Untangling The ‘Net – Part II
King Of The Roam
By combining digital and analogue capabilities, the
CellFlex™ PC Card keeps RVers cruising along the information highway.
by Peggi McDonald
The Internet is a powerful and fascinating tool that we’ve become accustomed to using as a source for instant information, entertainment and communication. Because of its convenience the Internet is a perfect solution for RVers on the move who want to stay in touch with the world and the folks at home.
When we RVers are connected to a landline telephone either in our homes or at a campground, we find it so very convenient to be in contact with the world. However, the problems begin when we leave the comfort of a stationary lifestyle. Most RVers on the move learn how to use and cope with pay phones, message services, calling cards, cell phones, etc. Learning about (and coping with) the Internet is a different story.
To have that connection, we must find a modem (phone jack) to connect our laptops. Since we can’t travel down the road with a landline attached to our RVs, we must rely on hookups at campgrounds, truck stops, airports and business supply stores such as Kinko’s, Radio Shack, Office Depot, etc. to provide available modems. Cyber cafés and city libraries throughout North America have computers available for use (no laptops) either for free or for a nominal cost. The post offices in Canada’s eastern provinces also have desktop computers available at no charge. Unfortunately, as great as these options are, none of them allow us to connect in the comfort of our homes on wheels.
Various solutions to connect to the ’Net keep surfacing but these are either very expensive or highly inadequate. Many operate well in specific populated areas but this is not generally where campgrounds (and RVers) are located. Compounding the problem is that we move from place-to-place and connections are frequently less than perfect. Even the specialized satellites that have recently come onto the market are not yet working as expected. The bottom line is that the majority of RVers still rely on cell phones to connect their laptops to the ‘Net. And, the reality is that the way things stand, wireless communication is still only functional near large cities and at a great cost.
Yes, cell phone connections can be improved by using an exterior antenna and/or cellular boosters but dead air zones still exist. Companies that sell dual mode phones also advertise cell phone adapters designed to connect laptops to cell phones that in turn pick up data transmissions, but again these only connect in digital service areas. As much hype as there is about digital service, this type of transmission is still unavailable in the majority of service zones unless, again, you are in a highly populated area. Unfortunately RVers usually travel in areas away from metropolitan communities. For us, analogue service rules.
Most of today’s cell phones operate in both analogue and digital coverage areas, but until a company called Ositech Communications (headquartered in Guelph, Ontario) recently introduced a technology called CellFlex, we were limited to accessing data messaging in analogue areas or in digital areas, but not either/or. You had to decide if you wanted the slower but more reliable analog connections or the limited yet faster and clearer digital service.
Analog service has been around longer and coverage is more widely available than digital service, although some metropolitan areas operate on both systems. The few PCMCIA modems (see Untangling The Net in the October issue) on the market only work if your phone is operating in analogue mode. With some companies, when a phone is manually shifted to analog service, usage costs for the phone company increases; your company may or may not pass these extra fees onto you. As a result, the majority of late model cell phones no longer allow manual switching to analog; they will only change modes when digital service is unavailable.
Since the launch of Ositech’s King of Clubs CellFlex PC Card, cell phone users can now receive and send e-mail, surf the ‘Net and access all facets of the Internet in both types of coverage areas without the hassle of switching when the signal changes. As a bonus, depending on your phone and the functions and capabilities of your computer, you can also send a fax. For optimum service your phone must include a 'digital data' service plan with your cellular service provider.
The CellFlex King of Clubs PC Card allows RVers to get online while on the road with a “2 in 1” complete connectivity solution. The kit includes a set-up CD, a connection cord, the CellFlex King of Clubs PC Card, and a guidebook. While using a laptop, a hand-held computer such as a Compaq iPaq or other similar devices equipped with a PC Card slot, along with the installed CellFlex card and a dual mode cell phone, connections become possible and signals are freely interchangeable in both analogue and digital cellular coverage areas. We RVers can now roam freely along North America’s highways and on the information superhighway.
