Wifi/Internet on the road

[Evan Stubbart]

Don't know if anyone can or is willing to help me. I went on my first chase last night and realized how disconnected I was. The only equip that I have is a Moble Laptop, a scanner (which didn't really help me), phone with friends willing to give me data over the phone (but they don't know about weather, etc), and my camera. What I'd really like is a list of places in the TX/OK area where people have been able to find wireless internet to connect on. I was in Gainesville, TX through Wichita Falls and couldn't find anything. Of course when I pull into my neighborhood and check- there were something like 5 available connections...
Anyone want to share some of this info or point me in the direction of where I could find something? :oops:

[B Ozanne]

Its a horrible feeling to get to your target then feel totally out of touch when you can't get on the internet. Last year I added a $50 wifi detector so I could quickly check whether or not a wifi connection was available. It was invaluable as I didn't have to boot up my computer just to check for a connection. You can get cheaper wifi detectors, but mine has a screen read-out that tells you whether or not the connection is encrypted/locked or open.

You'll start to learn where you can consistently get on the internet for free. Motels are one of the best sources of "free" wifi. I've become familiar with several parking lots and lobbys of Plains motels.

E.G. I was in Wichita Falls last year sitting in a motel parking lot watching the day's events unfold. We jumped off the interstate at an exit with several motels and we were able to quickly find a connection.

Edit: I read your report. I don't think you did too bad at all for your first day out. Now is the best time to be tuning your skills while you're not missing tornadoes.

[bill mudd]

evan
you may want to gather data through your cell phone provider, its slower than wifi obviously but in a jam it can really help.....
also if you post for a now caster in ST(thru a pm) you at least will increase your odds by having maybe someone assist you that way over friends back home that probably dont have the knowledge, plus alot of these guys have advanced radar available to them.

good luck!

oh yea the hardware bill is talking about would really help you if you have the extra $50 - I gotta get one of those, its a pain to have to fire up your lap top everytime to check for an open wifi connection

[Jon Miller]

B Ozanne , was curious what the brand name of your WiFi detector is and who sells them ? Thanks for any helpful info or web URL's.

Jon Miller
KT8NDO

[B Ozanne]

It's the Canary Wireless Digital Hotspotter:

http://www.canarywireless.com/hs10.html

I think I bought mine online at J&R Music World.

[Bill Hamilton]

Something else that will help is to get an external wireless card.
Even though my laptop has built in wireless, when I am chasing I only use the external Orinoco Gold Combo PCMCIA card with an external 7dBi antenna magnet mounted on the roof. I can pick up WIFI where you wouldn't think WIFI existed.
Here is the antenna I bought.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...item=5752684006 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5752684006)
And here is the card I use.
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.a...aspx?EDC=634350 (http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=634350)

Even a local police department and quite a few Sheriff officers use this card and antenna setup after seeing how well it works for me (yeah, they use free WIFI too! :shock: )

[David Drummond]

As most said, netstumbler and a good wifi card, and you can find it at just about any chain name motel these days.

I've been using the Sprint aircard for the 2nd year now, and before that data through my Sprint phone. After yesterday's chase I learned that the coverage area for Sprint in North Texas has GREATLY improved from last year. I also noted last week coverage in SE NM where we had none before. I am rather happy about it.

[Benjamin Sipprell]

Originally posted by Evan Stubbart
Anyone want to share some of this info or point me in the direction of where I could find something? :oops:

Yeah ... do some research by checking previous posts.

[David Drummond]

I have kinda had my eye on one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5862253021&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1)

I wish I knew how he was making those, I would make one myself!

[David Wolfson]

David, check out the link http://linksysco.com/box.php! If you want to flash your own, you apparently can for free. It's all software, not counting the WRT54G box itself.

I had read some time ago that the early version of the unit (the one Monica and I use for our wireless home net) had a PROM-based Linux OS that you could reconfigure from the shell to boost the power, etc., etc. In later versions Linksys locked the kernel so you couldn't mess with it that way.

[David Drummond]

We'll there ya go! Thanks for that! I am going to have to play with that during some down days now! 8)

With one of those and a couple of externally mounted antennas, you would be in business for wifi!

[David Drummond]

Originally posted by David Wolfson

I had read some time ago that the early version of the unit (the one Monica and I use for our wireless home net) had a PROM-based Linux OS that you could reconfigure from the shell to boost the power, etc., etc. In later versions Linksys locked the kernel so you couldn't mess with it that way.

I saw on that eBay guys listing that we was having to source the older versions because the new one's were off the shelf and had the newer locked version. I have one of these on my home network, I might just get the newer one for my home network and play with the older one.

[David Wolfson]

Sounds like the Bluebox guy is using the "refurbished" WRT54GL v.1. They must have gotten a rail car full.

