Suggested Setup for RV

[rfaulkner99]

Hi all,

New to the forum, I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

My family has an RV that we vacation in mostly in Florida State Parks a couple weeks out of the year, and a weekend every other month.

I also have a ZTE Mobley device that I got with the AT&T $20/month unlimited plan. I have a USB adapter connected to the Mobley and I usually hang it between the mini-blinds and a window to get a descent signal.

This setup works ok, but I was hoping to add a device with an external antenna to help pick up the signal a little better. After doing some research I was leaning towards a Mofi device, but I felt they were a little overpriced. Eventually my research lead me here.

Mostly we use the Internet for sight-seeing research, Netflix, and Youtube, occasionally for weekend work.

Can anyone make a couple of suggestions as to what would be either the best setup and/or the most bang for the buck, but not overkill. I don't mind spending $200-$300 if it's worth it.

[gscheb]

Hello,
This is not the best performing setup. As good as Mofi maybe better in my opinion. Beware the Mofi
If you are looking for budget friendly and easy to set up this is what I would recommend.

EP06 Setup.PNG

Then if you want another external antenna and the mobley works for your needs should be good with something like this maybe.
https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/antennas/4g-lte ... -sma-male/
Or just put the router by a window or something.

[rfaulkner99]

Thank you for your reply gscheb.

I should have mentioned that my cell phone carrier is T-mobile. Will this modem also support T-mobile in the event that AT&T blocks the use of a router and I add a hotspot account to Tmobile?

What about Verizon?

(I don't think I would ever use Sprint though)

I had initially thought of going with an EM7565, but with the additional $11 2.5 amp power supply, $15 firmware upgrade fee, plus the $19 M2 to PCI adapter it is almost $130 more than what you suggested.

[gscheb]

Yes this will work with T-Mobile. Have one now connected to T-Mobile. Far as I know this set up will work with all carriers.
The EM7565 is a better performing modem than the EP06. Mentioned it because it seemed you where budget minded about this.

[rfaulkner99]

Well, I am budget minded only because it won't be used a lot. I can afford the $130 additional, just not sure I want to.

Is the ELM7565 just faster due to additional aggregation, or is it also better in other ways e.g. more supported bands, better radio/signal strenght? I mean if it will potentially have better reception because it supports more bands, or has stronger radios, then I may pay more.

[gscheb]

Is the ELM7565 just faster due to additional aggregation, or is it also better in other ways e.g. more supported bands, better radio/signal strenght? I mean if it will potentially have better reception because it supports more bands, or has stronger radios, then I may pay more.

Yes, if you go to the store and look at the items you will see descriptions of CA and what not.

[rfaulkner99]

OK, if I am reading/interpreting this correctly, the EP06-A actually has one more US band (band 25) that the ELM7565 does not have. Neither card has band 14 or 17 used by AT&T and neither has band 71 used by T-mobile. Since band 25 is only used by Sprint, I am going to call that a tie.

So I guess that means the only benefit of the ELM7565 would be the additional speed gained by additional aggregations, or am I off-base in my assumptions?

[gscheb]

So I guess that means the only benefit of the ELM7565 would be the additional speed gained by additional aggregations, or am I off-base in my assumptions?

That is the way I see it yes. You know for the record if you want 3 Carrier Aggregation. Those bands listed other than 71 and cheaper modem.
Look at Quectel EM12.

[Didneywhorl]

Band 14 and Band 71 arent game changers really, though for some its a great thing to find.

The em7511 has b14. The ep06 also does not have b41.

None have b71. You'd have to go with the Telit LM960A18 or one of the newer WAY more expensive 5GNR cards. Or the Quectel cat4 EC25af, or some other lesser known card I dont know of.

[rfaulkner99]

Thanks Didneywhorl, I think I may go with gscheb's last suggestion and go for a Quectel EM12. It is about $100 more, but if it means possibly better reception (due to more bands), I'll pay the difference. The additional speed of a Cat12 card is just a bonus. Any thoughts on this?

If only the store would open up so I can place the order, we have a trip to the keys planned in early July so I was hoping to get it before then.

[Didneywhorl]

Email me at ***Edit:Removed email*** I might be able to help.

The em12 is capable of speeds over 300Mbps.