I have spoken to Nick. He seems very focused, and has some great ideas. This product is surely headed in the right direction, I have great expectations for it as an RVer.
We have no doubt a Cat 12 modem will perform faster than a Cat 4 or 6 (depending on model of the Mofi) in most conditions. We've done lots of testing around that in the past - here's our guide to modem specifications with a video with head to head comparisons: www.rvmobileinternet.com/lte-modems We'll be doing some comparisons to other embedded cellular modems in the similar classifications & antenna combinations - to see the differences in signal loss, UI, features, etc.
@@pigman571 Yes. I have a MoFi 5500 for testing. It is the Cat 7 version but the Cat 20 will be coming soon and I should be able to test that one as well.
Thanks for this review! You all have done so much to help me understand the right device I need for our new RV. I started off knowing nothing about MIMO vs weBoost vs name-your-connectivity thing, now I feel like I really understand it. Thank you!
Seems like an exciting new product - I’m a RVer and Boater and liked the idea of being able to purchase 2 angel antennas - one on each form of travel and move the modem and main unit where ever I am. But it really needs to be able to connect to WiFi as we often park at a house or dock and piggyback off the owner’s WiFi with the signal being just usable due to distance and vehicle or boat structure.
Hey David, the Insty connect actually has a feature in the back end called ‘Hot Spot Manager’ where you can setup multiple hotspots and connect to them using the WiFi as Wan. It isn’t a part of the initial dashboard that Chris showed in the video but it is easy to setup in the configuration of the router. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
Seems interesting, rough to invest in 4g at this point, but I could see myself buying one of these kits depending on how streamlined software can become. Not having to do the hours and hours of research it takes to get these systems up and running is the real value I would imagine
I like this idea and I’ve built something similar myself with a Telit LM960. The issue I ran into was overheating in the summer. The modem would lose service on hot days so I had to bring it back inside. Hopefully the modem used here has a higher operating temperature rating.
We have done lots of temperature testing with the modems, including baking the Angel wings in an oven at 200 degrees, where the angel wings and modem would sustain temps of up to 185f. In all of our tests, the modems stayed connected. I'm planning on doing a video of a test we ran coming up. Thanks!
@@WeCanExploreIt That’s good to hear. I ran into issues at around 58C (around 136F) on my Telit so if yours can survive 185F it should work pretty well.
@@WeCanExploreIt I really like the fact you 3D printed the wing and various parts. May I ask if you are using ABS or any other kind of specific filament to provide this heat resistance?
Nice review of the Insty Connect. Have you done any real world testing on the product yet? I plan to begin my RV travels in Jan 2022, and my wife might work from the road so we are interested this product. We only need a good signal, without all the extra features that a Pepwave product offers. Thank you for your time and work on internet connectivity to the RV world. Much appreciated.
The separation between modem and router is potentially a great idea, but access to the sim cards should be possible from inside. Have you played around with SIm extension cables. Speeds between sim and modem are very slow, so any a very cheap and relative long should work, right? All you would need is a 3d printed box/module to mouth the sin sockets in and run the extension cable outside to modem .
Peplink sells an 18" SIM extension cable for its routers - but it is primarily designed to make it easier to reach SIM slots when a router is mounted in an awkward location. I have never seen a longer cable - and I suspect it might no be electrically possible. There are more advanced remote SIM solutions though. The Peplink SIM injector lets you have 8 SIM cards indoors, connected via Ethernet to a Pepwave HD1 dome outside. But this is an expensive solution, and is not practical for most.
Interesting product. Not quite ready for it yet but soon. Will it work with then AT&T 100 gig plan. I'm thinking not because they make you use their modem but maybe in the future. Thanks Cherie, Chris and We Can Explore It. Keep the good stuff coming.
ty for the video and your work, i would like to see this device with 2 usb ports, the option to have a cellphone as hotspot is underrated - link directly to instyconnect is not the proper url
Very interested. My concern is having my SIM cards outside with cold, hot ,and wet weather conditions plus the possibility of theft. But I'm sure its very easy to replace a SIM card.
SIM cards indeed are usually easy to replace, and they can handle extreme conditions. I am not concerned about the SIM cards, but the modem does need to prove itself.
I could never get any technical answers from them, or even a reply actually for weeks. Wound up just buying my own cat12 modem and router and have less than $300 in it. I do own a mofi as well
I'm interested in this device but I wonder whether the "angel wings" and cellular radio can be left on the roof while traveling? Will those small cables from the "wings" to the radio be adversely affected by high wind speeds and hitting weather at highway speeds?
We do this type of testing - this is an initial impression/first look video - not a testing video. MIA members have access to all of our testing data and results.
