Share your experience if you did it: Work with computer while fishin' on ice

[xiaolu]

Yes, I am talking about working with a laptop computer with Internet access while ice fishing (say in your pop-up hut or shanty)!

First, a bit background:

I am a software developer (PS: The company I work with delivers hardware and software to around-the-world government lotteries and video lotteries/slot machines at casinos, etc. Among such government lotteries as our clients are a few state lottery in the U.S. that I get involved all the time: Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Oregon, Massachusetts, Maryland ...).

Anyway, having to work weekdays hence only able to fish weekends, I simply/just don't have enough fishin' (ice fishin' in particular) as I'd like!!!!;-)

I do work at home almost all the time with a corporate issued laptop. And yes, I could while at home, log into a client's lottery computer system, and fix/resolve whatever issue as it happens and as I am asked to work on...

Then:

Hence I am toying the idea of bringing my laptop onto ice! If you have done this, how do you:

1. Power your laptop computer. What kind of power supply/battery do you use so that the laptop can run the whole day on ice (Yes, it needs to run stand-by all the time)

2. It must be connected to the Internet (then via VPN I must log into corporate network, read and reply emails on time, and then if needed further hop to and log into client's system). What do you use to get your laptop's internet access?  Tether your cellphone (which has Internet access) to laptop (would this get heavy data usage on your cellphone)? Have some dedicated USB Internet access stick that directly plugs into laptop to get Internet access (though I think this kind of coverage/plan usually provided by mobile/wireless provider might be on a bit expensive side, I mean the monthly fee)? Or?

3. Any other issues to consider?

(Note: An iPad or cellphone, etc alone is not an option, as I must use corporate-issued laptop which has dedicated applications so as to perofrm my work)

Say, ice fish' with a tip-up or two in the hut while I am at work at the same time. How cool is that?:-)

Thanks in advance

[lowaccord66]

You can do this:



We use a trolling motor battery and an inverter to keep the flashers charged when we camp on the ice.  Seems to me that the only thing you'd need is a wireless card for the laptop and your all set.

I also work in IT and my concern would be IT security seeing you logging into the VPN from a different ISP.  As for the wireless card cost I think you'd be looking at 50 a month or so.  You could tether...I have but it's slow going through a VPN and sometimes keeping the connection up is difficult.

[xiaolu]

You can do this:

We use a trolling motor battery and an inverter to keep the flashers charged when we camp on the ice.  Seems to me that the only thing you'd need is a wireless card for the laptop and your all set.

I also work in IT and my concern would be IT security seeing you logging into the VPN from a different ISP.  As for the wireless card cost I think you'd be looking at 50 a month or so.  You could tether...I have but it's slow going through a VPN and sometimes keeping the connection up is difficult.

Thank you for your reply and info.

An high-capacity battery plus a inverter to power laptop sounds like a good idea.

Logging into corporate VPN from a different ISP is not an issue. Since I am allowed to work from home, literally I can work from any ISP (such as from one at say a coffee shop:-)

I was also thinking that internet access via tether might not be reliable/"fast" enough, and for what I am doing (when after access to client's system) I do need reliable and stable connection...

[mi500]

Know if any bars or restaurants on a lake that you can tap into some free WiFi?  May not get to the best fishing grounds but still better than my office.

[Huntindave]

I have limited experience with your specific requirements, how ever I won't let that stop me from offering advice. 

Based on my own personal experience, the best option is retirement, period.  This allows one to go computer free.  Turn your cell phone off, telling wife and friends "don't call me , I'll call you".  Be as free as we were 50 years ago BC (before cell).

[Browtine]

I work from home several days a week. Living in Maryland with our limited ice season I wanted to maximize my season however I could. I have two Mophie Power stations. As long as I keep the temp inside the flip over warm I can make 8 hours running my Dell. The Dell has good battery life but I will need to use one power station for sure and many times I'm into the second.

I tether my phone as a hot spot. If I have good cell service I am set. Anything below 3 bars and I have issues connecting to the VPN.  I have to pick my spots carefully. I do have a spot that I can access Wi-Fi. I you can find the Wi-Fi everything is easy.

Here's a link to the Powerstations I use. I'm sure there are better as I have had mine for a couple years.

https://www.techradar.com/news/top-8-best-portable-laptop-battery-chargers-and-power-banks-in-2017

I'm no IT guy but a friend of mine is and this system is what he suggested. Another source of power could be one of the emergency car starter system.

