I Paused Starlink for a Better RV Internet Solution...The Insty Connect 5G Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 лип 2024
- Is the Insty Connect system the ultimate RV internet soultion? Check out this review and you decide!
📶 Check out the Insty Connect ➡️ billing.insty.online/aff.php?... discount code " ireneiron". (affiliate link)
🎥 Insty Connect UA-cam / @instyconnect
🎥Nick's Channel / wecanexploreit
0:00 Intro
2:58 Insty Connect Hardware
3:59 Insty Connect Software
7:40 Insty Connect Performace
12:07 Insty Connect VS Starlink and Pepwave
14:31 Insty Connect Installation
18:12 Insty Connect Promo Code
Thank you to our current partners and affiliates! SAVE BIG💰 👇
🔋Battle Born Batteries 👉Save $50 on Battle Born Batteries bit.ly/BattleBorn50 Code "ireneiron"
😎Rich Solar 👉Save 10%💰 with code "irene10" richsolar.com/?ref=ireneiron
💙MORryde 👉Save 7% on select products shopmorryde.com/?ref=irene Coupon Code 👉🏼 ireneironfitness7%
🌞200 watt portable solar panel richsolar.com/products/200-wa... 👉Save 10%💰 with code "irene10"
🔑Keyless RVLock www.rvlock.com/ireneirontravels 👉🏼💰SAVE 15% w/ code IRENEIRONTRAVELS
❤️Alliance RV www.alliancerv.com/contact-sales
🛻Pullrite pullrite.com
🚲 Our E Bikes - Lectric eBike XP Lite : lectricebikes.sjv.io/GmZ6rL
👉🏼 Join / @ireneirontravels
💙Subscribe - ua-cam.com/users/ireneironfi...
💻 Website - ireneironfitness.com
💵 Store - www.amazon.com/shop/ireneiron...
👫Our Story • Embracing Your Inner S...
👫 ABOUT US➡ Hello! We are Aaron and Chris, a fulltime RV couple that lives and works on the road! We run an online fitness and nutrition coaching business (Irene Iron Fitness) while traveling all around the country. Follow along the journey with us!
🚐Read our Story: ireneironfitness.com/quitting...
💪Shop Online Coaching Packages: ireneironfitness.com/online-f...
🍎Browse IIF Healthy Recipes: ireneironfitness.com/healthyr...
💎IIF AFFILIATES: These are programs and products we use, love, and recommend!
👉Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/ireneiron...
👉Rad Power Bikes bit.ly/3lbsaGM
👉🔋Battle Born Batteries and accessories tinyurl.com/2s3me6b5
👉Undersun Resistance Bands: bit.ly/2RiP41C 💰 "IreneIron" for 10% off all kits, bundles, etc
👉Thousand Trails: mbsy.co/DLw8W 💰 Save $100
👉Harvest Hosts: www.harvest-hosts.com/95RRF5/... 💰 Save 15% "HHFRIENDS15"
💎SOCIAL MEDIA
🎥UA-cam (Subscribe!): ua-cam.com/users/ireneironfi...
💻Website: ireneironfitness.com
📸Instagram: / ireneirontravels
💙Facebook: / ireneironfitness
🍁Pinterest: pin.it/cdyalputqukcq4
#RVLiving
#RVLife
#RV
Over $1000 for the hardware (which you failed to mention), plus you would have to pay for another line (the dedicated Sim). I've been on the road full-time for 1-1/2 years now, most of that is Boondocking. So most locations have had no usable cell service. I've had Starlink for six months and the only locations where speed was less than stellar were in highly populated urban areas. But in those areas, I'd simply pause Starlink and use my T-mobile 5g.
Wow, what a fan boy comment.
@@shaunhall960 is he wrong?
@@harryballsnack7297 No, he's not. I've been enjoying Starlink for the past year. Its frankly just works. In fact, it's gotten faster and more reliable for me. I do appreciate the information from this video though. I like options and this seems like a good option to know about. I'm preparing to do a lot more travel from my RV, for longer that just 4 to 6 weeks at a time and I work from the road, so being connected is not an option, it's a necessity.
You mean unlike starlink which is *only* $700 for the equipment and $120 - $150/mo
How much an mounth
It may be better if you can't see the sky and have cell coverage. But Starlink is a game changer in the middle of nowhere, where no cell booster will work, the main reason most get it for camping.
Yes, I hear ya! Definitely one of the reasons we are keeping Starlink as a backup for when there is no cell service at all.
@@IreneIronTravels Last June my brand new trailers furnace quit in the Bighorns, temps got down into the 30's. I was an hour from cell signal. I got a mobile tech to come fix it under warranty, calling from Starlink.
I’m gonna snag a rv and go boondock in the Florida keys . Should I starlink or insty
@@jimmynerdtron11 where do you boondock? Location matters
I literally state I’m going to the Florida keys . That’s a location
Oh my goodness, your mom and your aunt are so fun. I'd love to have you take BOTH of them on more trips. They made us smile!
As someone currently doing research on mobile internet options, this video was much needed! Comprehensive and full of useful information. Thanks for a great video!
