View Single Post
  #4   Report Post  
posted to rec.boats.building,rec.boats.cruising,alt.sailing.asa,alt.sailing
Skip Gundlach Skip Gundlach is offline
external usenet poster
 
First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Jul 2006
Posts: 540
Default internet on board

Hi, Eduardo,

Edoardo wrote:
Hi,

I am searching for some good source of information about installing a
satellite internet connection on sailing boats.
What's the best solution?
Is there a website/forum/group that is specifically talking about this?

Thanks a lot for your help
Eddy


I don't want to rain on your parade. However, you asked about
satellite, as compared to other means of internet.

If you want full browsing and other like-at-home capabiliities, it's
certainly within the range of today's technology. Just ask the major
merchant marine folks, who have that aboard.

But it comes at a cost. *Lots* of whatever coinage you choose will
accomplish the job.

Just like the (American - don't know where you are) saying: Fast,
Cheap, Good. Choose two. In the case of marine internet, it's pretty
much the same. Want it good, and fast (not the equivalent of 20 years
ago's dial-up), it's not cheap. Want it fast and cheap? Go ashore to
internet cafés (no hardware investment). Good and cheap? Still
working on it, but in relative terms, SSB "modems" can get you email
and if you're a Ham, somewhat larger files, but still not browsing.

I'm currently working on, and am whittling away at problems
encountered, being able to access wifi from out in the harbor, without
having to be tied to an antenna - but there will still have to be some
gear up the mast, if I'm successful. However, that's only going to
work in range of some AP, most likely some household with an open
router, or a commercial pay site.

And then there's the satellite phones connected like a modem/dialer.
Now you're up to perhaps 15 years ago's speeds, but you can do whatever
you want with your minutes, and endure the time it takes to load a
page.

About a grand to get in for the SSB/Ham, minimum, plus the radio (many
flavors and costs) but minimal costs (free HAM and 250/year SSB), and
about the same for the satphone (but with minute costs plus whatever
plan you're on - and flaky coverage depending on where you are an whose
service/phone you have).

So, the other responses aren't being flip. If you want good solid
satellite internet coverage, it's major dinero, euro, bux, or your
favorite. The others are less costly and less effective.

L8R

Skip, working on the boat, one of which projects includes harborage and
anchorage wifi