[waterlike]

I often play online poker on my laptop while fishing in my hut. I have Verizon unlimited 4g, grandfathered in from way back in 2010. Then I setup my WiFi hotspot and viola I have internet. I'd say half the lakes I fish in wyoming get cell service. Half don't. As for power I need to figure out a better setup. Right now when my laptop battery is a bout to die I go charge it in the car cause it has a plugin. But it lasts 3-4 hours.

[xiaolu]

I work from home several days a week. Living in Maryland with our limited ice season I wanted to maximize my season however I could. I have two Mophie Power stations. As long as I keep the temp inside the flip over warm I can make 8 hours running my Dell. The Dell has good battery life but I will need to use one power station for sure and many times I'm into the second.

I tether my phone as a hot spot. If I have good cell service I am set. Anything below 3 bars and I have issues connecting to the VPN.  I have to pick my spots carefully. I do have a spot that I can access Wi-Fi. I you can find the Wi-Fi everything is easy.

Here's a link to the Powerstations I use. I'm sure there are better as I have had mine for a couple years.

https://www.techradar.com/news/top-8-best-portable-laptop-battery-chargers-and-power-banks-in-2017

I'm no IT guy but a friend of mine is and this system is what he suggested. Another source of power could be one of the emergency car starter system.

Thank you very much for the detailed info and idea. I will have to look into it. Cheers.

[xiaolu]

I have limited experience with your specific requirements, how ever I won't let that stop me from offering advice. 

Based on my own personal experience, the best option is retirement, period.  This allows one to go computer free.  Turn your cell phone off, telling wife and friends "don't call me , I'll call you".  Be as free as we were 50 years ago BC (before cell).

haha, good suggestion I am sure:-)

[xiaolu]

Know if any bars or restaurants on a lake that you can tap into some free WiFi?  May not get to the best fishing grounds but still better than my office.

Where I fish (ice fish in particular) there are literately no business around, so... Even if there are such wifi access along shorelilne, where I fish will have to be at least over half a mile away from shore, so I am sure such wifi access can cover it..... But thank you for the info.

[xiaolu]

I often play online poker on my laptop while fishing in my hut. I have Verizon unlimited 4g, grandfathered in from way back in 2010. Then I setup my WiFi hotspot and viola I have internet. I'd say half the lakes I fish in wyoming get cell service. Half don't. As for power I need to figure out a better setup. Right now when my laptop battery is a bout to die I go charge it in the car cause it has a plugin. But it lasts 3-4 hours.

cool!

[fishermantim]

Bringing a computer while ice fishing is like brining a TV on a charter fishing trip, or bringing a bag lunch to free buffet...why?

Do you feel the need to try and multitask even on a day off?

If it weren't for the fact that I have an elderly mother who just might need my help, I'd turn off my phone.
All I want to do when I fish is fish....and relax!

Bringing a computer would be like taking a vacation and going to work.

If the computer work is that important, why go fishing at all?

Just asking...

[rivereddy]

Amen  Huntindave...
A word of explanation here. Yes I have a "line box", yes my boat has sonar fore and aft, with an electric start 4 cycle. No I don't have a Panoptix or a shanty. All of my ice fishing gear fits in a 6 gallon bucket which, along with a spud, auger and thermos of coffee is all that I take.  Ice season follows duck season which is the most "stuff intensive" activity I do.  After 60 days of decoys, dogs, boats etc, I'm ready for the "simple life" And after a career of screens, emails and webinars I find I can go without the electronics for a while.( It took me a while to train my bosses that, when one's son is in harm's way in Iraq, no email or call emanating from the main office is ever "URGENT".) And yes I still have Mr. Flippy...Even it is getting old.  Now I have to charge it once a week instead of every other.....

On the other hand if being connected works for you, have at it and catch a fish or two as well

OK, I'll go toss another log in the stove
and be quiet again,

fish on,

rivereddy

[Philip]

Good thread to ask this question-

Can I use a power inverter (like a car cigarette one but w/ wire clips instead) with my vexilar battery to charge a small electronic? Like an ipad?  It doesnt pull a lot so I cant imagine it doing too much damage for one night.

[Browtine]

Bringing a computer while ice fishing is like brining a TV on a charter fishing trip, or bringing a bag lunch to free buffet...why?

Do you feel the need to try and multitask even on a day off?

If it weren't for the fact that I have an elderly mother who just might need my help, I'd turn off my phone.
All I want to do when I fish is fish....and relax!

Bringing a computer would be like taking a vacation and going to work.

If the computer work is that important, why go fishing at all?

Just asking...

