Got my Ubiquiti Nano Station (http://www.ubnt.com/products/ns2.php) last week and it is working great. This is a powered antenna that can also be configured as an access point. I've been told that this is the unit a lot of small towns and universities are using to put wifi out for 'the masses.' Price from Triton (you cannot order directly from Ubiquiti) was about $70. This antenna extends your wifi range from 200-300 ft to about 3 miles.
I learned of it from a dude here at the marina and have since passed it on to others. Last week, I took it over to another boat and did a demo for several folks. Without it, on the boat I can see 1-3 access points. With it, I can see over a dozen, and that was without even tuning and "searching" for other nets.
The antenna utilizes Power Over Ethernet, running on 12 V, and has weather proof connections. I have not yet, but I will be wiring directly into the 12 V system on the boat. We measured the power use utilizing the included 120V : 12 V transformer; draw was 4 watts, and that includes transformer losses.
Capn Smollett—
If you're going to be wiring it directly into the boat's electrical system, you'll probably want to get a DC-to-DC voltage converter for it, as the unit is probably fairly sensitive to voltage, and the normal voltage variations (11.6–14.4 VDC) seen on a boat's electrical system may damage it.
Probably not much of a problem, since I know others who have been using their's wired thusly for quite a while.
Good enough. Was just warning as some 12 VDC computer gear is very voltage sensitive. This doesn't sound to be one of them though.
Hey, THAT seems like a veery neat product to have inboard!
I've never seen or heard of it before, but they seem to have a distributor here too.
May I ask if you checked the alternatives, and found this unit to be the best?
BTW, a grog to you for finding it and leting us know.... and for the story of your latest cruise :D
Quote from: maxiSwede on January 27, 2009, 03:21:45 PM
May I ask if you checked the alternatives, and found this unit to be the best?
I did some shopping around on the 'Net and was not too impressed with what I was seeing...db gain per dollar being my biggest gripe.
This one came HIGHLY recommended to me by a fellow here at the marina, so I figured for the price I'd take the chance.
I've been very pleased so far.
Kewl, JR. Link to Triton? Grog! :)
Quote from: CapnK on January 28, 2009, 09:29:14 AM
Kewl, JR. Link to Triton? Grog! :)
Here Ya Go: Titan Wireless (http://www.titanwirelessonline.com/) Search for the Nano Station 2.
(sorry, I called it Triton, it's Titan).
Quote from: Captain Smollett on January 27, 2009, 09:14:38 PM
Quote from: maxiSwede on January 27, 2009, 03:21:45 PM
May I ask if you checked the alternatives, and found this unit to be the best?
I did some shopping around on the 'Net and was not too impressed with what I was seeing...db gain per dollar being my biggest gripe.
This one came HIGHLY recommended to me by a fellow here at the marina, so I figured for the price I'd take the chance.
I've been very pleased so far.
excellent first hand information. I'll order one during the next few days!
Thanks, and yes - Please enjoy another Grog! ;D
To all:
There is a good article on this in the recent Good Old Boat. Cheers!
Bob23
Got my nano2station Friday and have not been able to get it installed. They don´t answer the phone on Sat, Sun, Monday, Tuesday or today. Also they have not answered the email. I´m down here in La Paz and haven´t been able to find anyone who knows anything about it. I´ve followed the instructions for downloading on the box and on their web site. It is almost like their site is inactive... Are they in one of those areas in south east where they have no email or phone service... Something is sure funny.... Help anyone!!!....TJim
Quote from: TJim on February 04, 2009, 07:31:53 PM
Got my nano2station Friday and have not been able to get it installed. They don´t answer the phone on Sat, Sun, Monday, Tuesday or today. Also they have not answered the email. I´m down here in La Paz and haven´t been able to find anyone who knows anything about it. I´ve followed the instructions for downloading on the box and on their web site. It is almost like their site is inactive... Are they in one of those areas in south east where they have no email or phone service... Something is sure funny.... Help anyone!!!....TJim
What exactly are you having trouble with? PM me with details, and I might be able to help.
I use an EnGenius EUB-362 Ext as my extended WiFi solution. It is USB 2.0, tiny so it's easily portable and amazingly powerful.
