Wilson SignalBooster 811210

sheureka · EVDO User Joined: 27 Aug 2006 Posts: 58

I did a search, but couldn't really find what I was looking for. I'm interested in an amplifier that has a universal adapter and could be used with a Yagi and a mobile antenna - this looks like it might work. Here's the link to the manufacturer's website - http://www.wilsonelectronics.com/ViewProduct.php?ID=123. I know they're pretty new, but does anyone have any real world experience? TIA - sheureka

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gil · EVDO User Joined: 31 Dec 2006 Posts: 82

I am not sure what the difference is but I have been using this :http://www.wilsonelectronics.com/ViewProduct.php?ID=6 repeater for over a year with success. This one comes with the small patch connector and a larger brick type inside antenna. The large antenna is about 6" long x 2" wide x 3/8" thick. I get the same results with either connector but the larger one does not require the velcro fastener although it comes with one for fastening to car seat for phone proximity.

Maybe this repeater does not have the powerdown in strong signal area feature?
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longtimelurker

sheureka · EVDO User Joined: 27 Aug 2006 Posts: 58

I understand that - but I have a phone that doesn't have an "approved" adapter, and having totally messed up another phone by using an "oh this one isn't really approved but it will work" adapter I'm not going to try it again. I've also got several EVDO phones, including one that's hooked up to a KR1 so this may be the best option for me. Thanks for the response though! - sheureka

sheureka · EVDO User Joined: 27 Aug 2006 Posts: 58

I just ordered one - at $225 (with shipping and an ac adapter) it seemed like a no brainer given the ability to use it both in the car, my trailer, and possiby in the house. I already have Wilson antennas on the car and the trailer and if it works well I'll put something on the house as well. I'll let you know how well it works. - sheureka

sheureka · EVDO User Joined: 27 Aug 2006 Posts: 58

I just got my amplifier and really want to try it out! Unfortunately, my car is buried under about 3 feet of snow (sitting on 6 inches of ice) and I don't have an antenna in the house! I wish I'd ordered a mini-magnet with the suction cup window thing at the same time.

I think I'm going to plug it in without an antenna and see what (if anything) happens. Anybody know if that will hurt anything? - sheureka

sheureka · EVDO User Joined: 27 Aug 2006 Posts: 58

Yeah - I decided to read the booklet - and decided not to plug it in. Thanks - sheureka

sheureka · EVDO User Joined: 27 Aug 2006 Posts: 58

I got a Wilson Minimag today, set it up on a piepan in a window, plugged in the amplifier, velcroed it to my phone - and my signal jumped from -82 to -64! I'm a happy camper! Obviously this is not real world experience, and my signal was certainly usable before but I am very, very pleased with this setup - particularly given that I can use it in so many places. My tablet, amplifier, and router will all fit in my laptop case (I even have room to stick in the piepan!) - so it is exactly what I was looking for. - sheureka

JoeyDee · Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 12:42 am Post subject: Re: Success!

phxphun1 · EVDO User Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Posts: 65

I wonder why "3GStore.Com" (this forum's sponsor) doesn't sell the "universal" version. Seems they have only the direct connect. Is it so inferior to the direct connect that it's not worthy? Razz

I know Michael seems to sell only the best of any given category of accessories; that's probably why he sells only Wilson amps.

Even though the direct connect is going to be the ultimate, I'd think the velcro-on "universal" version would be an excellent option for a few different types of customers:

1 - those who have cards with no antenna jack (bought before they decided they wanted an amplifier, and are now tied into a contract)

2 - those who have several different phones and/or data cards, at least one of which doesn't have an antenna jack (I would be in this group)

3 - folks who have had bad luck with broken antenna connectors and/or frequently connect and disconnect them and fear that wear and tear on the delicate antenna jack in their phone or data card will do it in. (I might be a member of this group as well)

As far as I can gather from reading info on Wilson's site, the amps seem very similar, aside from the extra bit of gain added in both directions to the "universal" connection to make up for the fact that it is working by proximity or induction of some sort. The performance still must be nearly that of a direct connected amp, and probably alot better than a wireless repeater (though not as convenient). In fact, it kinda is like a "wireless" repeater, except using alot less power on the "inside" half of the amp, and having the "inside" antenna right next to the phone all the time.

dan1101 · EVDO User Joined: 17 May 2007 Posts: 60

I tried out an 811201 last night, hoping it would improve my stability, transfer rate, and ping. I think I got 2 out of 3, the connection is much more stable (didn't go away all last evening), seems faster (getting about 800kb down, 150kb up), but my ping still seems to stay around 180ms. However, before the connection would go away for 5 or 10 seconds quite often, now it only misses maybe 1 ping out of 20.

I did notice it gets pretty hot, not too hot to touch but almost. I guess that's normal? I have it plugged into a Radio Shack 12V 1500mA adapter, positive tip.

debwildwood · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 5:32 pm Post subject: Wilson Signalboost Amp

Has anyone else tried this universal amplifier with success? I am considering ordering one. I plan to use it with my Linksys Router (purchased at the 3g store) and PC5750. I have Verizon service. Thanks.

CraigCraig · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 141

debwildwood · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 6:19 pm Post subject: Wilson Signalboost Amp

Thanks for the info. The problem I have with the connection on the PC5750 is that it is very flimsy. I am on my second adapter in 4 months. I had the same problem with the adapter on my V620. I am by no means rough with my equipment. I think the actual antenna connections on the cards are not that great. I can live with slightly less performance as opposed to ordering replacment adapters for $20 ($13+ shipping) every couple of months. I'm glad to hear you are happy with yours. I would prefer to order it from the 3G store, but they do not offer this amp, yet. I'll give them a call to see if they plan on adding it to their line of products.

Franksr · EVDO Newbie Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 5

I called and talked directly to a tech at Wilson before buying one. I was told the inside and outside antenna MUST be 8 ft apart unless you have a metal roof between them. I have the Wilson Trucker Antenna on my semi mounted on the mirror bracket. Wilson told me it would be best for me to use the hard-wired amp. Wilson talks about oscillation caused by having the inside and outside antenna to close together but how do you test that? How do you test that the amp is actually putting out wattage? As stated before, the power is automatically cut back as you start receiving stronger signals from the cell tower. I definitely could see a big improvement with the outside antenna but how do you determine if the amp is doing it's job?

CraigCraig · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 141