cell phone amplification

[2btowed]

Anyone had any luck with the Wilson line of cell phone amplfiers? It seems all the reviews are either love it or hate it.Would like to use to create hotspot while out in boonies.I realize that there are limitations as to what can be done,but in most places we can get cell coverage,just not enough bars to get good reception.

[Maxi_Signal]

2oldman wrote:

Maxi Signal wrote:
You need to find out from your carrier or phone manufacturer the exact location of it ...the pad .

From various sources of research, and trial and error, I'm pretty sure it's in the upper-right rear of the phone.

Best reference site is www.phonescoop.com , Look up your phone . Then if you scroll down there will be a FCC id in blue . That hyperlink will take you to the FCC documents on said phone . You can usually find internal photos in them that will help you out.

[2oldman]

Maxi Signal wrote:
You need to find out from your carrier or phone manufacturer the exact location of it ...the pad .

From various sources of research, and trial and error, I'm pretty sure it's in the upper-right rear of the phone.

[Maxi_Signal]

2oldman wrote:
I am using a Wilson amp, a little antenna (inside), and a velcro signal pad under the Droid Razr phone as we speak. It doesn't raise the bars or change the 1x data to 3g, but it makes the slow internet usable.

A few things induction pads have to be placed directly over the interior antenna of the phone to be useful at all . You need to find out from your carrier or phone manufacturer the exact location of it . Now if the pad was in the proper location it should have at least raised the 1XRtt signal on your device . There may not have been a 3G signal available.

[2oldman]

I am using a Wilson amp, a little antenna (inside), and a velcro signal pad under the Droid Razr phone as we speak. It doesn't raise the bars or change the 1x data to 3g, but it makes the slow internet usable.

[2btowed]

Thanks for all replies,I looked at Maximum Signal also,but their website is not real informative.I will probably wait till a booster is availble for 3 and 4 g on T-Mobil.I would like a portable unit for the Ford when traveling and the 5th when out in the 'boonies',would mount a permanant antenna on 5th and move booster between them, mag mount on truck along with CB.

[vermilye]

If you are going to amplify only one device, the Wilson Sleek works well. If you want 4G capability, be sure to purchase the correct model - there are still 3G only versions for sale, as well as some models that are carrier specific. Amazon lists a model that does both AT&T and Verizon, although not both at the same time (they have a switch to change between carriers).

If you want a repeating system for an RV, only 3G systems are currently available. I have a Wilson Vehicle Booster Kit, which gives a couple bars of additional gain on both AT&T as well as Verizon as long as you are within 5'-7' of the internal antenna using the Wilson short trucker antenna on the outside. Again, this is 3G only.

Wilson does make a 3G/4G repeating amplifier, however the separation required between the internal & external antennas is way to much for an RV -it is designed for buildings. On top of that it runs around $900.00. There are repeater systems for RVs on the way from companies such as Maximum Signal, but as of this date, not yet approved.

[wcjeep]

I have a couple of the Wilson Sleeks. Expect 18-20db improvement. If there's no signal the device is not magic. If currently have barely usable signal a booster should work for you. There are many variables. Motorola phones seem to respond well. Every cell tower is different. Some towers have great speed. Some towers have crappy voice. Some towers do nothing. External antenna location does make a difference. I've talked a few people into the Wilson Sleek. I've done what you're looking to accomplish. Increase cell signal and then move data through wifi (PDANet?).

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Lots of folks get good results from the Wilson Sleek.

[Miles_Away]

I've got one and use it mostly to improve signal strength for our Version "MiFi", which is the only connection we have for our computer. We use it at home and when we are camping. In fact I'm using it now. They work great. It also greatly improves the signal strength for our AT&T cell phones.

[Tiggs]

Just purchased the Wilson db pro from Amazon for home use and have it temporarily set up with the antenna pointing towards the tower and set in the 2nd story window and I already see improvement in my in house service. Please know that it will take an existing good signal and bring it down through your home. It will not turn a bad signal into a good one.

Before ordering, you may want to check how many 1x dBm you get on your cell phone outside, preferably on the roof where you hope to install the unit. If you already have crappy service there (high -90 or more dBm), a booster of this type probably won't help much with indoor service.

Carolyn

[3_0charlie]

It's not the amplifier that counts, it's where the antenna is located. I have the base Wilson setup with antenna, holder and the integrated cellphone amplifier / holder. Works great, I may be one of the few that has seen repeatedly a swing from 1 bar to 4-5 bars. Nice improvement - but to achieve that, I may need to relocate the antenna 4-5 times around the TT to catch the best reception.

My kit:

Wilson Sleek
Wilson Mobile Pro Accessories

[Mandalay_Parr]

I have the Wilson wireless mobile unit with a roof mounted antenna on my car.
It works very well.

[rockylarson]

I have used the original Signal Booster from Wilson for over 6 years. Never had to connect it hard wired to a cell phone. They have a pickup antenna that velcros to any cell phone in its antenna area. Came with its own window mount antenna but I connected it to my MH roof top cell phone antenna. Wilson techs have been very helpful over the years. I recently changed to their multi-frequency yagi antenna and the Wilson Sleek 4G Verizon. We spend a lot of time in fringe coverage area and have had good results with both voice and data. Knowing the direction of the nearest Verizon tower and raising the antenna as high as practical has produced some amazing connections. YMMV

[PapPappy]

The repeater may be more to what you are looking for. That will allow you to use your cell phones, and use the WiFi capability on your computer, if you've got an air-card.
They can be pretty pricy.
I believe that Wilson has a 30-day moneyback policy, so it would be worth trying?
Let us know how it works:)