(http://www.engeniustech.com/img/Products/prodImg154.jpg)
Data Sheet: http://www.engeniustech.com/resources/NUB-362%20EXT.pdf (http://www.engeniustech.com/resources/NUB-362%20EXT.pdf)
Joe - Do you use Linux by any chance? Wondered if anyone tried their Linux fix. At $41 - looks like a good deal if your happy with it. Do you actually get the 2-3 miles range out of it?
jim
Jim,
Sorry for the delay in responding. I do use Linux, but not onboard. Some quick research found this:
http://www.keenansystems.com/nub362_eub362_linux_ndiswrapper_driver_howto.htm
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=457709
You have made me curious, so I contacted EnGenius about this and will let you know what they have to say.
Hope that helps.
EDIT: The tech support people suggested you try searching for AR5523 (Atheros) chipset drivers.
I don't know if this applies to ALL Atheros chipset devices, but the one I have (not any of the devices discusses explicitly in this thread), the Atheros chipset USB devices require running the Windows driver that comes with the device via the ndis wrapper to get it to run on Linux.
This will generally require compiling the ndis kernel module, though depending on your kernel version, you MAY find someone has already compiled one for you.
For what it's worth, the powered antenna I started the thread with is completely OS neutral.
I'm thinking of getting one of these and trying to use it to share internet (and save $60 a month) with a friend who lives about 2 blocks away. Line of sight will most likely be interrupted by a pair of large trees and a chain link fence or two, but not much else. (well two windows also, if I keep the stuff inside).
Any thoughts or opinions from you guys before I shell out $70 for this antenna, and who knows what else I'll end up needing to rig on his end (I am assuming a simple cheap wireless router might not be up to snuff, thoughts on this would be appreciated too if anyone has expertise in the matter).
I just Thought I would ask since it seems two members already have one. I thought it would be nice to save some $$ and then be able to use it on the boat!
IT also avoids the typical buggy USB WiFi driver issues, since it uses a standard ethernet port to connect the machine to the antenna.
Quote from: Captain Smollett on February 27, 2009, 08:06:18 PM
I don't know if this applies to ALL Atheros chipset devices, but the one I have (not any of the devices discusses explicitly in this thread), the Atheros chipset USB devices require running the Windows driver that comes with the device via the ndis wrapper to get it to run on Linux.
This will generally require compiling the ndis kernel module, though depending on your kernel version, you MAY find someone has already compiled one for you.
For what it's worth, the powered antenna I started the thread with is completely OS neutral.
Quote from: s/v necessity on April 24, 2009, 04:07:32 PM
I'm thinking of getting one of these and trying to use it to share internet (and save $60 a month) with a friend who lives about 2 blocks away. Line of sight will most likely be interrupted by a pair of large trees and a chain link fence or two, but not much else. (well two windows also, if I keep the stuff inside).
Any thoughts or opinions from you guys before I shell out $70 for this antenna, and who knows what else I'll end up needing to rig on his end (I am assuming a simple cheap wireless router might not be up to snuff, thoughts on this would be appreciated too if anyone has expertise in the matter).
I just Thought I would ask since it seems two members already have one. I thought it would be nice to save some $$ and then be able to use it on the boat!
The Ubiquiti powered antennas are in use in LOTS of locations as access points - hotels, dorm rooms, apartment buildings, etc. It should work for your application.
One point, though. One antenna cannot act as both an access point and an antenna simultaneously - at least I've not been able to do that with mine.
So, if you have a router/modem on your end, connect the UBNT to it via an ethernet port and set it up to be an access point. Aim it in the right direction (it is directional) and your neighbor should be able to connect; you probably can, also. The range on this thing is quite unbelievable (as an antenna anyway).
If you want some more specifics, let me know.
Quote from: s/v necessity on April 24, 2009, 04:07:32 PM
I'm thinking of getting one of these and trying to use it to share internet (and save $60 a month) with a friend who lives about 2 blocks away. Line of sight will most likely be interrupted by a pair of large trees and a chain link fence or two, but not much else. (well two windows also, if I keep the stuff inside).
Any thoughts or opinions from you guys before I shell out $70 for this antenna, and who knows what else I'll end up needing to rig on his end (I am assuming a simple cheap wireless router might not be up to snuff, thoughts on this would be appreciated too if anyone has expertise in the matter).
I just Thought I would ask since it seems two members already have one. I thought it would be nice to save some $$ and then be able to use it on the boat!
No, the NS2 can not be used as both a bridge and a router—it is either one or the other.
Also, it can only act as a WiFi router... If it is in router mode, the ethernet port is the WAN interface. In bridge mode, the ethernet port can have multiple clients, provided the WiFi router on the other end has the DHCP address space to handle them.
