Wi-Fi Robin

Irie308

Irie308

Well-Known Member
May 28, 2013
2,599
CT
Boat Info
2004 420 DB, GHS Hydraulic Lift
Garmin 8600/Garmin 1222 plus
AB Mares 10 VSX with 30 hp Tohatsu
Engines
Cummins 450C 8.3 L Turbocharged
Ok Here is a question for the techie club members. Has anyone tried a Wi-Fi range extender such as the "Wi-Fi Robin". Our dilemma is that our Marina offers Wi-Fi however once we get below deck the signal becomes spotty. Also we would like to use our apple TV, and iPhone for Netflix, slingbox etc. when we stay overnight at the marina. In order for all of this to work all the devices need to communicate with each other. Since its not a closed network we are unable to do so. From what I've read the Wi-Fi Robin should allow for this and the Wi-Fi vendor should allow it if we provide them the units mac address. Alternatively we could sign up for cable service at the marina but with todays cost for cable and internet I can't justify paying for this service twice. Is anyone familiar with this product or others like it?
 
I have not used this device. I am not into hacking stuff. What you need is a way to acquire the marina's wifi signal. I use Island time pc's setup. It is an external amp with an antenna that acquires the signal. The signal is fed to a 12 volt router that easily covers my little boat. Before you get a slingbox etc make sure your marina has the speed and bandwidth to support the slingbox. Our marina did not.
 
Alfa makes lots of different stuff in this place.... I have a 1000mw extender via USB, in addition got a router as well from Alfa , I setup extender via a laptop, and then use router for iPad iPhone. I can pull in wifi from my marina across the bay 3miles away. Go to Amazon, for under 100 u can get both. You will be amazed at how many open networks are around you!!!! Nothing like watching my sling box aboard while anchored at the beach.
 
Glomex (the TV antenna guys) - makes an integrated solution - not cheap though - about $1000. They have a few versions - but they take harbour wifi and "extend" it - plus you can on some models add 3G/4G simcards. It has Android/iOS apps - so adding new harbour networks should be easy.

Normal extenders are only okay for "low volume" as you loose at LEAST 50% of the bandwidth if you "replicate it" without having 2 radios built into the unit. You loose a lot more if it is a busy WiFi router in the harbour as it would occupy the "frequency" for longer time periods.

I have a homebrew solution - a CradlePoint router that "gets" the wifi - and a Simrad WiFi-1 access-point on another channel in sidewall that distribute it for "users"
 
sdleo26 said:
Alfa makes lots of different stuff in this place.... I have a 1000mw extender via USB, in addition got a router as well from Alfa , I setup extender via a laptop, and then use router for iPad iPhone. I can pull in wifi from my marina across the bay 3miles away. Go to Amazon, for under 100 u can get both. You will be amazed at how many open networks are around you!!!! Nothing like watching my sling box aboard while anchored at the beach.
Click to expand...

Just remember to use VPN if you connect to open networks. I can hijack just about EVERYTHING if you don't. Behind any open network might be someone who just want your data, passwords and what ever else they can sniff.
 
Good thought; I rarely go on open networks, but agreed, security would be an issue. My point was I get great bandwidth , at least enough to stream Slingbox, not bad for a $100 investment
 
Use the wave wifi antenna to get the signal.from your marina and connect it to any router in your boat. It works.
 
CPT2012 said:
Use the wave wifi antenna to get the signal.from your marina and connect it to any router in your boat. It works.
Click to expand...
Any model in particular? Also do I need to mount an antennae near the cockpit?
 
kaz911 said:
Glomex (the TV antenna guys) - makes an integrated solution - not cheap though - about $1000. They have a few versions - but they take harbour wifi and "extend" it - plus you can on some models add 3G/4G simcards. It has Android/iOS apps - so adding new harbour networks should be easy.

Normal extenders are only okay for "low volume" as you loose at LEAST 50% of the bandwidth if you "replicate it" without having 2 radios built into the unit. You loose a lot more if it is a busy WiFi router in the harbour as it would occupy the "frequency" for longer time periods.

I have a homebrew solution - a CradlePoint router that "gets" the wifi - and a Simrad WiFi-1 access-point on another channel in sidewall that distribute it for "users"
Click to expand...
I'm looking into the cradlepoint router which looks promising. Thanks
 
We're new in the yacht/boating community and have been making top-grade WiFi solutions for the RV industry for the past 4 years. Check out our new product for marine WiFi at http://wifiranger.com/solutions/marine-wifi to see how it compares to the other options out there.
 
I got one of these 3 years ago and I put it up on the dock post. $100.00 Works great!!


C. Crane US3 Super USB Wifi Antenna 3
 
dabrown said:
Any model in particular? Also do I need to mount an antennae near the cockpit?
Click to expand...

I have the rogue wave pro. The antenna can be located anywhere in the boat, I have it inside a compartment on the bridge. Connected it to a $50 router and everything works just fine. wavewifi.com
 
So I ended up purchasing Peplink Pepwave Surf On-The-Go Wi-Fi Router and it worked like a charm. Paid $92 on amazon.
 
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