VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #1  
Old 08-20-2012, 11:05 AM
aerhed aerhed is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Big Sandy, WY
Posts: 2,567
Default Airborne internet

Geek call: What (if any) are the most practical and economical methods of connecting to the web while flying?
__________________
Actual repeat offender.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-20-2012, 11:44 AM
Mark Dickens's Avatar
Mark Dickens Mark Dickens is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Collierville, TN (KFYE)
Posts: 1,433
Default

The only practical alternative I'm aware of is to use a satellite phone and connect to it with a wifi hub. Iridium has such a setup. I've heard that you can get decent speeds for text based usage such as email, but if what you're looking for some sort of broadband, pretty much forget about it. Aircell/Gogo sells this to the airlines, but it is extremely expensive.
__________________
RV-8 #81077 Super Slow Build
Dynon Skyview HDX, Titan IOX-370, Dual P-Mags, AFP FM200A FI, Whirlwind 200RV CS Prop
First Flight 11/20/2016
www.marksrv8.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-20-2012, 11:49 AM
Brantel's Avatar
Brantel Brantel is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Newport, TN
Posts: 7,496
Default

There are some here that have installed amps and antennas that allow them to get cellular access way up high.
__________________
Brantel (Brian Chesteen),
Check out my RV-10 builder's BLOG
RV-10, #41942, N?????, Project Sold
---------------------------------------------------------------------
RV-7/TU, #72823, N159SB
Lyc. O-360 carbed, HARTZELL BA CS Prop, Dual P-MAGs, Dual Garmin G3X Touch
Track N159SB (KK4LIF)
Like EAA Chapter 1494 on Facebook
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-20-2012, 11:53 AM
Mark Dickens's Avatar
Mark Dickens Mark Dickens is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Collierville, TN (KFYE)
Posts: 1,433
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brantel View Post
There are some here that have installed amps and antennas that allow them to get cellular access way up high.
I'd be interested in knowing more about this
__________________
RV-8 #81077 Super Slow Build
Dynon Skyview HDX, Titan IOX-370, Dual P-Mags, AFP FM200A FI, Whirlwind 200RV CS Prop
First Flight 11/20/2016
www.marksrv8.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-20-2012, 11:58 AM
CharlieWaffles's Avatar
CharlieWaffles CharlieWaffles is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: West Linn, Oregon
Posts: 1,351
Default

I thought about using one of the car based installation products that are designed to give your entire car WiFi based access and has a router and antenna for installation. Thought about trying to repurpose as an airborne platform.
__________________
CharlieWaffles - But you can call me "Mark"
RV-10
N928MT
Flying - AKA Still Tinkering
Build Project Site
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-20-2012, 12:07 PM
John R. Graham John R. Graham is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 88
Default

Cellular base station antennas are directional and broadcast most of their energy below the horizon. Furthermore, if a cellphone can reach too many cells (as it can when it's airborne), this confuses the network because too many tower hand-offs will be attempted. Probably for that reason, I believe it's against FCC regulations to operate a cellphone from an aircraft.

- John
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-20-2012, 12:12 PM
aerhed aerhed is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Big Sandy, WY
Posts: 2,567
Default

That's what I was afraid of. So, maybe not practical to do a low pass down Mayberry's main street and pick off wireless from the Best Western?
__________________
Actual repeat offender.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 08-20-2012, 12:13 PM
Brantel's Avatar
Brantel Brantel is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Newport, TN
Posts: 7,496
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Dickens View Post
I'd be interested in knowing more about this
http://www.deltapopaviation.com/UWB_Data_Antenna.html

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...1212+Amplifier

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...t=cell+booster
__________________
Brantel (Brian Chesteen),
Check out my RV-10 builder's BLOG
RV-10, #41942, N?????, Project Sold
---------------------------------------------------------------------
RV-7/TU, #72823, N159SB
Lyc. O-360 carbed, HARTZELL BA CS Prop, Dual P-MAGs, Dual Garmin G3X Touch
Track N159SB (KK4LIF)
Like EAA Chapter 1494 on Facebook

Last edited by Brantel : 08-20-2012 at 12:15 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 08-20-2012, 12:14 PM
RVbySDI's Avatar
RVbySDI RVbySDI is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Tuttle, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,563
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Dickens View Post
I'd be interested in knowing more about this
Here is an old thread:
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...t=cell+booster

and here is one not so old:
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ad.php?t=74345

Well, shoot Brian. You beat me by a minute or two!
__________________
RVBYSDI
Steve
RV9A
https://rvwings.com

Live Long And Prosper! 🖖🏻

Last edited by RVbySDI : 08-20-2012 at 12:17 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 08-20-2012, 02:39 PM
mculver's Avatar
mculver mculver is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 269
Default

There are two companies, GoGo Internet and Row 44, that most airlines are using to provide airplane WiFi service. GoGo Internet uses a ground based cellular data network for data communications and Row 44 uses satellite communications. (Pulling this straight off http://wlanbook.com/how-does-airplane-wifi-work/).

Not certain if these companies' carriers sell service at retail; however am guessing that they do business with the bizjet crowd. So, like everything else, apply enough $$$ and you might be in business.
__________________
-- Mike Culver;
RV-9 project sold but details of the build at
www.mculver.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:49 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.