I guess I am wondering why you would want a wireless network on board.
Would you have a server down below so that you could walk around with a
notebook and keep your files on the server? Is it so you can walk around
and use you printer? Do you have cable available dockside and want a cable
modem hookup via 802a/b/or g? Perhaps BellTell and DSL are in your future?
Help me to understand.

Now I can understand having a wireless capable notebook so that when in port
at wireless friendly marinas you can get to the internet and communicate
with us about your sailing/boating exploits. This year I seem to have more
repair exploits then sailing adventures although I just got back from a
Clearwater Beach to Apalachicola sailing adventure....

Anyway, I use a simple laptop with 802a/b/g capability. I have some old
ChartView software that works with the GPS and plots where you are on
MapTech chart disks. My wife works the software and now contributes her
talants into navagating. It really helps at night and at other times. We
also use her PocketPC with a NavMan GPS and MapTech charts in the cockpit.
These new gagets are handy. I can also use my "Verizon" cell phone at a
relativity slow pace to dial up the internet. I have not done this in a
while but connection speeds were 14,400 baud. Perhaps now the speeds are
faster (HA HA HA). Actually the main purpose was to get the marine weather.
Can't seem to get it any more on the marine weather channel but I can tell
you what the cloud cover and temperatures are 100 miles away inland every 5
minutes but that's a different problem. (dismount soapbox). I now use the
internet capability on the cellphone to get the marine weather when I want
it.

I have a new Dell machine on order with "Bluetooth" installed. This is like
an infrared port but operates on RF frequencies (no direct line of site
needed). What for? If you get a "Bluetooth" capable printer you do not
need a cable from the computer to the printer. If you get a "Bluetooth"
capable cell phone again no cable to connect. So it is added mobility. By
the way - anyone have a "Bluetooth" capable printer or cellphones you want
to sell??? ;-)


"Larry W4CSC" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 15 Oct 2003 09:35:49 GMT, "Vic Fraenckel"
wrote:

I would like to hear from anyone that has had any experience running a
wireless LAN on a cruising sailboat.

Any enlightenment will be appreciated.

Ashley Marina has a WiFi system running around the marina for any
sailor who wants access to use. As it works very nicely across the
docks, I'd suspect a wireless LAN from one end of any size FIBERGLASS
boat to another would work just fine, too.

Of course, it won't work good in METAL boats inside the shield.....



Larry W4CSC

3600 planes with transponders are burning 8-10 million
gallons of kerosene per hour over the USA. R-12 car air
conditioners are responsible for the ozone hole, right?