Everyone using a cell phone has gone through the "can you hear me now" scenario. Usually it is more like "hello....hello........Helloooo". Then we hang up and re-dial. Sometime we will reconnect and sometime we find we are out-of-range. We wait and call back later.
In the RV or yacht, however, there is something that can be done to overcome some of the problems with low signal strength. (These same ideas will work wonderfully in a non-mobile location such as the home or office) We at OmniCell Communications are revamping our accessory section to show some of the new and improved products that will make cellular life much more enjoyable and productive.
Basically there are three items that can be used to improve a weak bi-directional (transmission AND reception) signal.
Antenna, amplifier, repeater. Of these, only the antenna may be used on its own. The repeater requires two antennas (one outdoor and one indoor) to function whereas the amplifier requires an outdoor antenna.
The
antenna (usually a large outdoor antenna connected directly to the handheld cell phone, the docking station, or the wireless terminal via coaxial cable) will improve communication just by being larger than the internal antenna on the handset (a factor in the "gain" of the antenna). It does nothing to "improve" the signal, but it can bring in a signal that might otherwise be lost. Most older antennas, and even new "directional" antennas (Yagi's), are tuned for a single frequency. For mobile use, dual frequency omni-directional antennas are necessary.
The signal
amplifier attaches to the outdoor antenna and will amplify the signal received from the antenna. The amplifier, then, is attached directly to the cellular handset, docking station or wireless terminal. The amplified signal is available only to the cellular equipment to which it is connected. The amplifiers from OmniCell are dual band (800 and 1900 Mhz) to cover the frequencies used throughout the US. Older, usually less expensive units will operate on one frequency only.
The signal
repeater attaches to both an outdoor and an indoor antenna. This allows the signal from the larger/higher gain outdoor antenna to be "repeated" within a structure through the indoor antenna. Since there is no physical connection, multiple cellular handsets and/or wireless terminals and modems can be operated simultaneously from the same signal. Usually repeaters are tuned to a single frequency and do nothing to enhance the signal received from the outdoor antenna. This is beginning to change, however.
OmniCell Communications carries one additional aid for signal strength...the
amplifier/repeater. The kit comes with both an outdoor and an indoor antenna, coaxial cable, and connectors. When properly installed in your home, RV, etc, this unit will provide an amplified signal to 1,000 to 5,000 sq. ft. of open area (depending upon the model purchased). This unit will extend your range from the cell tower by as much as 50 miles, will offset the effects of signal loss over those miles, and will allow multiple users on different frequencies and different service providers (except NEXTEL).