Glad it was helpful!
This is great! Nick and team are fantastic! We have been rockin this system for over a year now and love it!
📶 Check out the Insty Connect 👉🏼 billing.insty.online/aff.php?aff=11 discount code " ireneiron"
🎥 Insty Connect UA-cam ua-cam.com/channels/6KfBs06YnEmWe5GF3QhUYQ.htmlfeatured
🎥Nick's Channel ua-cam.com/users/WeCanExploreIt
0:00 Intro
2:58 Insty Connect Hardware
3:59 Insty Connect Software
7:40 Insty Connect Performace
12:07 Insty Connect VS Starlink and Pepwave
14:31 Insty Connect Installation
18:12 Insty Connect Promo Code
We use starlink in the middle of the Colorado Mountains deep in the valley,. Streamed movies, made phone calls, etc etc. Never had an issue at all with starlink!
Enjoyed the video ! You guys are becoming our favorite rv couple 😀Right now my wife and me hit the road for about 2 to 3 months... Every time we come home we both say we're not ready to be home lol...keep the videos coming and be safe !
Ahhhh well thank you! 😊 Appreciate the kind words and glad to hear you and your wife are enjoying your trips!! RVing is sooo great!
I had the MoFi 4500 and then upgraded to the Mofi 5500 then to the Mofi 5500 with 2x carrier aggregation. Significant improvement on the last step. I now use it at home as I only pay $25 to a friend for a 4th Tmobile line. I didnt bother with the 5G version of the Mofi 5500 as it wss another $200 or so and this has been working perfectly. When I used the 4500 with Tmobile I was almost always in big cities. In the country you need ATT or Verizon.
Thank you for the review. We are about to be full-timers as well and I work remotely so the internet is essential. I know this is the one I will use. So many positive reviews.
So that Insty is the same sort of tech that I was jabbering on about in comments on one of your previous videos, but neatly packaged and tuned with a very nice user interface applied. I wanted to mention them but had no experience with them. In fact, you're the 1st review I've seen of them so I'm quite interested to see how you get along with them. I can tell you this from some of his videos I've watched. He definitely knows his way around how mobile data works in regards to modems and antennas and fully understands aggregation of and switching carriers on the fly while making all of that magic seamless and comfortable to the users. He went out of his way to design his own understanding of proper antennas and modem placement to be optimal because off-the-shelf parts are messy , geeky and expensive. His product seems to hit that sweet-spot for me between capably geeky and pre-packaged DIY for the non-nerd. And he didn't stop there and decided to market all that. I hope he keeps at it and gives the other manufacturers marketing to RVers some good competition or at least helps a lot of people along the way. I'd like to get my hands on one of those kits and see for myself how it holds up. You did a great job explaining it from "Joe Customer's" POV and it sounds good!
Had to chime in here. I have had the Insty Connect Since Aug 2022. I Love it! I had gotten Star Link RV like everyone else thinking it was going to be fast, just to find it too many people are on it. I was getting 5mb in my area for $135/mo lol.. What a joke... So I got the Insty, and couldn't be happier! Best of all, I average 200+ gigs of data a month on my $10 T-Mobile Military One plan sim card.. I average 75-100 Mb down and 30+ Mb up from my location.
I had no idea this was available. Thank you for doing this video. Everyone will find what works for them and knowledge is the key to make the right decision that works for you.
👍You bet, thanks for checking it out. And well said on everyone finding what works for them. There is no one and done best solution for everyone!
I live in the Southwest and am looking forward to your review from remote locations out here. Thanks for sharing.
This looks like a great option as we gear up for full time RV living. Thanks for sharing!
You bet!
Great vid of a product I haven't seen.
We've just recently kicked off our full time life. One month so far. Prior to we always took our Verizon home internet box to our seasonal campsite and it always worked great! So far, while we've only slowly gone from Indiana to the FL panhandle, it has worked pretty darn well through every state in between. I never hear of anyone else using this but so far so good. However, I don't hold high expectations when we go west in areas where cell signal is non-existent.
So I'm looking forward to see how the Insty performs for you out west! Thanks for the video. Free content as good as this deserves kudos.
I should have mentioned also that because we have our cell phone service with Verizon, three lines on appropriate plans, auto pay and paperless billing we actually save $5a month on our Verizon bill for having their home internet service. Pretty damn hard to beat that.
For the Star Link backup system you could build a telescopyc pol. You set it up on your roof of the van and extend it up. Have it with four or three metal wires for stability and you could have nice reception more locations. So yep it would have a set up process but it would be handy if you stay in a place wit ha lot of trees for a week or so. You could have it in the like 8 or 12 meters tall. If you make the wire ropes stabil enough for bad weather. Or even make some clever auto contraction mechanism if there is a bad weather at night. So be creative. Having Satelite internet is realy a nice to have if you travel to remote locations.
Looking for fast, stable, dependable internet connection options myself. Insty Connect sounds great! Thanks so much for this info!
