Ubiquity Bullet M2 vs PepLink Max BR1 Mini. Wan WiFi

ocgrant said:
SKybolt,

Ok, I want to set something like this up on my boat. I travel to the Bahamas quite a bit in the summer so getting a Bahamas Cellular SIM card makes sense for my time there as I need internet to "work from the boat" on my laptop as well as it would be nice to stream some TV as needed as the DTV signal gets "on the edge". Since the WiFi is spotty in most of those marinas this looks like a good solution. Just want to clairify what I need to build this for my application on my boat which has 4 Smart TV's, MFD's, laptop's that all need WiFi.

1. PepLink Max BR1 mini (w/ WAN license)
2. Wifi Router (Linksys EA4500)
3. Antenna? (Peplink Puma 221) https://5gstore.com/product/10301_pepwave_puma.html

Looking forward to your suggestions as this looks like a nice setup.
Click to expand...

Grant, that looks like a great setup(wink), the 4500 has great coverage and throughput so far. It also has a phone app to configure it with, as does the peplink. The peplink app could use some work though, their web app is much better. I think the Shakespeare JF-3 Classic (JellyFish) multi antenna is the same thing more or less but is for the marine environment, but the pepwave has slightly better frequency spread (not sure that is an issue though). I am going to switch to JF-3 antenna as it covers both wifi and cellular and looks to have adequate gain. Right now I have two separate antennas and need room for my AIS antenna.

There is a thread over at THT on this exact subject and whet they are doing with the PepLink and dual sim's.

I am really hoping that this solution will enable me to ditch DTV this year. There are a few spot's on the Chesapeake that have poor cell coverage where I like to moor the boat for long weekends. So just need to test those spots out.
 
SKybolt said:
Dave, what is it about the MK II over the Mini that you like better? From what I can tell it needs a sub to there cloud fusion service. As where the Mini doesn't need anything except a one time license.
Click to expand...

Initially, it was due to the bands the MK2 supported, but Peplink has added several models and looks like now they support similar array of bands.

However, I'm still looking for a new modem to support B71 which is the low frequency (600 MHz) LTE/5G that is intended to get 5G into rural areas. I thought this an important feature to future proof the install. Unfortunately, they will only announce this upgrade the day after I buy the outgoing model!!
 
dtfeld said:
That basic set up will work. I would try the supplied antenna first and see what you get. There is a review on that Puma series antenna --> https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/pepwave-puma/ ...
Click to expand...

Those are enough to you started and setup, but those antennas are only like the ones on a home router and while they will work, they aren't high enough or unobstructed enough to get a good signal in questionable situations. I know you have your's mounted in the arch, but most will have it in the cabin area or such where the signal's are going to be questionable. JMO.
 
Netgear stuff is usually 12VDC and easily run on our DC system. I bought the netgear WiFi router and switch refurbished off Amazon on the cheap.


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dtfeld said:
... However, I'm still looking for a new modem to support B71 which is the low frequency (600 MHz) LTE/5G that is intended to get 5G into rural areas. I thought this an important feature to future proof the install. Unfortunately, they will only announce this upgrade the day after I buy the outgoing model!!
Click to expand...

Originally I was looking for that as well, it's just too new for anyone to adopt it yet I guess. Even the cell companies don't fully support it right now. Would be nice though, the lower freq will provide better coverage.
 
SKybolt said:
Those are enough to you started and setup, but those antennas are only like the ones on a home router and while they will work, they aren't high enough or unobstructed enough to get a good signal in questionable situations. I know you have your's mounted in the arch, but most will have it in the cabin area or such where the signal's are going to be questionable. JMO.
Click to expand...

Antennas are difficult on a boat.

Here is a 2x2 MIMO that should match up nicely to the Peplink and it has a 1"14 mount that will screw onto any marine antenna mount.

--> https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/poynting-omni-mast-antennas/
 
b_arrington said:
Thanks, you really simplified this in my mind. Obviously you’ve been in Port Jeff because you know there’s no WiFi out there. Even at my dock there’s no signal.
Click to expand...

I grew up in PJ and Setauket on van brunt manor road then by the high school in PJ. Spent the vast majority of my life there 20yrs in PJ and 15 in Stony Brook as an adult. Was a member of SBYC for 30yrs.

Are roof-mounted antennas essential to get decent WiFi and cell signals? I see the pep link max has its own short antennas, but theres the option of mounting something else.
Click to expand...

I think it's the difference between watching the game in a questionable signal area (like PJ) or not watching the game.
 
dtfeld said:
Antennas are difficult on a boat. ...
Click to expand...

They certainly can be. But the JellyFish has ~7db gain, thats more then doubling the signal twice. The antenna that I have now I adapted two 1" mounts( three screw base) fit perfectly and is 10db gain, it's a little cheap and doubt it will last long and is why the JellyFish looks pretty nice. Two for one more or less, the GPS part isn't needed.
 
SKybolt said:
Originally I was looking for that as well, it's just too new for anyone to adopt it yet I guess. Even the cell companies don't fully support it right now. Would be nice though, the lower freq will provide better coverage.
Click to expand...

Cradlepoint already does support B71, and I thought Peplink would follow suit, but that has not happened. Of course Cradlepoint is a MUCH more expensive (probably prohibitively) option.

If I were upgrading it today, I would go with the BR1 Mini LTE(A) US version and a Poynting 402 antenna. I'd have to do a little more research if I thought I would want to use this in the Bahamas, as the Mini does have models that support more band, but I dont know what they are in the Bahamas.
 
