[tenuki]

Anyone using this service? I contacted clearwire and evidently their puget sound water coverage shown on their coverage map is live now. I'm thinking of ordering it to get internet on my boat while in my slip and on the hook around the sound.

Basically the modem is 10w and the powerbook charger is 85w so my plan is:

http://www.powerstream.com/in15t.htm
http://www.clearwire.com/wireless-broadb...hspecs.php

I have a solar panel for recharging my main ship power batter so I'de be cool for weeks on end as far as I can calculate: anchor light + 8 hours of internet usage + charge cellphone, I don't use power for anything else.

Thoughts? Experience? Ideas?

[amcairns]

Tenuki,

You have a couple of questions in your message so I'll respond separately:

Clearwire: I am in Friday Harbor and 2 of my dockmates use this service and are happy with it. I use BBXpress which specializes in marinas and has service from Olympia to Alaska. I've connected at many of their access points while sailing including lots of spots in the Puget Sound and Canada, especially the Gulf Islands. Not sure how complete the Clearwire coverage is based on the map I looked at on their website. For BBX access:

BBXpress: http://www.bbxpress.net/ and select Locations

For connecting to the internet I encourage you consider avoiding an inverter since it is inneficient. Use a direct dc connection. If you are not sure about wiring just buy an automobile battery adapter for your laptop. If you don't have a cigarette lighter adapter already then you can get one ot places such as Radio Shack.

Regardless of the provider you choose you will inevitably need an external antenna. And it's always best to have a high sensitivity wireless card or usb antenna. Your mileage may vary.

Good luck,
Alan

Anyone using this service? I contacted clearwire and evidently their puget sound water coverage shown on their coverage map is live now. I'm thinking of ordering it to get internet on my boat while in my slip and on the hook around the sound.

Basically the modem is 10w and the powerbook charger is 85w so my plan is:

http://www.powerstream.com/in15t.htm
http://www.clearwire.com/wireless-broadb...hspecs.php

I have a solar panel for recharging my main ship power batter so I'de be cool for weeks on end as far as I can calculate: anchor light + 8 hours of internet usage + charge cellphone, I don't use power for anything else.

Thoughts? Experience? Ideas?

[tenuki]

Just a follow up post to mention that clearwire at the Port of Edmonds, WA. is at 5/5 bars without any real fiddling. I'm seeing speeds pretty much equivalent to my old comcast cable (1.5m down, 256k up). I have to do some wiring before I can test it on the water.