We've just bought one of these and we are in the Cotswolds at the moment. We are very impressed with the device, we are able to get the Internet with no problems, have had no breaks in service. Yes the cable is too short but like you Dan we have a Bailey so feeds through the kitchen window nicely to the plug.
Really like the idea of Falcon's rearview camera (as opposed to just a reversing camera). How have you been getting on with it? Would you recommend it? Also, didn't realise they do a satnav product. Is it a good solution for caravans in your experience? Thanks in advance.
@@stevecarmo548 it’s linked to their Satnav so I also use it when travelling as a review camera. The only downside is the metal plate that is provided, after a couple of years it has began to rust on the edges. So I have painted it with white Hamerite . Much better if it has been in a none rust metal.
Just bought one! Hasn't arrived yet but going down to the cotswolds in a couple of weeks so will give it a try! Did not fancy the Avtex route just need a simple solution.
Good vid again mate ! We bought one the other month and have used it one trip in admittedly a decent mobile signal coverage area and we found it to be more than capable for what we needed; agree with lengths of power cables so will keep an eye out for the accessories pack "upgrade! - hope you are well and keep up the great work !
Personally I'd stick with my Nergear Nighthawk with roof antenna, although the Netgear worked okay without the external antenna. We all know from time to time we have to reset the router for one reason or another and wouldnt fancy going outside when its tipping down to reset the falcon .
Bought for my caravan, simple set up just put my sim card in the unit and set the APN as per instructions up and running in 5 mins. Good speed for streaming Netflix and Amazon prime.
Been thinking about getting WiFi for a while. Our old caravan used to have an aerial mast that mounted to the outside of the awning rail. Could always use one of those and fit the wifi router on top rather than the aerial
I like the simplicity of this, but a big issue for me is the security of the router - I realise that on some sites some people might take fancy to this at £200 for the equipment and then add the sim on top, it becomes an easy take for those interested in it. - I use a TP link router which works most time without the external antenna - The loss of a sim is not an issue as it can be blocked but there is the hassle of getting a replacement etc
Agree on security. But, let’s face it. There are many things left out that are easily nicked. £70 pump £60 aqua roll £250 bbq - £300 outdoor furniture. I think a good project here would be to mount this router on some awning rail protector strip - and lock in place with thumb screws. 👍
I have had literally no luck with this product at all. I get better speeds off my phone using 4G from the same provider than the falcon. I'm a little confused as to why it is so bad when I have seen so many positives about this product. I have now tried 2 network providers sim cards but still the buffering when watching online content is unwatchable. Great video by the way, very informative for someone like myself who is new to motorhoming.
@@TheTrudgiansI had an issue with my 19” TV that they did sort out. I haven’t contacted them about the Router yet. I thought it would literally be plug and play and I’m very techie but I can’t get this working very well at all. Thanks for the reply, much appreciated
Really useful video and interesting option for wifi. I still hotspot from my phone and most of the time get an ok signal. Been looking for a decent mobile solution fornthe van and this might be it 👍
I have lap-link router with smarty also omni external antenna witch I have never used and I have traveled all over the country no streaming problems at all
Hi Dan, I’m not very technically minded so please bear with me. On noticing you fitting a sim card to the Falcon internet to the side of your caravan is this the sim that you would fit into your phone (I know I am thick) like BT, Sky etc. Just to butter you up I really do love watching you and the BOSS on the videos as I’ve seen everyone of them and take everything in. Keep up the good work and keep well. David.
Great vlog as always, but what I don't understand is that if the antenna was on the inside of most modern caravans these days, surely the signal only has a bit of polystyrene and fibreglass to go through which shouldn't be a problem and explains why my MIFI works fine in the caravan in 99% of sites we've been to so far (about 30 sites).
It really does depend on the make. For instance Coachman / Elddis have a floating aluminium roof, others have metal braces - others have aluminium backed insulation. The biggest issue though is placement. If you use a mifi with no external antenna - place it as high as you can. And just as an experiment - place your mifi on the roof, see if you gain any speed 👍
@@TheTrudgians Ah, I didn't realise that, which clears that up, thanks. Yes I get the height thing, the power source in our Bailey Discovery D4 is high up anyway & so is the MIFI. Not being a speed demon, I always get in excess of 10 Mbps which is fine for one HD TV & some surfing. I like my MIFI as it is my main internet at home & with the EE SIM it works just about everywhere. Also if we're in a bad signal area where our phones don't get a signal & we want to go for a walk, we can just pop it in our pocket & it usually manages to get a signal where our phones can't. 👍
Great vid as usual 👍 Are you able to get a signal across the UK with the Sky Sim? I use a TP-Link Archer MR600 with a Sky Sim and can rarely get a connection and that's using a Poynting omni directional antenna as well.