Two questions Chris: do you think this antenna system is robust enough to withstand living on the roof of an RV exposed to constant high speed airflow as well as snow and ice, and 2: that angel wing antenna looks pretty light weight… How do you think it might work on the top of a telescoping mast?
Should work fine on a mast. No idea how well it will hold up over time on a roof though. The shell seems solid, but the exposed antenna wires are a concern.
Thank you for the review, Chris! I'm in the market for a new mobile cellular connectivity system just having used the Netgear Nighthawk MR110. Now, wanting to go to Dual band, is 'Insty Connect' the one to get, or do you recommend something else? Please advise... Thanks!
What do you mean by dual-band? That term is usually used for Wi-Fi. Some cellular routers have dual-modems to allow you to have two cellular connections active at the same time, but the Insty Connect is not one of those options. Our guide to mobile router options can be found at: www.rvmobileinternet.com/routers
Having those cables hanging out between the antennas and the modem seems ripe for ripping off courtesy of a tree branch. I hope the final version keeps these more protected.
It’s an intentional design for best performance. I’m a believer and pre-ordered. I’m not part of the first batch so I should be getting mine around early April.
I do not intend on keeping it permanently mounted. I'll take down and put up on a pole as needed. I guess I'll run the cable thru the slide gasket/seals. Thoughts about that?
@@IndianaFr0g That should work. Permanent vs pole mount is personal preference. I feel like Chris and Cherie gently push readers towards a permanent install because it's one less thing to hassle with at each new site but if you stay put for a while it should be fine.
I like how the Insty Connect is being made by a fellow RV'er, but I do have some lingering questions regarding the durability of the 3D printed enclosures (particularly around their ability to withstand extreme heat or cold and moisture) as well as just how protected that modem is from adverse weather. Will it overheat and shut down if I'm camping in Arizona in the dead of summer? Or have issues functioning in Canada when it reaches -40 degrees?
Since you had two sim cards installed, why didn't you just run a speed test on both of them. One on each with the antenna inside the rv and one on each with the antenna outside the rv? That would at least show the difference in the carriers and how the modem works outside...
We are sharing a lot of testing data with our members comparing the Insty Connect to other options. If you're MIA, do check our 'In Progress' testing forum for all our in-depth notes.
Not quite sure who this is targeted at, as Starlink will be covering the US by the end of the year. Also, not sure why they are 3d printing their antenna parts when injecting molding is cheaper, stronger and easier to source.
We cover all mobile internet options for RVers & boaters. Starlink is still in beta, and mobile options haven't been announced - we are tracking that closely as well. See our 'Satellite Internet' playlist.
these wifi (sticks) keep coming loose the threads that is on router so end up rolling sideways down , i read thread locker is not conductive so thats a no go , is there anything that i cud put on the router nibs that wud glue them on after screwing on and dry solid ish , so they dont come loose , "Without affecting any gains" or signal in general , thx
@@MobileInternetResourceCenter I"m interested but can't nail down a plan That would actually give me 100+ gig month without throttling. any advice would be appreciated. I'm stuck with Viasat satellite now
@@MobileInternetResourceCenter thanks. I just subscribed tonight and hadn't found that yet. Great info! Very confusing for a New cord cutter. Up until the last couple of days I was convinced that the Mofi was 4500 the choice of the people in the know. Now I'm hearing conflicting stories but I understand that you are the professional so I do put alot of trust in the videos. Thank you for the hard work and keeping people honest. Have a nice night and thanks again
@@MobileInternetResourceCenter really?... looked to me like one needed a phone of some sort to do the setup. I was wondering if the connect application worked on either android or i-phone. ... maybe I was mistaken, but exactly what device were you using when you pushed the "go" button for the speed test?
And double what the nighthawk 5g is which can use external antennas. Doesn't seem logical to me especially considering that cheapy printed antenna box....
Hard Pass for 1 reason. 3D printed parts for outside. They will break down QUICKLY OUTSIDE. Find out what the 3d printed parts are made from. PLA, PETG, Carbon etc.
The Fritz!Box LTE is intended for use in the European market - and its cellular bands are best supported there. It is missing many U.S. based cellular bands.
do you're research, save money. I don't want to be too hard, but there is vastly cheaper alternative's. This price point is aimed more towards people that are incapable of knowing what they need and to be honest just look into what you actually need because it could cost about 300$ less then this asking price and EXACTLY more or less the same thing. All this is, is a signal booster, and a modem and a bunch of 3d printed cases that ARE NOT BAD at all but will fail and fast because, well it is what it is, its not weather resistant and it should be white.
