Category: Hardware

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Motorhome Wifi

Just purchased a wifi booster/range extender for the MH.  After looking at the offerings from the 2 main providers at the Rallies that we have been to, MotorhomeWifi and WifiOnBoard, decided to risk it and Do It Myself (DIM, hmmm!!).  Nothing wrong with either of the offerings I saw but the prices seemed quite high, a basic system would cost anything from 130 to 160 pounds for just wifi and that included compromises, could be up as high as 350.  Of the 2 options, WifiOnBoard is probably more flexible antennas, 3/4G etc.., but MotorhomeWifi is the easier to use and setup with a much better interface therefore possibly more reliable.

When I looked at what they did and how, basically they had combined the following:

  • decent antenna
  • wifi router
  • wifi network adapter

So, I have just bought from Amazon:

  • Alfa R36 802.11 B, G N, Repeater And Range Extender For Awus036H (56.99)
  • Alfa AWUS036NHR – High-Gain 2000mw 2W 802.11 B/G/N Wireless USB Network Adaptor (20.00)
  • although the AWUS036NHR comes with a 5dBi antenna, I also bought a seperate CSL 12dBi antenna for wifi, comes with a nice long cable and a stand for outside (8.85)
  • Total outlay 85 pounds delivered, could have got it for less than 70 but wanted it asap.

How it Works

The AWUS036NHR via the supplied Antenna picks up the external Wifi connection, this plugs into the Alfa R36 via a USB cable, the Alfa R36 is powered either via 230v or 12v connection.  The Alfa R36 provides a wifi and lan cable connection for my devices in the MH.

In theory this should provide similar functionality to the WifiOnBoard and MotorhomeWifi systems and if necessary allow me to use any 3/4G dongle to replace the AWUS036NHR if wifi is not available and mobile data is.

There are YouTube videos to demonstrate the above setup and driver updates available, so it should be a easy enough.  Will be setting up at home and then testing at Malvern and Cannock.

We shall see?

 

 

 

 

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Change Phone

I use Android phones have done for years, just love the ability to change phones at will and have all the contacts, calendars etc… moved quickly and easily and can find or build an app to do whatever you think you might need. Â Now I have finally switched to web based email it is even easier to get things done.

We have a drawer with spare old phones that get brought into action when someone looses a phone, they all work, they are all charged using usb cables, the basic functions are the same.

The only issue at the moment is that the HTC Desire (nearly 3yrs old) is starting to show it’s age, needs more power and space. Â The best phone I have used is the S3 but it is so big (too big), Â all the new phones with decent processors, battery and memory appear to be massive and thin (translate as fragile). Â Keep mine in back pocket and S3 and new HTC would bend.

Some smaller phones are appearing but the specs are disappointing, the S3 mini, is a let down, RAZRi not much better.

Main points looking for:

  • speed
  • removable battery
  • expandable memory
  • large internal system memory
  • latest OS
  • usual functions GPS, WiFi, Bt, etc…
  • will fit in pocket and can be sat on, without breaking
Not important
  • screen size
  • manufacturer
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Mindstorms NXT

Built first robot with Mindstorms, not complicated (but enough for me) just moves around avoiding objects. Bit late in the day to be playing with LEGO but have been inspired by 3d Milling machine and Segway interpretations.

Just waiting for the Gryo sensor component and will have an opportunity to waste another couple of hours.

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Amazon Kindle Fire

Released, although just for pre order in the US, looks very good and useable, will be ordering one asap. Ignore the reviews go straight to the source:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051VVOB2/ref=famstripe_kf

All the reports I have read so far are seriously lacking in any details, at least this page details the actual spec, screen res, memory etc… No info on the Android version and processor, also confirmation on the ports other than 3.5mm headphone and micro usb, what about SD etc and GPS?? Presume no there but at a price of under 200 pounds it is excellent and they understand why you want a handheld tablet, so you can hold it in one hand if you want to!

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Motorola Xoom

Just acquired Motorola Xoom, 10.1 inch, 32G, 3.0 android upgraded to 3.1 within 5 minutes of charging and turning on by Motorola.

I use a Kindle to read books, this works very well; the battery life and the screen print are fantastic, but the lack of colour (hence the battery life I suppoe) and the inability to read news is crap. Hence the appeal of the Xoom, battery life so far advertised 10hrs and that is what you get, good enough for a weekend away reading books and news.

The Xoom is an excellent piece of kit, fast, good screen, easy to use masses of storage (not bothered to add SD yet).

Gripes; charges using a seperate charger, very quick but no USB option; Glossy screen attracts sun, reflections and finger prints; feels heavy, although this has not been a big issue; reading on the screen is OK not as good as Kindle eink; Kindle app not as good as Kindle; Android email poor compared to desktop as is document management.

Love; Very quick, fast; Colour, browsing kindle store whole new experience; News readers and web sites without tedium;

 

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Sony DSC HX9V

Purchased a new Camera, primarily because ever since we broke our Konica 3mp ancient digital camera we have not been able to find a camera that is easy to use and produces good photos. The Sony has loads of features none of which we shall remember how to use after next week.

The main fetaures we wanted after the obvious things like size and good quality were:

  • background softfocus

    OWL Background defocus
  • panoramic see result here

Whether it is actually any good no idea everybody says so! But could not be arsed comparing, will wait a few months and then decide.