AVTEX 994X MOBILE INTERNET - Review and full installation

[@caravanstuff2827]

Brilliant post... covers everything I need to know about this gizmo in a clear and concise professional presentation...I suspect you have a career in public speaking or PR!!!.❤️🇬🇧

[@DTSquared]

Thanks I'm really glad you found it usefull. Long career in software development but I've written lots of technical manuals and given a lot of demonstrations so that's probably rubbed off 😀

[@theCaravanMartins]

We use EE in the caravan and I agree, 90-95% of the time, EE gets a good signal in rural CLs. Three is not too bad either. My work mobile is O2 and most of the time, they’re not the best. I’m also thinking of removing the tv aerial. It’s already using a hole and the cupboard has 12v provision for the signal booster. My no.1 priority on the tv is to stream. I don’t find the analog tv signal great and most of the time, don’t plug it into the tv.

[@DTSquared]

I think our experiments match yours in terms of network coverage. I was also seriously considering taking the TV aerial off as we don't use it, but the radio which is linked to the TV aerial. We only use the radio occasionally but don't want to miss out on the chance to extended our holiday by missing the nuclear attack transmissions ! :-)

[@philipwilliams3674]

Thanks for the great vid. Had my Avtex installed by engineers authorised to deal with warranty work on my new Bailey Pamplona. Seemed to work well but the Govivo SIM on o2 seemed poor on various sites. I now have a Three SIM as I researched all the sites we are visiting this year and they came out the strongest. Both our mobiles are on o2 so have a back up. Look forward to future vids.

[@DTSquared]

Thanks Philip, glad you liked it. I'm locked into O2 as it is a work phone, but the service/signal is consistently worse than my wife's EE connection. Our van is almost out of warranty, so we had it serviced a bit early, which found no damp, so I wasn't then concerned about any alleged warranty infringement. Totally understand where you're coming from if it's a newer van though. Interestingly, the engineer said that they hardly check for damp above floor level as everything else is metal or plastic.

[@barryjeffries2067]

Great video. I’m wanting to put wi fi into my caravan and been looking at the Avtex . Looks good for the money

[@DTSquared]

Glad you liked the video. There are one or two popular kits that are a bit less, and lower cost options such as buying the parts yourself (see my other WiFi video). But overall I think the Avtex is a reasonable price for a low hassle option from a well known supplier.

[@wobby1516]

I’ve a similar system but not Avtex been using mine for a number of years and it works well cost £160.

[@DTSquared]

Yes there are several other similar kits around, I mentioned a few in my other video on mobile internet solutions. Functionaly they are all pretty similar, differences are in the detailed specifications and quality. And also of course known vs unknown brands and whether they are available from retail dealers. I think the lowest similar kit I found was just under £200 which if yours is a few years old is probably about the same price allowing for inflation.

[@steveshephard2961]

Thanks for doing this. I'm about to get the bailey adamo, which apparently comes with wi-fi wiring already installed, so hopefully I'll have an easier time with it!

[@DTSquared]

You're welcome, glad you found it helpful. It would be interesting to know what the pre installed wiring for the adamo is like.

[@LifeUnfilteredwithDale]

Brilliant video and very informative. 👍

[@DTSquared]

Thank you, glad it helped.

[@TheCaravanGoodLife]

Thanks for this video. Really informative and loved the tips about metered connections. Did you consider any other products e.g. Falcon, Motorhome WiFi, Maxview etc. And if you did, what made you go for the Avtex?

[@DTSquared]

I'm glad you found the video helpful. I did look at most of the options available including those that you have mentioned. Avtex was one of the biggest and well known brands so that was a significant factor. (especially, being honest, that I was going to review it.) It also came in at the low to mid point in terms of the pricing. Though the Kuma products "Connect Pro" was about £100 less, some other good reviews, but had a smaller antenna and less well known brand. One or two of the better known models were significantly more expensive because they included installation. I wanted to install it myself, partly to video it but also at least one I think you had to drive to their location to have it installed. Overall the Avtex seemed the best to review as it was average price and most easily accessible to both me and other potential buyers. Regardless of whether they wanted to install it themselves or have the dealer fit it. Hope that helps. Dave

[@TheCaravanGoodLife]

@DTSquared thanks for that. I've been looking at building a custom solution but a branded package like Avtex has a lot going for it and should be adequate for my needs 👍

[@VanDerek-vh8zi]

Great vid thanks for the heads up on phone wifi data setting and fire stick device setting. Looking at the Avtex AMR985 for our van as happy with 4g and at later date could upgrade router to 5g as ariel is 5g ready. Keep the vid's coming

[@DTSquared]

Thankyou I'm really glad you found it helpful.

