iPhone signal booster

Question

Level 1

8 points

iPhone signal booster

I previously posted regarding my new iPhone 3Gs and poor reception in the house. Contacted AT&T, as well as Apple (who by the way were much more helpful than AT&T). Was told to investigate the Wi-Ex ZBoost YX500/510. I did, and purchased the unit. Was delivered today. Couldn't wait to connect and begin to experience the wonders of a new iPhone!!
Following the instructions in the manual (yes, I read those) - I connected the antenna, mounted it to the highest place outside my house where my "naked" phone received the best signal. Ran the cable into my house and placed the unit on a table in my office.
With the unit "on" my phone immediately went to 5 full bars where I had 1, perhaps 2 before - but only if I am within 10 feet of the base unit.
Move around the room and the signal drops to 2 or maybe 3 bars.
Walk upstairs and the signal drops to 1 bar or "Searching" and then "No Signal".
Standard house, frame (2x4) construction - nothing special.
Is it simply impossible to get a good signal indoors with one of these phones? Am I to resign myself to using Verizon forever?

iPhone 3Gs, iPhone OS 3.0.1

Posted on Oct 10, 2009 1:24 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 10, 2009 1:30 PM in response to Lumberdude

Sounds about right actually. Consider the allowable power output of a device that is in your house compared to that of a cell tower. It can't be to hot or the RF would not be safe. Seems it would be better than what you are showing though. I use my iphone inside fine. 1-3 bars even in the bathroom that is in the middle of the building. This is an apartment building in a valley that is not line of site to the cell tower. I have seen funny no overlapping with ATT and Verizon too. The store across the street has no ATT signal but i see people talking on Verizon phones fine.

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Answer 2

Tamara

Level 6

13,744 points

Nov 18, 2009 6:58 PM in response to Lumberdude

I'm sorry to hear that you can't get a good signal inside. Everyone we know with the iPhone gets good reception inside.

You may want to look into one of ATT's microcells - http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/3gmicrocell/

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Answer 3

Mac_Cat

Level 1

108 points

Nov 18, 2009 1:11 PM in response to Lumberdude

Thanks for reporting your results!
Oddly, feedback on this topic is rare!

The boosters are all way over priced, IMHO. So, I Zboost is an attractive option and has the most sensible accessories.

I bought the YX-500-CEL which is only for 800 MHZ cell phones.
It comes with the external antenna and 50 feet of coax cable.

I placed the antenna on high outside the house and put the booster in the foyer of my two story house. It works best with line of sight and not more than 30 feet from it.

You can easily move the inside antenna, too, if that might help get it closer to where you use your phone. The front door is more central in my house.

BTW, my house is all stucco and the metal lath and foil insulation pretty much blocked signals from inside my house. I was surprised how few calls are dropped and how long my batter lasts, after the installation.

I have yet to find one that works as well in a car.

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