Satellite dish v 4g and fire stick

[Landy Andy]

What sort of 4g aerial please ?

One of these from MotorhomeWifi


https://www.motorhomewifi.com/product/4g-roof-antenna-e5577-mifi-save-25/

 

[Lenny HB]

Lenny, just been Googling, Firestick is an Android TV device, anf whats more:-
The best Android TV boxes
1. Amazon Fire TV Stick (2017): Flexible, stable and easily available
Price when reviewed: £40

Okay, so the Fire TV Stick is a stick, not a box, and it doesn’t look like an Android device, either. Yet under Amazon’s custom interface you’ll find Google’s operating system, plus Kodi and a range of other TV-friendly apps sitting in the Amazon app store. You can easily sideload any other apps you want to install.

The entry-level Fire TV Stick is slightly underpowered by Android TV box standards, with just 1GB of RAM. However, Amazon is about to launch a new 4K version with 1.5GB and support for 4K video through YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime. The old 4K Fire TV box is also worth getting if you spot one on eBay. This has a slightly slower processor but twice as much RAM.

Key specs – Core spec: Quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi;Operating system: Fire OS 6.2.1 Core apps:Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Demand 5, Plex;Voice-enabled remote:Yes

I have the only problem with os it runs Android 8.1 and BBC iplayer doesn't support it yet but you can watch iplayer via the net. The same boxes are available with Android 7.
I have a Firestick but found it a right pain.

 

[Lenny HB]

About 1.5 gb per hour for catch up tv (slightly more for iPlayer - it’s data hungry), and about 1gb per hour for Netflix or Prime.

I did some tests on iPlayer a few months ago and found in SD 500mb, HD 1gb.

 

[sallylillian]

Here is my new set up. A 2x2 MIMO LTE and WiFi setup for my new Morelo, sans Satalite TV. I like failover redundancy so have a more lego brick approach. The combination units in the above post expose some risk of total loss and I prefer analogue selection, so I have a TP Link Mobile router and a Nighthawk M1 MIMO LTE modem/router. I have a manual RJ45 selector to choose between a Ubiquiti bullet which is connected to a 8db omni direction antenna on the roof for using Campsite WiFi or local bar hotspots etc the high gain ensures reception from distance and strength to grab as much available bandwidth on a busy campsite. The antenna is on a motorised lift. I have a 2 channel MIMO LTE antenna also up on the roof on a motorised lift.
I also prefer vertical antenna to ensure clearance of roof top restrictions like solar panels, AC, Heki's etc. Of course you need a way of lowering the antenna for travel. The Diamond K9000 is a good option.

 

[sallylillian]

I have the only problem with os it runs Android 8.1 and BBC iplayer doesn't support it yet but you can watch iplayer via the net. The same boxes are available with Android 7.
I have a Firestick but found it a right pain.

That looks interesting Lenny, hardware transcoding too. From what I can see you can use all Android apps so I hope Plex will work?

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[Lenny HB]

That looks interesting Lenny, hardware transcoding too. From what I can see you can use all Android apps so I hope Plex will work?

Not used Plex, I can download and try.

My MIMO is mounted flat on the roof it works really well.
I also have a directional WiFi aerial and Alfa router, the aerial I just pop on the roof when needed. With data getting so cheap hardly ever use it now.

 

[Lenny HB]

Hope not Lenny, I have just set my system up based in part on the Firestick

Some people have reported Firesticks getting through 40gb a day, when they have only been using them for a few hours. Some of the problems are pre-instalked apps constantly updating.

 

[sallylillian]

Some people have reported Firesticjs getting through 40gb a day, when they have only been using them for a few hours. Some of the problems are pre-instalked apps constantly updating.

I will try and set up a test here at home with all the kit. The Nighthawk has a real time data consumption meter on display so it will be easy to measure.

 

[Glynbo]

Iv`e just signed up for the latest offer from 3, £20 for unlimited data,calls, and texts, unlimited tethering in the UK, 19gb tethering in EU at the moment but that could change, i also heard they have removed the block on the phone sim being used in a mifi device, I bought a Roku Express to use in the MoHo (£30) works a treat.

 

[Lenny HB]

That looks interesting Lenny, hardware transcoding too. From what I can see you can use all Android apps so I hope Plex will work?

Just downloaded Plex, works fine.

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[sallylillian]

Just downloaded Plex, works fine.

Thanks Lenny, as it was so cheap I ordered one last night. One of the issues for me with Firestick is that it is complicated to setup and use openvpn which I have on my home router with a static BT IP, so I need to be able to load the config and certificate keys to the Firestick having first loaded the openvpn app, to give me hassle free Netflix etc. So far I could not be arsed to play with it as I had all the other kit to get mounted and configured to go out to Gerrmany. I have a good HDMI splitter attached to the new monitor with a spare slot so I can run this in tandem with the Firestick and Chromecast. But from what I read Chromecast is included in your box so.....

 

[sallylillian]

Iv`e just signed up for the latest offer from 3, £20 for unlimited data,calls, and texts, unlimited tethering in the UK, 19gb tethering in EU at the moment but that could change, i also heard they have removed the block on the phone sim being used in a mifi device, I bought a Roku Express to use in the MoHo (£30) works a treat.

Have they also removed the 3g connection limit when roaming?

 

[1881TB]

About 1.5 gb per hour for catch up tv (slightly more for iPlayer - it’s data hungry), and about 1gb per hour for Netflix or Prime.

