4GX hotspot install

Submitted: Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 20:12

ThreadID: 137820 Views:3502 Replies:7 FollowUps:12

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JJAdv

Tried many HotSpots over the years. Here is the latest incarnation.

https://youtu.be/L7NKG_ZUVHw

Reply By: Member - ACD 1 - Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 23:12

Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 at 23:12

JJAdv

I’m a bit of a Luddite when it comes to mobile phone stuff...

Can you explain (layman’s terms) what is the advantage of this type of system and how does it work?

Where does the wifi signal come from when out Bush? If you get that wouldn’t you get the mobile signal anyway?

Cheers

Anthony

AnswerID: 623902

Follow Up By: Member - Rod N (QLD) - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 13:08

Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 13:08

AFAIK The 'hotspot' device generates the WIFI signal from the mobile phone broadband (data) signal. This WIFI can be used by computers and phones etc to access the internet or phone calls. No mobile signal means no WIFI.
I'm sure more knowledgeable people will correct or expand my thoughts.

FollowupID: 897243

Follow Up By: Member - ACD 1 - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 18:13

Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 18:13

So if you haven't got a mobile signal - it wont work anyway?

Cheers

Anthony

FollowupID: 897249

Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 21:01

Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 21:01

The device connects to the internet via the mobile phone network. It then creates a separate wifi network the same way your home modem router does. By joining the wifi network you get access to the internet connection that the modem has, just like at home. 4GX is a faster version of 4G that is only available in some areas and only able to be used by compatible devices. No mobile 4G signal, no internet. You will be able to communicate to other devices on the wifi network locally if you know what you are doing.

FollowupID: 897257

Follow Up By: Member - ACD 1 - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 22:31

Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 22:31

Thanks for that.

Obviously not for me - significant outlay for small gains.

Nothing a cellular iPad and mobile phone can’t achieve - the range gain is really not that important for me.

Cheers

Anthony

FollowupID: 897260

Reply By: Member - Rod N (QLD) - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 06:53

Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 06:53

JJAdv what are you using as your 'hot spot' device and why do you need it?

AnswerID: 623904

Reply By: Les - PK Ranger - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 10:08

Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 10:08

For those asking about why . . . I have a Tesltra 4g hotspot in the Ranger.
The main advantages, you can use your incorporated data allowances, and if using a small external antenna you can boost weak telstra signal to enable connection and wifi phone calls.
I've only had it in for 6 months and a few trips like the 12,600km 5 states trip mid last year, and that was without antenna, but it did help a lot in weak signal areas, connects faster than phone or ipad to telstra signal.
It connects when I'm within 30m or so of the vehicle.

AnswerID: 623907

Reply By: maurice b - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 16:29

Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 16:29

I'm also puzzle on this subject seems different to a pocket wifi modem as you actuall go via your late model phone . https://www.byui.edu/employee-phone-plan/wi-fi-calling/hotspot/call-forwarding

AnswerID: 623919

Reply By: JJAdv - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 23:50

Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 23:50

4GX is just 4G on the 700Mhz spectrum (old TV spectrum). 700Mhz will propagate a fair bit further than the 1800 and 2100 4G they use in the city.

By connecting a good quality high gain antenna to the hotspot you will extend the range considerably past what your phone or a hotspot will get to without an antenna.

What do i use it for?
I enable "WiFi calling" and call people, instead of having to use the Satphone, When camping and traveling solo, I can stream TV or audio. I can post to Facebook or Instagram, I can just research the next day. Pretty well anything you normally do online.

I also have other Sat Devices for when I get past any phone range..

AnswerID: 623928

Follow Up By: Member - Rod N (QLD) - Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 11:09

Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 11:09

What 'hotspot' device do you use/recommend?

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Reply By: equinox - Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 19:04

Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 19:04

I have a standard Telstra Hotspot with antenna.
Charges by USB.
I have a pre-paid sim in it.
Works Well.

WIFI Hotspot

Looking for adventure.
In whatever comes our way.

Lifetime Member
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AnswerID: 623950

Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 20:16

Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 20:16

That's the one I have.
Funny at remote camp, a week or so nights camping (middle of nowhere) and the others said one night, what's this wifi coming up :)

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Follow Up By: Member - Suitcase (QLD) - Thursday, Feb 21, 2019 at 17:29

Thursday, Feb 21, 2019 at 17:29

With a Telstra Hotspot do you have to use a Telstra SIM card? Could I use a Boost mobile SIM or does it have to be a data only SIM card?

Lotsa questions but looks interesting.

cheers

suitcase
Prado SX and a little van

Member
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Follow Up By: equinox - Thursday, Feb 21, 2019 at 20:23

Thursday, Feb 21, 2019 at 20:23

I don't know Suitcase, however mine is a data only sim.

Looking for adventure.
In whatever comes our way.

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog My Position Send Message

FollowupID: 897400

Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Thursday, Feb 21, 2019 at 21:42

Thursday, Feb 21, 2019 at 21:42

I'm not sure either, have an extra sim on the Telstra mobiles account for it, my deal includes this sim so it doesn't actually cost anything . . . uses share of something like 50 or 60 gb data a month.

You changed the photo equinox, my antenna is different, yours might get a better signal.
I'll have to look around at antenna options before next big trip, think I might have better options than the one I have.
My IT son just happened to have this one laying around with a bunch of his gear.

Telstra antenna

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Reply By: maurice b - Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 23:08

Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 23:08

I see no benefit in wifi calling and it can never replace a satphone. If there's a signal there and you have an external antenna you would simply just make a phone call or use your data . Currenty 4GX does not match the coverage of Telstra's 3G.

AnswerID: 623960

Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 23:18

Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 23:18

The hotspot is usually data only and if your mobile phone is on another network then wifi calling is all you have if you don't have a sat phone. I've come across a lot of people lately using wifi calling when they have patchy phone signal. The hotspots can have better antennas to squeeze more out of the signal.

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Follow Up By: JJAdv - Wednesday, Feb 20, 2019 at 01:59

Wednesday, Feb 20, 2019 at 01:59

The hot spot has an antenna, youy iPhone/android doesnt. You will get a signal on the hotspot long after the phone has stopped receiving one.

When in coverage WiFi calling is WAY better than a sat phone, cheaper, better quality, no drop outs, no incoming call charges, local number (your normal number), I could go on.

You dont need 4G to WiFi call, any data will do.

FollowupID: 897346

Follow Up By: JJAdv - Wednesday, Feb 20, 2019 at 02:00

Wednesday, Feb 20, 2019 at 02:00

BTW, in 2020 Telstra start turning off 3G, I got the letter today as we have commercial equipment on 3G. So it wont be long until 4Gx covers more, or at a min the same.

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