Category Archives: Off the Grid

New Exede Speedboost plans + wifi [review & prices]

Here are some new updates on Exede’s latest plans: Personally, I would only pick a plan that has their new Speedboost + WiFi modem and the Liberty Pass. Initially I enjoyed the “late night free zone” (or LNFZ) but as of late it just became too much of a hassle to manage data usage during the daytime (and saving all the heavy stuff for late night) so now I much prefer the ease and simplicity of the Liberty Pass. Plus I absolutely

Let your kids help!

Child one unloading the dish washer (and putting up the dishes where they go.) One of the best things about being a parent is teaching your kids to be responsible. Chores, jobs, learning opportunities, or whatever you want to call them… they help kids contribute in a meaningful way and they also help kids appreciate their free time. At a friend’s birthday party last night my wife and I were talking with the family’s grandmother. She grew up on a

Exede Liberty Pass speed tests [RESULTS]

Here you will find real world speed test results for ViaSat’s Exede Liberty Pass internet plan. These results are from AFTER the monthly allotment is downloaded. These are also with their latest modem which features “up to” 25 Mbps downloads. Here is verification that the monthly allotment has been used, and the Liberty Pass is in effect:   A quick note regarding units discussed in this post: Unit symbol The ISQ symbols for the bit and byte are bit and B,

Wifi bridge from old house to new house

Recently I setup a wifi bridge between our old house and our new house. This setup is surprisingly difficult since there is considerable foliage in between the two houses. Also, once the signal gets to the new house I wanted to rebroadcast it so we had nice full home coverage. Thankfully, TP-Link has some very nice (and inexpensive) wireless access point/bridges available. Two of them made quick work of the problem and now we are enjoying our old internet at

48V DC generators (gas and propane) and off-grid AC generator links

Our new house is coming along nicely and we will continue to live off the grid. As such, it is nice to have a backup charging solution for batteries in the event of super cloudy weather over the course of multiple weeks. Here are some resources toward that end: DC generators: AlphaGen Portable 3.0kw Portable 36/48Vdc Generator Systemhttp://www.alpha.ca/web2/products/generators/item/alphagen-portableCompact portable generator lets you deploy power when/where you need itDC technology requires no UATS (Universal Automatic Transfer Switch)No need to disconnect or

Disable Skype voicemail [SOLVED]

I use a Google Voice number in conjunction with Skype. It allows me to receive calls at home via satellite internet. However, when I miss a call I want Google to take the voicemail not Skype. Thankfully, the steps for disabling Skype voicemail are fairly easy. First, go to the following URL: https://secure.skype.com/account?page=voicemail Second, click to uncheck the voicemail setting: That is it, Skype voicemail is now disabled! 🙂 *PS you may have to disable this annual, as I believe certain