I have wondered about getting Netflix (I have the Vodaphone £30 for 50GB deal) and just wondered about its availability in Europe as we are full timers and travel abroad several months at a time. I went to their website which says:

• • If you are traveling for an extended period of time, or traveling to a country outside of the European Union, you may notice that the available choices change. For countries within the European Union, we provide the same content as your home country for a limited period of time. We'll let you know when the limited period is over, and you'll have access to the TV shows and movies for the country you are travelling to. When this happens, we’ll be sure to let you know.
    

I wonder if anyone can tell me how long the 'limited period' they refer to lasts?

 

[PeteH]

Vodafone has no roaming limits so ideal for steaming and you can have a 30 day contract , so only need to pay for when you need it.

Far better than a Firestick would be an Android TV box, I have one with 64 gb of memory and and SD card slot.

Do you "piggyback" The A-TV box to the Phone? Wirelessly?

 

[PeteH]

We had a sat dish on our old van (full time with it for 3 years), but got fed up with trying to get a decent signal in southern Spain (anywhere further south than mid France really). Skew this, retune that, move pitch etc - then we could only get free channels and no BBC etc. When we got this van we decided to use a MiFi with voda Phone 50gb monthly contract, and site WiFi combined with dvds and a Humax pvr box filled up at home. We are coming to the end of out three months winter trip, and are watching itv live via the site WiFi as we speak. It’s been so much more relaxing than the constant fight to get a satellite signal, and most of the sites we’ve used have had good WiFi. We have saved our vodaphone allowance for when we are not on sites, and it’s worked really well. Does take about 1.5gb per hour, but if you know that you can use accordingly! With a vpn we watch all the main channels, as well as Netflix and prime.

Don`t you need to use an "identity cloak" to access UK t-v from "Foreign Parts"?. I needed to do that to watch the Rugby World Cup In Texas?.

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[Lenny HB]

Thanks Lenny, as it was so cheap I ordered one last night. One of the issues for me with Firestick is that it is complicated to setup and use openvpn which I have on my home router with a static BT IP, so I need to be able to load the config and certificate keys to the Firestick having first loaded the openvpn app, to give me hassle free Netflix etc. So far I could not be arsed to play with it as I had all the other kit to get mounted and configured to go out to Gerrmany. I have a good HDMI splitter attached to the new monitor with a spare slot so I can run this in tandem with the Firestick and Chromecast. But from what I read Chromecast is included in your box so.....

Don't hang about do you.

Do you "piggyback" The A-TV box to the Phone? Wirelessly?

Yes you can connect to your phone (providing your contract allows tethering) or connect to any wireless router, also has an RJ45 port for hard wiring

 

[PeteH]

Don't hang about do you.

Yes you can connect to your phone (providing your contract allows tethering) or connect to any wireless router, also has an RJ45 port for hard wiring

Vera interestink.

 

[Stonemags76]

Don`t you need to use an "identity cloak" to access UK t-v from "Foreign Parts"?. I needed to do that to watch the Rugby World Cup In Texas?.

With a MiFi you don’t need a vpn, but for Site WiFi you do. We use Nord vpn which has a firestick app, so use that if we are on site WiFi. Netflix, Prime and Plex don’t need the vpn.

 

[OldAgeTravellers]

No way would I use a Firestick, ask Steve @OldAgeTravellers about how they gobble up data.
As I said earlier an Android TV box is a much better option.

Yes I bought a Fire Stick at Christmas and it gobbled up 53Gb in 24 hours, it may be that I could tweak settings, resolution etc. But we are in France where Prime is useless so no use to me really and a misguided purchase. I suspect that Amazon are pushing data to the stick all the time as it is online even if the power is disconnected.
I have a Sat dish and use Intelsat while it lasts all over Europe. If I had to fit a Sat dish from new, probably not. I use it sometimes but as it and the radio for amplifier uses quite a bit of power I probably would not. As we are off grid most of the time while away.
I am impressed with all your kit though @sallylillian I will try to google some of the stuff later.
Steve

 

[OldAgeTravellers]

I have the only problem with os it runs Android 8.1 and BBC iplayer doesn't support it yet but you can watch iplayer via the net. The same boxes are available with Android 7.
I have a Firestick but found it a right pain.

Lenny, do you think think the extra spec of the + version you linked to is worth the £20 for the extra spec, higher memory, twin WiFi etc. If it is for MoHome use, I am not actually convinced that streaming is worth it for me as I don't have access to the cheap high data bundles available in the UK. Or like the amazing deal @JJ has in Portugal
Steve

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[tonysuvla]

When we had our boat, we used EyeTV connected to an iPad. Worked extremely well for TV watching in this country but don’t know how it would perform elsewhere.
Main advantage is no ongoing cost and only a minute or two to set up.
Disadvantage is that you can’t use the Wi-fi based channels.

Tony

 

[2657]

Don`t you need to use an "identity cloak" to access UK t-v from "Foreign Parts"?. I needed to do that to watch the Rugby World Cup In Texas?.

Don't need to use a VPN for UK TV, don't know about netflix etc, if in free roaming countries like most if not all of Europe when using UK based SIM in a phone or mifi.

With a MiFi you don’t need a vpn, but for Site WiFi you do. We use Nord vpn which has a firestick app, so use that if we are on site WiFi. Netflix, Prime and Plex don’t need the vpn.

See above, will still need a VPN if using a local sim/network in a mifi or phone.

 

[sallylillian]

Don't hang about do you.

Yes you can connect to your phone (providing your contract allows tethering) or connect to any wireless router, also has an RJ45 port for hard wiring

Lenny, just started to look at connecting this box and I note that it appears to run on 5v, have you tried it with a USB A to DC jack from a USB hub or suchlike?