We all get frustrated at the lack of poor mobile coverage once we get away from the major centres – especially when we rely on it for our internet. Like anything relying on wireless signals, its all about signal strength – and the best way to increase signal strength is with a good quality antenna.

We recently did some testing with an 18 DBi mobile antenna mounted on the car, hooked into a little router to create a wireless hotspot (powered off the car charger). In Port Augusta, as expected, signal was great. All the way to Quorn we had constant strong signal – even through Pichi Richi – and internet was great (for everyone except the driver of course!)  Between Quorn and Hawker there is normally a massive dead spot where you can’t even get an SMS through – we fluctuated a little but could always keep flicking through articles on the Register and get Facebook updates. Then came the real test – Parachilna. We dropped down as low as -100dBm, but could still get email through. Not far up the road we got in range of the Mount Scott tower that services Leigh Creek and could check the bank for fuel and food funds. It only got better from there into Leigh Creek.

So by simply adding an antenna and router for ~$800, we now have mobile internet all the way up the Flinders Ranges. Next test will be out to Marree – stay tuned!