LS cell radio vs mifi

Can anyone give me feedback on the LS cell radio vs using a mifi with the LS?
I am currently using a mifi setup @ T3 base and the LS.
Just wondered if anyone has tried both ways and would have any feedback regarding which setup had better service?
I would hate to spend the extra money to turn the cell service on in the LS if the performance is the about the same. Thanks

This is not a topic I know too much about but I believe your LS would need to have been ordered from the factory with the necessary hardware to be able to use a SIM card. If you did that you should have the option to do as you discuss.

I'm pretty sure I can just have the cell modem turned on for about $1000

David M. Simolo said:

This is not a topic I know too much about but I believe your LS would need to have been ordered from the factory with the necessary hardware to be able to use a SIM card. If you did that you should have the option to do as you discuss.

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All units are built with a cellular modem regardless of rather the option is ordered and enabled.

Matt Johnson said:

All units are built with a cellular modem regardless of rather the option is ordered and enabled.

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Just to clarify... all Triumph-LS/LS+ units are built with the cellular modem installed and activated by OAF. Triumph-3 units only include the cellular modem if originally ordered from the factory with the cellular modem option. Triumph-3 receivers without the cellular modem can be sent to the factory to have the cellular modem added.

As to performance difference between a Triumph-LS using a MiFi hotspot or the internal cellular modem, I can't offer any comparison. I will say that the Triumph-LS Standard and Triumph-LS Plus receivers now use an external cellular antenna. Originally the cellular antenna was internal. Since the antenna is external, it is possible to use a high-gain antenna connected to the LS, theoretically making reception even better.

That's nice to know. I didn't think that was the case when I ordered by LS back in 2015.

Just to add more information to the issue of cellular modems in the Triumph-LS -- originally, the Triumph-LS was built with a GSM-only modem (GSM is the signal type used by AT&T), so older Triumph-LS receivers will not be able to use Verizon, unless it is sent to the factory to have the newer modem installed. The modems installed now can operate in GSM or Verizon (the appropriate firmware has to be loaded). I believe all of the new Triumph-LS Plus's and Triumph-3's with the cellular option have the modem that supports both carriers, but I'm not completely sure. My Triumph-LS Plus (upgraded from my 2014 vintage Triumph-LS) has cellular modem MC7700 which supports GSM but not CDMA. My Triumph-3 has cellular modem MC7455 which supports GSM and CDMA.

Shawn Billings said:

As to performance difference between a Triumph-LS using a MiFi hotspot or the internal cellular modem, I can't offer any comparison.

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The only differences should be that with the internal cell modem you don't have to worry about the battery life in the hotspot. I also suspect that you have an external antenna for the cellular modem in the LS you should have a stronger signal as it is a larger antenna than what is inside the hotspot. If there is a strong cellular signal there should be no difference in performance.

Jeremy Lynch said:

Can anyone give me feedback on the LS cell radio vs using a mifi with the LS?

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Don't forget about the option to use your cell phone instead of either the internal modem or a MiFi. I always have my cell phone with me anyway, so I use it for my hotspot when using the LS on a network connection. It doesn't have any noticeable effect on the phone's battery life or my Verizon data plan.

Jeremy Lynch said:

Can anyone give me feedback on the LS cell radio vs using a mifi with the LS?

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I've used all three. Remembering to charge the Mifi/Jetpack is the biggest thing. Got to make sure settings are set correct or Mifi will disconnect multiple times a day for a few seconds. Mifi works but internal LS will get a stronger cell signal. And the LS+ will get a stronger cell signal than the original LS. You can also make the LS a hotspot if needed.

Great information, Phillip.

Thank you all for the information!