I have a Montana 3455SA.
I have a cradlepoint CTR500 router on my desk.
I have a Verizon USB760 attached to the router.
I have a new desktop PC on the desk and it's wired directly to the router via the ethernet port.
I have a new laptop that usually gets used on the dining room table that gets its wireless signal from the router.
The router usually shows 3 out of 4 bars but sometimes drops to 2, or even down to 1 for no apparant reason. Maybe it's the barometric pressure.
This is while we're sitting in one spot in a campground and sometimes, while travelling on the road, the signal from the aircard just dissapears. That's usually in desolate or very rural areas so I can understand that loss.
Anyway, even under the best circumstances, I seem to be getting weak signals, particularly on the laptop, that seem to be restricting my download/upload speeds. In recent tests, I've been getting 0.54 Mb/s download and 0.18 Mb/s upload with a ping of 370 ms.
Anyway, whether this is average or awful, I'm interested in boosting signal strength and have been looking at systems from 3Gstore.com and WPSantennas.com.
Considering the configuration of the Montana 3455SA, an antenna cable passed through the kitchen slideout flanges seems to fit the bill but then I run into technical geekery problems. I like the idea of the 3Gstore Shorty RV Through-Roof Antenna since I'd greatly reduce wiring and it would be permanent. My concern, of course, would be possible leakage but I know I could seal it adequatly with the right compound. I also like the 3Gstore Omni External Antenna but am at a little loss as to where I could mount it on or near the slide. Suggestions and opinions welcome.
I also hear a lot about attaching an antenna to the rear ladder but would have to get an extension cable to do that and, how do I run and attach that cable from the kitchen slide to the rear of the RV?
Another option would be a magnetic mount but that would involve gluing a metal sheet somewhere on the RV.
Finally, I've heard great things about an in-line Direct Connect 3 Watt Amplifier. However, at anywhere from $230-$280 it seems a bit pricey and was wondering if it actually enhanced the signal dramatically from just using an external antenna.
Remember, I'm trying to find solutions for my particular model of Montana but, any input from Montana owners in general is sure to be helpful.
Paul