internet issue

 

Is there a way to get the 730 to connect to the internet if there it requires to accept a terms and condition page? My company does have an open wifi available in our motorcoaches but it requires that each person accept the terms and conditions page each time they log on. I would love to use that instead of my phone as a hotspot to save my data. I can connect my phone to the bus's internet but can not use that as a hotspot since it turns off its wifi when you enable it as a hotspot.

Try This:

I've had a little experience with Rand McNally but I'm by no means an expert. I'm not sure I understand your question completely.

Do you see the motor coach WiFi network on the 730 WiFi Hotspot screen when it searches for available networks? See page 39 of the manual:

http://www.randmcnally.com/images/randDocuments/support/DES-...

If so, the 730 should be able to connect to it directly without using your smartphone as a hotspot. When the 730 prompts you for a password, just type what ever character(s) are necessary to satisfy the network terms and conditions. These would be the same ones you use when connecting with a smartphone.

More info is available at:

http://www.randmcnally.com/support/faqs/using-wifi-connectiv...

browser sign-in?

The router on the bus that provides the WiFi may be set up like it is at a hotel or motel. That is, there is no password and no security on the WiFi, but after logging on, there is no actual connection until you use a browser to check a box accepting the terms and conditions. The 730 cannot do that.

I believe there are two ways of using the phone for tethering, 3G which is billable, and WiFi which is free. The WiFi on the phone must be turned on for the 730 to communicate with it, so the phone should be able to communicate with the router on the bus via WiFi. Use the browser on the phone to accept terms and conditions and then start the connection with the 730. The 730 should be logged on to the phone, not the router.

You may not be able to know whether 3G or WiFi is being used by the phone. If the tethering arrangement only works on 3G a surprise bill will arrive!

Edit - a quick Google search shows that WiFi - WiFi tethering is only possible if the phone is rooted. If it is, there are apps available at the Play Store. Apple does not have such apps.

dobs108 smile

Possible, But It Depends....

dobs108 wrote:

The router on the bus that provides the WiFi may be set up like it is at a hotel or motel. That is, there is no password and no security on the WiFi, but after logging on, there is no actual connection until you use a browser to check a box accepting the terms and conditions. The 730 cannot do that.

dobs108 smile

It depends on the design of the T & C webpage. All many require is a simple "Y" or even just a (carriage return). The Choice Hotel chain which I use frequently, requires a full typed password. In either case, the 730 might be able to handle it.

It is possible however that the GPS is designed only for tethering with a compatible smartphone and not able to connect directly with a WiFi hotspot. The manual isn't clear on this.

I guess some trial and error is required.

really free?

Are you sure, that it's a free connection? Quite few times I found "open" connections, that actually were just access to paid internet access. I worked as this: you can connect to open connection but to use internet you have to buy data package (you get redirected to appropriate "store" page). It could be as time of use or data transfer limit. Without it you can't connect to any other page. I saw it quite few times in airports or hotels.

When connection was made available by cellphone or cable company it had option for free connection for customers of said company. But to use it for free they had to login with their name and password from this company. So in all instances it was necessary to use internet browser.