card.
I have a Mimo antena connected to it, and when in remote areas i will have it attached to a 5.7 mmeter extendable mast that mounts on my rear spare wheel carrier.
I don't get my caravan until this July, but i am using the set up at home in Westmead N.S.W and getting some very good results on speed tests.
Hi jr,
Thank you for that piece of info re the Boost sim in the router.
I stated incorrectly it appears, that they would not let you use a Boost sim in a router.
They apparently changed their position in early 2018. for Australia.
When Angie set up our Boost accounts it was a no - No with Boost in Australia although I do believe at the time that Boost in the US did allow it.
This opens up another option for me and anyone else who was of the belief that this could not be done.
PeterD said
01:00 PM Jan 5, 2022
Rob Driver wrote:I stated incorrectly it appears, that they would not let you use a Boost sim in a router.
They apparently changed their position in early 2018. for Australia.
When Angie set up our Boost accounts it was a no - No with Boost in Australia although I do believe at the time that Boost in the US did allow it.
In 2012, Optus ended its business relationship with Boost. In October, Boost announced a deal to resell access to the Telstra network, with Telstra reportedly "looking to chase the youth market". After 20 January 2013, all existing Boost customers were converted to Optus customers and continued to receive services on the Optus network. On 7 March, Boost Tel PTY Limited began to offer products and services under the Boost Pre-paid Mobile brand as an MVNO hosted on the Telstra Next G network.
Mike Harding has been promoting Boost Mobile for more than three years as an alternative cheaper service to Telstra.
Rob Driver said
05:25 PM Jan 5, 2022
Hi PeterD,
When we started with Boost it was approx 2015 and in their *fine print* it most definately stated that the sim was not to be used in a device other than a handset. When Angie phoned to enquire she was directed to the clause in the agreement that clearly stated that the service would be cancelled if it was found the sim being used for any other purpose. This was the basis for me posting that information which as I said has been proven not to be applicable today.
I based my approx date of 2018 as I did read a few forums with my most current search and the fact that Boost was permitting the sims use in data modems was around the beginning of 2018. I found no need to research any further as I found that what I had stated in my post was in fact, incorrect and did no longer apply. I had no need to know the exact date to realise that I was wrong.
Your quote is correct that Optus was the first carrier that Boost used and that is why there were so many negative reports on the service. This and other forums all had members with complaints. The change to Telstra was quite revolutionary as at that time I believe they were the only carrier to offer access to the full Telstra network. Even then, there existed so many people that did not believe that fact. It took years for Boost to prove itself in Australia. Early topics on Boost on the various caravan forums displayed the *anti* stance that many took on the Boost service. Angie was onto it when we had our business and signed up all our mobiles onto Boost. We saved a fortune.
In real terms it no longer matters wether we use the Boost sim for phone or data or both. The deal is prepaid and the decision can be made on a 28 day basis.
I am confident that Mike Harding will source what will be the best service for the cost and with the ability to swap SIM cards from various carriers as he needs.
Just as a side note we presently have a better data deal with Telstra than I could get if I selected any of the Boost plans as listed with them this morning. This is due to me requiring a large data package per month at the moment and from research this morning Boost or anyone else can not come even close to the current deal I have with Telstra.
We have a Telstra pre paid sim for my RV WiFi and Boost prepaid sims in each of our phones. This will suit us for now until something better comes up.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Wednesday 5th of January 2022 05:35:01 PM
Clarky 1 said
10:21 AM Jan 6, 2022
Hi Rob,
I noted from a previous topic that you were getting one of those RV WiFi modems.
I see you have one now so what are your thoughts on its operation?
Rob Driver said
09:33 PM Jan 6, 2022
Gday Clarky 1
I have had the RVWiFi since August / Sept, and I am very happy with it.
I opted to get the extra aerial as well which according to specs gives you about 6db of gain.
It hasnt missed a beat. My speed from Telstra is always up around 20mbs each time I do a test.
I havent been out in the sticks with it yet as I have to stay close to the hospital for my ongoing treatment.
I have a huge data allowance from Telstra and I download a heap of movies to watch if I have to go into hospital for a couple of days.
When I am away from the WiFi modem I can watch whatever I download and dont need to rely on local wifi.
You can plug a hard drive or a usb stick into it and watch that content as well if you are in the van.
Because it mounts in the van it is not really a pocket modem like my old Telstra dongle was.