SKybolt said:
Grant, that looks like a great setup(wink), the 4500 has great coverage and throughput so far. It also has a phone app to configure it with, as does the peplink. The peplink app could use some work though, their web app is much better. I think the Shakespeare JF-3 Classic (JellyFish) multi antenna is the same thing more or less but is for the marine environment, but the pepwave has slightly better frequency spread (not sure that is an issue though). I am going to switch to JF-3 antenna as it covers both wifi and cellular and looks to have adequate gain. Right now I have two separate antennas and need room for my AIS antenna.

There is a thread over at THT on this exact subject and whet they are doing with the PepLink and dual sim's.

I am really hoping that this solution will enable me to ditch DTV this year. There are a few spot's on the Chesapeake that have poor cell coverage where I like to moor the boat for long weekends. So just need to test those spots out.
Click to expand...
10-4 just order this one off ebay for a great price... He still has 5 left

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Peplink-MAX-BR1-MINI-LTE-US-T/254559467703

Next is the antenna
 
dtfeld said:
Cradlepoint already does support B71, and I thought Peplink would follow suit, but that has not happened. Of course Cradlepoint is a MUCH more expensive (probably prohibitively) option.

If I were upgrading it today, I would go with the BR1 Mini LTE(A) US version and a Poynting 402 antenna. I'd have to do a little more research if I thought I would want to use this in the Bahamas, as the Mini does have models that support more band, but I dont know what they are in the Bahamas.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but cradlepoint is like $1800 all in. You need a sub to even get access to their setup software and continue to sub to have access to it. I spoke with them before I went the peplink route, no thanks. Their too monetary concentric for me. If you buy a product you should be able to setup and use it with out paying more to do so.

According to what I have been reading, the JellyFish will work in the Bahama's but I haven't looked at the specs, just went from another site and someone who posted there.
 
ocgrant said:
Got the Jelly Fish... Best price I could find. He still has a couple left @ 139 free shipping

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shakespeare-Jellyfish-JF-3-Marine-Boat-Multi-Band-Antenna-New/402650454424
Click to expand...

The only issue I see is I think they come in different flavors, meaning connectors on the leads. I think there is an all SMA version available. I like the SMA versions because of the small connectors that make it easier to snake through the arch etc.

Edit: https://www.walmart.com/ip/SHAKESPEARE-JF-3-JELLYFISH-GPS-WI-FI-CELLULAR-ANTENNA/50749588 - Walmart of all places ...
 
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SKybolt said:
Any issues setting this up and we can have a beer or two on a call if you like, but it's pretty straight forward stuff if you have ever setup a home wifi before.
Click to expand...
I will take you up on this... All parts ordered now I just need to track down a Bahamas sim before I make my first trip of the year.
 
For those in the now here, please guide me.
I’m in Great Lakes. Lake st Clair to be exact. Maybe some Lake Erie and Lake Huron at times. I am just trying to increase what I can grab for WiFi near shore and I have an extra T-Mobile SIM card I could use. Do I just need the WiFi antenna and a wireless router to then feed the Roku sticks on the multiple TVs?
 
Shaps said:
is this a big deal?
You will not be able to use the Peplink InControl Cloud functions.
Click to expand...

The Incontrol Cloud allows remote configuration and monitoring. It may or may not be of interest to you.

However, I think the bigger issue is that model may not get you access to all the features you will need if trying to use in Bahamian waters.

I would suggest the MAX-BR1-MINI-LTEA-W-T. This is is an upgraded modem, that gives you access to more carrier bands and should allow you to get international data plans working.

Read here --> https://5gstore.com/product/6967_pepwave_br1_mini.html


Also of interest is to see where the coverage is in the Bahamas --> https://www.btcbahamas.com/roaming/coverage-maps
 
@SKybolt and @ocgrant

You asked why I was looking at the Mk2 instead of the Mini. Its been a while since I was considering this, but here is the comparison from Peplink --> https://www.peplink.com/products/max-series-comparison-table/

It came down to a couple of features/price. The Mini LTEA version with Wifi as WAN (+$100), was $500. The Mk2 had a few features listed below that as configured was $600. To me this is the $100 upgrades and really was more future proofing.

1. Mk2 comes with Wifi and WAN enabled ($100 upgrade on the the Mini)
2. Gigabit Ethernet ports
3. Both 2.4 and 5.0 Wifi

Both will work well!!

With all that, I'm still waiting for B71 support!!!!
 
Almightys said:
For those in the now here, please guide me.
I’m in Great Lakes. Lake st Clair to be exact. Maybe some Lake Erie and Lake Huron at times. I am just trying to increase what I can grab for WiFi near shore and I have an extra T-Mobile SIM card I could use. Do I just need the WiFi antenna and a wireless router to then feed the Roku sticks on the multiple TVs?
Click to expand...

Yes. You will need a Cellular router just like were talking about here. For near shore in the US, the system I have will work, but it is a few more parts to fool with. The PepLink is the next step up and gets you a more permanent solution and more antenna options. I installed mine for about $250 and stream to 2 TV's, a couple Fusion radios and whatever phone/tablets on board. I also have access to my security cameras, and if I wanted, boat monitoring (high water alarms, frequent bilge pump activation). I have the LB1121 thrown in my arch, with no extra antenna, but I'm in a well covered cellular area.

I would also recommend the Peplink Mini LTEA version or the MK2, as that would give you the option of utilizing Canadian cellular. You may decide you don't need it, but it would be an option and it is hardware dependent.

One note, your extra sim card might have very low data caps. Test it out, it might work for you. Streaming TV consumes about 3GB/hour. Once you hit those limits, the download speeds drop to the point watching TV is impossible. My extra Verizon SIM I started with got me about 1 football game a month. That's why an unlimited data plan on board is the way to go. Skybolt is getting his for $40/month. Thats a pretty good deal!!
 
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