Awesome overview! I've feed my whole house with it and used it in multiple locations with great success. But I haven't had it powered up while driving. Good to see that worked for you guys. I will definitely set that up. Thanks Guys!
Awesome video! Thanks for the info! As someone who works a remote 9-5 this is info I'm looking for! Awesome job!!
Thank you 😊
Thanks for the video. We’ve been 100% Starlink out west here because we get so far off grid there is no cell signal. Definitely keep this unit in mind when we head east. 👍🏻
👍
Aaron, Nick here, thanks so much for this review of our system! Really appreciate it and glad it's working great for you! Hope to see you out on the road someday!
Hey Nick! 👋 Yes, loving the system so far and I'm sure we'll run into you somewhere out there! Thanks! 😊
Excellent over view! Thank you!
Great find Aaron. I actually understood most of this. Thanks!
Great to hear! Thanks for watching Joan!
Great Video Thank you for a great presentation!
Hi Chris and Aaron! Thank you for this video on a great cell data option for getting internet in your RV. So far, we are still avoiding any sort of cell data system on our rig. But, we only use it at a week or so at a time. So, we are more about being “disconnected” while camping. Though, we did do a trip up to Dinosaur National Monument this summer. We were about 8 miles outside of Vernal UT and really liked that we got cell data hehehe. So, we shall see.
Safe travels!
Hey Alan thanks! Yes, I don’t blame you for disconnecting and just enjoying the camping for sure! Also, just noticed you were on the live we just did. Thanks for tuning in!
@@IreneIronTravels Absolutely!! It is always a treat to get your all's videos. And....to be live....awesome!!
I’m anchored out in La Paz, Mx. Starlink is perfect. ATT unlimited data was $80/month and was spotty and got throttled. Starlink gives me 260+ MBps and is flawless. I’m still solar independent and going to the South Pacific in spring. Can’t remember the last time I ran the engine other than maintenance.
Great video. Thanks for the information. It all helps.
Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!
My wife loves your vlogs on this stuff. She is the I.T. tech on our team. She used to work for the local computer store. She understands all the language, to me it's like a foreign language. It's Great to have a Tech on your team.
Great informative video. 👍 👍
Thanks! Yes, it a was pretty foreign to me at first too, so I hear ya! 😊 Glad your wife is onboard!!
@@IreneIronTravels thanks for all the effort the both of you put into this.
We don't travel full time, but do appreciate all your insight and information, as it makes things easier when we do.
Travel safe you two, and Louie.
This was a really educational video, and it seems like a reliable alternative for the same price.
Thanks Bob, appreciate you watching!
I live completely off grid in the middle of nowhere unfortunately all cell service carriers are terrible here so I had to go with starlink and I am very happy with it.
I've been a full-time RVer going on 5 years now. Using our Starlink I consistently get over 200 down. I'm at a campground in Oregon right now getting 224 down and there's nothing to do when we move. We simply plug it in and it works. No configuration is needed. But the best part of Starlink is NO CAPS. Any cell phone plan has caps, even the so-called "unlimited" plans. It's false advertising. Read the fine print on every single one; they all have a limit set where you get throttled once you hit that cap. I've downloaded TERAbytes of data in a week using Starlink and no throttling. It's a steal for $115. It's not $135 unless you have mobility on which is useless. We move every month and simply change the service address. Mobility is OFF.
Starlink works pretty good out west as long as you have an clear view of the North. We ran into the other side of the coin: lack of Starlink constellations, unavoidable trees, congested areas, throttling, slow speeds, etc. Starlink Review
ua-cam.com/play/PLdJBTbJVb0R2Jeu4rhlbcXzUFkn1DANSw.html
@@IreneIronTravels But how is this "Insty" any better than any other Cat12 Simcard router with an external antenna? There's gotta be three dozen different companies selling similar products. Have you heard of the Simtell "simless" router? We've used that and it works very well in forested areas A comparison video would be very helpful, but no one seems to do those.
@@UltimateAnarchy use a bonding VPN like Speedify to mix SL<E and save all the sim traffic
@@UltimateAnarchy- Cellular has the advantage of not having to set up the antenna at each new location, it's just on all the time even while driving on the road. Great for the non-drivers enjoy internet on the road.
Great review thank you!
Thanks for watching Patty!
We’ve only used Starlink in northeastern California and eastern Nevada, and it’s been great. We’re headed to Lake Havasu City after Christmas, though, and I suspect it’ll be a different story due to congestion. So, I may very well give InstyConnct a try. As always, thank you!
Thanks for sharing. I've heard Starlink performs pretty good out West as well. We are starting to see a lot of those dishes on rigs everywhere we go!
best way is use a bonding VPN like Speedify to mix SL<E and save all the sim traffic saved and have 100% solid connection for zooms and work.
Thank you for sharing this video with me!! BS & BK & BC !!
Any time! Thanks Larry! BS & BK & BC😊
I’m full time and have had literally zero problems with Starlink. I do have to make sure of northern sky visibility when booking sites but otherwise no issues. It is good to know about these other solutions if there comes about degradation of service though.
