Wilson 801201 still viable?

Contact the 3G store they will be able to answer all your questions

3gstore.com

gatorcq wrote:
astronomy apps, what about the good old technology call , lets see if I can remember. Think they are called BOOK. LOL and a small laptop can be use to control also

Nor sure of your point. Yes charts and "BOOKS" can be used to find objects as well and we, more often than not, use any one of half a dozen of them, with a Telrad, to locate objects with our non-GoTo telescopes like our 18" truss dobsonian. We also often generate and print Telrad charts, which show exactly where to put the reticle circles, before a trip or night of observing.

Laptops can also be used but they require more setup and I don't go to the effort unless I am imaging and autoguiding. For visual observing the stock computerized controllers on our GoTo equipped mounts are more than adequate.

The Goto controllers on our mounts can connect to the "smart devices", via Bluetooth or Wifi, with adapters hooked to the USB, ethernet, or serial ports on the hand controllers or wired via ethernet. Astronomy applications, which can be frequently updated, on smart devices are most useful for finding transient objects, like comets and even asteroids, which may not be in the less-frequently updated mount controller's database. The ephemerides for such objects can be entered into a controller manually but sometimes it's easier, and a heck of a lot more fun, to control the mount with the smart device. At public outreach events the public sure thinks it's cool when you slew a telescope without touching it and with a command from your smartphone.

The smart device apps (as well as computer applications and websites) are also useful to show upcoming passes of man made objects like the ISS and satellites. This is especially fun at public outreach events.

astronomy apps, what about the good old technology call , lets see if I can remember. Think they are called BOOK. LOL and a small laptop can be use to control also

Thanks to everyone for the responses. Based upon your recommendations I think I'll go ahead and install the ol' Wilson in the new (to us) RV. We don't need the 4G/LTE capability of the newer phones when out in the boondocks. We just need more reliable communications with family.

Though we often use astronomy apps on the smartphones and tablets, some of which can even control telescope mounts, updates are downloaded before we go on a trip so 4G/LTE isn't a necessity.

Thanks again.

MrWizard wrote:
for voice , text and 3G yes it will still work
it can't access the new 4g lte xlte bands
but you can still use it for calls and text, when out star gazing

X2. I have various amps. 4G Wilson amps work great. Now that they changed their name the price went up. If you can still find old/New stock under the Wilson name the price is usually still lower. I'd stay with your current tech unless 4G becomes necessary. For upgrading, recommend an all in one package. All 4g. Avoid a specific 4g carrier booster. This limits you and your friends options.

for voice , text and 3G yes it will still work
it can't access the new 4g lte xlte bands
but you can still use it for calls and text, when out star gazing

Glad you asked this question because I have the same type deal. I purchased a used booster that I figured would work perfectly because I had no interest in going with a 4g phone while with Straight Talk....well all of a sudden I switched to "Cricket" with a new phone with 4g capabilities on AT&T. So, it's good to know the booster will still be viable on 3g .....

It will be a while before 3G is phased out. If you are happy with 3G, then continue to use it.
Our system was purchased in 2012, Called the RV SOHO kit. External antenna, along with an internal antenna. Distance between them is greater then 35 feet. The unit has served us well when traveling in remote areas, along with rural areas for camping. Why shell out more $$$ just because of new technology when the old works well.

I used to use one of the Wilson direct connect amps also. Keep in mind that these older units are 3G only. https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/mobilewireless-amplifier-only-50db-3g-wireless-801201/


With the compatible antenna, they should still work OK for voice but not for 4G data. Verizon is phasing out 3G data service, so its usefulness for data would be very limited.