In part one of this series I made the case for cellular Internet service over satellite Internet service. In the second part, I provided information to help you find that distant signal if at all possible. Now I’ll review the equipment that I use at my location to boost the 800MHz band cellular signal at my home. The information and links will strictly be for the 800MHz band and will not work on the 1900MHz PCS band. There is equipment available for it that may be the subject of a future post.
The primary unit is called the zBoost cell phone extender. It looks almost like a home wireless router, except for the RG-6 antenna cable that connects to it. It comes with a small 8″ antenna that provides a boosted cell coverage within about a 50′ diameter. I paid what manufacturer charges for this unit, about $300. Using the Amazon link below it you save $100
The unit comes with a thirty foot cable that connects to the small omni directional antenna for your attic, or above your roof. In my case, this is the antenna I use. I suspect that if I used the zBoost outdoor antenna below my data rate might be higher than the 700Kbps, and someday I may purchase one to test out. The external antenna below is well worth a try, since it will work with a signal about a quarter the strength required for the normal outdoor antenna.
Wireless Extenders zBoost Outdoor 18 Element Yagi Antenna with 15 dBi of Gain for Cell Phones
Zboost also offers an enhanced indoor antenna that will boost the enhanced signal range in one direction.
Wireless Extenders zBoost Directional Indoor Base Unit Antenna for YX500-PCS
The main zboost unit has 3 lights, power, signal, and install. This amplifier listens and transmits on the same band at the same time. Getting the two antennas separated enough is critical to its performance! The ‘install’ light will indicate when there is not enough separation between antennas. [ technical note: The antenna separation is so important because the system gain is huge, something like 50 or 53db! That's before the antennas I recommend. ]
I spent many hours experimenting with my zBoost before putting it into its permanent location. I found that setting the indoor antenna horizontal or at 45 degrees seemed to isolate the two antennas better. That’s because the one on the roof is vertical, as it must be. Once installed and working, we’ve had as many as 3 simultaneous cell phones using it at the same time!
Did you try the zBoost? Have questions? Feel free to leave comments!
Jan 2010 update: I have been using some satellite mapping tools in my wireless business that would prove useful for those looking to try an option like this. Please contact me if you’d like to get some valuable help.
[Note: If you'd like more help in your efforts, purchase the Off Grid Internet Booster System guide! ]
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Dave Doolin | Website In A Weekend´s last blog ..Static Versus Dynamic Websites – Operational, Informational, Interactional