There are many DIY approaches out there, and that's fantastic if it's something you enjoy, understand and have time to assemble. We focus on consumer accessible here, as most in our audience don't want to build and maintain their own solutions.
@@MobileInternetResourceCenter I feel this is more of a diy approach then actually buying what you need, also the market for this stuff is typically rv's where space is key as well as a strong injection mold case that can go outside that's UV resistant and strong during the winter.
![АЛАУДИНОВ у Скабеевой: эти их ВСУ нас НЕ ДОГОНЯТ 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/an0anqU4WGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I have spoken to Nick. He seems very focused, and has some great ideas.
This product is surely headed in the right direction, I have great expectations for it as an RVer.
Nick is definitely putting a lot of great thought and energy into the project.
Thanks for the review Chris!
Make a UA-cam video telling us something, please. Lol.
Just got my Insty Connect today. Fairly easy to setup and nice menu. I'm planning to do some speed comparisons with the MoFi 4500 in a few days.
We have no doubt a Cat 12 modem will perform faster than a Cat 4 or 6 (depending on model of the Mofi) in most conditions. We've done lots of testing around that in the past - here's our guide to modem specifications with a video with head to head comparisons: www.rvmobileinternet.com/lte-modems
We'll be doing some comparisons to other embedded cellular modems in the similar classifications & antenna combinations - to see the differences in signal loss, UI, features, etc.
@@pigman571 Yes. I have a MoFi 5500 for testing. It is the Cat 7 version but the Cat 20 will be coming soon and I should be able to test that one as well.
Instablaster...
Thanks for this review! You all have done so much to help me understand the right device I need for our new RV. I started off knowing nothing about MIMO vs weBoost vs name-your-connectivity thing, now I feel like I really understand it. Thank you!
Seems like an exciting new product - I’m a RVer and Boater and liked the idea of being able to purchase 2 angel antennas - one on each form of travel and move the modem and main unit where ever I am. But it really needs to be able to connect to WiFi as we often park at a house or dock and piggyback off the owner’s WiFi with the signal being just usable due to distance and vehicle or boat structure.
Hey David, the Insty connect actually has a feature in the back end called ‘Hot Spot Manager’ where you can setup multiple hotspots and connect to them using the WiFi as Wan. It isn’t a part of the initial dashboard that Chris showed in the video but it is easy to setup in the configuration of the router. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
Seems interesting, rough to invest in 4g at this point, but I could see myself buying one of these kits depending on how streamlined software can become. Not having to do the hours and hours of research it takes to get these systems up and running is the real value I would imagine
I like this idea and I’ve built something similar myself with a Telit LM960. The issue I ran into was overheating in the summer. The modem would lose service on hot days so I had to bring it back inside. Hopefully the modem used here has a higher operating temperature rating.
We have done lots of temperature testing with the modems, including baking the Angel wings in an oven at 200 degrees, where the angel wings and modem would sustain temps of up to 185f. In all of our tests, the modems stayed connected. I'm planning on doing a video of a test we ran coming up. Thanks!
@@WeCanExploreIt That’s good to hear. I ran into issues at around 58C (around 136F) on my Telit so if yours can survive 185F it should work pretty well.
@@WeCanExploreIt I really like the fact you 3D printed the wing and various parts. May I ask if you are using ABS or any other kind of specific filament to provide this heat resistance?
@@sebmeunier3528 we’re printing with PETG. It holds up really well to the elements. Thanks!
It's nice that if one part stops working, you don't have to replace the whole thing.
Thanks
Nice review of the Insty Connect. Have you done any real world testing on the product yet? I plan to begin my RV travels in Jan 2022, and my wife might work from the road so we are interested this product. We only need a good signal, without all the extra features that a Pepwave product offers. Thank you for your time and work on internet connectivity to the RV world. Much appreciated.
Yes, we are sharing our hands on experiences with our members in the forums.
@@MobileInternetResourceCenter Thank you
Looking forward to this review
Great video as always - thanks!
The separation between modem and router is potentially a great idea, but access to the sim cards should be possible from inside. Have you played around with SIm extension cables. Speeds between sim and modem are very slow, so any a very cheap and relative long should work, right? All you would need is a 3d printed box/module to mouth the sin sockets in and run the extension cable outside to modem .
Peplink sells an 18" SIM extension cable for its routers - but it is primarily designed to make it easier to reach SIM slots when a router is mounted in an awkward location. I have never seen a longer cable - and I suspect it might no be electrically possible.
There are more advanced remote SIM solutions though. The Peplink SIM injector lets you have 8 SIM cards indoors, connected via Ethernet to a Pepwave HD1 dome outside. But this is an expensive solution, and is not practical for most.