I’ve had Starlink for over a year, and service has been great, no matter where I’ve gone. It slows down a little in the afternoon, but not enough to really notice.
Yes! Thank you
😊
this is useful for home users without good landline internet but have cell tower internet. this has nice network utility tools
👍
My Pepwave BR1 Max2 cellular modem is also a dual SIM and dual mimo modem that's mounted indoors, and the antenna is 5' away on the roof. The Pepwave modem and antenna supports connecting to campground wifi's too. Albeit, most the time campgrounds don't have fast speeds, but occasionally they do, so it's a nice option. I'm not a fan of mounting the actual modem outside where is could be stolen, not to mention rain, wind and grime causing issues over time. I wouldn't trust it, but that's me. I'd rather have my modem indoors where I can see the LEDs to ensure it's working right, etc, and it's protected from the elements. When the northern sky is visible I break out the Starlink, it's usually pretty fast and reliable if you're in the boonies.
I've been waiting for this video since you mentioned it was coming long, long ago. I too am an Insty Connect user and love it. Please keep us posted as your travel out west on your results. Have you considered the binocular antennas? I'm intrigued, but it seems bulky to travel with if it's rarely used/needed.
Hey Dave 👋 glad to hear your loving your Insty! Yes, we’ll definitely keep you posted on the performance as we travel. I think the binoculars are very intriguing and would be fun to test out. I think it would help in some situations but, we also have Starlink for those…. But it looks cool!
I use directional antennas attached to a $8 metal pole i bought from Home Depot, when driving I unhook it and keep it inside, when camping I ziptie it to my ladder.
Just ordered using your code. I almost ended up with Nomad! Looking forward to trying this out.
👍 We're coming up on a year of using the Insty full time and we still love it! We heard about the Nomad debacle...glad you didn't order it!!
As I have said many times, and you mentioned it as well. There is not a one and done sytem for those of us that travel. We use a M-2000 (5G) Hotspot from the Calyx Institute, and Starlink, between the 2 it covers us 95% of the time.
👍 For sure! That M-2000 looks like a very nicely spec'd hot spot!
Without going into too much complicated detail, 5G is mostly marketing hype for most people atm. Basically yes, if it gets a good connection it is faster, but it has a much shorter usable signal, is much more susceptible to interruptions due to any type of obstruction, and tbh isn't in actual practice noticeably faster than 4G in most implementations. 5G was really built around the concept of IoT (the Internet of things) where there would be 1000's of devices connecting simultaneously in a small area, think concert. For those specific situations, it has a noticeable improvement over 4G. For a highway where all cars are connecting full time, it has an advantage, etc... Until then, the manufacturers need to make their money back regardless, so... In phones, it was billed as "future proofing" your purchase, but at the turnover rate the typical phone has, and the fact that we may be into 6G before it matters on any scale, I personally could care less. It is notable however that you can't get a discount on a phone trade-in typically if it's 4G. Another thing is I've seen phone plans that say you can't get 4K streaming if you have 4G, however, I had 4K streaming on 4G so it's not that it's not capable, just that many carriers are choosing to not implement it anymore on 4K as a differentiator it looks like.
* Thought of this as an after thought. Since there was an RV park mentioned "with thousands" of sites... there could be potentially a situation where the 4G network could reach saturation, so "if" one could get a decent 5G signal, it could give faster times... but remember, that would be limited by the inherent connectivity issues 5G has. For clarification here's a quote from business insider on distance: "The shorter wavelength means 5G can carry a lot of data much faster than 4G, but it also means a much shorter range. 4G wavelengths have a range of about 10 miles. 5G wavelengths have a range of about 1,000 feet, not even 2% of 4G's range."
The limiting factor with this hardware is that it's all in one. As the 5g Cellular modem chips get better and better you are locked into the chipset installed in the hardware. For instance, the Insta uses the Qualcom X55 chipset and that's already out dated and a much more capable 5g chip is being used in newer modems with the release of the Qualcom X62 and X65 chipsets. But you'd have to replace your entire rooftop system to update. The better alternative is to use dedicated mobile broadband hotspots - one for each carrier - connected to a separate router and antenna system. That way you can upgrade just that part of the system when newer hardware is available.
Hey Paul, that is a good point about future proofing. I was just looking and it seems a lot of the higher end routers still have the x55 chips...like the MAX BR1 Pro 5g. This would be a good question for Nick on possible upgrades in the future or if next years model will have the newer X65. Perhaps just the modem inside the antenna could be upgraded....?
@@IreneIronTravels I have the Insty Connect too, and that's my understanding. If needed.wanted, the modem can be swapped out. The modem router and antenna are all separate devices. Just integrated into a simple form factor.
Good to know, thanks! That makes sense!
Dedicated hotspots might work better downtown in the city but out where RV parks tend to be located a higher grade modem and better antenna will perform better for many years. Most 5g upgrades only be in the cities and the higher frequencies with the most available bandwidth do not propagate very far.
Great information. I think I might have seen you do this in the video but when I am dealing with those very small gauge wires, 12v puck lights as an example, I use a larger gauge wire in the connection to use as a shim like device. I strip off extra wire on the tiny gauge and wrap it around the larger gauge a few times then make my crimp. I then cut of the larger gauge wire as close to the connection as possible and shrink wrap. Seems to work.
Thanks Dan! Ah, yes that sounds like a good way to do it too. I used the crimp cap instead of a butt style connecter so the smaller and larger wires have a better connection and crimp together. I did stripe extra off the smaller wires to double up as well. Everything has held up after 3 months and 11 states of driving! 😊
@@IreneIronTravels Awesome live stream. Glad we taught them about hotdish and jello salad.
Yes! 🤣😋
Really clever Dan - came across this randomly but is a hack I’ll definitely use! Thanks!
@@raklym Thanks and hope it works for you.
Starlink is a game changer!
I travel full time in my RV and we have two kids. Even with the deprioritization on our starlink streams never buffer. Even if you have slight obstructions streaming is never an issue. If starlink didn't work for you then you probably weren't using it right. Invest in a good mounting system. The weBoost telescoping pole gets starlink where it needs to be even on the east coast. Harbor freight has a telescoping flag pole that works as well.
This comment sums up Starlink for me....well half of the story. After 500,000+ views on our Starlink videos and over 1,000 comments, I find people are very passionate on the subject...one way or the other. I've "never" had any problems with my Starlink or I've "aways" had problems with my Starlink. For us, after using/testing it for about 6 months we found it worked great sometimes and horrible other times. No doubt a pole would have helped in some situations for us, but not always. Sometimes trees are a 100ft tall and covering the campsite. I also experianced dropped service in the FL keys with no obstructions at all. But everyone's situations are different of course... so we are just sharing our experiences to help others judge what might work for them. Thanks for watching ! 😊
This videos are sales shows!! .. nothing else. A 20 minute commercial….If you got a good cellular connection you don’t need Starlink at all. Apple and oranges. At the east coast you might never need Starlink, in areas where is no cellular connection you depend on Starlink.
There are instances where this is true. However, having been all over the east coast there are decent signals but the speeds are pretty slow. Also having to constantly manage the hotspot on your phone will get old, and if you have a router that you USB tether your phone to then you can't use your phone. The short setup time of starlink is fantastic and I will always recommend it. It's an extra cost but worth every penny.
Starlink the go to for the Australian Outback
You may try to relocate your router to a higher point in the RV and re-route the cable from behind the fridge. By doing this you may gain higher speeds and better connectivity.
Great review. How does this system work in the Great Smokies National Park(Cades cove Campground, Elkmont, Smokemont and other camping places with heavy tree coverage and miles front usable cell towers)?
It would be interesting to test out in those areas. The system doesn't create or boost the cell tower signals but is designed to capture the signal if there is one present. I don't think trees are too big of an issue.. but more mountains and large objects that can block cell signals.
I have the WiFi Ranger . It sounds just like your insty connect except for the Ranger also has a wifi antenna and you can aggregate the wifi with cellular to get even bigger download and upload speeds
Yes, looks like a similar router/modem/rooftop antenna setup, but doesn't have 5g capabilities yet. How do you like it?
@@IreneIronTravels the speeds are good
👍
Love your videos! Question, does this system throttle?
Thanks! The system itself doesn’t throttle, but the carrier you use with it might depending on your data plan. ( Verizon, sprint, t mobile, etc) So you still need to combine the Instyconnect with a data plan of your choice with a SIM card. Think of the Insty as just the hardware and software designed to give you the best signal from your cellular carrier. The software actually can help with throttling due to tower congestion, by the carrier aggregation I talked about. ( combining tower connections) hope that helps! 😊
You should try T-mobile 5G home internet
The Insty connect looks interesting although I have reservations on the viability of a product that is sold in a 3D printed format which is typically a prototype phase manufacturing method.
I can understand that. But still pretty cool for small family owned business that is in its early years of growth. 😊
@@IreneIronTravels I can certainly appreciate being a small business, I own a small business. Having looked deeper into the company, they appear to be doing well, and they say their volume isn’t enough to justify mold cost. I would be interested if pricing were similar to Star link but that’s not what I found.
How did you wire in the "Hughes Autoformers PWD30-EPO, Spike Power Watchdog"? This is a cool idea! Are you able to do a video for it?
If you go onto our YT page under electrical videos, I covered it during the inverter install video I think. It’s really easy and just spliced in-line with your 110v wires from the electrical plug. 6 easy wires… 3 input and 3 output! 👍
I have van camped in 70 campgrounds across the country, mostly government. Most campgrounds there is very poor service almost as if the cel companies do it on purpose. Sometimes it cuts off right at the edge of the park boundaries. Checking the carriers coverage maps, they are obviously a lie. If you had an emergency at one of these sometimes very large campgrounds, someone is going to have drive the patient in a car to a hospital or at least to where the signal comes back. If criminal activity happens . . . .