All in all I think it was worth the money and was failrly easy for me to set it up.
I hope this helps you.
Are We Lost said
12:21 AM Jan 7, 2022
Rob, it's a lot of money to spend on internet hardware. I understand the benefits of external antennae and maybe the internal one is pretty good too. But apart from that, what does it give the average traveller that one of the cheap Telstra 4GX modems doesn't (currently $49 at a few places)?
I have been using an early non LCD version of these for years and it has plenty of speed. With its internal battery I can hoist it up high in low signal areas. It also accepts an external antenna.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Friday 7th of January 2022 12:22:45 AM
PeterD said
07:21 AM Jan 7, 2022
Are We Lost wrote:
Rob, it's a lot of money to spend on internet hardware. I understand the benefits of external antennae and maybe the internal one is pretty good too. But apart from that, what does it give the average traveller that one of the cheap Telstra 4GX modems doesn't (currently $49 at a few places)?
Are We Lost, If you camp in good areas there are probably little advantages, particularly as you are prepared to fiddle with putting your modem up a pole. I note that the you are using a prepaid modem. If you set up a post paid service, the cheapest modem costs $144.
Rob Driver said
08:34 AM Jan 7, 2022
PeterD wrote:
Are We Lost wrote:
Rob, it's a lot of money to spend on internet hardware. I understand the benefits of external antennae and maybe the internal one is pretty good too. But apart from that, what does it give the average traveller that one of the cheap Telstra 4GX modems doesn't (currently $49 at a few places)?
Are We Lost, If you camp in good areas there are probably little advantages, particularly as you are prepared to fiddle with putting your modem up a pole. I note that the you are using a prepaid modem. If you set up a post paid service, the cheapest modem costs $144.
Hi AWL,
Peter is absolutely correct that a standard modem will do the job in most cases and for the extra money you may not need its other features. In fact it was Peters comments that guided me toward choosing the RV unit.
Prior to me replacing my original modem to use its original cradle in a caravan was quite cumbersome so I was back basically to a pocket style modem.
Allthough I generally dont have children with me when we are travelling Angie can still use the signal from the RV WiFi to be on the internet. She reports the signal to be much more reliable than her phone.
Once again I dont need the ability to be on the internet 50 to 100 metres from my van but it has that ability if you need it.
Soon after I got my new unit I was next to a couple who was using Telstra and attempting to watch Netflix and 7+ catch. Up and the signal continued to drop in and out. A speed test on his dongle was generally under 1 megabit per second where in that location I had around 13 to 14 mps.
With the RVWiFi I do not need to fiddle with poles and the like to get a signal. My 6db gain aerial is the same as a boat radio aerial that folds conveniently against the caravan body. The unit also comes with a very unobtrusive antennae device which install flush on the roof of the van, so if you are using this there is not even any folding the aerial.
If you buy a Nighthawk type dongle with all the aerials cradles and other bells and whistles there is not a lot of difference in price when considering it that way and from my experience with my original set up, I am streets ahead with my new RV WiFi. I also do not have to charge the unit like I had to with the original dongle.
AWL if you are using your van in areas with good internet signal and only for short periods you will have a great little pocket dongle which will serve you well.
I have no affiliation with this product and as with everything it is horses for courses.
Rob Driver said
02:52 PM Jan 7, 2022
For those who want to get into the detail of transmission towers there location and direction from your gps position ( or address as a rough guide) you could try this site. Once you have your exact location and picked the nearest tower it will give you a line of sight strip map including antennae height at your exact location. Click on the location icon to the links to see the strip map. Handy for long term set up or if you are in a site where you may move around to the best reception spot. Picking the best spot in a caravan park may not be available if sites are taken. Anyway just something to play with for those interested.
Further to the above here is a site I found very helpful when I needed extra cable to help another nomad.
They cover all the carriers and were good to deal with. We dont have to accept limited equipment from the big name electrical retailers or the restrictive transactions from the Telcos.
They list some antennas and other equipment that you may not see from the likes of the big players for mobile internet in Aus.
I must say I have no affiliation with any of the above.
Rob Driver said
03:11 PM Jan 7, 2022
Once again For those with *smart devices* you can get an app to display phone towers.
Just search the app shop for Aus Phone Towers. This may help when starting to use the above tower information link.