Good to know. Thanks
Great review. Thanks :)
This isn't a review.. just a first look at the features.
BTW, I was able to activate a NEW sim card on T-Mobile on my Instyconnect 4G router/modem. Just thought I'd let you guys / gals know.
Interesting product. Not quite ready for it yet but soon. Will it work with then AT&T 100 gig plan. I'm thinking not because they make you use their modem but maybe in the future. Thanks Cherie, Chris and We Can Explore It. Keep the good stuff coming.
Needs a white coating to reduce heat.
The next version of the software should automatically select the band and tower for best bandwidth. They could do well by open sourcing the software.
ty for the video and your work, i would like to see this device with 2 usb ports, the option to have a cellphone as hotspot is underrated - link directly to instyconnect is not the proper url
Very interested. My concern is having my SIM cards outside with cold, hot ,and wet weather conditions plus the possibility of theft. But I'm sure its very easy to replace a SIM card.
SIM cards indeed are usually easy to replace, and they can handle extreme conditions. I am not concerned about the SIM cards, but the modem does need to prove itself.
I could never get any technical answers from them, or even a reply actually for weeks. Wound up just buying my own cat12 modem and router and have less than $300 in it. I do own a mofi as well
I'm interested in this device but I wonder whether the "angel wings" and cellular radio can be left on the roof while traveling? Will those small cables from the "wings" to the radio be adversely affected by high wind speeds and hitting weather at highway speeds?
The Insty Connect is designed to installed on the roof and left there during travel. Only time will tell how it holds up.
Need antennas tested in remote regions, not in town...
We do this type of testing - this is an initial impression/first look video - not a testing video. MIA members have access to all of our testing data and results.
I think Sele Training has done this in a remote site 20+ miles away from a cell tower.
Two questions Chris: do you think this antenna system is robust enough to withstand living on the roof of an RV exposed to constant high speed airflow as well as snow and ice, and 2: that angel wing antenna looks pretty light weight… How do you think it might work on the top of a telescoping mast?
Should work fine on a mast. No idea how well it will hold up over time on a roof though. The shell seems solid, but the exposed antenna wires are a concern.
ty!
Thank you for the review, Chris! I'm in the market for a new mobile cellular connectivity system just having used the Netgear Nighthawk MR110. Now, wanting to go to Dual band, is 'Insty Connect' the one to get, or do you recommend something else? Please advise... Thanks!
What do you mean by dual-band? That term is usually used for Wi-Fi. Some cellular routers have dual-modems to allow you to have two cellular connections active at the same time, but the Insty Connect is not one of those options. Our guide to mobile router options can be found at: www.rvmobileinternet.com/routers
@@MobileInternetResourceCenter That's what I meant. Thank you for clarifying!
Would you recommend the upcoming Mofi 5500 (not 4500), Insty Connect 5g, Pepwave Max Transit (Cat18), or the Netgear Nighthawk M1, M2, or upcoming M5?
We don't make recommendations, but rather focus on helping our members make informed decisions. So much depends on your unique needs.
Having those cables hanging out between the antennas and the modem seems ripe for ripping off courtesy of a tree branch. I hope the final version keeps these more protected.
Definitely a concern of ours too.
It’s an intentional design for best performance. I’m a believer and pre-ordered. I’m not part of the first batch so I should be getting mine around early April.
I do not intend on keeping it permanently mounted. I'll take down and put up on a pole as needed. I guess I'll run the cable thru the slide gasket/seals.
Thoughts about that?
@@IndianaFr0g That should work. Permanent vs pole mount is personal preference. I feel like Chris and Cherie gently push readers towards a permanent install because it's one less thing to hassle with at each new site but if you stay put for a while it should be fine.
I like how the Insty Connect is being made by a fellow RV'er, but I do have some lingering questions regarding the durability of the 3D printed enclosures (particularly around their ability to withstand extreme heat or cold and moisture) as well as just how protected that modem is from adverse weather. Will it overheat and shut down if I'm camping in Arizona in the dead of summer? Or have issues functioning in Canada when it reaches -40 degrees?
Check with the Insty Connect folks - they are offering a way to extend the warranty for people who are concerned about longevity.
Since you had two sim cards installed, why didn't you just run a speed test on both of them. One on each with the antenna inside the rv and one on each with the antenna outside the rv? That would at least show the difference in the carriers and how the modem works outside...
We are sharing a lot of testing data with our members comparing the Insty Connect to other options. If you're MIA, do check our 'In Progress' testing forum for all our in-depth notes.