Thanks for another decent video, although i don't think yet i have come across anyone who can't fit a roof antennae - this product does look a bit flimsy and cheap and i wouldn't like it stuck to the outside where someone could remove it.
That does add a valid options for people who cannot / dont want to punch a hole into their caravan. A couple of points I noticed. This can be powered by a 240v AC supply which I assume is is then 12v DC by the time it comes out of the transformer, the cable out of the transformer like it is internal use. The cover where the barrel adaptor plugs in does not look very IP rated to stop water ingress. So i would question its suitability to be left outside come rain or shine. Is there no option to change the SSID of the network? Might be a low chance but if someone else is in range of your caravan is there going to be a clash come race condition. For me as a person who actively works from a caravan, it needs to be a 24/7 solution come rain or shine. I would suggest the times the wifi / 4G needs to be working the best, is when it rains as it limits outside activity and people are inside the caravan.
Hey Ash, Thanks for your comments. So - the power in socket is set inwards so when vertical the water cannot creep into the box. Sure, the SSID can be changed, Along with DHCP, QoS, all security settings etc. it might be worthwhile checking the manual on the Falcon website. Hope that helps.
We were caravanning in torrential rain. The router never let us down once, was dry inside when we checked it. It lived just outside the door for 2 weeks, the cable brought down to the half door, then entered the ' van. This is fantastic gear. Security wasn't a worry, we even went out for the day and left it in situ.
Hi Dan! Excellent video as always! Would i still need a modem for my items to connect to, or do i connect directly to the falcon system? All the best, Paul
I wonder what the IP waterproof rating of this device is, it looks a bit flimsy for outdoor use. I think I would still prefer your Nighthawk M1 and Poynting Aerial solution which has given me bullet proof speedy wi-fi wherever I go. I have permanently mounted the poynting on my caravan roof and it is rock solid.
What advantage would there be over hotspotting off my phone that has unlimited data? I used to use a Falcon Rangemaster which was a bit hit and miss. I ditched that system 2 years ago and went over to hotspotting off my phone and never had a problem.
I answered the hot spot off phone a couple of Wi-Fi vids ago - but it does mean you won’t flatten the battery so quick on phone, data thru put is quicker on a mifi and you can walk away with phone in pocket and not loose connection in ‘van. (According to Mrs T this is quite annoying when watching a show, while I walk away 😂😂)
Really really interesting video. The big question is would you plump for this if you didn't have your Avtec? The other question is, is it any better than your Netgear M1?
For me no. The Avtex is the solution for me. However, I’d plump for this system above the Netgear solution as this does grab a better signal being outside.
Hi, it’s all about proximity. Even though the Wi-Fi signal may be weak, it’s stronger than the phone mast, and with you being in close proximity - you will still get a strong Wi-Fi signal. Also, the metal box isn’t a complete metal enclosure. You have sky lights, windows and a floor without metal surround. So it’s not quite a sealed box. Hope that helps.
Really interesting solution. Can you use your current phone SIM card in the unit or do you need a separate one with a new contract? If you can my phone is a small sim so can you get something that will make it fit the unit ?
Hi Simon, you can remove your sim from your phone and use it in this router. As it’s a standard size, and your phone probably is a micro sim - you’d need a sim carrier. Any phone shop will have them or buy one from Amazon like this. amzn.to/3PCM3Zw
Don't really see how this solves a problem. You don't need to make a hole in the caravan to have a external antenna. Just get a pole or suction mounted antenna and run the cable through the window, like you have here. That way you can have your router, sim card and power cable safely and secure inside your caravan. Am i missing something??
Hi, good point - but there is a technical limitation to consider . Signal will diminish at an alarming rate (-3db per 50cm) using the coax supplied on the vast majority of antennas. This is why installed antennas have a very short cable run. 👍
You have said you can use the sim from your phone using a carrier, surely this means you won't be able to receive phone calls while the sim is not in the phone? Sorry to ask as not that tec savvy.
Interesting bit of kit, and great to see you support another small U.K. based business thank you. When you mentioned the 12v off grid issue you have, do you know what the power consumption of this device is. I know there will be factors like how “hard” you are using it, but is the ambient consumption a couple of amps per hour (not good for a smaller leisure battery) or is it more like a few 100mA, which would be far more practical. Any info appreciated thanks.
