Want to take EVDO on the road - need advice

johnontheroad

I'm getting a new 5th wheel trailer and I would like to have Internet access and a wireless node (I use Aple laptops). In reading all the sites I can find, it would appear that EVDO and a Kyocera wireless routed would work. I understand that I can get decent up/down speeds in major cities, and usable speeds anywhere there is cell phone coverage. I'll be using it about 1/3 of the time otside my local area, when I'm travelling.

Practically, is this true? Would this actually work? My other alternative is with a MotoSat Satellite system, but that has a $5K+ initial cost...

Thanks for your help!

John

Mackieman · EVDO Junkie Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 451

That's exactly what KR1 was designed for. Mr. Green

AMA · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 03 Jul 2006 Posts: 22

you're on the right track, but do consider, depending upon your travel patterns:

* even in the big cities, EVDO can vary quite a bit.

* driving down the interstate can be dicey(lots of gaps).

My conclusions, based upon my limited travel:

* router is good, you're on track there...

* might wanna buy an amplifier to stash in your car/trailer, can really make a diff in spotty areas, and even in cities, if you're in a bad zone.

* be sure and stock up on spare wireless cards, so you have spare(s) if your current card craps out or is lost/stolen. I bought some extra Sprint cards off of Ebay for cheap $$$. Just be sure the card is functional, and if you fire it up and it won't connect, check to see if it's enabled for -both- EVDO and non-EVDO(one of mine was locked onto EVDO and wouldn't respond in slow areas, so had to unlock it). Search the board for how to unlock, if necessary.

Alex · Site Admin Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1893

we set up a lot of fulltime rv'ers to do exactly as you describe. the setup that seems to work best is the kyocera kpc-650 card with kyocera kr1 router, and an omni/trucker antenna mounted external to rig. i agree that its best to be prepared for weak signal by having an amp on board, but many live without one, and get by. few areas need it and the infrequency is hard to justify by the recreational users.

we can set you up, and save you money.
you'll definitely get the best one-stop support!
feel free to give me a call if you would like to discuss this more.

alex@evdoinfo.com
847-462-4004 x712

Sashia · EVDO Newbie Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 1

I bought a Pantech PX500 on Jan 3rd in Phoenix, on my way from Florida to California. Fed up with searching for Wi-fi spots (not to mention drinking ALL that coffee), I bit the bullet. I have to say out on the open road I had remarkable success getting service, including that dry spot between Blythe to Indio where even my Nextel doesn't pick up signals. I have since driven back cross country from Cali to the East Coast of Florida and with a few exceptions of losing my EVDO signal for a roam, I did excellent. Since I'm a traveler by trade, I decided not to continue regular land service in favor of the mobile broadband. I did have some problems( after firmware update) with the first card which Sprint rapidly replaced. I also have problems updating the firmware on this one, but I just click escape and the update gets postponed tillnext time. I've been reading lots of the posts and hopefully I'll stumble across the answer, because TS sure doesn't have a clue.....All in All I'm very satisfied with the reliablility and portablility....