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peejayw

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#58007 4-Mar-2010 11:47
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I am thinking of getting one of those Yagi antennas in an effort to improve my cellphone reception. The antennas are quite directional, how can I pinpoint the location of the nearest 900mhz site for my area?




 I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find one now.


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johnr
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  #304341 4-Mar-2010 11:56
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Ask me



nickb800
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  #304345 4-Mar-2010 12:05
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You can download .kml files (for google earth) for all networks' sites from here:
http://cid-21228dfc4e937fda.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Public/Cellsite%20Locations

Might not provide the accuracy you require (some locations are just proposals, it seems some of the data is a little out of date). Either way its very interesting just for a browse

Peppery
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  #304567 4-Mar-2010 20:44
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nickb800: You can download .kml files (for google earth) for all networks' sites from here:
http://cid-21228dfc4e937fda.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Public/Cellsite%20Locations

Might not provide the accuracy you require (some locations are just proposals, it seems some of the data is a little out of date). Either way its very interesting just for a browse


How accurate are these? I would have thought there were more 3G 2100mhz sites around Auckland than that. Also, some sites are either misnamed or misplaced on the 2G map, the Hobby City sites are on the opposite side of town...

Also seem to be a few hundred meters away from Auckland Harbour Bridge 1, yet my iPhone still shows "No Service"… sigh.



sbiddle
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  #304572 4-Mar-2010 20:56
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These files are simply extracts from the Ministry of Economic development PRISM database that contains a register of all radio frequencies used in New Zealand.

They are very accurate but in some cases will have sites that don't exist (ie application has been lodged but the site has never been built) and can occasionally have incorrect locations for the odd site.

johnr
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  #304580 4-Mar-2010 21:22
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Peejayw lives in a 3G 2100mhz coverage area not 900 3G

oxnsox
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  #304590 4-Mar-2010 22:07
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If Peejay is using an android device... Download app called Antennas. You can use it to see which site your're connecting to (it's more accurate with 2G sites), and reference that to the Google Earth map site list.
Sometimes the closest site isn't the one you connect thru... Then you'll know where to aim your yagi.

But for 2100 the yagi won't be cheap, and neither will the cable....

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