I am in the process of buying a laptop. I want to operate it on the boat. I am getting 12 cell batteries so it can run for six hours without using the batteries on the boat. My question is what is the best way to connect to the internet at the marina or while sailing. I don't have a phone line or cable at my slip. Can I somehow connect it to my cell phone? Another question- I have a Raytheon chartplotter that I want to connect the laptop to via seatalk and operate from the nav station. What charting software is compatible with the Raytheon products. I have a Raychart 435 chartplotter and the ST-60 instruments. Any lessons learned advice would be appreciated.
- Status
BAUD RATE!!!
Tom: You’ll probably need to buy something to connect your laptop to your cell phone. Speaking from personal experience, make absolutely sure you are guaranteed a minimum acceptable baud rate before you plop down the cash. I have CINGULAR and a NOKIA phone. I bought the gizmo from NOKIA directly and had our IT guy at work hook it up. The baud rate was just under 10,000bps, which is useless. The IT guy called the NOKIA tech people who said that was about normal speed. NOKIA refunded the purchase price, less S&H. I was left wondering why they’d bother selling something like that or at least why they wouldn’t post a HUGE CAVEAT along with the advertising for the gizmo. Can’t imagine that they make that much money on non-refunded S&H charges!!! Good luck!!! Paul s/v The Lord Nelson
Tom: You’ll probably need to buy something to connect your laptop to your cell phone. Speaking from personal experience, make absolutely sure you are guaranteed a minimum acceptable baud rate before you plop down the cash. I have CINGULAR and a NOKIA phone. I bought the gizmo from NOKIA directly and had our IT guy at work hook it up. The baud rate was just under 10,000bps, which is useless. The IT guy called the NOKIA tech people who said that was about normal speed. NOKIA refunded the purchase price, less S&H. I was left wondering why they’d bother selling something like that or at least why they wouldn’t post a HUGE CAVEAT along with the advertising for the gizmo. Can’t imagine that they make that much money on non-refunded S&H charges!!! Good luck!!! Paul s/v The Lord Nelson
What about WiFi instead of cell phone?
Most laptops now have built in WiFi cards. If you're in range of a cell phone tower, you should be in range of a WiFi tower. I know there are some that don't require subscribing to use 'em, but somebody else who's more knowledgeable about that will have to take it from here. Unless you're planning to do some extended (months) cruising, why do you want to connect while sailing?
Most laptops now have built in WiFi cards. If you're in range of a cell phone tower, you should be in range of a WiFi tower. I know there are some that don't require subscribing to use 'em, but somebody else who's more knowledgeable about that will have to take it from here. Unless you're planning to do some extended (months) cruising, why do you want to connect while sailing?
Wifi
Hi Tom, I connect wirelessly all the time. Peggy is right the way to go is wifi and there are a number of 'hotspots' on the Chesapeake, many associated to marinas/private connections and some subscription (rather expensive unless you are using it off the boat). Generally I can connect at my marina, and have luck when travelling.... if not I decide that I don’t need the web. I also have a Verizon cellphone connection which is not very fast but fairly predictable. I did see a site (try google) which had a marine wifi antenna and pcmcia card which claims to increase range - have not invested in it yet .... maybe somebody has some experience. Hope this helps,
Hi Tom, I connect wirelessly all the time. Peggy is right the way to go is wifi and there are a number of 'hotspots' on the Chesapeake, many associated to marinas/private connections and some subscription (rather expensive unless you are using it off the boat). Generally I can connect at my marina, and have luck when travelling.... if not I decide that I don’t need the web. I also have a Verizon cellphone connection which is not very fast but fairly predictable. I did see a site (try google) which had a marine wifi antenna and pcmcia card which claims to increase range - have not invested in it yet .... maybe somebody has some experience. Hope this helps,
What works for me
I use a cell phone exclusively to connect to the net from my laptop, while on board. I have Sprint, which I will admit is a little slow, but if you are basically just doing email and such it is acceptable. The sprint vision plan, is 15 bucks a month, with unlimited minutes, anytime. The software I have is from a co. called Future Dial, and is available at places like Best Buy or Comp.USA. The software is about 50 bucks. All you need to go with this is a USB to phone cable. Works for me.
