Rouge Wave - South Shore Long Island

[PMC]

I'm thinking about adding one of the Wave devices, and want to hear your feedback review. My decision is between either the Rouge Pro (good for 7 miles) or EC-ER (10 mile) models. The idea is to pickup a optimum hotspot (open network) from across the bay on Fire Island. I'm boating in waters where the bay is approx 3 miles wide. On paper the 7 mi range will work, but real world feedback is what I really want to hear.

 

[PMC]

How bad does the signal degrade with interface? Buildings, and line of sight obstructions?

 

[ktcanuck]

You will likely need a directional antenna for 3 miles for reliable connection unless it is a high power hotspot. I use a Ubiquiti Bullet. Very happy with it.

I believe you mean Rogue and not sure what you mean about "interface". Depends on type of building - signal must be line of site but reflections around buildings can work.

 

[Alex F]

Paul,

I've been using Rouge Pro for few years with good results. I just glanced at the EC-ER and it sounds like the main difference is that it has built-in router allowing you to connect multiple devices wirelessly. You'll get the same result by adding a simple router to PRO. The other thing that might be missing from the picture is the external antenna. If the package includes regular Rouge with plastic housing you'll be SOL mounting it on the arch. This is why you'd need PRO, which is 1-14" ready with SS housing.

If you need more details we can discuss it over the phone. But, don't hesitate to call their tech support and talk to Richard. He's very knowledgeable and helpful guy.

 

[PMC]

What I found is that both Pro and EC-ER us an external antenna - I definitely will require that to mount on the arch. The EC-ER is the E xtended R ange model that has the option with and w/o the router (I'd prefer without, and plan to build my own boat network). But the difference between the PRO and ER is 3 mile range (PRO=7; ER=10 miles). My goal here is to figure if the extra range is necessary to pick up main land signals. The jump in price is significant enough where I wan to find out beforehand.

I was planning to talk with you, and see if you can pick up an Optimum signal from Zachs. If you are able to with the PRO, please let me know.

 

[Alex F]

I haven't tried setting up my network to pick up what's around Zach's as I haven' used my laptops much. So, I can't tell you how much Rouge could "see". You should have asked me when you stopped by and I'd give you a full demo.

To be on realistic side, divide the advertised range at least by 2. Chances that you'll pick up a signal 7-10NM away are very slim to none. And even if the system will see it, the strength of the signal will be so low that it'll be useless anyway. For example, look at the Quick Start guide: http://www.wavewifi.com/brochures/Wave_WIFI_EC_series_quick_start_guide.pdf

You see the bars (Network Scan page in mid right side pf the image)? Anything less than mid range YELLOW can be ignored as it's too weak and useless.