[@arjr1961]

Great video! I’m new to all this. I’m close to beginning a camper van conversion. I’m in the U.S. and having trouble finding a similar router and antenna package like the AVTEX in the video. Do you, or anyone else know any U.S. based companies?

[@mailbox1016]

How did you connect the power and obviously power needs to be on at the main panel if you set up any cameras so if in storage would it flatten your battery?

[@DTSquared]

I added an additional 12v car style socket in the cupboard next to the WiFi router cupboard. This was branched off of another existing socket and used cable fused and rated to carry more than enough current for the router. In terms of running cameras I haven't got around to trying this yet, though it is on my list of projects for the future. Running security cameras whilst in storage would be a challenge in terms of power unless there is sufficient solar to top uk the battery. Especially in the winter months. My initial plan is to look at running cameras when the van is left on site (I.e. when on holiday).

[@DebbieShort]

Really good informative video, thank you 😊 We have an Auto Sleeper Camper Van, that came with the Avtex AMR 985 router. We have a 3 SIM card, which is actually for a mobile phone, but has unlimited data and also has 56 days of use in Europe. Currently in Italy, trying to work out why our wi-fi does not work…. As we intend to travel more in Europe, I will definitely be investigating a better SIM, with more coverage. Possibly getting a monthly SIM PAYG for Europe?? Would be interesting if you could cover more info on the FireStick and what to do when you can’t get Internet. Also, what was the spray you used to clean your caravan roof? Many Thanks!!

[@DTSquared]

Hi Debbie, We had similar issues with a pay as you go sim in Germany. You will likely need to enable data roaming on your 3 contracy/sim. You should be able to do this through the 3 website. The avtex also needs to be set to allow roaming but this is usually already on. One issue with the roaming setting we found was that when you try and use the sim abroad the Web page gets redirected to a page where it tells you you are abroad and offers you the option to turn on roaming (and usually pay for it). This redirect often doesn't work on mobile phones or things like firesticks. If you have a laptop with you, then try and connect with that. And you then get the redirect page. Alternatively, turn on roaming before you go abroad. Or try and find the page within the 3 website using another device. Hope that helps Dave PS I cleaned the roof with a product call iCanValet bug and grime remover. They recommend NOT to use solvents on composite caravan roofs.

[@DebbieShort]

@@DTSquared many thanks, that’s really helpful 😊

[@JohnFlynn-x1t]

Great video, am thinking of buying this same exact model. Can I ask how are you powering the unit, have you tapped into your 12v supply ? Also I've noticed something about "battery life" can the unit actually work for a given time with no 12/24v supply ?

[@DTSquared]

Thanks I'm glad you liked it. The unit doesn't have any internal battery so if the van's 12v system is turned off the the router will turn off and you will have no WiFi. There are some portable hotspot devices that do have internal batteries but they tend to also have internal antennas. I discuss them in my video about offgrid Internet options. I have the unit plugged into a car lighter socket in the van. There wasn't one close to where I wanted to mount the unit so I added a socket in my case. Hope that helps Dave

[@stevep.8706]

Thank you for this video. I am using the older Avtex AMR 985 model with a 5G unlimited EE SM but, I can’t find anywhere to buy just the latest AMR 994 router on its own. Any ideas? Cheers 👍😊

[@pinkbsl7972]

Really good video thank you 😀

[@DTSquared]

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@Bilbo56]

I would always change your Wi-Fi user ID and password from the default and I’m in the SSID change that as well

[@DTSquared]

Yes password was changed just didn't cover it in the video. But thanks for pointing it out for others.

[@andrewstewart5281]

I’ve just had one of these installed. Struggling to work out how to install a VPN configuration on it. Have you managed to do that and, if so, would you consider doing a video on it?

[@DTSquared]

Hi Andrew, I haven't set up a VPN on the Avtex yet, may do in the future and if so will make a video of the process. There is a video of this on the prior model on the Trudgeons' channel here kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3SxhpWIm8ycfLcsi=G1m750XYI_Fra63J Hope that helps.

[@stevep.8706]

Thanks for this video. Do you know where I can buy just the AMR 994 router as I already have an AMR985 with a 5G SIM?

[@DTSquared]

I don't think Avtex supply the router on its own and to be honest if you already have a 985 then there's no real technical benefit of "upgrading" to the 994 since it is almost identical in terms of features. Avtex's new AMR104X would be an upgrade since it supports 5G and has a built in LED display to monitor it. But again they don't seem to sell it on its own which is a real disappointment.