There are many hundreds of towers so you may have to sort which ones are for the carrier you are using and also you may note many towers are private use equipment. you obviously only need the tower for your carrier.
Again, have fun.
Corndoggy said
05:29 PM Jan 7, 2022
Thanks Rob. Bookmarked that onwireless site above.
-- Edited by Corndoggy on Friday 7th of January 2022 05:29:55 PM
montie said
07:42 PM Jan 7, 2022
Yep...she's happy.
Clarky 1 said
08:43 PM Jan 7, 2022
Rob Driver wrote:
Gday Clarky 1
I have had the RVWiFi since August / Sept, and I am very happy with it. I opted to get the extra aerial as well which according to specs gives you about 6db of gain. It hasnt missed a beat. My speed from Telstra is always up around 20mbs each time I do a test. I havent been out in the sticks with it yet as I have to stay close to the hospital for my ongoing treatment. I have a huge data allowance from Telstra and I download a heap of movies to watch if I have to go into hospital for a couple of days. When I am away from the WiFi modem I can watch whatever I download and dont need to rely on local wifi. You can plug a hard drive or a usb stick into it and watch that content as well if you are in the van. Because it mounts in the van it is not really a pocket modem like my old Telstra dongle was. All in all I think it was worth the money and was failrly easy for me to set it up. I hope this helps you.
Hi Rob,
Thanks for that info, I like the idea of having an external aerial to help picking up fringe signals.
I probably dont need a lot of the other features but a system that the aerial is manageable is an advantage with a caravan.
Anyway it is worth considering for me if I can head off to the north west at the end of this year.
Been putting up with the very poor caravan wifi for years. Tried using a wifi extender for a while with limited success. Then they upgraded (if you could call it that ) their system which just made things worse. So tried hot spot on my phone which was just as bad. Finally had enough. I bought a Netgear Nighthawk M2 and a amaysim mobile data plan. Have just set it up and will go to bed with a smile on my face. Should have done it earlier. So much better speed and no drop outs yet.
That modem usually gets excellent reviews.
I assume you are using its supplied antennas for mobile signal reception? An external antenna mounted on the van roof or a pole will provide better results in marginal signal areas.
The Optus (Amaysim) network is pretty good these days although you will find Telstra (try Boost) is better in some locations, also take a look at Gomo native Optus low cost.
Vodafone is a disaster! Do not entertain it outside urban areas - little doubt that is why you could not previously get hot-spot coverage.
That is what is referred to as the Telstra Nighthawk that many on the forum have been referring to. I use the Telstra 4GX Hotspot on a Telstra plan and have no problems in most places I go.
Mike, there are no external antennas supplied with it whether you purchase it from Netgear or Telstra.
Fair enough PeterD, I must be confusing it with a different Nighthawk model, one of them has two external whip antenna and sockets for remote antennas.
That docking station had aerials which assisted wi fi signal distribution as well has it had a plug in which you could fit an external aerial and another plug for charging.
If I remember correctly the modem was switched off while charging in the dock.
Over time I found the docking station cumbersome when in the van and I ended up just velcroeing the modem to the wall.
From a member on this forum I learnt that you could remove the battery and just run it on the charger.
In the end I proved the modem to be faulty so I bought a unit with an external antennae. It is the RV WiFi brand and it mounts in the van and the option of external antennaes makes it attractive at least to me.
I find the RV WiFi unit works well and meets my expectations and I am currently on a Telstra plan.
Mike H, just for your info Boost do not do a data only plan so that is why I am on Telstra for internet data.
I do think some use a Boost SIM card in their modems but I am not game to do that as I would not like to lose my Boost phone plan. The details are in the Boost fine print.
I just did a bit of a search and found a current list of accessories for the nighthawk. Obviously a few extra since the intro of 5G
http://antennashop.com.au/shop/netgear/telstra-wifi-4g-advance-iii-netgear-810s
This is a similar docking station to what I h.ad at the time.
http://antennashop.com.au/shop/netgear/telstra-wifi-4g-advance-iii-netgear-810s/netgear-smart-cradle-dc112a-detail
My daughter recently bought a bare bones modem on Telstra and she says it works fine in her camper.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Monday 3rd of January 2022 09:08:45 AM
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Monday 3rd of January 2022 09:11:18 AM
Nighthawk refers to a series of devices. Have a Nigthawk router at home for quite a few years now and have found it to be very good. Yet someone have reported that they are crap. Has worked well using original and custom firmware without problems.
