We recommend installing the Insty Connect antenna outside whenever possible, to increase the chances of picking up a better cell signal, which usually leads to a better internet connection.
Some notes for installing on your RV:
- The AngelWings/Cloud wings MUST be vertical at all times to avoid water entering the modem housing.
- Do NOT install the wings on a collapsable antenna mast that will 'lay down' when in the parked position.
- Avoid places near large metal objects that may obstruct the antenna Stay at least 18 inches away from these objects.
- RV Air Conditioners
- Satellite dishes or 'bubbles'
- Avoid placing your Insty Connect near the output portion of your Air Conditioner.
- The Air conditioner puts off hot exhaust that may overheat the Insty Connect antenna. (see the pic in #5 below, the antenna is actually too close to the rear of the air conditioner)
- Orient your Insty Connect Antenna so it 'cuts' the wind, not catch the wind as you drive.
- Be sure to mount your post with screws and fully waterproof the mount section of the post. Please see this pic:
- We recommend placing Dicor sealant around the flat portion of the mount post after it's been screwed into the roof deck.
- We do not recommend double stick mounting your mount post directly to a rubber roof surface as it may rip up your rubber roof.
- ALWAYS use provided zip ties (or strong zip ties) to secure your AngelWings/CloudWings antenna to the mount post. The screws are meant for temporary hold only.
Finding a good location to install your Insty Connect.
Personally I like having my Insty Connect near the rear ladder of my RV. That way I can gain access to the antenna to switch out SIM cards, remove the modem module to use in the binoculars, etc.
I tell folks to find a good location for your router inside, and go up from there.
Here is an example of a travel trailer install:
We found a location in the back bunk room that had a cabinet that we could either place on the shelf, or in the cabinet itself.
There was an outlet above that provided power for the router. This particular travel trailer has an extensive solar system, so there is always power to the 120v outlets.
In most cases I recommend powering the router with 12v coach power. In some cases, you may be able to find 12v continuous power in nearby cabinets, light fixtures, switches, cigarette outlets, etc. Ask your RV dealer or service tech to help you find 12v power to run to your router.
We drilled a hole in the roof and passed the USB cable up and used DICOR to seal the hole.
After letting our mount post DICOR dry, we coiled the cable around the mount post. This allows us to have left over cable so we can lift the wings up higher, or connect to our set of binoculars.
If you are in a very low signal area, lifting your Antenna higher up can help, or you can change out your Wings for our Binoculars or SwitchBlade Antenna:
