External MIMO Antenna for the MoFi 4500
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- #ilovervlife #mofi4500 #MofiAntenna Mixing RV travel and work while on the road can be challenging, but there are big upsides as well. There are very few opportunities where one can see visit all the great places RV travel offers while your office is steps away beautiful scenery and amazing places to visit. For us, we started day one with a small office in our 5th wheel and often share tips we’ve discovered to make working on the road easier and most of all more efficient so we can spend time enjoying RV life. To achieve these benefits, we must have good RV Internet. The next steps was installing a MIMO antenna using the Poynting Cellular Roof Antenna to our MoFi 4500 cellular mobile router.
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The paddles work a little better when they are at 45 degree angles, not straight up. That creates the 90 degrees MIMO needs. I started with the Surecall booster and wasted $350. It's more for cell signal boosting. I have the mofi and it rocks for cell internet boosting. Nice video!!
It’s a really good unit. Thanks for the tip.
Yeah I price those things and they’re kind of expensive I am going to go with a Waveform antenna 2 x 2
Jerry
Instead of a metal plate, try some aluminum duct tape. It works well for me. Also there is a firmware update that includes a built in speed test. Also a selective band lock depending on the speed test.
Thanks.
Great job, Jerry... I am in a rural area in Western NC & have the Mofi4500 dual band router w/ MIMO 4 X 4 external attennas & have done a firmware update, locking down bands that give me the best signal. Unbelievable difference. Speed tests before, 3 mbps download, 2 mbps upload...With new configurations mentioned, I am getting 75 to 105 mbps download, 25 to 35 mbps upload...VERY HAPPY CAMPER HERE ! Thx for sharing your videos & the best internet is still ahead ! 👌 👍🙏
It is a good unit. We’re moving often and we experience changes in which bands have the best bandwidth. Great having the ability to lock in the best performing band.
Have you tried out the Mofi 4500 with the Sims seven yet?
I have one. ua-cam.com/video/f3bW5RUp2Ww/v-deo.htmlsi=3Zod4TwgtFokXsJJ Nice unit. Upgraded to a CradlePoint with CAT20. ua-cam.com/video/ZvThK258sZM/v-deo.htmlsi=BQWm0OW4FhnvBEYE Needed 5G. Most of the 4G plans are now getting low band 5G transport. We’ve seen 4X to 5X increase in speeds.
Jerry, great video, but Megabit is what’s used when referring to online speed tests. Mbps not MBps. Capital B makes difference.
Thanks.
I think I can Increase my ban withh though by 3. Or 4 times I hope I am getting almost 4 upload right now Without an outside antenna I think it will make a difference once I get it all fixed up
Depends on the signal strength. I weak areas, the outside antenna increased the signal 3X.
@@iLoveRVlife ya I just got this mofi used from eBay and it is already out performing the lower end Cudy 1200 4 g router than I replaced it with
@@iLoveRVlife Keep in mind I’m kind of down in a Holler Sorta in the bottom two hills
It’s a good unit. Even with the paddle antennas will give more gain than the Cody.
@@iLoveRVlife Yeah I didn’t know what to think when I was configuring it I was pulling my hair out a bit but I think I got it to where it functions all right It’s a bit outdated technology wise but I think it will turn out to be a good unit It was way ahead of its time I have good feelings about it
Awesome. Thanks so much. Our first rv is on order and I need to work on the road. This video was so helpful.
Glad we could help Ken.
Great info Jerry as always love all the tips and tricks going to be making the infamous jack pads tomorrow no more stacking bords for me and yes I love rv life
Yeah. Glad you found the jack pad video helpful. They’re a little heavy, but the good news, you can skip the gym on travel days 😏
How does it compare to a directional antenna?
Hi Haskell. This antenna doesn't have the gain of the directional antennas. That's also depends in the directional used too. We're taking a couple db hit with this omni, but a big improvement over the paddle antennas we were using inside the 5th wheel, plus the convenience of just turning the unit on with now outside set up.
Great video, thanks.
Thanks James.
Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, I think you actually purchased an oversized on/off knob for the gas bar-b-que!.....which doubles as an omni direction do dad. 😁
You know, it does look like one of those.
I’m spoiled. It kills me when I have to rely on my MIFI backup. So glad I don’t have to rely on even having Internet on the road.
It’s on of those necessities for us - partly work and a little entertainment. Good news for those who need reliable Internet in their travels there’s a number of reasonably priced options.
Jerry, is there a way to attach the MiMo in another place? We do not want to drill a hole in the roof. Love your videos.
