Blackberry 8830/Curve external antenna questions...

GreytWillow

Good afternoon-
I am an occasional EVDO user with a family member’s Compass 597 that I pay for and a CTR-350 that I purchased from 3G Store. I own a Blackberry 8830 and will soon be upgrading to the Curve. I am looking to save on some monthly expenses and will be canceling the 597 account at the end of this month.

While tethering is not the ideal method for many users high speed internet needs, it is perfect for my occasional use. When I am out of my vehicle I will tether using Bluetooth. When in the car I will use the CTR-350 with 12v adapter. I have an external Wilson antenna for the Compass 597 with FME antenna adapter. I travel mostly in metro areas and on the interstate highways. I do not own an amplifier.

I found this thread www.evdoforums.com/thread8815.html but it does not answer all of my questions…

My 1st question is can I use the Wilson passive cradle www.wilsonelectronics.com/////ViewProductB.php?ID=31 without an amplifier?

Second will this passive antenna adapter from 3Store 3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37&products_id=902 work with a Blackberry without an amp?

Third, can anyone that has used a passive cradle or adapter with a Blackberry offer or other device offer performance feedback? I know it is not the best antenna connection method, but any suggestions are appreciated.

Lastly, is there a hidden antenna port/plug somewhere in the case of the Blackberry? I have searched on the forums and Yahoo! looking, but cannot find this answer. I know there are other devices that can be modified by drilling a hole in the case to allow for an antenna plug to be inserted. Since the 3G experts here do not offer an adapter plug, I think I already know the answer.

Thank you for your time.

Gregg
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Gregg

Alex · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:21 am Post subject:

neither the cradle nor the passive adapter is likely to give decent results without an amp.

the challenge is that while the antenna you'd use is high gain, there is loss resulting from any cable run, and the inefficiency of passive gain.

in a vehiclular application, your blackberry is likely to "see" same tower the exterior antenna sees, with the same or similar signal -- causing confusion at worst, and no better signal at least.

combining passive device with an amp, is surely to result in stronger signal, allowing blackberry to pay less attention to the weak tower signal.

and yeah - you guessed it. there is not an adapter cable for a blackberry. in fact, i don't think there has ever been a blackberry with an rf/antenna jack.
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GreytWillow · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:25 am Post subject:

Alex-

Thank you for the quick reply. If I needed to make a purchase would the mobile professional wireless amp meet my needs? The price seems right!

Thanks Again.
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Gregg

Alex · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:31 am Post subject:

if you mean this: http://3gstore.com/signalboostmp

i'd only recommend that if you needed something portable.

if this will be more or less a permanent install, consider:

http://3gstore.com/811214
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GreytWillow · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:35 am Post subject:

Thank you.. I will save my pennies!
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Gregg

Alex · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:50 am Post subject:

Gregg, a person for whom i have much respect for emailed me after he read this thread. he has had success with wilson external antenna and both the patch adapter and wilson cradle. he saw as much as 10-15db gain on a trip he took, but your results may vary. his experience differs from my testing, but i trust his opinion.

you've got our 14-day return policy to back you up. its worth trying.
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thomasz2tran21 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 4

hey guys, iam using BB 8830, it's running well up to now. This cool is great phone. it's good for work. I like it. Very Happy