Antennas and Amplifiers

A while ago I had pointed out that antennas, amplifiers, and repeaters were improving the cell phone signal for the recreational vehicle. Because you are on the move, a "hot spot" is not something that you can take advantage of. Whether your RV is a 45 foot coach or a large yacht (or even a small space where you would like to use a real phone), the proper equipment can keep you in touch almost anywhere. (Currently we are installing an antenna system for a mobile branch of a credit union. The setup will consist of a FAX machine and two desk phones.)

Need the internet? The wireless laptop modem or the PC connection(GPRS) on the wireless terminal will connect you. The same antenna/repeater system that keeps your cell phone signal strong will provide a quality signal for the internet link as well.


Larry Henry/www.OmniCellCommunications.com

Improving Cellular Signal Strength

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).

Emergency Communications...911

All RV'ers should have some idea of what to do in case of emergency. If you have been on the road for any length of time, or you are among the retirees that have traded a home for a motor coach, you know that medical emergencies can arise any time/anywhere. Hopefully this link will provide some help in a "what do I do now" experience.

Wireless communication is necessary when time counts and you are between cities. Some CB's are still out there, though I would imagine most of those were turned off when folks began not to trust announcing the fact that they were helpless and exactly where to find them. It is a strange world we live in. Cellular is the best method of staying in touch. Coverage is good and it is getting better. There will always be dead spots due to terrain, foliage and weather. But, with the proper antenna and/or repeater (See OmniCell Communications Accessories) you can improve the signal in a number of those remote locations.

The FCC requires that all cell phones (even those not activated with a service agreement) operate to call 911. Most cell phones will also work for a telephone call...with the assistance of an operator and a credit card (or a collect call). So, whether or not you care to use a cell phone as your major mode of communication, it is wise to have one available (and fully charged) for the times when an emergency call will be so important.

Cellular Home Phone with Cordless Phone Quality

The Automated Teller Machine (ATM) was the first real technological advance in consumer banking in years. Certainly, there were automated bank statements and phone numbers you could call for a balance, but never the ability to get money out of the bank after hours...in another city. Would anyone like to get rid of their ATM card? Want to stop using your check card? Your credit card? What about your cell phone?

Technology has changed so fast in the last 20 years, that it is difficult to remember how we ever got along without these conveniences. We accept the new idea, work it into our daily routine, and never look back. The same thing will happen with two new cellular items on the market. The Cellular Docking Station and the Wireless Cellular Terminal. Each of these units will allow the use of your cellular plan AND your favorite, comfortable cordless phone.

With Local Number Portability (LNP) now available, you can bring your home phone number over to the wireless world. For the RV'ers in the group, that means that you no longer have to pay for an unused phone line to the house while you are on a three month trip. You do not have to forward your calls, pay for an unused line, answer all of those voice messages, or have it turned back on when you return. With the OmniCell Communications line of cellular equipment, you can move your home phone number to a cellular phone and take it with you when you leave.
Set up is simple. Whether you use the Docking Station or the Wireless Cellular Terminal, you can attach any standard phone directly to the unit or connect the unit to the wall connectors in your home, RV, condo, or yacht. Up to five phones can then be connected to the wall jacks to serve as extensions...just like the landline in your home.