I don’t know for sure, but I imagine power consumption will be low. I’ll check it and get back to you - but have a look at the tech specs on Falcon website.
DONT TOUCH IT - simply doesn’t work. Bought one off the back of this Vid and I’ve been testing for 3 weeks. Been in contact with the company, but they’ve not really listened or helped. Now trying to arrange a refund.
Hi, sorry to hear you’ve had a bad experience with it. Please visit my blog, and add your contact details in the contact form, I’ll make sure the company are well aware of your issues. Take care Dan.
Hi Dan, just to be clear, I do not hold you accountable, you pays your money, you takes you choices. I did intend to remove my comments, but people need to now, the companies utter contempts for its customers if you have a problem. If after you don’t receive an agreed follow up, you ask and their respond is “if I say I’ll do something, I do it” you know you don’t stand a chance. Happy to share the email feed.
Your videos are becoming more about you praising the stuff you get for free so you can make a video about stuff companies give you, Not a bad thing but im not subscribing to commercials, i have a tv for that, un subscribed,
We've just bought one of these and we are in the Cotswolds at the moment. We are very impressed with the device, we are able to get the Internet with no problems, have had no breaks in service. Yes the cable is too short but like you Dan we have a Bailey so feeds through the kitchen window nicely to the plug.
Which SIM did you use please?
We have three Falcon Technology products, TV, Satnav and review wireless camera. All brilliant and the customer service is excellent.
Really like the idea of Falcon's rearview camera (as opposed to just a reversing camera). How have you been getting on with it? Would you recommend it? Also, didn't realise they do a satnav product. Is it a good solution for caravans in your experience? Thanks in advance.
@@stevecarmo548 it’s linked to their Satnav so I also use it when travelling as a review camera.
The only downside is the metal plate that is provided, after a couple of years it has began to rust on the edges. So I have painted it with white Hamerite . Much better if it has been in a none rust metal.
Just bought one! Hasn't arrived yet but going down to the cotswolds in a couple of weeks so will give it a try! Did not fancy the Avtex route just need a simple solution.
Good vid again mate ! We bought one the other month and have used it one trip in admittedly a decent mobile signal coverage area and we found it to be more than capable for what we needed; agree with lengths of power cables so will keep an eye out for the accessories pack "upgrade! - hope you are well and keep up the great work !
Personally I'd stick with my Nergear Nighthawk with roof antenna, although the Netgear worked okay without the external antenna. We all know from time to time we have to reset the router for one reason or another and wouldnt fancy going outside when its tipping down to reset the falcon .
Bought for my caravan, simple set up just put my sim card in the unit and set the APN as per instructions up and running in 5 mins. Good speed for streaming Netflix and Amazon prime.
Been thinking about getting WiFi for a while. Our old caravan used to have an aerial mast that mounted to the outside of the awning rail. Could always use one of those and fit the wifi router on top rather than the aerial
I like the simplicity of this, but a big issue for me is the security of the router - I realise that on some sites some people might take fancy to this at £200 for the equipment and then add the sim on top, it becomes an easy take for those interested in it. - I use a TP link router which works most time without the external antenna - The loss of a sim is not an issue as it can be blocked but there is the hassle of getting a replacement etc
Agree on security. But, let’s face it. There are many things left out that are easily nicked. £70 pump £60 aqua roll £250 bbq - £300 outdoor furniture.
I think a good project here would be to mount this router on some awning rail protector strip - and lock in place with thumb screws. 👍
I have had literally no luck with this product at all. I get better speeds off my phone using 4G from the same provider than the falcon. I'm a little confused as to why it is so bad when I have seen so many positives about this product. I have now tried 2 network providers sim cards but still the buffering when watching online content is unwatchable. Great video by the way, very informative for someone like myself who is new to motorhoming.
Thats interesting to know, have you spoken with Falcon regarding the issues you are having - it genuinely doesn't sound right.
@@TheTrudgiansI had an issue with my 19” TV that they did sort out. I haven’t contacted them about the Router yet. I thought it would literally be plug and play and I’m very techie but I can’t get this working very well at all. Thanks for the reply, much appreciated
Really useful video and interesting option for wifi. I still hotspot from my phone and most of the time get an ok signal. Been looking for a decent mobile solution fornthe van and this might be it 👍
I have lap-link router with smarty also omni external antenna witch I have never used and I have traveled all over the country no streaming problems at all
Dan. Interesting comparison with a Avtex on download speeds but have you checked against just your phone? Is it really any better? Many thanks.
