When we bought the Data-Link, we paid over $200 and we were
skeptical as to whether we would use it enough to justify the
cost. We had no idea how much we would use it!
This is not a portable phone, but rather, a portable phone
LINE. The rechargeable remote unit simply has a
wall jack built into it. We have our computer and a
normal phone attached to this remote unit inside our motorhome.
Whenever we are parked where there is a phone line nearby,
we simply bring the other half of the Data-Link to where the
phone is and plug it in. Then, we can go back to our rig
and download our Email, and even make some calls if we want
to. Panasonic claims that the Data-Link is limited to a
28.8 kbps connection, but we have connected at speeds up to 44
kbps when the reception was exceptional. You'll get as
low as 14.4 kbps or even lower if there are a lot of
obstructions in the way between you and the other half of the
Data-Link. Most of the time, we have been very satisfied
with the connection.
Sometimes, we are just at a service station or a campground
and we only have a few minutes because the owner is doing us a
favor. Other times, we are at a relative's home where we
plan to visit for a week or more, and we have a phone line in
our rig the entire time without having to string any long
extension cords. When we were volunteering at a
Children's Camp recently, we were able to put our Data-Link in the window
of the nearby "Tradin' Post" (the camp's store)
which enabled us to download our E-mail whenever we
wished! We could surf the web too, but we waited until
after-hours so we would not tie up the phone line during the
day. One time we were a very long way from a phone line
which we wanted to connect to. It was across a small
stream. In order to get a decent connection, we
stretched our our telephone extension cords all the way to the
edge of the water, and placed the Data-Link on a little stool
with a plastic bag over it (it was raining cats and
dogs). We had a great connection! Sometimes it is
just the challenge that makes it fun.
The Data-Link is not a perfect device. It does not
always give you a good connection. The distance range is
easily shortened by obstructions such as other RVs, walls, and
fences. It uses 900 Megahertz technology, so it is
capable of fairly long distances when there are little or no
obstructions. We have had reception that was shaky at
only 250 feet (this was next to a metal building) and we have
had times when we were at least 3 football fields away and the
connection was great. If you can have a "line of
sight" connection, such as both halves of the unit in
windows which have no structures in between, you will have the
most impressive results. Also, changing the angle of the
remote (battery powered) unit can make a world of difference
when you are far away. There is a little light that is red when there is no signal,
and it turns amber when the signal is good enough for
data. When you turn the remote unit on, it searches for
the signal from the other half and it will beep and flash that
red light if it can't find the signal.
We
liked our Data-Link so well that we decided to buy a bunch of
them when we found a wholesale price. They are not made
by Panasonic anymore, so there are very few available. NOTE:
RIGHT NOW WE HAVE A VERY LIMITED SUPPLY.
The price is $165 including shipping and handling. There
is a one year parts and labor warranty from Panasonic.
If you would like to purchase a unit, or if you have more
questions, please contact us.
The
Wireless Data Link
EMAIL US