external antenna for better CDMA coverage

Forums › Mobile handsets › external antenna for better CDMA coverage

cameronp

7 posts

Wannabe Geek
+1 received by user: 6

#21429 26-Apr-2008 11:48

Hi All

I have a samsung w531, and unfortunately live in an area of poor telecom coverage. I usually only get 2 bars of signal if I am lucky. Text messages usually come through hours after the sender has sent them.

So I am wondering if anyone knows of any external antennas available for this phone to enhance the signal. I have had a look around the net but it seems there are antennas for all phones but mine! Either that or perhaps there is an antenna out there for another samsung phone that is compatible with mine.

Any help appreciated!

Rdgs

Cameron

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
8476 posts

Uber Geek
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#126491 26-Apr-2008 14:50

Two bars is plenty, and should not be affecting the reception of your texts.
Any of your mates/family having a better experience? If so, maybe switch to their model of phone?

cameronp

7 posts

Wannabe Geek
+1 received by user: 6

#126498 26-Apr-2008 15:49

Thanks tony

What I probably should have said is I only get the 2 bars of coverage when my phone is sitting on top of the curtain track, and even then text messages often come in hours after they were sent. everyone at our house has the same problem, both telecom and vodafone. its not like we are in a rural area - there is just some shielding form the hills I think.

So i am looking to rig up some sort of larger antenna but not sure how to go about it really!

The samsung w531 is otherwise a great phone, I even managed to crack it so it works on the vodafone network!

cheers
cameron

Loftus

140 posts

Master Geek
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#126717 28-Apr-2008 10:02

Check out the Cellutronics webpage

Geese

1028 posts

Uber Geek
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#127280 30-Apr-2008 12:18

I have just looked at the Cellutronics website. Very nice stuff.
I dont have signal strength issues at home, but occasionally I go out and use my Sierra 595U and laptop to access the internet.

At home right now I have 5 bars and it says -65dBm. How good is that? Is there some sort of scale or something that says what range is good signal strength, or can anyone tell me?

And when out in the country, there I may have 1 bar and x1 coverage, or maybe none at all.
This antenna looks good and may help me in low signal areas:

http://www.cellutronics.co.nz/magneticAM1_6antennas_for_datacards.html

It says "Increase in signal level to your phone (Gain): 15+dB typical"

How will that affect my reception in say 1 bar areas, or areas of no reception? Will in mean that I possibly may get some reception if in a fringe area where the 595u's built in antenna cannot pickup a connection?

MFR001

107 posts

Master Geek

#128773 6-May-2008 12:33

For a mobile application I would normally reccomend purchasing the fly lead from cellutronics, but sourcing a better antenna. the more your signal strength the faster your data is going to be. Form mobile use I would recommend a P1637, plus the matching base, available from pacific aerials or one of their dealers. I have had very good feedback on signal improvements using this set up in areas where the user could not even stay connected.

bbman

646 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#129783 9-May-2008 22:21

Hold off purchasing any fly lead or antenna only solutons.

Wilson cellulars range of singal booster amplifiers either using induction couplers or even wireless building boosters have been allowed to be sold for use on Telecoms network.

I am already selling and they make a huge difference to coverage in the car or house / building. They work and are proven not to harm the network. I have implemented several large solutions as well as vehicle options, the clients are very impressed!!

These systems will possibly be sold in stores in the future, at the moment availability is limited, fortunately i have been selling for a wee while since these systems where allowed to be sold (note they are not approved or PTC'd) but they have passed testing with flying colours and thats why they have been allowed to be sold in NZ.

Watch this space.

www.ultimatebroadband.co.nz
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