To simplify the setup, especially if your friend has multiple computers he wants to connect to your broadband connection is to have him get an NS2 as well as a Linksys WRT54G. Then he can setup the NS2 at his end as a WiFi bridge and use it to feed the WRT54G's WAN port, and have the WRT54G create a local WiFi network in his home.
Be aware that with 802.11b/g, you can really only use channels 1, 6, and 11 without interference. If you use any other combination there generally will be interference to some degree. So, you might use Channel 1 for the NS2 to NS2 link, and then have him use channel 6 or 11, with a different SSID for his home WiFi network. :)
Quote from: maxiSwede on January 29, 2009, 02:50:13 AM
excellent first hand information. I'll order one during the next few days!
Well, I m not the fastest shopper around, but finally got the Nano Station 2 unit. Will try to configure it tonight.
I plugged it to the power last night for a quick try but much to my surprise it didn't find any signals....guess I'll have to mount it in the mast then.
Much to my suprise it didn't come with any sort of mannual except the very brief instruction printed on the box. Did a web search and came up with this...
http://wiki.ubnt.com/wiki/index.php/AirOS-Quick_Setup_Guide
is this the correct way to go?
BTW, my unit runs on 15V transformed from the 220V plug.
European market style?!
...wonder if I could plug that to the boat's main power... ???
I'll be back as sson as it's (hopefully) up and running
Yes, that online guide is the right one to be looking at.
You can probably run it off of 12 VDC... since the ones that I've used work fine off of it.
Thanks Dan, i am going to try it out tonight. right now I am busy wetsanding the hull again *sighing deeply* before the final coat of 2-part paint.
That paint sure is glossy, but a PITA to work with in many aspects...
BTW, can I configure without a signal from the NS2, with a mobile internet connection I've still got?
No internet connection is required to configure a NS2... just a laptop with an ethernet cable. ;)
Thanx again & a grog to you! ;)
Quote from: Captain Smollett on January 25, 2009, 07:36:14 PM
The antenna utilizes Power Over Ethernet, running on 12 V, and has weather proof connections. I have not yet, but I will be wiring directly into the 12 V system on the boat. We measured the power use utilizing the included 120V : 12 V transformer; draw was 4 watts, and that includes transformer losses.
got mine up and working since some time now (thanks AdriftatSea). I am really content with it too (thanks CapnSmollett)
I would like to hook it up on the ship's 12V system though. It's just that it doesn't say which is + and - of the cables there.
So I wonder how you did it, Captn Smollett? I certainly don't want to fry it...
Use a voltmeter to figure out which of the contacts is the power and which is the ground. Then you can cut the wire off the wall wart and use an ohm meter to figure out which is which. IIRC, the wire with the stripe on its insulation is the ground, and the other is the power, but YMMV.
Quote from: maxiSwede on June 22, 2009, 06:32:58 PM
Quote from: Captain Smollett on January 25, 2009, 07:36:14 PM
The antenna utilizes Power Over Ethernet, running on 12 V, and has weather proof connections. I have not yet, but I will be wiring directly into the 12 V system on the boat. We measured the power use utilizing the included 120V : 12 V transformer; draw was 4 watts, and that includes transformer losses.
got mine up and working since some time now (thanks AdriftatSea). I am really content with it too (thanks CapnSmollett)
I would like to hook it up on the ship's 12V system though. It's just that it doesn't say which is + and - of the cables there.
So I wonder how you did it, Captn Smollett? I certainly don't want to fry it...
Mine had the diagram on the 12v transformer which was + and which was -. From there, I got the wire correspondence with an Ohm meter.
Ok, I got mine yesterday. And I am having problems making this guy work. I am trying to use it to access a WEP encrypted wireless router next door with my laptop. I think I have all the information entered correctly (regarding the WEP encryption) but still no joy. It acknowledges the neighbors signal and gives me a corresponding strenght. But I still have local only access, no internet.
At this point I am not sure what I am doing. I have it set as a "Bridge" and i have enabled DHCP, should I set it as a router instead?
And, oh yeah I am ignorant of this stuff ;)
Quote from: s/v necessity on June 26, 2009, 09:38:48 PM
Ok, I got mine yesterday. And I am having problems making this guy work. I am trying to use it to access a WEP encrypted wireless router next door with my laptop. I think I have all the information entered correctly (regarding the WEP encryption) but still no joy. It acknowledges the neighbors signal and gives me a corresponding strenght. But I still have local only access, no internet.
