Some vehicle WiFi Questions

xbi0s · 08-10-2008, 05:50 PM

Hey folks,

I currently have a 7dB Hawking antenna mounted on my rear dash. I want to upgrade and go outside of the vehicle for better reception. If I am stopped amd move the antenna onto my trunk lid I get so much better reception.

Some questions... What dB range is common for vehicle applications? I am looking to purchase 2 antennas. One for my Prelude and one for my fathers F-350 turbo diesel duelly. I plan on mounting mine on my rear truck lid. So I am looking for something that isn't too much of an eye sore, but also has great reception.

On the F350... I plan on mounting the antenna in the truck bed, drivers side at the front corner. A typical spot for people to mount a CB antenna. I would like the antenna to be about 4ft or longer to peer above the cab. The roof of the truck currently contains a CB radio antenna that will most likely get relocated to the opposite side of the 2.4ghz antenna.

Also... For both applications... I know the communication is only as good as its weakest link. But with that being said, how good is it to use amplification within the system?

The primary use for both applications is for using truck stop wifi and other locations while traveling. I also, many times, enjoy leaving netstumbler open on my PC while I am traveling for plotting. Secondary use, of course, is for the home WiFi. I have DD-WRT with a repeater bridge on my top floor with high gain antennas for the vehicle when I come into the area. I would like to extend this out a bit.

Links and personal experience with products is what I am looking for. I have searched around at the many different applications, but I would like some unbiased and honest oppinions from users.

Thanks!

xbi0s · 08-11-2008, 07:23 PM

I ended up purchasing a 7dBi antenna from Hyperlinktech.

http://www.hyperlinktech.com/productfamily.aspx?id=316

BarryWoods · 08-12-2008, 12:11 AM

Stay away from amps unless you absolutely have to use one.

jdc753 · 09-19-2008, 11:12 AM

its been a little while since you purchased that antenna, how do you like it? I am hunting around for pretty much the same exact thing. I have an F350 and I am thinking of going through the third brake light and mounting the antenna dead center along the back of the cab. Mainly looking for the greatest rang of reception and such. Hope you like the one you got so I can get the same thing.

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