Cruise News March 2022

Internet on Board The Island Cruising guide to setting up Wi-Fi on your boat Sometimes it is nice to be able to get away from the constant emails, interruptions, Facebook and connectivity that we have in our lives, but for many of us wanting to keep in touch and perhaps work on board while you're away sailing, or even download weather, stream music or videos, do zoom calls with the family etc, having a good internet connection is something that certainly comes in handy.

There are three ways you can access internet data on board: 1. By receiving Wi-FI signals from a marina or some nearby open connection 2. By using mobile internet via GSM (2G/3G) or LTE (4G) cellular network.

3. By satellite such as with an IridiumGO Accessing Shore/Marina Wi-Fi (free or paid services) This is an option if you are stationed for some time in the same marina and you've got a good signal - i.e. you're in the right spot. Most marinas offer Wi-Fi connections, however if you are a long way from the source, the coverage can be patchy.

The best way to get a solid onboard connection is to get a dedicated modem/router with either external or window mounted antennas. There are two types of antennas depending on your needs, 1. Directional - this is typically a flat panel/box with a plate that is pointed towards the signal source to 'tune it in’.

2. Omni-Directional - this is usually a tubular pole type antenna that doesn't need to be pointed in any direction. This type of antenna can also be found in dome/mushroom style design for vehicles and vessel dash mounting.

So, you mount the antenna, add the cable and you can then plug the cable into the modem/router which then transmit a local Wireless Network for your PC and local devices to connect to. In the world of IT and Cell communications it’s often true “You get what you pay for”, but knowing what to get and how to spot a good device is tricky. Devices will often provide text that all seems to do the same, but don’t perform as well.

Note that some Marina's have paid internet services, so even if you can connect to the network it may require additional steps to get online (Usually you’ll have to follow a website prompt that shows when trying to go online).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nik Rone Thullesen Global Marine Technology Services Ltd., System Specialist - Co-Founder M: +64 (0)21 778 329 | T: +64 (0)9 553 7424 | E: nikt@gmts.io Unit 5/4 Workspace Drive, Hobsonville, Auckland, New Zealand 0618 http://www.gmts.io | http://gmts.co.nz