Heh. 255mw.... With the right antenna you could probably reach the next county! FCC -- doan come knockin at mah doah. :lol:

[ed. On further reading, the units he supplies must be v.2 - v.4 because v.1 uses a 5v supply that's not compatible with the auto power adapter, and v.5 doesn't use a Linux OS]

[David Drummond]

Originally posted by David Wolfson
Sounds like the Bluebox guy is using the "refurbished" WRT54GL v.1. They must have gotten a rail car full.

Heh. 255mw.... With the right antenna you could probably reach the next county! FCC -- doan come knockin at mah doah. :lol:

Yeah, I need to look into the max power allowed on that and see if I can keep it under that. I don't really want to loose my ham license for an overpowered wifi setup. The thing I really like about it is the automation plus the easy ability to add a GOOD external antenna, as most of the antennas you can add to the few pc cards that support it are crap anyway.

[David Wolfson]

From Wikipedia:In the US, the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radio spectrum is also allocated to amateur radio users. FCC Part 15 rules govern non-licenced operators (i.e. most Wi-Fi equipment users). Amateur operators retain what the FCC terms "primary status" on the band under a distinct set of rules (Part 97). Under Part 97, licensed amateur operators may construct their own equipment, use very high-gain antennas, and boost output power to 100 watts on frequencies covered by Wi-Fi channels 2-6. However, Part 97 rules mandate using only the minimum power necessary for communications, forbid obscuring the data, and require station identification every 10 minutes. Therefore, expensive automatic power-limiting circuitry is required to meet regulations, and the transmission of any encrypted data (for example https) is questionable.

In practice, microwave power amplifiers are expensive and decrease receive-sensitivity of link radios. On the other hand, the short wavelength at 2.4 GHz allows for simple construction of very high gain directional antennas. Although Part 15 rules forbid any modification of commercially constructed systems, amateur radio operators may modify commercial systems for optimized construction of long links, for example. Using only 200 mW link radios and two 24 dB gain antennas, an effective radiated power of many hundreds of watts in a very narrow beam may be used to construct reliable links of over 100 km with little radio frequency interference to other users.

...and more Use of the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band does not require a license in most of the world provided that one stays below the local broadcast power limit (100 mW in many places) and one accepts interference from other sources; including interference which causes your devices to no longer function. Some believe that Amateur Radio operators are an exception to the otherwise limited power output ceilings. The claim is that they may boost power output from their WiFi routers up to the legal maximum for their Amateur Radio license class, often 100 watts for spread spectrum operation (roughly 1,000 times that of a normal router). For operation in the US, FCC regulations parts 97.311 and 97.313 seem to support this claim, with the provision that they use automatic power control for transmitter power levels exceeding 1 watt while using spread spectrum modes (e.g., 802.11b). However, Amateur Radio operators are always required to "use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications."

Heh. :D Hear me now?!!! KD7SMQ clear!

[David Drummond]

Originally posted by David Wolfson
From Wikipedia:In the US, the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radio spectrum is also allocated to amateur radio users. FCC Part 15 rules govern non-licenced operators (i.e. most Wi-Fi equipment users). Amateur operators retain what the FCC terms "primary status" on the band under a distinct set of rules (Part 97). Under Part 97, licensed amateur operators may construct their own equipment, use very high-gain antennas, and boost output power to 100 watts on frequencies covered by Wi-Fi channels 2-6. However, Part 97 rules mandate using only the minimum power necessary for communications, forbid obscuring the data, and require station identification every 10 minutes. Therefore, expensive automatic power-limiting circuitry is required to meet regulations, and the transmission of any encrypted data (for example https) is questionable.

In practice, microwave power amplifiers are expensive and decrease receive-sensitivity of link radios. On the other hand, the short wavelength at 2.4 GHz allows for simple construction of very high gain directional antennas. Although Part 15 rules forbid any modification of commercially constructed systems, amateur radio operators may modify commercial systems for optimized construction of long links, for example. Using only 200 mW link radios and two 24 dB gain antennas, an effective radiated power of many hundreds of watts in a very narrow beam may be used to construct reliable links of over 100 km with little radio frequency interference to other users.

Heh. :D Hear me now?!!! KD7SMQ clear!

HA I love it! Now what did I do with that linear amp? hehe That could be fun to play with, but the extra power wouldn't help much if the AP wasn't putting out the power to reach you though. Nice to see I could do that 255mw without trouble though! I wonder what would be the best way to implement the call sign ID? Put it in the device name?

[David Wolfson]

The Linksysco forum (which this thread has just turned me onto today) has three tips that make sense: use about the same power as the transmitting IAP; don't try too hard with bothering to replace the stock antennas -- they're plenty good enough; if you boost the power, make sure you give the unit adequate cooling so you don't fry its insides.

I'd think using the call sign as the SSID should handle that requirement!

