MIFI 5510L

[Wes Cole]

I previously purchased a Verizon MIFI 5510L for use on our RTN. When I purchased my LS setup I had my Verizon contact set up a static IP and send me another MIFI for TCP. Adam and Michael were great to help me get it all set up and it's flat out amazing. I used this set up extensively last week working on a large panel project and was able to test the battery life on the 5510L. Well, it's not great...8 hours max.

So I ordered these two new pieces of gold, ahem, I mean batteries. They're not cheap but I have high hopes with 5000 mAh vs 1800 mAh that comes standard! They add a little heft and make the MIFI a bit thicker but I can live with it. Here's a few pictures, purchased from Amazon.




Before


After

 

[Jim Campi]

Hi Wes,

Are you on a network with a base update of 1 Hz? I have a hard time justifying that now that Javad has developed Beast Mode.

 

[Wes Cole]

Hi Jim,

No the NC RTN is 1hz. I probably wouldn't justify the RTN either but we're very fortunate in NC as our RTN is a one time $500 fee and you get two separate login's.

These days I'm only using it to establish my base point, after that it's beast mode over the Internet using the two MIFI's when I have good cellular service (pretty often). Otherwise I have the frequency hopping radios in the LS / T1M.

I'll dpos and verify my RTN point. I'm seeing about 0.05' or less horizontal and vertical most of the time between the two. Usually I just hold the RTN point and run with it.

 

[Adam]

Let me know how long it lasts, I need one.

 

[Jim Campi]

Thanks Wes. I have been using the same model MIFI for about 18 mos and no issues.

One quick point of clarification. After establishing the coordinates of your base, are you setting up a TCP connection at the base and transmitting at 5 hz via wifi to cellular? I was thinking that a router was required for this to work.

 

[Adam]

Jim, no router required only a static IP on the MIFI at the base.

 

[Adam]

Wes, what are you seeing in data usage in a month?

 

[Jim Campi]

Thanks Adam. I didn't know Verizon will issue a static IP for the hotspot.

Wes, are you getting better than 5 Hz with the cellular connection?

 

[Adam]

Jim, its $500 to have it assigned. The corrections tend to float around at 5 and below. I rarely see corrections go much over 5.

 

[Wes Cole]

I've not had it quite a full month yet and I don't use it every day but I'd say the data usage is small. Seems to sip data, just like on the RTN.

Jim, Adam knows how to configure this and understands the networking side much better than I do. Verizon charges a one time fee of $500 for a a static IP. There's no radio limitations, the cell network can be your crutch though. It gives you options. Last week I was tying panel points 10 miles from my base, set up in a secure location. I checked in to geodetic control at 53,000 feet from the base, my shots fit under a tenth in all directions. I'm planning to make a post to show some of these observations and values at some point when I have time.

 

[Wes Cole]

Thanks Adam. I didn't know Verizon will issue a static IP for the hotspot.

Wes, are you getting better than 5 Hz with the cellular connection?

I'm with Adam. I occasionally see 6hz but normally floats between 3 and 5. Stays closer to 5.

 

[Adam]

I've not had it quite a full month yet and I don't use it every day but I'd say the data usage is small. Seems to sip data, just like on the RTN.

Thats what I see too.


Last week I was tying panel points 10 miles from my base, set up in a secure location. I checked in to geodetic control at 53,000 feet from the base, my shots fit under a tenth in all directions. I'm planning to make a post to show some of these observations and values at some point when I have time.

Awesome!

 

[Jim Campi]

Have you considered using the cellular radio in the LS? I suppose there is nothing to prohibit transmitting at the base via CDMA (Verizon) and receiving at the LS via GSM (AT&T). The option is $1,000 through Javad.

 

[Wes Cole]

Not around here Jim, AT&T sucks in this area. Plus $1000 vs the $160 I have in a MIFI with the beefed up battery is a no-brainer!

 

[Jim Campi]

Thanks Wes. I am going to set this up as well.

 

[Adam]

Jim, Verizon was hard to deal with when I tried to get my static ip. It took almost 8 hrs on the phone with them. Wes has a contact that knows what is needed. I would recommend talking to him or maybe you know someone.

 

[Jim Campi]

Thanks Adam. I've been around the block with them in the past and it isn't pleasant.

 

[Wes Cole]

Jim,

Send an email to j DOT wes DOT cole AT gmail DOT com and I'll forward my contact at Verizon's information to you. It took him less than an hour to get me the static IP and a new MIFI on the way.

Anyone else that wants this contact information feel free to email me and I'll pass along. I don't feel comfortable posting his # on the forum page. I've discussed referring folks to him to get this set up and he's very willing to help.

 

[Jim Campi]

10-4, thanks Wes!

 

[Wes Cole]

Let me know how long it lasts, I need one.

Since a full charge middle of last week I've only used the mifi at the base for about 3 hours. The battery meter still shows it full. Before the beefy battery it'd be showinog around half or a tic over half with 3 hours use.