At this point I am not sure what I am doing. I have it set as a "Bridge" and i have enabled DHCP, should I set it as a router instead?
And, oh yeah I am ignorant of this stuff ;)
Leave it on bridge mode, and leave the DHCP enabled, and turn on DHCP on your laptop's ethernet port. Then you should get an IP address on the WiFi network on the Ethernet port...and have full internet access.
HELP! Problem...
the little black box (converter 230VAC- 15VDC) fried yesterday.
I had no insight as to how internet-addicted I am until now....sitting outside the public library to do some quick e-mails etc.
How do I connect it to ship's 12 V directly??
The converter has one ethernet cable from the computer, and then another one goes to the antenna unit.
I wonder if I could just run the ethernet cable directly from the cable to the antenna.... but no, no power that way, right?
Just e-mailed the swedish distributor from whom I bought it last year. They were very helpful but unfortunately it seems like they've gon out of business :(
Magnus -
Most of those converters (at least here in the US) have a small diagram on the body of the black box part which shows tip polarity. If you can see that, then you can probably get another converter with the same tip measurements and polarity, & it should work fine.
Good luck!
Kurt-
I know, but this 'black box' came with the unit and has an ethernet (LAN) cable in from the antenna and another one out from the computer. That's it.
And there's a lot of tiny wires in an ethernet plug ??? :o :P
Oh, I see... It's a POE converter...
Doh! {palm_to_forehead}
;D
Sorry 'bout that...
http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php/topic,2179.msg25938.html#msg25938 ???
What I did:
(1) Cut off the transformer that plugs into the wall (120V -> 12V in my case, 230V -> 12 V in yours) at the transformer end.
(2) Strip back the wires, and wire into 12 V system of the boat.
To get the polarity, mine had a diagram on the splitter box. I just checked; according to my diagram, the + is the center and the - is the outer on the circular plug that plugs into the splitter box. I used an ohm meter to match up the wires to the plug (which wire goes to center and which goes to outer).
Quote
+ battery -
| |
| | <-- black wires that were originally from 'wall wart' to splitter
______ _______
| | <-- Original plug on 'wall wart'
_______|________
| | Splitter box
| |
| |
________________
| |
ethernet ethernet
to to
computer powered antenna
Does that help at all?
(note: not wired directly to battery, just shown that way for simplicity)
Quote from: CapnK on May 18, 2010, 08:37:53 AM
Oh, I see... It's a POE converter...
Doh! {palm_to_forehead}
;D
Sorry 'bout that...
My Bad! I wasn't clear enough :o Sometimes my english isn't completely 'up to it'. sorry mate! 8)
Ah, so simple.... and yet, I didn't think of it :P
OK, I'll try that. Let's hope nothing vital burnt in the POE converter. ::)
I'll let you know as soon as I tried it out.
BIG Thanks, this is the best sailing forum on the planet! ;D
Quote from: Captain Smollett on May 18, 2010, 08:56:55 AM
http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php/topic,2179.msg25938.html#msg25938 ???
What I did:
(1) Cut off the transformer that plugs into the wall (120V -> 12V in my case, 230V -> 12 V in yours) at the transformer end.
(2) Strip back the wires, and wire into 12 V system of the boat.
To get the polarity, mine had a diagram on the splitter box. I just checked; according to my diagram, the + is the center and the - is the outer on the circular plug that plugs into the splitter box. I used an ohm meter to match up the wires to the plug (which wire goes to center and which goes to outer).
Quote
+ battery -
| |
| | <-- black wires that were originally from 'wall wart' to splitter
______ _______
| | <-- Original plug on 'wall wart'
_______|________
| | Splitter box
| |
| |
________________
| |
ethernet ethernet
to to
computer powered antenna
Does that help at all?
(note: not wired directly to battery, just shown that way for simplicity)
OK, report from the elctronics workshop...
took the *#?!? little black box apart... (POE) and the 230 part with the converters were fried and almost melted...
so after some lenthy measuring and slowly remembering the electricity, and electronics from school (phew!) I gathered courage enough to solder new 12 V feed to it, reassembled and can proudly announce that I am now on free wifi with the NS2 again! ;)
Thanks Lord, teh antenna was fine....
and yes, I should'a done this anyway..... ages ago.....but you know what it's like? no..? ::)
So thanks Brethren for thee help and encouragement! :) :)