Merlin S620 Antenna Jack (SpotWave Amps)

digitrip · EVDO User Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 35

I have the S620, and I noticed that there is an external jack on the edge of the card, but there is also a small cover on the bottom of the card. When this cover is removed it reveals a small area of the PCB with either another jack, a pot, or a pushbutton. I can't tell.

Any ideas?

visortgw · EVDO User Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Posts: 67

Michael · Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 7:36 am Post subject:

The one on the side is where the external antenna plugs in, see:

The screw on the bottom of the card is called the "debug port", it isn't used.
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digitrip · EVDO User Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 35

Thanks for the quick replies gentlemen! Now all i have to do is decide on this, or a wireless repeater solution, or both.

I work in a building with terrible reception on both Nextel and Sprint. We use Nextel (iDen) for voice and Sprint EVDO cards.

Ideally, I would like to boost both of these but I am not sure what the best way would be.

I am currently looking at a solution from a company called Sportwave. Ever heard of them?

MaximumSignal · Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 12:11 pm Post subject:

digitrip · EVDO User Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 35

Yeah, I meant Spotwave, i fat-fingered it.

I didn't know that thier products had to be installed by the carrier. Hmm..

So do you have a single product that will boost both, or would I need 2 seperate devices?

Also, with Nextel and Sprint being the same legal entity, is their any evidence that the network protocols will eventually merge? This is obviously not a deal breaker, because I imagine that if they do merge, it will be years.....

WPSANTENNAS-MATT · Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 12:21 pm Post subject:

The size of your building plays a major role in the solution that is the most cost effective and functional. For buildings in the 5000-8000 square foot range with strong or above average signal on the rooftop we use the Wilson brand Nextel repeater. For the Sprint 1900 Mhz spectrum we use the CSI-150.

The units can be installed together using a cross-band coupler or side by side with respect to the antennas and cabling. Nextel is in the process of Re-Banding their 800 Mhz spectrum to a frequency of 898 to 939 Mhz but at this point the 800 Mhz repeater units are working fine and will continue to work for the next severl years.
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MaximumSignal · Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 12:23 pm Post subject:

digitrip · EVDO User Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 35

I am in a 15000 sq. ft. building, and i dont really even know what my budget is at this point. I will check out your sites and get some pricing, and if need be, I will contact you regarding specifics. Thanks for taking time to answer my questions.

grant · EVDO User Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 50

MaximumSignal · Posted: Sat May 06, 2006 10:37 am Post subject:

digitrip · EVDO User Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 35

Back before I created this thread, I emailed Spotwave to have them call me for a quote/consultation. I didn't hear back until now.

I just got off the phone with the rep, and she said that none of thier products require carrier installation. She said that their products are certified by the carriers and that individuals may install them.

Just an FYI in case anyone is interested.

/Chris

MaximumSignal · Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 11:44 am Post subject:

digitrip · EVDO User Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 35

I agree. Doesn't speak too well for the company to have differing statements about their product from their own people.

I think for the time being i am going to try the booster antenna. In most spots in and around my haome and office, i get between 1 and 3 bars. Hopefully I will be able to bump it up a little. I will make sure and let everyone know how it performs in my case. (If any one still cares... Very Happy

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Connie · EVDO Newbie Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1

Folks, I work for Spotwave, I was at CTIA and know every single one of our sales people, none of whom would state that our products have to be installed by a carrier. Our products DO NOT have to be installed by carriers. Carriers just happen to approve of our products and purchase a significant amount of them for their own customers in-building problems because they are a high grade, network protecting solution. Unlike some of the others mentioned in this string. Our SpotCell products are carrier specific - ie they enhance coverage for one carrier per system. Perhaps that's where the confusion in message occured? In any case, they support GSM CDMA iDEN (in 800 band) as well as all high speed 3G data services delivered in 1900. If you have any other questions just call and get a straight answer!