Cell phone amplifier, anyone using them? - The Hull Truth

acendhole · 02-22-2006, 08:46 AM

I want a cell phone for my boat, but have found out that no one will sell a plan for the old bag phone. I've read about the Digital Antenna DA4000 cell phone amplifier but don't know anyone using one. I'd like to hear any reviews. My usage area is coastal SC. I'm mostly interested in using the cell phone during Kingfish tournaments. I'd be interested in hearing about any cell amplifier any one is using.

Mist-Rest · 02-22-2006, 09:43 AM

I'm using a Digital here in the house. All I can say is Wow! Went from a useless phone to full power with the flip of a switch.

The one I had in the truck worked OK but I changed phones and now need a new cable.

TheBandit · 02-22-2006, 09:45 AM

Jack-

Chad said he has a bag phone with Alltel service. He said it works OK out to 30 miles, but it still has dead spots inside 30. He said it has to be a bright sunny day for it to work.

seahawg · 02-22-2006, 10:37 AM

Mist-Rest hit it on the head. I've got the crappiest reception at my house. One to no bars, always dropping out. Hook it up to the Digital amp and I've got instant six bars, signal is long and strong. And thats with crappy six inch stub antenna. I haven't tried it on the boat yet, but I'm satisfied it will yield major improvement.

Mist-Rest · 02-22-2006, 11:13 AM

Seahawg,
I went wireless in this house. I need to install 2 at the main house (due to it's size) and I really think I'm installing one at my new house in Maine. That's how well it works.

lb3 · 02-22-2006, 11:49 AM

Who manufactures and sells the digital amps

Mist-Rest · 02-22-2006, 12:18 PM

I'm getting them from a sponser who is no longer here.

sigfla · 02-22-2006, 12:39 PM

I agree digital antenna and booster are the way to go. I get great reception offshore.

PSW · 02-22-2006, 12:42 PM

Have the Shake set up on the boat and it is great. Considering going that route at home also. On the boat I can go to a port with no bars and then go to full power with a flip of the switch.

acendhole · 02-22-2006, 03:29 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

Koz · 02-22-2006, 05:32 PM

So where do you get one?

KevinM · 02-22-2006, 07:01 PM

I also recommend getting the digital cell antenna with the amp.

Heres the Digital website:
http://www.digitalantenna.com/

Here is one source of purchase:
http://www.consumersmarine.com/produ...5&m=5&v=0&sb=0

Here is another:
http://www.brokenlegdave.com/Manufac...al_antenna.htm

reelapeelin · 02-22-2006, 09:28 PM

When using the Digital Amplifier, is your cell phone connected via a wire, or does the amplifier receive the weak signal from your phone and then boost it...in other words, do you keep the mobility of a cell phone??...my home is in a DEAD ZONE and this would be great...could get rid of at least one land line...

acendhole · 02-23-2006, 09:02 AM

reelapeelin - you can get both. The one recommended for boats, connects your phone to the amp with a wire. The ad says this gives you the greatest range and the cost is less. They also make a repeater/amplifier that you can use wireless. The digital antenna site has some good info.

reelapeelin · 02-24-2006, 08:01 AM

acendhole...thanks...that's just what I'm lookin' for...''So long, Ma Bell!!! and good ridance...''

Elusive · 02-24-2006, 08:47 AM

Interesting responses. In the past, the majority of responses on this subject have been negative. The technology must have improved considerably

reelapeelin · 02-24-2006, 08:55 AM

Elusive, as it is new technology I'll talk to mfgr prior to purchase and make sure if that unit doesn't perform as advertised I'll be able to return it...

Marlintini · 02-24-2006, 09:30 AM

I put the Digital amp and antenna on my boat two years ago....
Results were not as expected.

WO/ reception was 2-4 miles out
W/amp 3-5

Maybe it was Cingular???
This winter I've changed to Verizon... I'll buy a new $30 phone cable and hope.

jimmydoppler · 09-14-2010, 03:56 PM

Digital Antenna is good , but the wilson Marin solution is very good as well. The marine kit comes with a whole set of hardware suited for the ocean conditions both inside and outside ...pay a visit you will be glad

RocknReeln · 09-14-2010, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmydoppler

Digital Antenna is good , but the wilson Marin solution is very good as well. The marine kit comes with a whole set of hardware suited for the ocean conditions both inside and outside ...pay a visit you will be glad

Why bring up a 2 yr. old post??? unless you are non-objective/biased in some manner?