That sounds good but with no cell carriers currently offering truly unlimited mobile internet, making a comparison to Starlink which is a complete ISP and no additional need to pay for the service. It isn't really apple's to apple's. I know you sort of cleared some of that up in the video, but the premise was a replacement for SL. Currently the insty is on sale for $800 and you have to pay for cellular plan.
I'd like to know how this is working out in the desert, do you plan to do an update anytime soon? Thanks!
I use my cellphone for everything and get service all over. When I am somewhere I don’t get service, I’m always there because I’m purposely remote and out of contact.
Based on your more recent comments (3 month old), it sounds like you're still enjoying the system. We're going full time in a few months and will spend a lot of time among the trees east of the Mississippi. Have you tried one of Insty's long range antennas? The switchblade seems like a decent compromise since it's not massive for storing. I'm curious about your experieces getting connected with T-Mobile since you did the video or other carriers if you've tried any (& thanks for making this video - much appreciated!!).
Hello! We haven’t used the switchblade yet, but I really like the new foldable design! We’re still using the same Verizon sim we’ve always had. It’s been working great and we only use Starlink a couple times a year. There is new Insty antenna I’m thinking about trying out. But, yes still using Verizon with the Insty and loving it!
Any recommendations for internet in the oilfields in NM & TX I drive different trucks and semis every day for a company I won’t be able to attach permanently since these are company trucks
What about cost
Like how much you need to put in to start how much monthly only for the product not for the same???
Hello, thanks for the info. Can you tell me what the thing was that you stuck to your window for internet was? We aren’t full time and that might be enough for us. I checked your Amazon store and couldn’t find it. Thanks!
Thanks! Yes, that is the MIMO antenna for the hotspot. Make sure you have the same connections amzn.to/3VUWuL9
What is the system cost and what are the monthly charges?
Thanks for this review! I have been very interested in this system since I met Nick at the tent show in Quartzsite last year. I like the idea of 5G, but really the main need for me is for long range signal when boondocking in remote places. So isn't 4G the only option then? Do you know the approximate range of the 5G signal?
Fun! I’m sure I’ll run into Nick at one these RV shows one day! It seems 5G is definitely stronger closer to the cites but the network keeps growing! Its nice to be able to choose between the networks through. I’m not sure the range….
@Mobile Moon - The shorter wavelength means 5G can carry a lot of data much faster than 4G, but it also means a much shorter range. 4G wavelengths have a range of about 10 miles. 5G wavelengths have a range of about 1,000 feet, not even 2% of 4G's range. Of course that's all in optimal conditions but that's the basic idea.
@@primalperry5667 Thanks! That was my basic understanding. Really for long range use which is what I need, I think I may have to stick with the less expensive 4G Option. Tech is always changing so may have to switch to something else in a few years anyway.
The problem is with that system you still must have cell reception. Much of the camping in BLM doesn't have reception.
What's the monthly cost? Btw just came across your videos. Looks like such an amazing life! My wife is been watching and talking about being full timers...thanks for the inspiration! What part of MN are you two from? We are from Buffalo MN. Live I AZ now.
The monthly cost depends on your cell carrier plan that you have. The Insty Connect is just the hardware and software, but you still need a data plan from a cell carrier. We have a Verizon plan that is $65 per month. Glad your thinking about the lifestyle.. It’s a pretty good one! 😊 We last lived in the Uptown area, by lake Calhoun… really loved it there.. but you know… the winters and all🥶 Probably why we see a lot of Minnesotans move to AZ! 🤣
But is there a plan you could recommend that provides unlimited data without throttling?
I don’t think there are any current unlimited plans right now. Each carrier seems to continuously be changing what’s available…. A lot do have a high data usage available though.
well we got all pumped up from your video, But then.......looked at site through your link and reading the details it seems that IC is peggy backing off of the T-mobile system. Which is what we had until they started installing wind turbine towers all around us (Prairie Hill, Texas 76678) Now we are in "The Black Hole" for all providers and nothing works here but Google Fi off of Wifi through Windstream (the worst). So our calls drop every single time. Saying all of that I am will to pay DOUBLE if Insty Connect will work in my area. But I am 1000% convinced it will Not.
Hey there 👋 Insty connect can work with any cellular provider you choose that has a data SIM card. Insty Connect also sells a data plan through T mobile… but you don’t have to buy that. I’m not very familiar with Google fi or wind stream , but I read google fi uses t mobile and u s cellular networks. If you do have a cellular provider tower within reach the long range “ binoculars” might help. ua-cam.com/video/zp5YIlJe2Z8/v-deo.html
Or maybe Starlink might be a good option for you?
What is cost of equipment and monthly service?
Hi. What is the model of the MIMO you had for your Verizon hotspot?thanks.
We used a Netgear brand amzn.to/3ZRMgL0 👍
Hi there! Really liked your video :) I'm looking to for a good wifi system for my food truck so I can run my POS system. Do you think that Verizon Hotspot with an antenna will be more than enough? I'm not going to be off in the mountains in areas with no signal. Just in the city with plenty or cell service.
Yes it sounds like a simple hot spot with antenna would be perfect for you!
