alternative to SwitchBox?

[Badger]

I have a switchbox and it is a solid product, but I am looking for another option. I came across these products from US Cellular. I'm sure other providers have similar options.

First a mobile hotspot to get internet to hangar:
https://www.uscellular.com/devices/mobile-hotspots/zte-unite-3.html?productId=prod4190141&customer-type=nc&skuType=financing&transactionType=addLine&monthsSelect=null&filters={"category":["hotspot"]}

then a Wifi switch to activate the heater:
https://www.uscellular.com/uscellul...s.jsp?productId=prod5310156&openShopping=true


The upfront cost is under $100. Monthly cost to my existing plan is $10. they currently require a 2 year commitment, which I am not fond of. SwitchBox is approx $300.

the positive: I could also add other WiFi devices such as camera, door lock, etc. They have an app that allows user to fully control the connected device.

Thoughts?

 

[Tampico Trauma]

I have a switchbox and it is a solid product, but I am looking for another option. I came across these products from US Cellular. I'm sure other providers have similar options.

First a mobile hotspot to get internet to hangar:
https://www.uscellular.com/devices/mobile-hotspots/zte-unite-3.html?productId=prod4190141&customer-type=nc&skuType=financing&transactionType=addLine&monthsSelect=null&filters={"category":["hotspot"]}

then a Wifi switch to activate the heater:
https://www.uscellular.com/uscellul...s.jsp?productId=prod5310156&openShopping=true


The upfront cost is under $100. Monthly cost to my existing plan is $10. they currently require a 2 year commitment, which I am not fond of. SwitchBox is approx $300.

the positive: I could also add other WiFi devices such as camera, door lock, etc. They have an app that allows user to fully control the connected device.

Thoughts?

The bandwidth for the mobile hotspot will be shiatty for any kind of video. An external antenna outside of the big aluminum/steel box could help.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Badger]

I thought of that too.
My cell phone (same provider) has great video inside the hangar. So I was thinking the mobile hotspot would be similar?

 

[hotprops]

i just gave a key to the hangar to the fbo works every time

 

[murphey]

There are a number of sites on the web (go google) that have directons for creating your own version of the switchbox. What you're looking for is the GSM remote control switch. After you get the chip/board, then go get the cables, antenna, the box to put everything in, a SIM card for your favorite cell service and assemble. The software is sending an SMS message to the box. Advantage - you can create as many connection as you like. If you're interested in doing that, have fun. I thought about it, estimated the cost was under $100 but then remembered I do software, not hardware, and ordered the switchbox a few years ago.

By the way, as interesting as his new 4G version is, I don't need it. my t-mobile 2G version works just fine.

 

[citizen5000]

There are two products other than Switchbox that allow remote activation of a power outlet. You can buy them on Aircraft Spruce. They are called U-Phone-It and Regal Pro. U-Phone-It has 1000w per plug and is $292 plus $10 a quarter for 4G service.

 

[kyleb]

I've bought a couple of GSM remote control switches. I couldn't get the first one to work. The directions were horrible chinglish, and I suspect they had omitted one of the initial steps. The second one is sitting on a shelf around here somewhere waiting for my lazy arse to try it out.