You still need a cell phone and that can cost you, but if you use a One-Rate or Real Time plan (long distance, roaming and air time), it isn’t even necessary to set-up another dial-up location (if you remember from last issue, another dial-up location is established to avoid long-distance costs). And because Ositech’s CellFlex technology is also a forward-looking solution, it will not become obsolete a month after you install it the King of Clubs PC Card. The CellFlex is not only compatible with today’s mobile phones, but it also looks towards compatibility with upcoming phones implementing emerging wireless technologies. At this time Ositech’s CellFlex ‘2 in 1 PC Card’ is compatible with Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP and NT 4.0. It connects most Nokia or Motorola dual mode cellular phones to your laptop. Numerous additional phones are compatible but each has to be assessed individually.
The simple installation process of this amazing PC Card software begins by using the Ositech Installation Wizard (on the CD). After installation, a Cellular Diagnostic Wizard takes over to ascertain that your computer hardware and all drivers are set up correctly. When this has been done you insert the card, connect the cellular cable from your computer to the phone and test the system by entering the prescribed connection number. The Ositech Applications Configuration Wizard takes you through the steps to verify compatible communications. It’s that easy and before you know it, your wireless cellular data/fax services are ready for operation.
If you do experience any problems you can consult the Troubleshooting or Hints and Tips sections in the Set-up Guide; instructions are detailed for each style of phone. If that doesn’t answer your questions you can call Technical Support at 1-888-OSITECH (1-888-674-8324), ext. 401 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, or e-mail
support@ositech.com. A five-year warranty period covers both material and labour.
Recently John and I began testing Ositech’s King of Clubs PC Card on a two-day mini test. Longer tests will continue in November on our way south. As yet I do not subscribe to digital data service on my phone (definitely a necessity) but this amazing card connected my computer to the Internet in analogue mode and worked like a charm on the first day. It was a clear night and I was able to obtain a good cellular data connection. Anything I wanted on the Internet was promptly available; no, it wasn’t as fast as a landline but definitely a joy to work with. However, on the second day my service was limited and although I did connect, my speed was much slower and I was disconnected frequently. I thought we were back to square one.
After talking with Ositech’s Tech Support, we determined that the problem was most likely due to the cellular network being taxed that day, perhaps as a result of increased traffic. And since I have not yet subscribed to a digital data plan, my data service was limited to analogue, which can sometimes mean slower and less reliable connections.
As great as the CellFlex PC Card is, it won’t solve all of your problems. You still must have sufficient phone minutes to support Internet usage. If you are planning to surf the ‘Net with your cell phone and will be travelling away from home, a North American One-Rate or Real Time (roaming, long distance and air time included in one fee) usage plan would be advantageous. The charges for these plans begin at approximately $75.00 (Cdn.) for 250 minutes while in the U.S. Depending on your phone company there are plans that offer an increase of minutes (at a cost) to approximately 1500 or 1600 minutes. Domestic (Canada-wide) plans begin at $50.00 (Cdn.).
Now for the news you’ve been waiting for – the cost to connect with CellFlex. Connection kits for dual mode phones and your computer (digital only) are as follows:
Bell Mobility – Digital data can run up to $125.00 (Cdn.), and
Rogers AT & T – Portage Kit $85.00 (Cdn.).
When deciding on any plan, remember that in many areas of this continent connections are only possible with analogue service. Ositech’s CellFlex King of Clubs PC Card sells for approximately $200.00 (Cdn.) and it works in both analogue and digital coverage areas. Refer to the company’s comprehensive website at
www.ositech.com for specific info about where to buy and at what price. Prices do differ so it pays to shop around.
If your laptop does not have an internal modem, Ositech also provides a card that includes a modem with their exclusive CellFlex technology. Called the King of Hearts, this PC Card sells for approximately $300.00 Cdn.
This is the second part on our roaming series that started with Untangling the ‘Net featured in October’s RV gazette. In the next issue we will talk about hand-held devices that allow you to stay in touch when roaming far from home.
Many thanks to Rehana Dhirani, Marketing Associate of Ositech Communications Inc., for her patience and sense of humour. Without her valuable assistance we would still be lost in a maze of technical information.
