Community Forums

jacwjames · 05-28-2021, 02:29 PM

Is it worth even trying to use an older Wilson booster.

I have one that I can us in the motorhome with an antenna mounted on the roof. I have a cable running into the coach that I can attach to the Wilson amplifier to and then a slim low profile antenna in the coach.

If I try and use it how can I tell if it's working.

I was camped in a remote area over the last 3 days, basically had 1 bar and occasionally show a 3G connection but it was not consistent. Dropped signal more often then not.

Nwcid · 05-28-2021, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacwjames

Is it worth even trying to use an older Wilson booster.

I have one that I can us in the motorhome with an antenna mounted on the roof. I have a cable running into the coach that I can attach to the Wilson amplifier to and then a slim low profile antenna in the coach.

If I try and use it how can I tell if it's working.

I was camped in a remote area over the last 3 days, basically had 1 bar and occasionally show a 3G connection but it was not consistent. Dropped signal more often then not.

I would look up the model number and see if it supports the current "G" and the cellular bands you are trying to operate on. Wilson has great customer service, but they will still need to know exactly what unit you have to give you an answer.

jacwjames · 05-28-2021, 07:11 PM

I use to use the system with 3G. Used in the past with my Blackberry Torch (yes I am dating myself)

Where I was camping this weekend I very poor coverage on my Sprint Iphone. I was getting basically 1 bar with basic sprint, it would occasionally bump to 3G. Limited internet coverage, I could not get any internet coverage on the phone itself but using it as a hot spot would occasionally be able to connect on my laptop.

Jim A · 05-28-2021, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacwjames

If I try and use it how can I tell if it's working.

Not knowing what kind of phone you have, many phones have a place in Settings where you can look at the actual signal strength as a dB number. Much more meaningful than "bars". If not, there are free apps available to use for this purpose. Then it is easy to check the number with and without the old booster turned on.

Keep in mind that the old booster antenna is designed to be attached to a steel car roof, which will act as the ground plane for the antenna, which is necessary for it to work properly. A fiberglass roof on an RV will not get you the same result. It needs a ground plane.

A good 3G signal should get you the ability to make a phone call, but 3G will not get you fast data.

More goes into getting a good cell phone signal that just strength. If you want more info, I would suggest starting with this guide:

https://www.waveform.com/pages/cell-...-booster-guide

jacwjames · 05-29-2021, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim A

Not knowing what kind of phone you have, many phones have a place in Settings where you can look at the actual signal strength as a dB number. Much more meaningful than "bars". If not, there are free apps available to use for this purpose. Then it is easy to check the number with and without the old booster turned on.

Keep in mind that the old booster antenna is designed to be attached to a steel car roof, which will act as the ground plane for the antenna, which is necessary for it to work properly. A fiberglass roof on an RV will not get you the same result. It needs a ground plane.

A good 3G signal should get you the ability to make a phone call, but 3G will not get you fast data.

More goes into getting a good cell phone signal that just strength. If you want more info, I would suggest starting with this guide:

https://www.waveform.com/pages/cell-...-booster-guide

Thanks,

The antenna is mounted the the frame that supports one of the solar panels, not sure if it is properly grounded or not as it was installed by the previous owner.

I'll do some checking next time I'm out.

I may have to upgrade a booster in the future. My next trip I will be taking the Mifi, it does a decent job at providing internet connection, streaming etc.

Mile Marker 42 · 05-29-2021, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacwjames

Is it worth even trying to use an older Wilson booster.

I have one that I can us in the motorhome with an antenna mounted on the roof. I have a cable running into the coach that I can attach to the Wilson amplifier to and then a slim low profile antenna in the coach.

If I try and use it how can I tell if it's working.

I was camped in a remote area over the last 3 days, basically had 1 bar and occasionally show a 3G connection but it was not consistent. Dropped signal more often then not.

How old?

jacwjames · 05-30-2021, 07:47 AM

Probably 10 years old, it is a discontinued model.

Now I'm wondering if I can get an updated booster and utilize the existing antenna, I know I'd have to get an adapter end as the newer ones use different cable ends. The antenna looks like this

https://www.alternativewireless.com/...nna-fme-f.html

Jim A · 05-30-2021, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacwjames

Thanks,

The antenna is mounted the the frame that supports one of the solar panels, not sure if it is properly grounded or not as it was installed by the previous owner.

I'll do some checking next time I'm out.

I may have to upgrade a booster in the future. My next trip I will be taking the Mifi, it does a decent job at providing internet connection, streaming etc.

It isn't about having a good ground. It is having a steel plate under it to properly direct the radio waves around the antenna. Some antennas have a built in ground plane. The magnetic antennas designed to attach to a car roof do not.