[David Drummond]

Originally posted by David Wolfson
The Linksysco forum (which this thread has just turned me onto today) has three tips that make sense: use about the same power as the transmitting IAP; don't try too hard with bothering to replace the stock antennas -- they're plenty good enough; if you boost the power, make sure you give the unit adequate cooling so you don't fry its insides.

Does make sense on the antennas, I just want to get them out of that big signal attenuator we call a vehicle!

[David Wolfson]

I envision the unit sitting on the dash along with the radar detector, the Sirius radio, and the Earthmate -- with the black fabric cover hiding all except for the two antennas peeping out.

[Jay Cazel]

Yeah, I need to look into the max power allowed on that and see if I can keep it under that. I don't really want to loose my ham license for an overpowered wifi setup. The thing I really like about it is the automation plus the easy ability to add a GOOD external antenna, as most of the antennas you can add to the few pc cards that support it are crap anyway.
[/b]


I picked up this Wifi card and antenna set up off E-bay last week...All I can say it does make a big difference on picking up a Wifi signal.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...item=5726911469 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=45000&item=5726911469)

[Marko Korosec]

I picked up this Wifi card and antenna set up off E-bay last week...All I can say it does make a big difference on picking up a Wifi signal.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...item=5726911469 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=45000&item=5726911469)
[/b]
Would there be any solution that I plug the antenna directly into the USB port? I have a wifi in the laptop, but its receiver is definatelly a poor one. External antenna would help I guess.

[Joey Ketcham]

Something else that will help is to get an external wireless card.
Even though my laptop has built in wireless, when I am chasing I only use the external Orinoco Gold Combo PCMCIA card with an external 7dBi antenna magnet mounted on the roof. I can pick up WIFI where you wouldn't think WIFI existed.
Here is the antenna I bought.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...item=5752684006 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5752684006)
And here is the card I use.
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.a...aspx?EDC=634350 (http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=634350)
Even a local police department and quite a few Sheriff officers use this card and antenna setup after seeing how well it works for me (yeah, they use free WIFI too! :shock: )
[/b]

Thanks for the info Bill, I just ordered me an antenna and a card.

[Evan Stubbart]

Bill- got my card today and just waiting on the antenna. Quick question- did you mount the antenna to your car? If not- where did you decide to run the wire out of your car at. I've been debating the best way to do this as I'm afraid that I'll ruin the wires if I just slam it in the door, etc.

[Tom Burgess]

Bill- got my card today and just waiting on the antenna. Quick question- did you mount the antenna to your car? If not- where did you decide to run the wire out of your car at. I've been debating the best way to do this as I'm afraid that I'll ruin the wires if I just slam it in the door, etc.
[/b]

I have never had any problems cutting wires. Best to put them through the rear door and run it to the cpu. I do check it from time to time just to be sure, and move it around if need be. :)

[Bill Hamilton]

I just ran mine out one of the rear doors. I am more careful when I close the door it comes out of.
I also bought the 10' extension cable which makes it easier to route the wire where it will not get pinched. This will be the second season I have used it with no problems.

**Note** When using an external wireless card, you need to disable the onboard wireless card temporarily while the external card is in use. They will both work at the same time but it works better if you use the external as the primary wireless card.

[Chris Vagasky]

I went to the Cingular Wireless Store this morning to find out about their wireless internet plans.

According to the person I spoke with, they have 2 wireless cards that you can purchase...

Their older card, the GC83 Edge Card has 115k speed. For a 2 year contract, the card is $99.99 with a 100 dollar rebate. For a 1 year contract, the card is $149.99 with a 100 dollar rebate.

Cingular also has a newer card out, the Sierra card. Currently, it has 115k speed, next month they will offer one with 300k speed. For a 2 year contract, the card is $199.99 with a 100 dollar rebate. For a 1 year contract, the card is $249.99 with a 100 dollar rebate.

Monthly charges for data are as follows:

20MB: $39.99
50MB: $49.99
Unlimited: $59.99

There is a 36 dollar activation fee.

No roaming charges.

Their coverage is pretty good if you're going to be chasing in Oklahoma and Texas, you'll be a little spotty in Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. I will post a coverage map a little later today.

[Marko Korosec]

Wow that sounds great, Chris...thanks for these informations!

Wish they would allow to sign a contract with foreigners...any advices?

[David Drummond]

I will tell you, I have Sprint, my partner has Cingular. We have found many times where one of us doesn't have coverage, and the other one does. Then have been complimenting each other very well actually. If someone had the budget for it, having one from each would get you covered MOST of the time.

[Eric Graham]

Just for everybody's FYI if they haven't heard Sprint is offering their wireless card for free with a purchase of monthly plan. Don't know any numbers yet, but I'm planning to head over to the RadioShack store this weekend and try to find out. If I find something out or somebody here always ready knows those please pass them along!