Thanks so much. There’s a couple options when using the MoFi 4500. The simplest is using the upgraded paddle antennas. These work great if you have a good to moderate cell signal. For low signals, I used the extendable aluminum painters pole with an Omni directional antenna. Easy to set up. No permanent mounting. Extent the pole. Use a couple short bungee cords to tie to the ladder rack and run the cable in a window. Cable is thin and closing the window won’t damage. This is the antenna we used www.mobilemusthave.com/Poynting-OMNI-402-Marine-LTE-2x2-MIMO-Antenna_p_101.html/?AffId=81. You may need to add some extra cable to reach. You can order the length needed with the ends to fit the antenna and MoFi here www.mobilemusthave.com/LMR-400-UltraFlex-Custom-Cables-Various-Lengths-Terminations_p_1245.html/?Affld=81
@@iLoveRVlife Thanks so much for getting back to me.
I use 2 yagi antennas on a pole. I go out through the bottom corner of one of our slides. However, in the newer rv, we'll be going through the roof. May do an omni mofi antenna (like this one) and have the pole/yagi's ready to go up if things are slow.
The yagi’s are far superior. This was a good step above the paddles. We traded the Gateway and have a new 5th wheel. I’m considering the Husky Pro by Parsec and mount on top the ladder in back. Haven’t worked out the entry yet. Just don’t feel right drilling a hole in the new 5th wheel yet.
you need to drop the mofi router because it only has a cat6 modem inside of it, the highest cat they have in there routers is a cat7 worthless. you need to get a we826-t2 or a we826-Q router with a cat12, the cat12 gives you 3x Carrier Aggregation which is a lot better then mofi,.. and you will get 15 to 20 mbps upload and download,... i have one rite now custom made, and ill tell you, its 100% more better then mofi,...
Looks like you've had a look at my video production schedule. New router is on the way. The Mofi 4500 has served us well, but getting dated. More on the new router and antenna set up in a few weeks.
This sounds like a wonderful set-up but here in Canada, mobile internet is sooooo pricy. I can see the need for offices-on-the-go. I'm not at all a techy person but does this improve both cell reception and internet? Im confused.
MJ, cellular WiFi is pricey. We’re always on the look out for plans. This set up isn’t a booster. This is for cellular based WiFi only.
you described the paddles at the beginning that you said were an upgrade, so you showed 4 antenae. Yet you only installed the two basic ones and there doesn't seem to be room for the other two the way you installed it. Are you saying they really aren't necessary or am I missing something?
Joene, I mentioned the previous video where purchased and set up the MoFi 4500. Without the external antenna we moved from side to side of the 5th wheel next to a window for the best signal reception. The paddle antennas were used for the cellular reception. Now with the external antenna, I permanently mounted the MoFi to the side of the cabinet and eliminated the need for the paddles.
Great info Jerry, thanks! Have you attempted video conferencing with the Poynting/MOFI 4500 set-up? I am getting ready for a 2 month road trip, however, I spend 2-6 hours a day in group video conferencing! (Yuck, but it pays the bills...) Any pointers or suggestions? Thanks in advance!
I have. All depends on bandwidth. Currently in a very remote area. With 10 down and 5 up, easily do conferences. One tip. Before we book a site, I call and asked about the cell coverage. If it's poor, we pass and find another place if client work is scheduled for the week.
This was a great side by side comparison with the speed tests. I just purchased a new 5500 as my first 4G router and am trying to decide on an antenna so that I can work remote and travel national parks with enough bandwidth to support my remote desktop. Just wondering where this RV park is with the incredibly poor connection. Is that typical for campsites across the country in national and state parks? Just trying to gather as much info as possible before this lifestyle change. Thanks!
Here good things about the new 5500. State and National parks are hit or miss for cellular coverage. As you research a campground, often comments are shared on the access to or lack of cell coverage. I work on the road, so if no “reasonable” coverage, we skip. If you’ll be in the more rural areas, consider a dual stack Yagi on a long adjustable painter pole. Then take a few minutes to point at the closest tower. These dual Yagi stacks are high gain. The biggie is you must have some signal before you can increase with an antenna.
@@iLoveRVlife Do you have a go-to resource for campground cell service information? I know about campendium but that’s about it. Thanks again
I use www.cellmapper.net Also do a Google or Trip Advisor search for the campground. Search comments for “cell”. Not 100%, but others may have shared experience. If still unsure, call the campground. Usually someone at the desk will let you know of carriers and strength.
Where you required to put a Sim card in the mofi 4500
Hi Mark. Yes. I used a Verizon hotspot SIM. This unit support SIMs for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile or resellers using these networks.
I have been using the Mofi 4500 as well and it's been doing great. But, I wonder how this would compare with the double Yagi style antenna that I put up on a pole when I'm in a fringe area? Sure would be nice to no longer need to put up the pole and then point it in right direction!
No comparison with the double Yagi for signal gain. The Yagi will have more gain. The pie shaped Yagi’s are around 11db, where the Poynting is slightly less than 6db. Also, you can get a little extra height with a pole set up. The big benefit with the Poynting is lack of set up plus signal improvement. Just turn on the router. Only thing I do extra is a band search to see what’s strongest, but that would occur regardless of antenna.
