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Computers and WiFi Aboard Victoria Rose
We had searched for a WiFi system that was simple to use, reliable, and had decent power to effectively use the system while at anchor. We had used a few systems before, but we were not satisified with the performance. We now use the 'Bullet 2hp' from Ubiquiti. The system uses power over ethernet, so we don't have losses from coax. The amplifier is powered by a 12vdc power-over-ethernet injector. Simple to install, simple to use.
Our antenna and amplifier are mounted on our arch.
We purchased our system from Netgate.
Our antenna and amplifier are mounted on our arch.
We purchased our system from Netgate.
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12 vdc Computer
Like many cruisers, we started out with a laptop (plus a back-up) for use as a navigation computer plus WiFi and Skype for communications. In our set-up, we used an additional monitor and tucked the laptop away in a secure location. But, running the monitor and charging the laptop meant we had to run our inverter. That wasn't efficient, plus it created noise on our SSB radio.
So we decided to have a 12 volt dc computer built. We wanted a wide-range power supply, plus easily replaceable components. So, after much research we purchased a custom unit from Logic Supply and a 12 volt monitor from Newegg.
We had the computer built with extra RS232 com ports. It sits secured on a ventilated shelf next to the nav station.
In the picture to the right, the blue light to the right of the monitor is a switch that controls power to the WiFi. The switch above that is for the AIS transponder.
We still maintain 2 laptops with cloned hardrives for back-up.
So we decided to have a 12 volt dc computer built. We wanted a wide-range power supply, plus easily replaceable components. So, after much research we purchased a custom unit from Logic Supply and a 12 volt monitor from Newegg.
We had the computer built with extra RS232 com ports. It sits secured on a ventilated shelf next to the nav station.
In the picture to the right, the blue light to the right of the monitor is a switch that controls power to the WiFi. The switch above that is for the AIS transponder.
We still maintain 2 laptops with cloned hardrives for back-up.
WiFi Aboard
The Bullet is quite small and is powered via the ethernet cable (POE). The antenna can be attached directly to the Bullet via the "N" connectors, or one can use a short jumper cable as we did. The unit is water tight and can be exposed to the marine environment.
Telephone Communications
We're 'broke' unemployed cruisers, and haven't felt the need for 3G or other cell phone systems to date. But in addition to Skype, we added Magic Jack and a cordless phone (a waterproof phone from Uniden) to our communications inventory. Works great. When we have a decent WiFi connection, we take the cordless phone and either sit in the salon or on deck and talk with the kids. It's great. We also have cell phones (but the roaming charges are outrageous, and we decided we don't use them enough to justify new local sim cards). E-mail and MagicJack work just fine for us.... so far. In fact, you can see the cordless phone in the top picture with the computer... the phone is yellow and just abpve/behind the portable radio.