I use a cell phone exclusively to connect to the net from my laptop, while on board. I have Sprint, which I will admit is a little slow, but if you are basically just doing email and such it is acceptable. The sprint vision plan, is 15 bucks a month, with unlimited minutes, anytime. The software I have is from a co. called Future Dial, and is available at places like Best Buy or Comp.USA. The software is about 50 bucks. All you need to go with this is a USB to phone cable. Works for me.
Peggy
I’d like to be able to use my laptop just to access Doppler radar on those iffy days. Oneida Lake is noted for weather that just seems to come from no where!!! My laptop is WiFi enabled, but I don’t subscribe to any service, as it’s basically used in hotels. If you don’t subscribe and don’t have the passwords for the hot spots, how do you get on? Thanks for your help and have a great holiday weekend!!! Paul s/v The Lord Nelson
I’d like to be able to use my laptop just to access Doppler radar on those iffy days. Oneida Lake is noted for weather that just seems to come from no where!!! My laptop is WiFi enabled, but I don’t subscribe to any service, as it’s basically used in hotels. If you don’t subscribe and don’t have the passwords for the hot spots, how do you get on? Thanks for your help and have a great holiday weekend!!! Paul s/v The Lord Nelson
Free WiFi spots are either places that
purposely don't encrypt their local network for use by customers etc. If you have a wireless network set up in your house and it's not encrypted anyone within 1500 ft. may be able to access it. With ant. or repeaters the simple systems available at any computer store could cover a very large building or whatever. I access at a coffee shop up the street from the marina, I've attached a website that lists many free spots.
purposely don't encrypt their local network for use by customers etc. If you have a wireless network set up in your house and it's not encrypted anyone within 1500 ft. may be able to access it. With ant. or repeaters the simple systems available at any computer store could cover a very large building or whatever. I access at a coffee shop up the street from the marina, I've attached a website that lists many free spots.
Satellite
There is always Satellite internet (DirectWay is one provider and lots of others). I believe the cost is about the same as other broadband services and works within 50-100 miles of north american shores. I don't know too much of the details because when I was looking, I was looking for a gobal service (still got a couple of years to wait on that one). Having internet on the water is priceless. Questions always come up when I'm on the water and I wish I had my internet to get the answers.
There is always Satellite internet (DirectWay is one provider and lots of others). I believe the cost is about the same as other broadband services and works within 50-100 miles of north american shores. I don't know too much of the details because when I was looking, I was looking for a gobal service (still got a couple of years to wait on that one). Having internet on the water is priceless. Questions always come up when I'm on the water and I wish I had my internet to get the answers.
Cell Phones
A friend of mine and I have been messing with this for a while and this is what we have learned so far. Cell phones have a longer range, in terms of a few miles. WiFi is good for a couple hundred yards or so. If a local ISP has decided to make WiFi available he has to set up a WiFi transmitter receiver. WiFi gives you some really nice rate, ~100 kps while the best I have heard with a cell phone is ~14 kps. To consistantly get that you have to use a 3 watt amplifier with a separate antenna, available from cell carriers. Most WiFi I have run into is part of an establishement like a hotel, however here in Oriental the WiFi on the harbor is wide open because the local ISP is trying to attract business to its land setup. On the outer harbor my friend is just setting up WiFi but it will be credit card access. The harbors are about 1/4 mile apart and you can't pick up one from the other. Marinas seem a logic place for WiFi hotspots, however the question will be whether it comes with the slip or you pay as you go. With cell of course you can probably more consistantly pick up a signal with the lower rate. I am tempted to go the cell route with amplifier for active weather info. with more crusing, and relax while it down loads. Have a Great Long Weekend Good Winds Dave M s/v DAMWEGAS
A friend of mine and I have been messing with this for a while and this is what we have learned so far. Cell phones have a longer range, in terms of a few miles. WiFi is good for a couple hundred yards or so. If a local ISP has decided to make WiFi available he has to set up a WiFi transmitter receiver. WiFi gives you some really nice rate, ~100 kps while the best I have heard with a cell phone is ~14 kps. To consistantly get that you have to use a 3 watt amplifier with a separate antenna, available from cell carriers. Most WiFi I have run into is part of an establishement like a hotel, however here in Oriental the WiFi on the harbor is wide open because the local ISP is trying to attract business to its land setup. On the outer harbor my friend is just setting up WiFi but it will be credit card access. The harbors are about 1/4 mile apart and you can't pick up one from the other. Marinas seem a logic place for WiFi hotspots, however the question will be whether it comes with the slip or you pay as you go. With cell of course you can probably more consistantly pick up a signal with the lower rate. I am tempted to go the cell route with amplifier for active weather info. with more crusing, and relax while it down loads. Have a Great Long Weekend Good Winds Dave M s/v DAMWEGAS