I thought that way for a long time also. That was until I picked up the option of working from home. If I am actually off, no way I'm hauling the laptop.  Winter is a slow time for our business but there are things that need to be handled. Whether I handled them sitting at home or from my flip, no one cares.  I may get interruptions in my fishing but it far better than not fishing.... and I'm getting paid.

[tater140]

It sounds to me like the OP would prefer to fish without the computer and being connected.  I think he is just attempting to create some additional fishing time...
So i  say go for it.  I have a computer job as well and sure have considered it.  It's just that mine doesn't come with any down time, so it wouldn't work for me very well.  Give it a go, let us know how it works out for you.

[lowaccord66]

Bringing a computer while ice fishing is like brining a TV on a charter fishing trip, or bringing a bag lunch to free buffet...why?

Do you feel the need to try and multitask even on a day off?

If it weren't for the fact that I have an elderly mother who just might need my help, I'd turn off my phone.
All I want to do when I fish is fish....and relax!

Bringing a computer would be like taking a vacation and going to work.

If the computer work is that important, why go fishing at all?

Just asking...

You dont know the thrill of making several thousand in commission and then immediately releasing a crappie.  Last Wednesday I closed deals sitting on Lake George and then did 2 conference calls on the way home in gas station parking lots.  If I wanted to fish I didnt have a choice.

Where there's a will there is a way.  Love to fish without burdens but have to make that $$$

[RStock521]

I did it once for a half day.  It was our slow season for work, and I basically just need to have my laptop with me "just in case".  I can monitor my email from my phone, but needed the laptop to access other systems that I frequently use.  I tethered my laptop to my phone for internet , and had no issues with our VPN.  I frequently tether to my phone when working remotely, so as long as I had decent signal, I knew I'd be okay.  For power, I brought along my extra 9.0ah SLA battery with a small power inverter like pictured above.  My laptop is relatively new, so I didn't even need to use the inverter to keep the battery topped off.  If we get some good ice, I may give it a go again.  Working on the ice is something I definitely don't prefer, but it was better than sitting on my couch.  Now that I think of it, I caught a trout while on a conference call!
 

[Philip]

For power, I brought along my extra 9.0ah SLA battery with a small power inverter like pictured above.

Did you test this to see if it worked? Im about to buy an inverter for this purpose but wanted  to make sure it will work, thanks

[rivereddy]

This turned into an interesting thread.  With respect to my earlier comments, it helps to be retired...

fish on,

rivereddy

[RStock521]

Did you test this to see if it worked? Im about to buy an inverter for this purpose but wanted  to make sure it will work, thanks

  Yes, it worked.  It's just as 12V battery.  Same as a car battery or whatever else that's 12V.

[FG Steve]

We do this in the boat once a year, and label it our extreme telecommuting day.  I know you're asking about ice, but some of what we do might help.  Keep in mind, this is a work day, just one with an outside office, a spectacular view, fewer interruptions, and lines in the water.  We anchor up, cast out, and get to work by about 6:00 a.m.

Hence I am toying the idea of bringing my laptop onto ice! If you have done this, how do you:
1. Power your laptop computer. What kind of power supply/battery do you use so that the laptop can run the whole day on ice (Yes, it needs to run stand-by all the time)

We use a Goal Zero Yeti 150 power bank with a Boulder 50 solar panel.  I totally recommend both.  If you have multiple people, or want to go without the solar panel, then the Yeti 400 might be more attractive.

The move to Goal Zero equipment occurred after we had problems one year with a standalone inverter and 12V battery combo.  The Yeti power banks have built-in inverter, as well as 12V and USB outlets.

I am not connected to Goal Zero, just a happy customer.

2. It must be connected to the Internet (then via VPN I must log into corporate network, read and reply emails on time, and then if needed further hop to and log into client's system). What do you use to get your laptop's internet access?  Tether your cellphone (which has Internet access) to laptop (would this get heavy data usage on your cellphone)? Have some dedicated USB Internet access stick that directly plugs into laptop to get Internet access (though I think this kind of coverage/plan usually provided by mobile/wireless provider might be on a bit expensive side, I mean the monthly fee)? Or?

We tether and VPN.  Had a coworker with us once that had tether problems so we just made a wi-fi hotspot for him.  Never measured the data usage, but usage for most things like e-mail is nominal.  Our corporate data plan is somewhat plentiful.

The telecommuting lake has a red-hot 4G signal, which gave us the idea in the first place.

3. Any other issues to consider?

-Obvious protect-the-electronics concepts.
-Download any needed documents to be local.
-Teleconferences are easy to support, give or take fish interruptions.
-Save up some tasks that can be done offline.

