A Wi-Fi backup camera is only as useful as the signal reaching your phone. The ReadyVision 30 ft. Antenna Extension is a WiFi camera antenna extension made for the ReadyVision Heavy-Duty Wi-Fi Camera (RVWIFI-HD). It lets you move the antenna up to 30 feet away from the camera body, which is handy on long trailers, RVs and large equipment. Below we cover what the part is, where it helps and how to route the cable cleanly.
What the 30 ft. antenna extension is
This is the same antenna that comes standard in the ReadyVision RV WiFi Camera Kit. In that kit's contents it is listed as a 30 ft. omnidirectional shielded cable with 7 dBi antenna, part VWODS-ANT7. Sold separately, it lets owners of the standalone Heavy-Duty camera add the same setup.
- Fits: ReadyVision Heavy-Duty Wi-Fi Camera (RVWIFI-HD)
- Cable length: 30 ft., shielded
- Antenna: 7 dBi omnidirectional (as listed in the RV kit contents)
- Part number: VWODS-ANT7
Why use a WiFi camera antenna extension?
The ReadyVision Heavy-Duty WiFi Camera is rated for a 100 ft. digital wireless range. In the real world, any Wi-Fi signal is affected by what sits between the transmitter and the receiver. Steel trailer walls, grain bin sheet metal, equipment frames and long distances can all weaken a signal. An extension cable lets you keep the camera where the view is best while placing the antenna where it has a clearer path to your phone or tablet. That is general radio know-how, not a guaranteed range increase, but it is the reason this part is included in the RV kit.
Where the antenna extension is useful
- Travel trailers and fifth wheels: camera at the rear, antenna routed forward toward the tow vehicle.
- Heavy equipment: camera on the back of a machine, antenna positioned up high or closer to the cab.
- Grain bins and storage facilities: camera aimed at the loading point, antenna placed outside a metal structure so drivers can connect.
Routing tips for the antenna cable
These general tips apply to most antenna cable installs:
- Plan the route before mounting anything, and make sure 30 ft. reaches your chosen antenna spot with some slack.
- Avoid sharp bends and pinch points like door jambs, hinges and slide-outs.
- Secure the cable along its run so it cannot rub or flap, and keep it away from hot exhaust parts and moving linkages.
- Mount the antenna where it has a line of sight toward where you will be sitting with your device.
- After install, open the ReadyVision app and watch the frames-per-second meter to confirm a smooth signal from the driver's seat.
Building out your ReadyVision system
If you are starting from scratch on an RV, the ReadyVision RV WiFi Camera Kit already includes this antenna along with brackets and a cup holder mount. If you already own the Heavy-Duty camera, the 30 ft. antenna extension lets you add the same antenna setup. To hold your phone or tablet in place, pair it with the ReadyVision Cup Holder Phone/Tablet Mount. See every model in our ReadyVision cameras collection.
Frequently asked questions
Which camera does the 30 ft. antenna extension fit?
It is made for the ReadyVision Heavy-Duty Wi-Fi Camera (RVWIFI-HD).
Is the antenna extension included in the RV kit?
Yes. This antenna comes standard in the ReadyVision RV WiFi Camera Kit, so RV kit buyers do not need to order it separately.
What kind of antenna is it?
The RV kit lists part VWODS-ANT7 as a 30 ft. omnidirectional shielded cable with a 7 dBi antenna.
Add the ReadyVision 30 ft. Antenna Extension to your Heavy-Duty camera and put the antenna where it works best. Questions? Contact us.