Best working CELL PHONE amplifier - The Hull Truth

Bogii · 09-16-2007, 02:00 PM

Need a boost in signal and looking for the kind you do not have to plug the phone into
I have Verizon
can anybody confirm there success with these units???

Bogii

Bogii · 09-16-2007, 08:36 PM

bump

jobowker · 09-16-2007, 11:29 PM

Most of them are crap. The only ones that really do work are the ones that plug into the phone's antenna jack. They do boost the signal, but they are around $300. Even so, boosting the signal only helps so much, like in marginal areas where you almost have a enough to get through. They don't perform miracles.

capehaze · 09-17-2007, 12:06 AM

Keep in mind that no matter how much the signal is amplified, some cell/PCS phones are limited to 20-25 miles from the closest site. The issue, I understand, is timing. Even at the speed of light, the transit time gets too long for the digital signal to remain connected. The old analog phones (bag phones) did not suffer from this, but analog cell sites may not be as common as digital.

Woody

Aliboy · 09-17-2007, 03:51 AM

capehaze - True for GSM networks and generally other TDMA based networks as well. There is 'cell extender' software available for at least the GSM networks, and some networks run this on their main 'marine' coverage cell sites. You would need to check this with the relevant network operator.

Bogii - if you haven't already done so, first thing to do is get an external antenna fitted to your boat that will plug in to your cellphone. A 'booster' won't help as much if the external antenna is not as high as possible and appropriate for your use and boat type (i.e. a very high gain antenna won't work so well on a boat that rocks around a lot, but could be great on a ship). Ideally of course use both to get maximum benefit.

capehaze · 09-19-2007, 10:42 PM

Aliboy,

Do you happen to know the range limit specifically for CDMA, disregarding the signal strength issue?
Thought I had a good deal... Found a dual band marine cellular antenna, that was for sale everywhere for $80-90 everywhere, for $35 on the web. Ordered it. Next day I get a call - The price was wrong - same as everyone else. Don't need one that badly. Canceled the order. Oh well...

Woody