Mobile
Computing
Your motor home can now be a fully capable
in-transit computer station. The advent of “hot spots” now
available all over the U.S. and some other countries provides
local access to any personal laptop computer with a wireless
modem. There are two technologies that provide this type of
service.
The first is the “Access Point” which is
basically a small transmitter/receiver that connects to the
internet. This device operates as a point to multipoint
terminal. That means it broadcasts messages from the Internet to
remote terminals (e.g. your motor home) and receives from
multiple locations (e.g. your motor home as well as other end
terminals). These are generally low power systems with a
limited range such as a campground, rest stops, and some truck
stops. These services are normally free.
The second uses G3 and G4 cellular
technology. We have used this on two trips to the State of
Washington. The first trip was with AT&T, and the second trip
was with Sprint. We made this 4,200 mi round trip with the
laptop on line 7 x 24 and full connectivity over 90% of each
trip. This service is provided on a monthly fee basis similar
to a cell phone. Rates start at around $30 per month and range
up to $60 per month based on user’s preference. On the last
trip we used the higher price service to actually broadcast live
webcam pictures out the front window the whole trip. We had
over 10,000 viewers from all over the world during this two week
trek. Of course email and instant messaging was running at the
same time. It was nice to keep in touch with friends and family
while moving along the Interstate.
Finally, this motor home is equipped with
a special outside antenna that can extend the range of Access
Point from 500’ to 1000’ beyond normal range. It also is what
provided near perfect coverage over our direct cellular ISP
connection.
NOTE:
Depending on the terms of sale of this
RV a new Laptop with a wireless modem
Plus Delorme Mapping Software and GPS
Receiver may be provided as part of the sale
