Hello after searching posts,learing some,and getting more confused by others – I keep finding dated ones (hopefully new equipment or improvements may now be available) or situations that differ from my needs – I hope someone can help. I need an amplifier and omni directional antenna that is mobile and will work in different environments. At home I use an Altell device (razr2 v9m) on the Verizon network (grandfathered in and didn’t want to lose the unlimited data package), and a prepaid Boost (Blackberry 8330 also CDMA). With Verizon I get enough signal to tether the phone as a modem as I live in a rural area and only dial-up is the only other option, and get a usable signal but not strong, and with the Boost phone get rerouted to a roaming Sprint network message that tells me I'm S.O.L. if a call is connected but in most cases – no signal at all on the inside of the house (I realize there has to be a signal to amplify – but I do get a bar – sometimes two outside but not consistent) What I’m looking for is a great amplifier that will work with both devices at home, but also mobile to use on the road for the second location that I stay at frequently, and also will work well on my boat – my third location as I’m going through fishing withdrawals but finally have my old 24’er ready to hit the water. This leads me to several related questions. What is the best (rated by actual users) amp for mobile uses?(Leaning towards Wilson products ad they appear to have better reviews – and don’t want to be “regulated” by “smart technology” in what some say cyfre amp that apparently restricts usage. What is the best (rated by actual users) antenna to use? Highest gain? I mention Omni because it would be difficult to get line of site to towers. (I’m typically in an rural area and although reading that Wilson doesn’t recommend over 7db for mobile because of FCC regs – am looking for something a little better as there are no neighbors if that’s what they meant by causing interference) What is the best low loss cable to use? (not sure how cable is rated) And Finally - What Inside Antenna, repeater - or whatever to get the signal on the phones without being direct wired? Any help is appreciated, and if you sell equipment welcome to post a link – but please explain why the equipment is the best in your opinion - or put together a package of componants. Just make me a great deal on oustanding equipment and I'll send you all my referrals from my auto and boat forums when I brag about it. Thanks for stopping by guys - Tim - in Backwoods Michigan
Who told you a Cyfre amplifier restricts usage . They have far more gain than a Wilson . Here a Gentleman did a head to head of Wilson and Cyfre amplifiers and the Cyfre wins hands down . Cellphone Antenna Test - Escapees Discussion Forum Look for independent comparisons not same paid advertising and the Cyfre reigns supreme. Check with all the storm chasers at www.stormtrack.org . And see what amplifiers they now use. I give you a hint it is not the Wilson.
The Wilson line of amplifiers has become the defacto standard in Alaska. Their units help connect remote clients and are readily available. That is not a negative for any other type of unit. Your request would require different types of units and close attention to the installation instructions. This is not easy to answer on a web board. The antenna limit you mentioned does not apply to a fixed installation (15 db limit there). A 24 foot boat is probably too small to support a repeater and you should consider an antenna only solution there. (If you have a high mast, a repeater might work). Oscillation is the problem with small space installations. Cable is rated in db loss per 100 feet (or 100 meters) at a particular frequency. Since a typical installation that is properly engineered would need over 70 feet of cable, that is a handy reference. LMR195 cable is a good trade-off between cost and performance (10 db/100' @ 850 mHz; 16 db/100' @ 1900 mHz). All new amplifiers should have a signal limiting function for the case where a strong tower is close by. If you have a competing cell phone provider on the same band very close to your location, a repeater cannot be used to go to the distant tower. (Been there, done that) Terry
Wilson amplifiers are not in the same stratosphere as these new amplifiers . These amplifiers pass all new FCC standards and PTCRB . No Wilson amplifier can claim that . They are brand new technology . They draw a fraction of the power ,have far greater sensitivity , are much smaller, are far more powerful and cost a lot less . There is a user review posted at Jack and Danielle Mayer as he tested the prototypes last year . Also The cell phone junkie folks well be testing and also EVDO Tips and Tweaks will be posting their review. They will handle multiple carriers at the same time without interfering with each other. The kits come complete and include LMR400 cable !!! They will also be running a contest here at the Wirelessadvisor shortly for an in home system .