Cell signal booster antenna

[rudyhehn]

We usually stay at locations with acceptable cell signal strength but sometimes we have to deal with a very weak signal. We decided to buy a HiBoost Mini. It improves our signal by 20dB. We did not want to use it a all the time and wanted to avoid a roof penetration so we decided to use a extendable 14 foot painters pole to hold the outside antenna. I made a mount from pvc firtings and lumber that slips over the rear roof ladder and can be removed for travel.

 

[ducksface]

Have you tested to know if that pole adds any value?
I have three different boosters, three different brands. (My weboost is a comparative a poor poor thing that should come in a cereal box)
I've found that any speed over about 3meg is just wasted on me.
So a great signal is no better than a good signal to me.

Does the pole add real value vs a labor storage situation?

 

[rudyhehn]

I tried the outdoor antenna at ground level, and it didn't do much. Putting it up in the air above the RV roof initially did not work, but then when I rotated the antenna toward a cell tower I got a 20 decibel signal boost. That's enough for me to be the difference between only being able to text, versus internet access. May not be the same for everyone else. I can't tell you much about different brands of signal boosters, because I have only used mine, the HiBoost Mini.

 

[rudyhehn]

Oh, storage is straightforward because I have a large through storage compartment for the pole so it's easily slides in. I'd estimate setup time is about 5 minutes so it does add some time.

 

[ducksface]

Thanks for the info. I have a great collapsible pole but signal has been low priority so I haven't installed my directional booster.(starlink has progressed well and my booster stuff is archaic...but no monthly cost)

https://www.amazon.com/pingbingding...027994&sprefix=antenna+rotator,aps,202&sr=8-5

Throw away the antenna, keep the rotator.
A nice addition.

 

[gte534j]

Just saw this new product- comes w/ the pole and everything-

https://www.weboost.com/products/destination-rv

I have the Drive X reach w/ the fixed antenna and it works great while driving and stationary and have been very happy with it.

 

[ducksface]

Of the three boost systems i have
Weboost
Is
A 2 out of 10
And the other two are 7 out of 10

People who bought we bought weboost say they're good because they have no comparison to refer to.

 

[lwmcguire]

We have used Wilson cell boosters for many years. They work great and before we finally got towers closer, they were what we relied on for daily work. Installed permanently in all our vehicles back in the day.

Before that the bag phone at 3 watts instead of the handhelds at .3, using an external antenna was the key.

With the Wilsons we drilled holes in the center of the cab for the external antenna mount.

Prior to that we had IMTS phones which were quite large and hard on vehicle batteries. Electronics has certainly got better over the past years.

Still use one Wilson if were headed to locations where cell service is marginal.