@Irene Iron Travels thank you very much! Thats what I'm thinking too!
Costs ? Savings over Starlink ?
HY WOULD THEY GO BLCK on teh antenna when heat degrades electric?-- preferred for hiding-- but it must get over 160 degrees in the sun
Wouldn't it be nice if you could pause the cell hot spots too. Then you could pause which ever service you you aren't using based on where you are located. I like this solution though!
Yes, that would be great! 👍
Google Fi cell service can be paused. 3 plans available all with pause feature. cellular data includes international coverage. very good phone deals during black Friday holiday and interest free 24 month payment plan.
I have Verizon 1Gig home fiber to wifi in the townhouse I live in, but my living situation is about to change a lot.
So with these various cellular modem setups out now I can work M-F 8-5pm in an RV trailer doing my IT job with 25+ browser tabs open across 2 PC's, logged into email and multiple company systems, plus skype, and our IP phone system, and youtube, and hold stable 1hr video conference calls daily?
Then browse, stream tv, etc on my free time too?
If this is for real (Cell coverage depending of course) what is the upfront cost for this?
Then what is the monthly cost?
I can't buy and can't afford to rent the kinda house I need with a garage and work area, so I might as well be able to travel and save money living alone in an RV trailer towed behind my Tundra since I have a remote work from anywhere IT job.
Yes, I hear my truck won't be up to the task of towing a 26-30foot bumper pull trailer around, but I may not have to move around much, and this will only be temporary for a year or 2 (I hope)
So I am in need of a system that will pick up internet in remote mountain area. We full time RV with boondocking all the time. Have large solar array for power and now need internet for are fifth wheel trailer. How is this system for off grid remote sites with towers pretty far away?
The Insty Connect comes with the 4x4 MIMO omni-directional antenna that does a really good job in most short/medium situations... lots of variables. One of the better solutions for long range situations is a direction antenna mounted high on a pole. Insty does have a separate long range antenna like that and you can see more here. ua-cam.com/video/zp5YIlJe2Z8/v-deo.html Also you should consider Starlink if it works in your area...
Are you running your Starlink at 12v or boosting the 12v to 48 versus running it at 120v? I'm not using Starlink gen 2 mobile, but I wanted to eliminate their router, so I configured it to use 12v with a 48v POE transformer.
We were running the Insty at 12v here, but are just using the regular 120v for Starlink. I've heard of lot of people converting Starlink to 12v though.
A better connector is the WEGO connector. You simply strip the wire, press the wine into the connector, and press down the clip.
Oh yeah I've seen those! Pretty slick! 😊
Aaron, wondering if you moved your Insty to the Paradigm. Also we generally don’t travel with a computer because we each have big and small iPads and my iMac M1 ilives on my desk at home. Must you have an actual computer?
Yes we did! I haven't permanently mounted on the 5th wheel yet, but we are using it and it was an easy transfer.
You do not need a computer. (Well it might help for the initial setup) But, Insty will produce a secure Wifi that you can access with any device. We also use it with our phones, smart TV's, tablets, etc. Anything with Wifi! 👍
@@IreneIronTravels thanks! You’ll probably think I’m a bit obsessed but I installed you tube on my Apple TV that’s connected to my huge living room tv (65 “) and splurged on a premium subscription to avoid the ads. I’ve been watching a few Paradigm owners as they make the transition and its so easy to watch on tv and pause to take notes. We are retiring a 20 yr old Winnebago motorhome - just bought the truck and are looking forward to putting in our order in Sept. Also I think June has the cutest little face. I love her!
Looks like it is a yagi antenna and RT amp set up for the 5g Hz. Nothing new. Ones still has to be in range of 5G signal for it to work. Not many 5g antennas in the National Parks or remote areas.
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Starlink a satellite connection and not grounds based connection so if you're unable to connect to a tower Insty Connect won't work?
I'm just stuck on the 3d printed casing.
I didn't hear any mention of having to add a cell service provider when you buy this system. How does that figure into this? I am guessing you are buying an expensive cell signal antenna system, that doesn't work unless you purchase a data plan from a cell provider?
Aaron, can Insty Connect hook you up with the binoculars for testing? I'd like to see how that compares to to Starlink.
That would be a good test! I'll see. So far we've had to use Starlink twice. Once in Quartzsite when the cell towers are overloaded with all of the RV'ers that come for the big tent and once in a mountainous camp group where Insty connected and worked... but it was to slow for good productivity. Binocs might have helped...
Hi Arron, what is the watts usage on the Insty Connect?
Hello 👋 It is very minimal at around 1 amp.
it does not make sense to mount router on roof top as summer hot will greatly shorten the lifespan of the router.
So, does the WeBoost have any effect on the performance of this?
No, two different antennas for two different scenarios. The Insty has 4 antennas on the roof that work great for short/mid range tower distances.
The WeBoost is a single antenna that only really helps in certain situations where the cell tower is really far away but there is still line of sight for the antenna.
We had the we boost for the first couple years of full time RVing and it just didn't work well in 80% of the places we were at.