If you pull this off, please share what you do/learn!

[xiaolu]

Bringing a computer while ice fishing is like brining a TV on a charter fishing trip, or bringing a bag lunch to free buffet...why?

Do you feel the need to try and multitask even on a day off?

If it weren't for the fact that I have an elderly mother who just might need my help, I'd turn off my phone.
All I want to do when I fish is fish....and relax!

Bringing a computer would be like taking a vacation and going to work.

If the computer work is that important, why go fishing at all?

Just asking...

I see what you are saying. Thanks.

Though in my case it is more like "the other way around": I DO HAVE to work during weekdays, and I am trying to see if I can while I am at work, also have some fishin' (which is quite different from: I am on vacation or I have a day off, and I go fishin', and yet I'd like to do some computer work while I am fish':-)

[xiaolu]

I did it once for a half day.  It was our slow season for work, and I basically just need to have my laptop with me "just in case".  I can monitor my email from my phone, but needed the laptop to access other systems that I frequently use.  I tethered my laptop to my phone for internet , and had no issues with our VPN.  I frequently tether to my phone when working remotely, so as long as I had decent signal, I knew I'd be okay.  For power, I brought along my extra 9.0ah SLA battery with a small power inverter like pictured above.  My laptop is relatively new, so I didn't even need to use the inverter to keep the battery topped off.  If we get some good ice, I may give it a go again.  Working on the ice is something I definitely don't prefer, but it was better than sitting on my couch.  Now that I think of it, I caught a trout while on a conference call!
 

Thank you. This sounds like exactly what I need to try out first (subject to my cellphone having good signal on the lake). I shall report back once I try it out. Cheers

[xiaolu]

We do this in the boat once a year, and label it our extreme telecommuting day.  I know you're asking about ice, but some of what we do might help.  Keep in mind, this is a work day, just one with an outside office, a spectacular view, fewer interruptions, and lines in the water.  We anchor up, cast out, and get to work by about 6:00 a.m.

We use a Goal Zero Yeti 150 power bank with a Boulder 50 solar panel.  I totally recommend both.  If you have multiple people, or want to go without the solar panel, then the Yeti 400 might be more attractive.

The move to Goal Zero equipment occurred after we had problems one year with a standalone inverter and 12V battery combo.  The Yeti power banks have built-in inverter, as well as 12V and outlets.

I am not connected to Goal Zero, just a happy customer.

We tether and VPN.  Had a coworker with us once that had tether problems so we just made a wi-fi hotspot for him.  Never measured the data usage, but usage for most things like e-mail is nominal.  Our corporate data plan is somewhat plentiful.

The telecommuting lake has a red-hot 4G signal, which gave us the idea in the first place.

-Obvious protect-the-electronics concepts.
-Download any needed documents to be local.
-Teleconferences are easy to support, give or take fish interruptions.
-Save up some tasks that can be done offline.

If you pull this off, please share what you do/learn!

Thank you very very much Steve for the detailed info and for sharing your experience, and yes as I just mentioned in my earlier reply: I will report back once I try it out. Thanks again!

[Iceassin]

I don't even bring my phone. Part of the reason I fish is to get away from the "ordinary" things in life.

[xiaolu]

I don't even bring my phone. Part of the reason I fish is to get away from the "ordinary" things in life.

Well I say, please bring your phone when you go fishing. In case of (just in case, and you never know) emergency, you may need to contact someone, and it could make a huge difference per outcome.

Then again I will repeat: It is not like I enjoy working with computer while I am fishing. It is that because during weekdays I MUST work, but then I'd like to have some fishing at the same time...... It is "Fishing while I am 'forced' to work". It is not "Work when I should have enjoyed my fishing":-)

[xiaolu]

UPDATE.

Bought a power bank/charger on amazon that is designed/claimed to be for laptop specifically.

About two weeks ago I was ice fishn' on a lake, and tried it out. It turned out worked good. This power bank was plugged into laptop, and Windows showed laptop's internal battery is "FULLY CHARGED 100%" the entire time the laptop was running (from 8:00AM to after 4:00PM), and this power bank itself showed 5 bars (for its remaining power) the whole time. I admit the laptop wasn't heavily used (me not heavily involved in work) on that day.... In short it should be able to power/charge the laptop for a whole day on ice.

And Internet connection via cellphone's hotspot also worked pretty good.

I was able to perform some work while fishin'. No issue.

Thanks again everyone for your suggestion.