I set up a system a few years ago that used
CDPD, (cellular data packet something) at the time it was the fastest transmission rate available using cell phone technology. Used internal CDPD modems (externals available) from Sierra Wireless with a small ant. attached, Tx rate was only 28Kilo like early dialup but was upgraded to 56K (current dial-up speed). Speed was okay for text only, instant messaging was okay also but hopelessly slow for what we all want now. It was universal anywhere you could reach a cell & I tried from the deserts of the west to Washington, D.C. and always connected. It may be the way your local police checks your record next time you get pulled over. Besides the website I posted previously, some people believe in a libertarian manner that the internet (and high speed access) should really be free. To that end they seek out locations where the networks without encrpytion can be accessed. Some leave a mark in the location to notify others of a like mind. Since the ethics of using someone else's internet access without their express acknowledgement is debatable I'll leave further research to those so inclined. Here's the scoop on present methods using cell towers as internet connections in the attached website, the CDPD modems I mentioned are now faster GPRS, used to cost $50 per month per connection, always on, unlimited use thru AT&T.
CDPD, (cellular data packet something) at the time it was the fastest transmission rate available using cell phone technology. Used internal CDPD modems (externals available) from Sierra Wireless with a small ant. attached, Tx rate was only 28Kilo like early dialup but was upgraded to 56K (current dial-up speed). Speed was okay for text only, instant messaging was okay also but hopelessly slow for what we all want now. It was universal anywhere you could reach a cell & I tried from the deserts of the west to Washington, D.C. and always connected. It may be the way your local police checks your record next time you get pulled over. Besides the website I posted previously, some people believe in a libertarian manner that the internet (and high speed access) should really be free. To that end they seek out locations where the networks without encrpytion can be accessed. Some leave a mark in the location to notify others of a like mind. Since the ethics of using someone else's internet access without their express acknowledgement is debatable I'll leave further research to those so inclined. Here's the scoop on present methods using cell towers as internet connections in the attached website, the CDPD modems I mentioned are now faster GPRS, used to cost $50 per month per connection, always on, unlimited use thru AT&T.
One the bay...
and most coastal areas Verizon's expressnet works fine. You have to buy a card modem for your laptop ($200 or so) but the service is great and it serves my needs in most of the areas I travel. Works like a cell phone, only the card is direct to your laptop. Meet most of my work needs for $75 or so a month. A little pricey but priceless to me.
and most coastal areas Verizon's expressnet works fine. You have to buy a card modem for your laptop ($200 or so) but the service is great and it serves my needs in most of the areas I travel. Works like a cell phone, only the card is direct to your laptop. Meet most of my work needs for $75 or so a month. A little pricey but priceless to me.
Kyocera Smartphone...
I have very good results with the Kyocera Smartphone and Verizon's wireless internet. I have checked in with Accuweather from many places on the chesapeake while underway. Verizon has been upgrading their wireless service and over the last year there has been a vast improvement. Phone was expensive and they have various plans for data useage but I can use it for checking in to the office network so work pays for it. Check it out.
I have very good results with the Kyocera Smartphone and Verizon's wireless internet. I have checked in with Accuweather from many places on the chesapeake while underway. Verizon has been upgrading their wireless service and over the last year there has been a vast improvement. Phone was expensive and they have various plans for data useage but I can use it for checking in to the office network so work pays for it. Check it out.
Verizon and Motorola 730
I use Verizon and a Motorola 730. I am sending this from the boat using this system. I connect with a cable and software called Mobile Phone Tools from Motorola. Connect rate is 230.4 kbps. I have Seatalk and HSB2 to my laptop using the Raymarine connection package. It works well, but I had some initial problems. You need a really fast graphics card on the laptop and a fast chip. The package could be better, but does work and interface the instruments and radar. I tried to upload a photo of the navstation using the cell phone but it did not go through.
