Connecting On The RoadWritten by Gregg
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Where will you be going and how close to “civilization” will you be? How much traveling will you be doing each year to offset cost of equipment? TIME If you’re someone who just wants to check your email, and do a minimal amount (less than 1 hour per day) of surfing, your best bet is to use PC offered at many RV parks, or those that allow you to hook up your laptop to their phone line. Both of these may be free or just involve a small fee. On flip side, if you want/need to spend several hours per day checking email or surfing web (because you’re running a business, for example), you have a few options to consider: Cell Phone. This can either be via a cord that connects from your PC to your cell phone and which your cell phone provider should offer. The connection is going to cost you by minute – just as your cell phone calls do, and you must purchase cord and software. Upside: Low cost to get started. Pitfall: Slow connection speed, charged by minute, and possibility of having to upgrade your cell phone frequently to keep up with technology. Air Card. This card – which is about size of a credit card - is inserted into slot on your laptop (or PC, if available). The connection speed is going to depend on both your signal strength and type of PC you’re using. This is generally going to be about speed of dialup – maybe a little faster. Typical costs are a few hundred dollars for card and close to $100 per month for unlimited dialup access. Upside: Easy-to-use. Pitfalls: Most cards only work with a laptop, not a desktop PC, and connection speed is slow. Plus, monthly fee is quite high. Satellite. Satellite internet uses a satellite dish for connection. Upload and download speeds vary, but most are much faster than what is offered with either cell phone dialup or an air card. There are a few satellite contenders, all of whom require an initial equipment purchase and then a monthly fee: DirectWAY (www.directway.com), Starband (www.starband.com), and DataStorm (www.datastorm.com). Upside: Fast download speed, good upload speed. Pitfalls: Cost which is a minimum of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars just for equipment. DSL/Broadband at Campgrounds. Many RV parks are now offering services such as LinkSpot (www.linkspot.com). To make a connection to a parks Wi-Fi (as it’s called) depends on (a) how close you are to antenna and (b) whether you have wireless internet available on your laptop or desktop. For antenna proximity, most parks will let you know when making a reservation if there are certain spots that will not be able to make a connection. For equipment, newer laptops now feature a wireless connection already built-in so you can literally pull in, park, login, buy some internet time, and begin using your computer. Other parks occasionally offer necessary wireless equipment for rental and it’s simply a matter of plugging it in, logging in and buying some minutes. Upside: Gives you high-speed of DSL/Broadband at a low cost. Pitfalls: While numbers are growing, less than 30% of all RVs parks in US offer this service. Therefore, some advanced planning as to where you will stay is required. Most of above options are going to depend on your location in US. The farther away from large cities and such, more limited your choices become. Your cell phone or air card must be able to find a tower, your satellite must have a clear view of sky, and DSL/Broadband must be available to an “off-the-beaten-path” RV park. The best way to find out what will work effectively is to talk with others ahead of time – especially park owner where you plan to stay. Cost is a factor when it comes to mobile internet. You can spend from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. If money is no object, then go all out and buy a satellite system. However, if money does have to be considered, start small – maybe using your cell phone – and work up from there. You can always upgrade if need and expense are justified. The best thing to say about today’s technology is that it offers consumers a wide array of choices to select a solution that works best for their individual needs. Thus, when deciding on how to connect while on road, know your usage requirements and budget!
Jeff Anderson knows RV’s. He knows what to look for and what pitfalls to avoid. Let him guide you to a successful life on the road. Contact him today at Jeff@rvcruiser.com or visit the blog at his site RVCruiser.com
| | 5 Steps to Crime Prevention at your MarinaWritten by Marc Eskew
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4. Secure It Most thieves are opportunists and seek out easiest vessels to strike. Purchase and use quality locking devices for your boat to make entry and accessibility as difficult as possible for would be thieves. Also, remove as many items as feasible when you are going to leave your boat unattended. The best way to keep thieves from stealing property from your boat is to not leave it aboard. Remove high risk items like TV’s, radios, and CB’s. If you are not going to remove items, store them out of sight in a securely locked cabinet or locker. Lastly, you may consider having an alarm system installed on your vessel. Care should be taken to select security equipment that is resistant to environmental elements typically found near waterways. 5. Marina Security Many thieves are successful because they look as if they belong in area. Become acquainted with your fellow neighbors at marina. A tactful offer to help assist a stranger to find a person or a boat will signal to thieves that you are looking out for each other and that nobody goes unnoticed. Urge your fellow neighbors to also be observant of strangers in area and to question their presence as well. Be sure to always lock your vehicle when parked at a launch site, marina or dock. Remember to keep all windows secured and to remove any valuables from sight. If you are not taking your purse, cell phone, or other property with you, lock it in trunk while you are gone. Also, to lessen opportunity a would-be-thief has to break into your vehicle, park it in an open, visible area. Be mindful and alert of any suspicious vehicles or persons who are lingering in area. Record license plate numbers and remember physical descriptions of these vehicles and persons you observe loitering in area. Remember, a marina with good security equipment and good security practices is a good start. Having marina members who actively carry out these five steps can make difference between crime prevention and criminal activity.
Marc Eskew is a managing partner with Boat Watch USA and widely recognized for his knowledge of marina crime prevention. To find more information on marina and boat crime prevention, visit www.boatwatchusa.com
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