Not quite sure who this is targeted at, as Starlink will be covering the US by the end of the year. Also, not sure why they are 3d printing their antenna parts when injecting molding is cheaper, stronger and easier to source.
We cover all mobile internet options for RVers & boaters. Starlink is still in beta, and mobile options haven't been announced - we are tracking that closely as well. See our 'Satellite Internet' playlist.
exactly, his proprietary software hasn't been tested nearly as thoroughly as starlinks beta program has
@@scottmcclenahan6681 starlink is not mobile yet
B48 will be the important band for 5g “hotspot” areas. we are building them all over ohio now. i’m sure others are doing the same thing
Could the antenna be moved higher by using USB over ethernet adapters? To get decent signal i'll have to put the antenna about 40' up.
Any more indepth reviews or updates coming anytime soon? 😊
Our members are getting our hands on notes in the forums. We don't post our in-depth reviews in public.
My kind of equipment
Correct me if I’m wrong please!!! You can use any visible, cricket, or T-Mobile SIM card correct?
This is a data only device, and should be paired with a plan authorized for such use.
these wifi (sticks) keep coming loose the threads that is on router so end up rolling sideways down , i read thread locker is not conductive so thats a no go , is there anything that i cud put on the router nibs that wud glue them on after screwing on and dry solid ish , so they dont come loose , "Without affecting any gains" or signal in general , thx
You're probably best contacting Insty Connect for support with your product.
i like it but truly he can take away the usb and do rj45 ports a lot better than usb and if you need a longer cable you can get them any where
What plans are you planning to use? with those speeds i can easily see $150 mo.
We keep a variety of plans on all carriers that we use in our testing.
@@MobileInternetResourceCenter I"m interested but can't nail down a plan That would actually give me 100+ gig month without throttling. any advice would be appreciated. I'm stuck with Viasat satellite now
We keep the best current data plans here:
www.rvmobileinternet.com/planpicks
@@MobileInternetResourceCenter thanks. I just subscribed tonight and hadn't found that yet. Great info! Very confusing for a New cord cutter. Up until the last couple of days I was convinced that the Mofi was 4500 the choice of the people in the know. Now I'm hearing conflicting stories but I understand that you are the professional so I do put alot of trust in the videos. Thank you for the hard work and keeping people honest. Have a nice night and thanks again
If you're a member we have more information on the Mofi and other options in our content and you can always ask questions in our forums.
What kind of speed can one get with visible and this devcie?
Visible is a smartphone plan and not authorized for use in data first devices.
Only seeing the 999.00 one on the insty site
The 4G12 is there.
Thanks for sharing! Like #556
Why 2 sum cards
So you can use two carriers without switching the cards.
android? or i-phone?
This is a router, not a phone.
@@MobileInternetResourceCenter really?... looked to me like one needed a phone of some sort to do the setup. I was wondering if the connect application worked on either android or i-phone. ... maybe I was mistaken, but exactly what device were you using when you pushed the "go" button for the speed test?
The control panel is via the web, not an app. You can use any device.
You need a device to do the setup.. anything will work.
@@MobileInternetResourceCenter excellent...:-) Thanks
that's a lot of money for something that doesn't have Wi-Fi 6
That suckers pricey....over 3 times as much as the Mofi
MoFi is ~$300 and has a low end Cat-4 or Cat-6 modem, and only internal paddle antennas.
And double what the nighthawk 5g is which can use external antennas. Doesn't seem logical to me especially considering that cheapy printed antenna box....
Hard Pass for 1 reason. 3D printed parts for outside. They will break down QUICKLY OUTSIDE. Find out what the 3d printed parts are made from. PLA, PETG, Carbon etc.
frityzbox LTE! better!
The Fritz!Box LTE is intended for use in the European market - and its cellular bands are best supported there. It is missing many U.S. based cellular bands.
do you're research, save money. I don't want to be too hard, but there is vastly cheaper alternative's. This price point is aimed more towards people that are incapable of knowing what they need and to be honest just look into what you actually need because it could cost about 300$ less then this asking price and EXACTLY more or less the same thing. All this is, is a signal booster, and a modem and a bunch of 3d printed cases that ARE NOT BAD at all but will fail and fast because, well it is what it is, its not weather resistant and it should be white.
There are many DIY approaches out there, and that's fantastic if it's something you enjoy, understand and have time to assemble. We focus on consumer accessible here, as most in our audience don't want to build and maintain their own solutions.
@@MobileInternetResourceCenter I feel this is more of a diy approach then actually buying what you need, also the market for this stuff is typically rv's where space is key as well as a strong injection mold case that can go outside that's UV resistant and strong during the winter.
can you please show us your solution that is 300$ cheaper. thanks.