FYI

I use the new 3G HSDPA wireless from Sierra wireless Aircard 860 with my
laptop over the Cingular GSM network for unlimited data at 60$/momth.

What i like about it: 1- My laptop can surf the net off the boat at home or
on the road. I'm not stuck with a cost for the boat only. i can take this
system with me when I travel by airplane too 2- I can downlod NOAA weather
info and charts, 3- unlinited email access. 4-speed is like broadband when
in metroplian areas like Seattle. 5-Flat rate for use when linked to
Cingular GSM 6- i can listern to web radio.

Dislikes: When crossing into Canada the rate is .01cents per kilobyte (ok
for email and weather by cost alot when getting NOAA Charts) 2 - Cannot use
when line of sight to land is lost when in the Pacific (OK in puget sound)

I have had the NEW 3G system for 4 months befor i use Sprint PCS Data Card
for the last 3 years, Sprint does not use GSM so i could not use the system
in Canada or overseas. And sprint cost was $99/Month.

Bill
"Bill Kearney" wrote in message
...
Many wireless PCMCIA cards have a (very small!) jack for an external
antenna. There is really no practical and effective way to add an
antenna to an internal wireless card

Entirely not true. Most internal cards have a connector that wires them
up
to an internal antenna. It's a matter of splicing in a new connector to
allow using an external cable. If you're handy with a soldering iron and
wiring then it's really not that difficult.

It may, however, be better to use a card that already supports one.

OR use a wireless bridge that lets you repeat the detected signal to one
your built-in card can use.

- you are going to have to spring
for a new card. Of course you will be looking for one with an antenna
jack, but also pay attention to the emitted power from the card. These
apparently come either as 20 milliwatts or 300 milliwatts. More is
better if your problem is getting the base station to hear your signal.

When you buy an external antenna, get one which is either two or 3
stacked verticals (two or three straight sections of wire, separated by
coiled sections). Then insert this antenna at the focal point of a
parabolic reflector: http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template/

This combination will get you gain into the 20db range.

Which may be entirely illegal according to the FCC limits. While this may
not bother some folks be aware that the regs don't allow you to just tack
on
different antennas without the *whole setup* having been approved for it.

That and using a parabolic antenna on a boat that's moving might be a bit
pointless (pun intended!).