I use Verizon and a Motorola 730. I am sending this from the boat using this system. I connect with a cable and software called Mobile Phone Tools from Motorola. Connect rate is 230.4 kbps. I have Seatalk and HSB2 to my laptop using the Raymarine connection package. It works well, but I had some initial problems. You need a really fast graphics card on the laptop and a fast chip. The package could be better, but does work and interface the instruments and radar. I tried to upload a photo of the navstation using the cell phone but it did not go through.
Radar
You can get doppler radar and satellite sent to your cell phone. Its about $3.95 per month but worth it for us because the weather here can get back quickly
You can get doppler radar and satellite sent to your cell phone. Its about $3.95 per month but worth it for us because the weather here can get back quickly
Franklin,
I don't think you want Direcway (correct spelling) on your boat. Here is a shot of my new Direcway broadband antenna. The installer didn't want to put it on the roof because houses 'move around too much'. It has a 1 degree beam width. NOT a mobile setup.
I don't think you want Direcway (correct spelling) on your boat. Here is a shot of my new Direcway broadband antenna. The installer didn't want to put it on the roof because houses 'move around too much'. It has a 1 degree beam width. NOT a mobile setup.
Thanks for all the ideas
Thanks for all the great ideas. I get the laptop in two weeks so I can start trying out my options then. Jerry, What software do you use in your laptop to connect into the instruments?
Thanks for all the great ideas. I get the laptop in two weeks so I can start trying out my options then. Jerry, What software do you use in your laptop to connect into the instruments?
Mobile Phone Tools by Motorola
I bought the software off Motorola's website when I got this phone almost 2 years ago. Verizon also has software that will work with their phones - each is specific to the phone. Attached is the shot of my navstation. I couldn't upload the picture from the boat via cell. I am home now on my cable broadband.
I bought the software off Motorola's website when I got this phone almost 2 years ago. Verizon also has software that will work with their phones - each is specific to the phone. Attached is the shot of my navstation. I couldn't upload the picture from the boat via cell. I am home now on my cable broadband.
Using T Mobile Aircard
I have been using a T-Mobile aircard for about a year. I can use it anywhere that I can get a cell phone signal. The card simply slips into the side of the laptop (i leave it there permanently) and you connect just as if you are using dial-up. Speed is around half the speed of dialup at 28k. Cost is a flat $32 or thereabouts per month there are no usage charges. The card is a Sierra Wireless Aircard 750 which I bought used on ebay. I am sure there are later and better devices but this was economical and speed is acceptable. I also use and prefer WiFi at airports, my mooring, marina's etc. But it is nice to be able to get on the internet quickly and easily, no cables to connect and of course for the multi-taskers out there you can still talk on your cellphone at the same time! We find it is also useful on road-trips. One drives while the other can catch up on 'paper' work or check for interesting travel diversions. cheers, Alan Basic Mazecraft Cal 34
I have been using a T-Mobile aircard for about a year. I can use it anywhere that I can get a cell phone signal. The card simply slips into the side of the laptop (i leave it there permanently) and you connect just as if you are using dial-up. Speed is around half the speed of dialup at 28k. Cost is a flat $32 or thereabouts per month there are no usage charges. The card is a Sierra Wireless Aircard 750 which I bought used on ebay. I am sure there are later and better devices but this was economical and speed is acceptable. I also use and prefer WiFi at airports, my mooring, marina's etc. But it is nice to be able to get on the internet quickly and easily, no cables to connect and of course for the multi-taskers out there you can still talk on your cellphone at the same time! We find it is also useful on road-trips. One drives while the other can catch up on 'paper' work or check for interesting travel diversions. cheers, Alan Basic Mazecraft Cal 34
Verizon and Treo650
Just for completness, I am testing my Treo 650 as a portal to the internet using the sofware PDANet. The cost of the internet service $40/month at 192 kbps (not as high as the Motorola?? although better than an analog modem) Also, the Treo650 by itself allows web connection and e-mail service plus it is a PDA ($300 in Verizon as of 2 days ago) This post is sent from my boat at Salem harbor
Just for completness, I am testing my Treo 650 as a portal to the internet using the sofware PDANet. The cost of the internet service $40/month at 192 kbps (not as high as the Motorola?? although better than an analog modem) Also, the Treo650 by itself allows web connection and e-mail service plus it is a PDA ($300 in Verizon as of 2 days ago) This post is sent from my boat at Salem harbor
- Status