Hi all,
Quite a while ago I came across a 3G (or could've been 4G) module that you could control via your iPhone by either bluetooth or wireless.
One use of this module is that you could install it on the top of your mast and operate it with your iPhone. The benefit, of course, was the improved mobile phone range due to the altitude.
Trouble is, I can't remember where I came across it.
Can anyone out there help?
regards,
allan
There's some post about it on whirlpool forums
Just google whirlpool and add 3 G aerial
There was a thread on here previously about the same thing and at the time those devices were not legal and I believe that it still the case now.
Story from the ABC ....
www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-07/mobile-repeaters-disrupting-mobile-phone-signal/6287256
The word from ACMA .....
www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/mobile-phone-repeaters-information-for-consumers
On the ACMA site it states that they are illegal to operate without consent, now who issues that consent is a slightly grey area as these device are not ACMA approved and the telcos themselves don't have the authority to override ACMA.
There are plenty of these devices for sale on ebay ....
www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2055845.m570.l2632.R2.TR4.TRC2.A0.H1.Xmobile+phone+signal+booster.TRS0&_nkw=mobile+phone+signal+booster&_sacat=9394
Thanks HG & LooseChange,
The units you've mentioned seem to be all signal amplifiers which explains why they are illegal.
The device I'm talking about is simply a 3G (or 4G) mobile phone module with either Bluetooth or wireless link to relay commands/voice to/from an iPhone running a specific App.
Such a device would only need normal ACMA approvals.
I think the one I came across was ACMA approved.
Perfect to install on top of mast - requiring only power cabling.
regards,
allan
Afterthought....
Of course one could mount a 3/4G mobile wireless modem on the mast - you wouldn't have voice (skype, maybe?) but you'd have the net for weather updates etc.
It would be interesting to consider how useful it would be for coastal cruising Australia (using Telstra, of course, all the rest have crap coverage).
Any thoughts?
regards,
allan
You could put a phone at the top of the mast and turn its "wifi hot spot" on.
Then connect to it from anywhere on boat with a second phone you would have full internet and calls via Skype.
If voice commanded dialling worked OK on that particular phone you could also use a Bluetooth head set for voice calls.
What you need is a Telstra 4G WiFi plus device or similar approx $100. plus prepaid SIM card for data. This device can connect up to 10 devices via WiFi. It is powered by USB connection. This device will be adequate from inside for up to 5 miles offshore at least. The device does have two antennae ports and if connected to the appropriate external ariel(s) for 4G spectrum will give coverage to about 100 miles offshore. I have an external 9dBa 3G ariel on my boat which gives me coverage over all Bass Strait.
On deliveries I use the device without the external ariel and yes I have put on in a dry bag and hoisted it aloft to attempt to improve offshore reception.
Interestingly in the last delivery I did the boat (carbon fibre) had lights in the hull which provided a nice internal ledge to sit the device on facing the coast. I am not sure if it was coincidental but it seemed that signal strength was maximum with the device just above water level (on port tack heading south.) I wonder if the signal was bouncing off the water surface and amplifying.
If you are not with Telstra then forget cover so the prepaid is way to go.
Select to expand quotefrant said..
What you need is a Telstra 4G WiFi plus device or similar approx $100. plus prepaid SIM card for data. This device can connect up to 10 devices via WiFi. It is powered by USB connection. This device will be adequate from inside for up to 5 miles offshore at least. The device does have two antennae ports and if connected to the appropriate external ariel(s) for 4G spectrum will give coverage to about 100 miles offshore. I have an external 9dBa 3G ariel on my boat which gives me coverage over all Bass Strait.
On deliveries I use the device without the external ariel and yes I have put on in a dry bag and hoisted it aloft to attempt to improve offshore reception.
Interestingly in the last delivery I did the boat (carbon fibre) had lights in the hull which provided a nice internal ledge to sit the device on facing the coast. I am not sure if it was coincidental but it seemed that signal strength was maximum with the device just above water level (on port tack heading south.) I wonder if the signal was bouncing off the water surface and amplifying.
If you are not with Telstra then forget cover so the prepaid is way to go.
Thanks frant, very useful input.
regards,
allan