[Chris Vagasky]

I was just at the Sprint store...they have better coverage in Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, the Dakotas...they also are more expensive than Cingular ($79.99 unlimited v. $59.99 unlimited)

Additionally, they aren't giving free cards. However, for a limited time, there is no activation fee.

[Eric Graham]

Additionally, they aren't giving free cards. However, for a limited time, there is no activation fee.[/b]

Sorry :( my bad heard the Sprint commercial wrong makes better since now. BTW anybody who has bought the card/attena combo from ebay whats the speed rating for the attena mount?

[Jay Cazel]

Sorry :( my bad heard the Sprint commercial wrong makes better since now. BTW anybody who has bought the card/attena combo from ebay whats the speed rating for the attena mount?
[/b]

Well if you mean how fast can you drive with out it falling off? :)
I have done over 80mph with it on and have had no problems, now I have not been hit by any high winds yet but that little magnet is farily strong and it is not real tall so I don't really see a promblem of it coming off.

[Bob Schafer]

I can attest that my external antenna stayed in place in 150mph winds. I was driving 60mph with a 90mph headwind, your honor....

[Tony Cook]

Something else that will help is to get an external wireless card.
Even though my laptop has built in wireless, when I am chasing I only use the external Orinoco Gold Combo PCMCIA card with an external 7dBi antenna magnet mounted on the roof. I can pick up WIFI where you wouldn't think WIFI existed...
[/b]

Bill,

Can you estimate how much better your range is with the external antenna/card setup, versus a card with no antenna capability. I am trying to decide if it is worth the $$ to replace my linksys card with the Orinoco.

I am more or less stuck with Verizon's Quick2Net service for another year. It is cheap ($5/month), but has also not performed that well in practice. At any rate, the Cingular and Sprint options aren't really there for me right now, and I'd like to improve my WIFI capability.

Thanks,
TonyC

[David Drummond]

I tell you guys, when my Orinoco card stopped working, I grabbed a "replacement" at Best Buy on the road. It's a DLINK DWL-G210 802.11g. It's actually a USB card that has a long USB cable with a flip up square antenna. I have used this sitting still by just setting it up on the roof or by folding it over the window and gentle rolling the window up on it. Still gets better range than the build in WIFI. Anytime you can get get that signal up and out of the vehicle, which attenuates radio waves bad, your going to get a really good effective increase on your range.

Since I got the Sprint card though I rarely use it. Usually in the motels my internal card gets the job done and on the road if I don't have Sprint coverage I still have WXWORX. It's nice to have for a backup though.

[Bill Hamilton]

Bill,

Can you estimate how much better your range is with the external antenna/card setup, versus a card with no antenna capability. I am trying to decide if it is worth the $$ to replace my linksys card with the Orinoco.

I am more or less stuck with Verizon's Quick2Net service for another year. It is cheap ($5/month), but has also not performed that well in practice. At any rate, the Cingular and Sprint options aren't really there for me right now, and I'd like to improve my WIFI capability.

Thanks,
TonyC
[/b]

I have connected to a fellow members wifi over a mile away and driving down I-44 without no problem. ;)
While on a chase earlier this year I was able to see SEVERAL more wifi access points than another chaser I was with. His only had the built in card and antenna.
Like David had stated, anytime you can get the antenna outside the vehicle the signals pick up much easier.
I wouldn't take for my setup, I am quite happy with it.
Unless you are going for a Sprint or Cingular data package you can't beat it for the price and no monthly charge.
You won't always have a connection but I usually grab data when I go through just about any town.

[Dan Robinson]

I bought an Orinoco card and external antenna last year and was very disappointed with the results.

The Linksys USB adapter with the flip-up antenna gets better reception than anything I have seen. Some of the laptops with built-in antennas also seem to do a lot better than external adapters.

[Evan Stubbart]

I finally got everything all set up on my car. I got the Proxim card and antenna that Bill recommended. I've been testing it out with my job, and it works great! I pick up signals almost anywhere... Obviously I'm a beginner chaser, so I'm easily satisfied- but this works great. Thanks again Bill!

[Bill Tabor]

David, check out the link http://linksysco.com/box.php! If you want to flash your own, you apparently can for free. It's all software, not counting the WRT54G box itself.
I had read some time ago that the early version of the unit (the one Monica and I use for our wireless home net) had a PROM-based Linux OS that you could reconfigure from the shell to boost the power, etc., etc. In later versions Linksys locked the kernel so you couldn't mess with it that way.
[/b]

Nice find guys! Anyone find any good prices on the correct version of this router in stock so we can program? Looks like it isn't that hard.

[Bill Tabor]

I'm seeing some of the routers going on Ebay (version 1.0) for $15. Tough not to get one and give it a try.