Nighthawk is a range of compatible devices. The M1 and M2 models are the portable devices. The M1 is equipped with the Optus operating frequencies and the M2 is equipped with the Telstra operating frequencies.
Regarding the 5G phone system, it will be a loooong time before there is 5G available where I travel, 5G will be of extremely limited value for me. I seem to manage around 5 years or a little life out of a wireless modem. By the time I get a new modem and 5G will be of some value, modems will come equipped with 4G/5G, not the current 3G/4G that are all the go up until now. Also remember, large data allowance plans cost far more than the home plans. If you have 5G then you will be encouraged to use more data and will thus spend much of the month on throttled speeds or alternately you you will be spending hundreds of dollars for your big data allowance plans.
The main thing I see with the range of accessories for 5G is the additional antenna models that include the extra 5G operating frequencies.
Regarding the docking station (or cradle as Netgear call them,) I believe it is only suitable for the smaller modems. It is not listed as an accessory for the Nighthawks. I purchased one hoping that it would improve the fringe area performance when I was out camping in remote areas. It failed miserably in those situations, elevating the modem on a pole proved more successful. What it did manage to do was to stuff up the micro USB socket in the modems base. I could not get the back support adjustment set to stop the modem wobbling back and forward when it was mounted. After a few trips the socket became a bit slack and I had to hold the plug over to one side before the battery would charge.
The cradle has sockets to accept external antenna plugs. However, you may as well use external hi-gain antennas connected directly to the modem. The external antennas cost about the same as the cradle and they can be situated in a more favourable signal position than the cradle.
-- Edited by PeterD on Monday 3rd of January 2022 12:20:53 PM
That''s a bit naughty!
So if one wishes to change service providers it's $300 for a second modem! Although Telstra is my main provider I also have an Optus SIM for the areas Telstra does not service well.
So far my phone/tablet has worked OK as a hot spot but it's a bit marginal in some locations and, doubtless, an external antenna would solve that hence my interest in Nighthawk but I'll not buy two of them. I wonder if they do a unit which covers all Oz frequencies or maybe I'll need to look elsewhere.
PeterD: I agree with you about 5G - no use at all to me.
Hi PeterD,
Yes you are correct as far as I can note the new bits are now there for 5G.
The modem I had that fitted into the cradle was from memory an 810S or very similar.
It came with Telstra emblazoned on the modem but it certainly appeared to be the same modem as the Nighthawk and the Air Card.
The replacement battery I bought certainly fitted those three models.
I am fairly positive that the modem I had was the same, at least in dimension as the Nighthawk
I do know that my Telstra Nighthawk modem is virtually the same size and fittings as my daughters new modem. BTW she bought hers from JB HiFi, and it is called a Nighthawk.
When I bought the modem and cradle I did not buy the external aerial as the store advised me to try it without the external antennae.
Prior to me buying this modem I had a smaller unit that was a little larger than a current USB Drive. This would not fit the cradle and had no provision for any antennae or other accessories.
The cradle I had also had Ethernet plugs in the rear as well.
My Telstra Modem lasted about 7 years and during its life I changed from Telstra to Optus for a couple of years.
Originally the Telstra people would not unlock the modem as they claimed it was theirs to maintain.
It was amazing how they changed their tune when I showed them my Telstra History on how I bought the equipment outright and was never on a purchase / rent plan.
The girl in the Telstra office was very supportive as she knew I was within my rights to have it unlocked. She stated that they will muck people around even when they were entitled to it being not locked to any telco. Telstra wanted me to send them my modem. The shop assistant fortunately had a better way of doing it.
What she asked me to do was leave the modem with her overnight and come back when the store opened the next morning.
Low and behold it was like magic that my modem was now unlocked. She even fitted the Optus sim and ensured that it worked.
She suggested that I do not ask how it was all done but it went along the line of, we were in a country store and many people (good customers) were locals and repeat clients. We had bought a lot of equipment from them over the years for both private and business use.
She knew a tech that could easily unlock these modems.
It was funny that when I went back to Telstra their comment was that I had not used this modem for some time.
I had to ask Telstra to reactivate my modem to run Telstra again. They did this online in minutes. I really think it was just their Sim that they activated.