Does this system connect through your hot spot? Or does it just connect to any service? What if your phone doesn't have a sim card?
You do need a separate data plan with a SIM card from a cellular carrier. For example we have a Verizon data plan that we got in 2019 that we previously used in the hotspot I showed in the video. It's $65 per month, but they don't offer it anymore for new purchase. We simply took the SIM out of the hot spot and put it into the Insty Connect system. You wouldn't want to use your cell phone plan for this. You can get your own plan or you can also get a monthly plan through Insty Connect that is $90 per month.
It might be a better system but thing is can you get unlimited data from another provider at around the same price as Star Link I haven't found anything.
I use the Mofi 5500, it has the same speed capabilities as this InstyConnect 5g but the Mofi em9191 only fits 1 sim instead of 2. it’s $300 cheaper though at $700. The em7690 is 4g but it still gives faster speeds than a Verizon hotspot on 5g and is $500
Nice. Does the mofi come with any type of rooftop antenna?
@@IreneIronTravels It does not, I had to buy my own. The antennas are already very powerful on the device but when I’m far out I use a 2x2 Mimo directional antenna that was about $170. The modem has space for 4x4 however.
Ahh gotcha, thanks! I’ve heard a lot of people really like the Mofi.
What carrier? Is Mofi T-Mobile?
The mofi is a router/modem and you can use it with a carrier of your choice. Similarly to the Insty Connect.
So I am also weak on this tech...When you get this hardware per the Intsy site you subscribe to a plan - So I am on Verizon so I assume I start with them, order another subscription and they give me a SIM card?
Insty does sell a separate data plan through T-Mobile I think for $90 per month, but you don't have to get that and you can just use your own data plan from someone else. For example your Verizon.... is it a phone plan or is it a data plan with a hotspot like we had? You just need to add your sim into the Inst Connect system and there is no Insty Connect fee after buying the hardware....just the monthly fee from a cellular carrier data plan.
I hope you report back on how this performs in the southwest.
👍 So far in Utah it's working great with really fast speeds. We haven't had to unpause starlink yet, because of this. But we'll keep talking about it in our videos!
@@IreneIronTravels obviously this device, like we boost, is useless without a cell signal right?
Yes, it doesn’t create the signal just helps receive it better with the 4x4 MiMo antennas on the roof. But you’re right and that’s why we keep the Starlink as a back up to use in places with no cellular service.
Have you tried the weBoost Drive Reach? How does this compare to that? The weBoost is half the price.
We had the Weboost drive 4gx RV for a couple years on our first RV. We ended up using the small window antenna over it most of the time. I like the Instyconnect ( or any roof mounted 4x4 MIMO antenna system) over the Weboost because they generally work better in most situations. The Weboost is a booster that amplifies the signal with a single antenna And so it works in some situations if you are really far from a cell tower. But we found when using the Weboost the data was not very good. So it helped with making phone calls, texts, and maybe getting some emails.
I love 3d printing but doubt that cover is going to hold up
I'm not very familiar with 3d printing. What would cause it to not hold up?
@@IreneIronTravels it's great for prototyping but in no way as durable as injection molded. It'll look fine for a while but will eventually degrade. Sun, cold and heat will all wear it down
@@explosiveenterprises1479 This! If it is PLA, wait for a really hot day and it will pretty much melt.
How is the Insty Connect working for you Ive been looking at it but I'm still not sure if I want to spend that much if it does not work
It’s working great 👍 We’ve been using it full time just about a year now. Still have Starlink as a back up if there’s no cell signal.
Is Verizon the preferred carrier for data. Do not see much mention of Att anymore. I have Cricket which uses Att for $50/month with unlimited data I believe
We've really found Verizon to work quite well all over the country....only a couple places our T-mobile has worked better. Have never used At&t but have heard it works good as well...
How fast is starlink internet?
I plan to be traveling with my conversion trailer and I would love to get this for it, but I have no idea where to get my internet service from where I can use their sim card for unlimited internet. Do you have any suggestions on who I can get this from? Please help.
Data plans seem to be ever changing and we got our unlimited Verizon plan back in 2019. They only offered it for about 6 months! A lot are now offering "high" data usage like Insty offers a T mobile plan with 300 GB of data. Depending on how much you use per month something like that might work. You just have to check all of the major carriers to see who has the best plan right now. Good luck with your new journey!
@@IreneIronTravels So I would just have to get a sim card from T-Mobile?
Yes, you can use any sim from a provider of your choice. Just needs to be a data plan.
Hey Aaron - are you still liking the Insty Connect, and have you ever heard of Home Fi? I a year or two out from going on the road and at this point I can't see going with Starlink, but I'm open to other options. Insty is a bit pricey, but Home Fi get some good reviews and is cheap by comparison.
Yes, still loving the Insty and just moved it to our new 5th wheel. Haven't heard of Home Fi before..
@@IreneIronTravels Do you have two sims? If so, which do you use? I'm currently on Verizon, but would probably add a second. I'm getting very close to going with a build from Drifter Vans. I will be just me, the dog and one (possibly two) cats.