Oh and I mentioned you cos they asked where I found out about them. Oh and received a sound bar and bluetooth headphones 😂
Hi Dan, I’m not very technically minded so please bear with me. On noticing you fitting a sim card to the Falcon internet to the side of your caravan is this the sim that you would fit into your phone (I know I am thick) like BT, Sky etc. Just to butter you up I really do love watching you and the BOSS on the videos as I’ve seen everyone of them and take everything in. Keep up the good work and keep well.
David.
Great vlog as always, but what I don't understand is that if the antenna was on the inside of most modern caravans these days, surely the signal only has a bit of polystyrene and fibreglass to go through which shouldn't be a problem and explains why my MIFI works fine in the caravan in 99% of sites we've been to so far (about 30 sites).
It really does depend on the make. For instance Coachman / Elddis have a floating aluminium roof, others have metal braces - others have aluminium backed insulation. The biggest issue though is placement. If you use a mifi with no external antenna - place it as high as you can.
And just as an experiment - place your mifi on the roof, see if you gain any speed 👍
@@TheTrudgians Ah, I didn't realise that, which clears that up, thanks. Yes I get the height thing, the power source in our Bailey Discovery D4 is high up anyway & so is the MIFI. Not being a speed demon, I always get in excess of 10 Mbps which is fine for one HD TV & some surfing.
I like my MIFI as it is my main internet at home & with the EE SIM it works just about everywhere.
Also if we're in a bad signal area where our phones don't get a signal & we want to go for a walk, we can just pop it in our pocket & it usually manages to get a signal where our phones can't. 👍
Great vid as usual 👍 Are you able to get a signal across the UK with the Sky Sim? I use a TP-Link Archer MR600 with a Sky Sim and can rarely get a connection and that's using a Poynting omni directional antenna as well.
Thanks for another decent video, although i don't think yet i have come across anyone who can't fit a roof antennae - this product does look a bit flimsy and cheap and i wouldn't like it stuck to the outside where someone could remove it.
Suppose you could always unplug it and bring it inside when you was away from the caravan.
Been there, bought that, super kit
That does add a valid options for people who cannot / dont want to punch a hole into their caravan. A couple of points I noticed. This can be powered by a 240v AC supply which I assume is is then 12v DC by the time it comes out of the transformer, the cable out of the transformer like it is internal use. The cover where the barrel adaptor plugs in does not look very IP rated to stop water ingress. So i would question its suitability to be left outside come rain or shine.
Is there no option to change the SSID of the network? Might be a low chance but if someone else is in range of your caravan is there going to be a clash come race condition.
For me as a person who actively works from a caravan, it needs to be a 24/7 solution come rain or shine. I would suggest the times the wifi / 4G needs to be working the best, is when it rains as it limits outside activity and people are inside the caravan.
Hey Ash,
Thanks for your comments. So - the power in socket is set inwards so when vertical the water cannot creep into the box.
Sure, the SSID can be changed, Along with DHCP, QoS, all security settings etc. it might be worthwhile checking the manual on the Falcon website.
Hope that helps.
We were caravanning in torrential rain. The router never let us down once, was dry inside when we checked it. It lived just outside the door for 2 weeks, the cable brought down to the half door, then entered the ' van. This is fantastic gear. Security wasn't a worry, we even went out for the day and left it in situ.
Hi Dan!
Excellent video as always!
Would i still need a modem for my items to connect to, or do i connect directly to the falcon system?
All the best,
Paul
Hi , great video , we have a wi fi system installed in our caravan (not used yet) , have you found a reasonable priced solution for a SIM card ?
What about a speed test in comparison to the internal netgear Mifi type bits of kit.
I wonder what the IP waterproof rating of this device is, it looks a bit flimsy for outdoor use. I think I would still prefer your Nighthawk M1 and Poynting Aerial solution which has given me bullet proof speedy wi-fi wherever I go. I have permanently mounted the poynting on my caravan roof and it is rock solid.
IP65
Why not have a way of mounting it on the off side awning rail
13 is a little on the slow side. Just using my phone on EE I am getting 99.2. Is your Sky package limiting your feed speed
What advantage would there be over hotspotting off my phone that has unlimited data?