Apparently, Legally in Aus no telco can lock you permanently to their service if you own the equipment, or in other words did not sign a rental and pay by the month agreement with them.
If you did rent to buy then you may be screwed.
If you buy outright be it from J B HiFi or a Telstra or Optus shop they can not legally lock you permanently to their service.
To you Mike Harding,
it may pay to do some investigative research as to your current position with two SIM cards from different telcos in these modems as when I had mine it was not as simple as swapping sims. Recent comments from an Optus rep indicated that it is Telstra that have this magical lock system, he claimed Optus dont do it.
Dont shoot the messenger if this is not true but remember you must have purchased the device outright.
My current RV WiFi will take either or any Telco Simcard and you can swap from card to card at your whim.
When you take into account the antennae and all equipment that comes with the RV WiFi unit it makes the opportunity to receive good internet in most places without having to deal with a telco apart from an activation email or call, not a bad choice.
Apart from a battery that failed I found very little wrong with my Telstra/ Netgear / Nighthawk modem until it began only working intermittently.
This is when I went the RV WiFi unit.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Monday 3rd of January 2022 02:53:34 PM
Netgear may have a model to cover all bands. However, I suspect my next wireless modem could be something like the RV WIFI+4GX Portable Caravan WIFI Internet.The kit comes with an external antenna.
I have recently purchased a Nighthawk M5 Router. This router works with any brand sim card.
I use it with a Boost Sim card.
I have a Mimo antena connected to it, and when in remote areas i will have it attached to a 5.7 mmeter extendable mast that mounts on my rear spare wheel carrier.
I don't get my caravan until this July, but i am using the set up at home in Westmead N.S.W and getting some very good results on speed tests.
Hi jr,
Thank you for that piece of info re the Boost sim in the router.
I stated incorrectly it appears, that they would not let you use a Boost sim in a router.
They apparently changed their position in early 2018. for Australia.
When Angie set up our Boost accounts it was a no - No with Boost in Australia although I do believe at the time that Boost in the US did allow it.
This opens up another option for me and anyone else who was of the belief that this could not be done.
I suggest that the changeover date was sometime prior to 2018. From Boost Mobile (Australia):
Hi PeterD,
When we started with Boost it was approx 2015 and in their *fine print* it most definately stated that the sim was not to be used in a device other than a handset.
When Angie phoned to enquire she was directed to the clause in the agreement that clearly stated that the service would be cancelled if it was found the sim being used for any other purpose.
This was the basis for me posting that information which as I said has been proven not to be applicable today.
I based my approx date of 2018 as I did read a few forums with my most current search and the fact that Boost was permitting the sims use in data modems was around the beginning of 2018. I found no need to research any further as I found that what I had stated in my post was in fact, incorrect and did no longer apply. I had no need to know the exact date to realise that I was wrong.
Your quote is correct that Optus was the first carrier that Boost used and that is why there were so many negative reports on the service. This and other forums all had members with complaints. The change to Telstra was quite revolutionary as at that time I believe they were the only carrier to offer access to the full Telstra network.
Even then, there existed so many people that did not believe that fact. It took years for Boost to prove itself in Australia.
Early topics on Boost on the various caravan forums displayed the *anti* stance that many took on the Boost service.
Angie was onto it when we had our business and signed up all our mobiles onto Boost. We saved a fortune.
In real terms it no longer matters wether we use the Boost sim for phone or data or both. The deal is prepaid and the decision can be made on a 28 day basis.
I am confident that Mike Harding will source what will be the best service for the cost and with the ability to swap SIM cards from various carriers as he needs.
Just as a side note we presently have a better data deal with Telstra than I could get if I selected any of the Boost plans as listed with them this morning. This is due to me requiring a large data package per month at the moment and from research this morning Boost or anyone else can not come even close to the current deal I have with Telstra.
We have a Telstra pre paid sim for my RV WiFi and Boost prepaid sims in each of our phones. This will suit us for now until something better comes up.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Wednesday 5th of January 2022 05:35:01 PM
I noted from a previous topic that you were getting one of those RV WiFi modems.
I see you have one now so what are your thoughts on its operation?
I have had the RVWiFi since August / Sept, and I am very happy with it.
I opted to get the extra aerial as well which according to specs gives you about 6db of gain.
It hasnt missed a beat. My speed from Telstra is always up around 20mbs each time I do a test.
