For additional help, please call 1-866-294-1660 or send an email to tech@wilsonelectronics.com
| Question |
Answer |
| How do I boost my cell phone signal? |
Dropped calls and slow data rates are generally caused by distance from a cell tower or natural and man-made obstructions, such as buildings, hills, trees, etc...
Cellular signals for both cell phones and data cards can be boosted by the use of a high gain antenna or the combination of an antenna and bi-directional amplifier system and Wilson Electronics offers multiple solutions to stay connected.
There are two components to ensuring reliable cellular communication. The first step is receiving a strong signal. Wilson’s high gain antennas collect weak or distant cellular signals and send them to the amplifier. The amplifier then boosts those signals and rebroadcasts them to nearby cell phones and data cards.
The second part of the equation is transmitting the signal back to the cell tower which is typically the weakest part of a phone’s ability when used alone. With a Wilson bi-directional amplifier you are able to broadcast a much stronger signal back to the cell site at a greater distance. A high quality Wilson amplifier system is critical to maintaining a constant connection and increased cellular standards.
All Wilson amplifiers are FCC-type accepted and most important, is our patented oscillation protection, which activates within milliseconds to prevent harmful interference to cell sites. It also monitors the amplifiers operation for optimum performance.
Wilson offers a wide range of powerful mobile wireless and in-building amplifiers for all carrier frequencies as well as high-gain antennas with multiple mounting options.
For more details call our tech support department directly at 1-866-294-1660.
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| What is a basic wireless amplifier system and how do I know if it will work for me? |
A basic system includes an outside antenna to collect the signal from the cell tower, an amplifier to boost the signal, an inside antenna to broadcast the improved signal over the inside of the building or vehicle and cabling to connect the three parts together.
A wireless amplifier system will work for you if you can make a cell phone call from where-ever you might put the outside antenna. If you can make a call from outside of your vehicle or from the roof of your house or building, the signal is probably strong enough for the system to help you. |
| How much separation do I need between the outside and inside antennas? How much separation do I need between the amplifier and the antennas? |
The 50 dB amplifiers must have at least 40 feet of separation between the inside and outside antennas. The 60 dB amplifiers must have at least 75 feet of separation. Separation is measured as a straight line between the two antennas because signal travels through the air in a straight line. Separation is not measured by the length of cables.
The amplifier does not need to be any specific distance from either the inside or outside antenna. You may, if necessary, connect the amplifier directly to either antenna. The separation between the antennas is critical, though. |
| Can I leave my amplifier on all the time? |
All Wilson amplifiers can remain on all the time; however, leaving the amplifier on in a vehicle when it is not running can discharge the battery in a day or two. In a vehicle, Wilson recommends that the amplifier be powered through the ignition switch so that the amplifier turns off and on with the vehicle. |
| Does a Wilson amplifier need to be professionally installed? |
In most cases, you can install a Wilson amplifier system yourself. The mobile systems and the building systems are designed for easy installation. |
| Can I use an In-Building Wireless amplifier in a vehicle? |
In-Building Wireless amplifiers are not recommended for use in vehicles. You would probably not be able to get the required minimum separation of 40 feet between the inside and outside antennas. That would cause the amplifier to go into oscillation (feedback) and shut itself down.
Also, the In-Building amplifiers do not have enough gain control and that would allow the amplifier to overload cell towers as the vehicle passes the tower. Wilson recommends that you use only a Mobile Wireless or Direct Connection amplifier in a mobile application. |
| Do I need to unplug the amplifier in my amplifier system before I make a change to the system? |
Yes. Unplug the amplifier from its power source any time you make a change to the system. This is especially true when an antenna is removed from the system. This prevents possible damage to the amplifier. |
| Can I have a system where two or more different carriers' phones work in an area of my building? |
If the carriers use different channels on the same frequencies, the carriers can overload each other. A two-carrier system can work and such a system can be built. Please call Technical Support at 1-866-294-1660 and we will help you as much as possible. |
| How many phones can I use at the same time on a wireless system? |
The number of phones that can operate simultaneously on a wireless system depends on the outside signal strength. The stronger the outside signal is, the more phones an amplifier can support. Conversely, the weaker the outside signal is, the fewer phones an amplifier can support. Wilson Technical Support has never received a report of a system supporting too few phones. |
| Can I wire the 12VDC power connection directly into my vehicle's electrical system? |
Yes. Most of our amplifiers have a hardwire kit available that allows you to connect directly to the vehicle's electrical system. You can also cut off the cigarette lighter adapter plug and wire the cord into a fused circuit. If you use a circuit controlled by the ignition switch, you can turn the amplifier off and on with the vehicle's key.
The center contact in the amplifier's power connection is positive. Wiring the amplifier into the ignition system will prevent the amplifier from discharging the vehicle's battery when the vehicle is not running. |
| Will your amplifiers work on GSM? |
Yes. Wilson has amplifiers that work with all analog and digital cell phone technologies, including AMPS, CDMA, GSM, TDMA, iDEN, EDGE, 1xEV-DO, GPRS and the latest 3G HSDPA. Wilson has amplifiers specifically designed for GSM and iDEN. |
| Will your Mobile Wireless amplifier work with the Glass-Mount Antenna? |
The glass in a vehicle is not a substantial barrier for a cell phone signal, therefore a glass-mount antenna is not recommended. The separation between the outside and inside antennas must include a metal barrier (such as the roof of the vehicle). The metal acts like a shield and limits the possibility of oscillation in the amplifier.
Oscillation (feedback) can result in poor performance and may eventually damage the amplifier. Without the barrier, the amplifier signal can pass through the glass and be easily picked up by the glass-mount antenna. |
| Can I use a Direct Connection amplifier as a wireless unit by adding an inside antenna? |
The Direct Connection amplifiers must be physically connected to your cell phone or cellular data card with an external antenna adapter. A Direct Connection amplifier does not produce enough gain to drive an inside antenna and give you even a small service range. |
