Wireless antenna for Iraq
 

One of my sons is stationed in Iraq. Until recently we were able to communicate with him via Skype (wonderful!) Now the army (in its infinite wisdom) has switched from a wired internet connection for the soldiers to wireless. Unfortunately, they live in metal containerized housing units (CHUs) and can't get the wireless signals. They could sit outside, but when they have free time it is usually 130 degrees!

I understand there is some sort of antenna you can buy to pick up the signal from inside. My son decided (without checking with us or his wife!) not to buy one because they are expensive. I want to buy one and send it to him but don't know what to buy.

I went to Best Buy but they don't sell it because they are usually used for illegally picking up signals from neighbors. All his wife knows is that is is an antenna "thingy". I'd ask him ... but he doesn't have an internet connection anymore.

Does anyone know for sure what I should buy? Are they illegal? thanks for any help.

[bump] No answers? any ideas about to else to ask?

might try calling Cenrtal Florida help Desk. THey are Know alot about computers and all. They might help you.

http://cflhelpdesk.com/
352-314-3855

Linda,

I think what you may be looking for is a Wireless Signal Booster Antenna. I have never had one, nor do I pretend to know anything about them.

However, we had an RV (which we recently sold after buying in TV) and I remembered reading about them on one of the RV forums. Looking at one of the forums today, I see that one place comes highly recommended for this type of thing. The site is:
http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=index

Now, this is all Greek to me, but maybe if you call them and explain what you're looking for they can help.

Hope this helps to put you on the right path and not some wild goose chase.

Wishing you many more Skype calls with that wonderful son of yours!
Dianne

Linda - please let us know if there is anything we can do. Does this mean the campaign to donate old cell phones to the soldiers will no longer be active or needed?

Thanks, gmoney and oatmealgirls, but alas still no luck. The 3gstore said they didn't sell those kinds of things and even if they did weren't sure they could ship to an APO address since they don't ship overseas. CFHelp desk said the only things they knew about would need to be installed on the Army side and would be prohibitively expensive.

I think we have more than a few bummed out soldiers and families. It is hard to give up the contact once you've gotten used to it.

I just have no idea, Conn. I'm not sure that all the bases have switched systems, and I'm not sure it has effected cell phones.

Linda,

Try this site: http://www.wifi-link.com/

I would contact them and see what they say. They have some really powerful receiving antennas available.

Bob

Just thought about this, had forgotten we had it at work. We utilize Nextel alot. They have signal problems as it is, but not to help matters any we have a tin roof over the building. So it is hard to get a signal in the office and strong consistent one anyway. We had them install a wireless antenna booster about 4 years ago. This is kind of what you are talking about.
There is a senser mounted in the panels of our ceiling tiles. It is alittle bit bigger than a Hockey Puck. It runs to a antenna on the out side of the bulding. But it does not work like they said. It was expensive and not something you would carry around.
The military might be using something they have that is similar. Also there are different type of signal boosters. try this link..

http://www.powerfulsignal.com/

http://www.accessorygeeks.com/uniantennas.html


Also you would want to check to make sure his Command would approve of something like that if you bought it. Basing on his location in the world, might be a security issue also. Just a thought..

Darn! That is very disappointing to hear that neither of these places could help.

Understandable about being bummed out without being able to skype. Are there other military families that you or your daughter-in-law know of who have gotten the antenna that you could contact?

Maybe it's time to snail mail your son to find out exactly what he didn't buy and let him know that it's non-negotiable, you're sending him the money to get it. (tough love:-)

Keep us posted please, all of you are in our thoughts.

Did you ever find the right wireless antenna?
 

Just curious to hear if you were able to find one? Have you found a way to communicate with your son again? Hope so!