Celular Switch for Pre-Heater

[pa38112]

Originally Posted by rleffler

Do you have a reference? I don?t believe that is true.

I can tell you I have four devices on the Verizon network and none of them are GSM compliant. They would have to set up a completely redundant network to transition to GSM.

I tried to get you a reference and got some clarification instead: Verizon is switching to 4G. GSM refers to 2G, so Verizon will be skipping over that technology all together.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verizon_Wireless

[rleffler]

Originally Posted by pa38112

I tried to get you a reference and got some clarification instead: Verizon is switching to 4G. GSM refers to 2G, so Verizon will be skipping over that technology all together.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verizon_Wireless

Unfortunately that?s all marketing hype. They all use the 4G, 5G nomenclature regardless of the underlying technology. The G refers to generation, not gsm.

[andyrv]

The Netgear LB1120 is a 4G LTE modem. Insert a sim card (I have used both Verizon and T-Mobile) and it provides an Ethernet interface out. The LB1120 has it's own built-in DHCP server/router so all you need is a simple wifi access point to provide wifi inside the hangar.

I use the TanTan wifi switches off of Amazon (~$8.50 each). The iphone app (Smart Life) is free and works very well.

I originally had a hotspot line added to my VZ wireless account which gets unlimited data for $20 per month.

That was a little overkill so I now use a T-Mobile prepaid plan for $10/month. I think it comes with 1Gb per month so I can use it to do updates to my databases at the hangar if needed.

Mine are in Kansas and Missouri in unheated hangars but just in case I buy the replacement insurance from Amazon when I buy the LB1120s. So far no failures in 2.5 years.

Andy

[Rallylancer122]

I bought one of the Chinese power strips that is text activated off of Ebay. It's a nice unit with good reviews, unfortunately I've been unable to find a cheap sim to work in it. The T-Mobile/ultramobile sim isn't available locally. I tried buying another prepaid GSM sim but you have to activate in a smartphone and all the phones we have use the small sim while the switch uses the full size card.

I gave up and am now working on a wifi repeater to get the airport terminal free wifi out to my hanger. This is running into technical difficulties as well (I think I should stick to airplanes!)

The cell switch is for sale if anybody wants one.

DEM

[rv8ch]

Originally Posted by Rallylancer122

... I tried buying another prepaid GSM sim but you have to activate in a smartphone and all the phones we have use the small sim while the switch uses the full size card.
...

You can get a SIM card adapter which will allow you to activate the card in one of your phones, then move it to the switch.

https://www.amazon.com/iSYFIX-Card-A.../dp/B00R25GJJW

[avrojockey]

Originally Posted by RV8JD

For years I've been using a Verizon Hotspot (added to my Verizon cell phone account) and this WEMO smart plug. It's worked well.

+1 on the hotspot and smart plug.

I had an unused hotspot lying around and put it on the cheapest TMobile data plan ($10/month) then got another smart plug of the same variety I use in my house (TP-Link Kasa) and added it to my account. I can use the Kasa app on my phone, ask Alexa to turn it on/off, or have it on a schedule. It's pretty slick and saves me time considering I live 10-15 from my t-hanger. I highly recommend this configuration...it requires very little technical know-how.

[John Owen]

I have an unused hot spot and wonder about putting a T-mobile sim card in it but don't find the $10/mo one without a lot of limitations. Does someone have a link to the best one for the lower price?

Thanks.
John

[scsmith]

Originally Posted by avrojockey

+1 on the hotspot and smart plug.

I had an unused hotspot lying around and put it on the cheapest TMobile data plan ($10/month) then got another smart plug of the same variety I use in my house (TP-Link Kasa) and added it to my account. I can use the Kasa app on my phone, ask Alexa to turn it on/off, or have it on a schedule. It's pretty slick and saves me time considering I live 10-15 from my t-hanger. I highly recommend this configuration...it requires very little technical know-how.

I am unclear on how you get a cell signal into a hotspot? I thought a hotspot had an eithernet plug to plug into an existing wired internet source (WAN), and then transmits WiFi from that. I don't know where you would put a sim card and cell receiver into a hotspot?

sorry, I'm just kind of a Ludite.

[RV8JD]

Originally Posted by scsmith

I am unclear on how you get a cell signal into a hotspot? I thought a hotspot had an eithernet plug to plug into an existing wired internet source (WAN), and then transmits WiFi from that. I don't know where you would put a sim card and cell receiver into a hotspot?

sorry, I'm just kind of a Ludite.

You're thinking of a Wi-Fi base station that connects to an internet provider's modem to provide a Wi-Fi signal throughout your home/business.

A cellular hotspot receives cell signals wirelessly, just like your cell phone. The hotspot then transmits a Wi-Fi signal that the smart switch connects to (or other Wi-Fi devices also, e.g. Wi-Fi-only iPads, computers, etc.).

It's similar to your cell phone acting as a Wi-Fi hotspot, except the dedicated hotspot does not have the phone calling features that your phone does (although it does have it's own cell "phone number").

[philip_g]

Originally Posted by Kyle Boatright

Phillip, where are you (how cold) and which device were you using?

Colorado. We had a wemo smart plug I believe and a FreedomPop hotspot. Neither worked below like 15f