Does anyone use a dongle in a caravan?

[jimmyg352]

For TV use.
Pardon me if I’m being archaic/thick/ignorant but I found a dongle in a drawer that I think we used to use with a home computer years ago.
I imagine dongles have been superseded by something else but am I missing anything ?
Yours, Non Technical of Yorkshire

 

[RogerL]

For TV use.
Pardon me if I’m being archaic/thick/ignorant but I found a dongle in a drawer that I think we used to use with a home computer years ago.
I imagine dongles have been superseded by something else but am I missing anything ?
Yours, Non Technical of Yorkshire

I've used one for years, a Three dongle on a 5m USB cable so I can put the dongle in the sunroof - it's very dependent on network signal strength/quality as it has no external aerial.

However next time out, we'll be using a MIFI router with a multi-network SIM - it has access to external aerials if necessary.

 

[GUMPY]

An old dongle is likely to be 3G only.
I have a couple in my junk box🫣
3G is old tech and is in the process of being shut down so nothing to connect it to.

 

[jimmyg352]

An old dongle is likely to be 3G only.
I have a couple in my junk box🫣
3G is old tech and is in the process of being shut down so nothing to connect it to.

I thought something like that would be the case. 👍

 

[GaryB]

I'm a special kind of useless when it comes to all things TV/mobile data etc, BUT I have just successfully installed a router in the caravan and using a 3 data-only SIM and a 4G aerial have enabled my wife to watch various Netflix trash programs in the evening. I used a TP Link router and a 4G aerial (mounted on a pole and attached to the caravan with a bracket).

 

[jimmyg352]

I'm a special kind of useless when it comes to all things TV/mobile data etc, BUT I have just successfully installed a router in the caravan and using a 3 data-only SIM and a 4G aerial have enabled my wife to watch various Netflix trash programs in the evening. I used a TP Link router and a 4G aerial (mounted on a pole and attached to the caravan with a bracket).

Interesting, thanks!

 

[Bracechenko]

I just use a mobile hotspot from my phone and use the data/plan that I already have available. I then connect any devices to that hotspot when staying in the van. Easy way to get internet providing there's decent network signal available.

 

[Woodentop]

In practice using something like a mi-fi will give better and more reliable comms for the simple reason that the phone has considerably more to do than just change wi-fi data into radio data (i.e. 4G/5G etc) - AND - there is a possibility of loosing data if you have to answer the phone when someone calls you or sends you a text or WA.
Browse well and you will find - somewhere like I did in Curry's in Livingston - two Huawei mi-fi units new and boxed for £17 on BOGOF.

 

[Bracechenko]

In practice using something like a mi-fi will give better and more reliable comms for the simple reason that the phone has considerably more to do than just change wi-fi data into radio data (i.e. 4G/5G etc) - AND - there is a possibility of loosing data if you have to answer the phone when someone calls you or sends you a text or WA.
Browse well and you will find - somewhere like I did in Curry's in Livingston - two Huawei mi-fi units new and boxed for £17 on BOGOF.

Any decent phone can handle this realistically. I've literally just returned from a week in Weymouth with 2 kids using devices and me using my smart TV all using the hotspot from my phone. Only consideration was to ensure the phone is on charge as it works hard but no issues in quality for me. Had a 3 bar 5G signal with EE.

I do agree with you in your points but just trying to offer a more accessible and affordable option for the OP as I've used my phone everytime I go away with a family and no issues [providing there's network available]

 

[jimmyg352]

I just use a mobile hotspot from my phone and use the data/plan that I already have available. I then connect any devices to that hotspot when staying in the van. Easy way to get internet providing there's decent network signal available.

Well we’ve just got a new TV so I’ll give that a go this weekend. Ta.