[@stevep.8706]

@@DTSquared Thank you for the information. I believe the AMR104X uses a different antenna to the one supplied with the AMR985.

[@derekholcroft]

Could you have removed the TV aerial and used that hole?

[@DTSquared]

I did consider that. We never use our TV so we don't require the aerial for that. But on our van the same aerial is used for the radio which we do occasionally use.

[@TheNikkinoo1]

HELP ..... static on popular park , fantastic , but .... can get a phone signal so no WiFi and the kids won't go anymore because THERE BORED , in simple terms please , what do I need ? Have unlimited data with Vodafone as seems to have best signal but not stable ? Starlink charge a fortune . Can you mix and match antennas and routers ?

[@DTSquared]

If you are in a static caravan that you are renting then putting something like the Avtex on the roof probably isn't an option. Your best best will be something temporary, that may include getting a different SIM during your stay. I covered all the options for getting good WiFi from basic low cost to fitted more expensive systems like the Avtex in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppe0lKuAi8eIqck Hope it helps.

[@TheNikkinoo1]

Hi , thankyou for the reply . I bought it for family but the kids get bored . I've spent hours trying to find what I need .

[@anthonysharp4404]

Do your sim cards click into the slots?

[@DTSquared]

As in lock in place? I think so from memory but I'm not near the unit to test it. I use SD slots so often that I'm pretty sure I'd have noticed if it didn't. I have had other SD card slots where it clicks in place and will auto eject when pressed, BUT it is also possible to just pull the card out.

[@KarenSavery-im5bt]

Hi, did you manage to resolve this? We cannot get ours to work and are not convinced that the SIM card is in the right way round or has clicked in far enough. Thanks for any help.

[@anthonysharp4404]

@KarenSavery-im5bt Hi, I can confirm the sims need to click into place. Insert the cut corner in first with the chip facing the middle of the router and give a firm push until you feel it click.

[@KarenSavery-im5bt]

@@anthonysharp4404 Thank you so much, did not realise that it had to go in lower than the router surface but used my nail and now clicked in fully. We’ve only been trying 2 hours to get this working 😂😂

[@grahambeaumont4582]

Hi what app are you using with the avtex

[@DTSquared]

Hi @grahambeaumont4582 there's no app as such for the Avtex. The only use of an app is to make configuration changes and they are all done by connecting to the Avtex via its local web page (Routers present themselves as mini web servers so no connection to the internet is required). This can be done from any device that's connected to the WiFi using the device's browser such as Chrome, Edge etc. You can do this from a mobile phone but a tablet or PC/laptop is easier due to the screen size. The web address for the router is in the manual (and on the label as well if I remember correctly) but it's usually something like 192.168.1.1 Hope that helps

[@LifeUnfilteredwithDale]

Aren't the EE pay as you go Sims speed capped at 25mb?

[@DTSquared]

Yes it is capped at 25mb and also does not support 5G. The cap is a contractual one rather than technical so in a location with signal strength capable of over 25mb with our EE PAYG sim we should get 25mb which is adequate for us. The cost increase to get a contract sim would be considerable based on cost per nights away annually. Always a balancing act, but thanks for pointing it out as I forgot to mention it in video.

[@LifeUnfilteredwithDale]

@@DTSquared You're welcome. I really want to try EE in my router but the cap put me off. I am currently trying out a Lyca SIM as it uses EE and so far no cap. 👍

[@anthonysharp4404]

Is it easy to extend the power supply and can you connect it to the mains switch of the van?

[@Bilbo56]

Your download speed should always be faster than your upload so please be aware that it will probably be the Avtex because you’re closer to it is giving you a better faster upload speed

[@DTSquared]

Download is typically faster but not always. In this case the download speed was capped at 25mb because it was an EE PAYG sim.

[@phoenix-_-1983]

Drilling through my roof gives me the fear lol

[@DTSquared]

🤣 I know what you mean, but when you consider the size of all the other holes, this one is pretty small.

[@karlcammish9663]

You should of use siklaflex around the fitting to prevent water ingress and keep your warranty

[@DTSquared]

I spoke to Avtex and the installation instructions don't recommend additional sealant. There are effectively two water barriers, the rubber seal and then a two or three inches lateral surface of 3M bonding pad. So I doubt a couple of mm of silkaflex would give much additional protection. And potentially would be a reason to say the instalation was not according to manufacturers instructions. In terns of warranty its already expired.

[@karlcammish9663]

@@DTSquaredI see what they saying. But I would still use it.