(About $10 total for the parts.)Īccessories: Mini used a 10-inch-long coaxial pigtail (RP-SMA male to N male) to connect the card to the antenna. ![]() Housing: The PVC container assembly comprises a 3-inch diameter pipe that is 6 inches long, with a matching domed cap and a screw-on base. This cards chipset is a Realtek 8187L the proper PC or Mac driver and the interface utility can be found on the Realtek website, if its not included with the card. Software: You will need to install the driver and interface for the chipset in the new Alfa card. Although Mini did not buy the marine antenna listed on the Data Alliance website, the marine version is only a few dollars more. INSTALLATION DETAILSĪmplified WiFi Card: The card is an Alfa AWUS036H ($27.50) Minis is rated at 500 milliwatts, but the latest version is rated by the manufacturer at 1,000 milliwatts.Īntenna: The antenna is a 2.4 gHz, 24-inch, 8.5-decibel vertical antenna ($18) with an N-type female connector at the bottom. Data Alliance also sells the Ubiquiti Bullet2 wireless access point ($40) used in the two other WiFi systems we reviewed in the January 2009 article on marine WiFi systems. Except for the PVC, he bought all of his materials online at Data Alliance. Instead of using a watertight box as The Wirie does, Mini uses PVC fittings from Home Depot, which he claims are completely watertight. The installation takes about an hour and requires no electrical know-how. Minis setup uses the same amplifier as The Wirie but it costs less than $100, compared to The Wiries $250 pricetag. ![]() Mini said it has given him flawless performance for two seasons. Although PS has not yet tested this particular device, we have used some of the components. His setup includes some of the same components as systems weve tested, but his is more affordable than the off-the-shelf systems that PS has tested, and is easy to set up. Reader Ed Mini of Mystic, Conn., recently wrote us about his DIY approach to ending his frustrations with lackluster Internet connections while aboard Margalo, his Columbia 8.7 (bought new in 1977). Practical Sailor has reviewed several solutions for boosting your WiFi connectivity on board, including the 5MileWiFi (January 2009), the Bitstorm, Wave WiFi, and The Wirie (April 2010).
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