@@iLoveRVlife yes, the more I think about it, a good setup would be to have the Poynting on the roof and hooked to the Mofi for general use, then if I get into a place where the Poynting isn't quite making it happen then have the option to still hook up the Yagi's.
Perfect setup
Hi Jerry. Are you and Joan still camping? I haven't seen any camping videos in a while.
We’re in Florida now. One more how to on the way and we’re recording our travels now. More on the way.
I've been wanting to remove my home internet router and put it in the camper. Hook up my TV antenna for a poor man's internet connection. Do you think it might work?
Sorry Bert, that’s not going to work. You have to have a source for the service. Hotspot or one of the routers mentioned in the video and subscribe to a cellular service or the campground offers WiFi.
@@iLoveRVlife I just got done trying it, you are right, didn't work. Thanks for your fast response!
Which mofi 4500 did you use, Amazon now has a few more models , v3, one with 5ghz/ 5g
We’re using the MOFI4500-4GXeLTE-SIM7-COMBO 4G/LTE Router. Here’s a link amzn.to/3HQi8Wq Great to have the expanded bands with this unit. This week Band 4 is congested. We switched to Band 66. Bandwidth for work and video entertainment have been great.
Nice
Great video! I am soon to be full time Rving in my 5th wheel I just purchased and I have been outfitting it for battle. I just had a 30 foot bumper pull I set up a simple solar and battery monitor setup as well as an inexpensive smart tv I bought from best buy and converted it easily to run on 12V. Trying to within reason have as many amenities as I can run from 12v for boondocking flexibility. Changing all my bulbs to led, the TV running on 12v instead of through a power hungry inverter was a great start. Which antenna model is this you used? There are like 4 different models at the link you provided? Is this just the 2-in-1 lower cost model? I was just about to pull the trigger on the Inseego MiFi M2100 5G from Verizon as a hotspot but I think I may go this route instead the router you have and this antenna. 5G will never work camping anyhow I feel that hotspot from Verizon is just going to be overpriced let down. Internet is a high concern so I don't mind within reason investing into a usable solution. I mostly just watch UA-cam, I do have a channel and upload videos as well so I know i'm in for a challenge and a world of frustration. I love the pace and attention to detail in your vids. You don't leave out important details and don't rush. Good job
Thanks a bunch. This is the Poynting 2 n 1. I didn't need GPS or wifi connections. Just serving the MoFi 4500. We're in a lot of rural areas. 4G is working great and agree will be some time before 5G is widely available. With your boondocking plans, consider the 12V DC power regulator to go with the MoFi. Simple add. I have it, but running on 120V AC. Plan to add later this month. Safe travels.
What internet service are you using with your Mofi 4500?
A grandfathered Verizon plan. If you're starting new, there's currently an AT&T 100Gb prepaid hotspot plan for $50.
Gee Jerry if you had called me I would have been happy to cone down and supervise!😇
I should have. You could have managed the cooler.
@@iLoveRVlife was there beer in da cooler?
Only these best. 🍻
@@iLoveRVlife dang. BTW, what is best seafood place in Macon?
Our favorite is Jim Shaws on Vineville. Nothing fancy, but good eats.
What kind of roof do you have? Is it TPO?
Had the TPO roof replaced. Tore a big hole in it a while back. Replaced with a PVC. Great roof. Super white to reflect sun. Easy to clean. And my favorite, it doesn’t oxidize and get chauly.
I cant find the model number of the poynting antenna anywhere on you sites. Is it still working and could you provide me with the info so I could get me one. Thanks
Hi Jerry. Sorry you're having trouble finding the Poynting antenna we used in the video. The link changed on the site. I've update. See the blog at www.ilovervlife.com/external-mimo-antenna-for-the-mofi-4500/ and click the product picture for more information.
Get your self a nice router. The wifi on that thing SUCKS!!!!
Not our experience. We’ve been using everyday since purchase this spring. No issues. Excellent WiFi, good reach in and outside the 5th wheel, and great having the ability to pick the best band in a heavy use area is great to max cell speeds.
@@iLoveRVlife I was getting 2 Mbps off MoFi wifi, hooked it up to my nighthawk, it went to 8 Mbps. Then I hardwired directly, still 8. Tried mofi wifi again, back to 2. Maybe it's just my device
Could be. I've over doubled my bandwidth from using a hotspot. But, the Nighthawk is a nice unit.
Soooo tired to watch u tuner to paddle products. I m unsubscribing all of those channels bye
Hi Hans. The RV lifestyle has a number of facets - travel, types of RVs, fun places to visit, campgrounds and yes, products that make travel and work on the road better. Regardless, it all has a price tag. But, we understand. It’s OK. Not every UA-cam channel meets everyone’s viewing pleasure. Thanks for watching.