I used to use a Falcon Rangemaster which was a bit hit and miss. I ditched that system 2 years ago and went over to hotspotting off my phone and never had a problem.
I answered the hot spot off phone a couple of Wi-Fi vids ago - but it does mean you won’t flatten the battery so quick on phone, data thru put is quicker on a mifi and you can walk away with phone in pocket and not loose connection in ‘van. (According to Mrs T this is quite annoying when watching a show, while I walk away 😂😂)
@@TheTrudgians It works for us.
Really really interesting video. The big question is would you plump for this if you didn't have your Avtec? The other question is, is it any better than your Netgear M1?
For me no. The Avtex is the solution for me. However, I’d plump for this system above the Netgear solution as this does grab a better signal being outside.
Hi, what data SIM card do you recommend for the Avtex system?
Hi, I use Sky Mobile, I have a 10Gb per month contract, and any data I don’t use rolls over so I can use that when we are away. 👍
What I don’t understand is, you’re still in a metal box.
How does the wifi get in?
Do you use the x 2 ethernet ports and a cable in.
Hi, it’s all about proximity. Even though the Wi-Fi signal may be weak, it’s stronger than the phone mast, and with you being in close proximity - you will still get a strong Wi-Fi signal. Also, the metal box isn’t a complete metal enclosure. You have sky lights, windows and a floor without metal surround. So it’s not quite a sealed box.
Hope that helps.
If I get one of this what kind of sims do I need ? Sorry not a tec person here?
Really interesting solution. Can you use your current phone SIM card in the unit or do you need a separate one with a new contract? If you can my phone is a small sim so can you get something that will make it fit the unit ?
Hi Simon, you can remove your sim from your phone and use it in this router. As it’s a standard size, and your phone probably is a micro sim - you’d need a sim carrier. Any phone shop will have them or buy one from Amazon like this.
amzn.to/3PCM3Zw
@@TheTrudgians Thanks for the reply, I will give Falcon a call, appreciate the info.
Don't really see how this solves a problem. You don't need to make a hole in the caravan to have a external antenna. Just get a pole or suction mounted antenna and run the cable through the window, like you have here. That way you can have your router, sim card and power cable safely and secure inside your caravan. Am i missing something??
Hi, good point - but there is a technical limitation to consider . Signal will diminish at an alarming rate (-3db per 50cm) using the coax supplied on the vast majority of antennas. This is why installed antennas have a very short cable run. 👍
@@TheTrudgians Good point Dan! Most external antenna's come with 5m of coax, so is it worth shortening this if not needed??
You have said you can use the sim from your phone using a carrier, surely this means you won't be able to receive phone calls while the sim is not in the phone? Sorry to ask as not that tec savvy.
It doesn’t say anything about connecting to a VPN is if possible
Morning, no sadly not.
Interesting bit of kit, and great to see you support another small U.K. based business thank you.
When you mentioned the 12v off grid issue you have, do you know what the power consumption of this device is. I know there will be factors like how “hard” you are using it, but is the ambient consumption a couple of amps per hour (not good for a smaller leisure battery) or is it more like a few 100mA, which would be far more practical. Any info appreciated thanks.
I don’t know for sure, but I imagine power consumption will be low. I’ll check it and get back to you - but have a look at the tech specs on Falcon website.
8.5W divided by 12v equals about 700mA I think, it does say that 8.5W is max power consumption.
Great solution
DONT TOUCH IT - simply doesn’t work. Bought one off the back of this Vid and I’ve been testing for 3 weeks. Been in contact with the company, but they’ve not really listened or helped. Now trying to arrange a refund.
Hi, sorry to hear you’ve had a bad experience with it. Please visit my blog, and add your contact details in the contact form, I’ll make sure the company are well aware of your issues.
Take care
Dan.
Hi Dan, just to be clear, I do not hold you accountable, you pays your money, you takes you choices. I did intend to remove my comments, but people need to now, the companies utter contempts for its customers if you have a problem. If after you don’t receive an agreed follow up, you ask and their respond is “if I say I’ll do something, I do it” you know you don’t stand a chance. Happy to share the email feed.
Your videos are becoming more about you praising the stuff you get for free so you can make a video about stuff companies give you, Not a bad thing but im not subscribing to commercials, i have a tv for that, un subscribed,
Bye.
Load of rubbish, Avtex is the best solution
A bit of a sweeping statement there. It really depends on your budget and circumstances.
Im on a campsite in October theres no mobile phone signal would it work receiveing campsite wifi