I havent been out in the sticks with it yet as I have to stay close to the hospital for my ongoing treatment.
I have a huge data allowance from Telstra and I download a heap of movies to watch if I have to go into hospital for a couple of days.
When I am away from the WiFi modem I can watch whatever I download and dont need to rely on local wifi.
You can plug a hard drive or a usb stick into it and watch that content as well if you are in the van.
Because it mounts in the van it is not really a pocket modem like my old Telstra dongle was.
All in all I think it was worth the money and was failrly easy for me to set it up.
I hope this helps you.
Rob, it's a lot of money to spend on internet hardware. I understand the benefits of external antennae and maybe the internal one is pretty good too. But apart from that, what does it give the average traveller that one of the cheap Telstra 4GX modems doesn't (currently $49 at a few places)?
I have been using an early non LCD version of these for years and it has plenty of speed. With its internal battery I can hoist it up high in low signal areas. It also accepts an external antenna.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Friday 7th of January 2022 12:22:45 AM
Are We Lost, If you camp in good areas there are probably little advantages, particularly as you are prepared to fiddle with putting your modem up a pole. I note that the you are using a prepaid modem. If you set up a post paid service, the cheapest modem costs $144.
Hi AWL,
Peter is absolutely correct that a standard modem will do the job in most cases and for the extra money you may not need its other features. In fact it was Peters comments that guided me toward choosing the RV unit.
Prior to me replacing my original modem to use its original cradle in a caravan was quite cumbersome so I was back basically to a pocket style modem.
Allthough I generally dont have children with me when we are travelling Angie can still use the signal from the RV WiFi to be on the internet. She reports the signal to be much more reliable than her phone.
Once again I dont need the ability to be on the internet 50 to 100 metres from my van but it has that ability if you need it.
Soon after I got my new unit I was next to a couple who was using Telstra and attempting to watch Netflix and 7+ catch. Up and the signal continued to drop in and out. A speed test on his dongle was generally under 1 megabit per second where in that location I had around 13 to 14 mps.
With the RVWiFi I do not need to fiddle with poles and the like to get a signal. My 6db gain aerial is the same as a boat radio aerial that folds conveniently against the caravan body. The unit also comes with a very unobtrusive antennae device which install flush on the roof of the van, so if you are using this there is not even any folding the aerial.
If you buy a Nighthawk type dongle with all the aerials cradles and other bells and whistles there is not a lot of difference in price when considering it that way and from my experience with my original set up, I am streets ahead with my new RV WiFi. I also do not have to charge the unit like I had to with the original dongle.
AWL if you are using your van in areas with good internet signal and only for short periods you will have a great little pocket dongle which will serve you well.
I have no affiliation with this product and as with everything it is horses for courses.
For those who want to get into the detail of transmission towers there location and direction from your gps position ( or address as a rough guide) you could try this site.
Once you have your exact location and picked the nearest tower it will give you a line of sight strip map including antennae height at your exact location.
Click on the location icon to the links to see the strip map.
Handy for long term set up or if you are in a site where you may move around to the best reception spot. Picking the best spot in a caravan park may not be available if sites are taken.
Anyway just something to play with for those interested.
https://web.acma.gov.au/pls/radcom/site_proximity.main_page
Have fun.
Further to the above here is a site I found very helpful when I needed extra cable to help another nomad.
They cover all the carriers and were good to deal with. We dont have to accept limited equipment from the big name electrical retailers or the restrictive transactions from the Telcos.
https://onwireless.com.au/
They list some antennas and other equipment that you may not see from the likes of the big players for mobile internet in Aus.
I must say I have no affiliation with any of the above.
Once again For those with *smart devices* you can get an app to display phone towers.
Just search the app shop for Aus Phone Towers. This may help when starting to use the above tower information link.
There are many hundreds of towers so you may have to sort which ones are for the carrier you are using and also you may note many towers are private use equipment. you obviously only need the tower for your carrier.
Again, have fun.
Thanks Rob. Bookmarked that onwireless site above.
-- Edited by Corndoggy on Friday 7th of January 2022 05:29:55 PM
Hi Rob,
Thanks for that info, I like the idea of having an external aerial to help picking up fringe signals.
I probably dont need a lot of the other features but a system that the aerial is manageable is an advantage with a caravan.
Anyway it is worth considering for me if I can head off to the north west at the end of this year.
I hope your health improves
take care.