Suggestions on a cellular repeater

JGriggs

Current situation:
I have a house with aluminum siding that the inspector for the area required to be grounded. It seems to make a really good Faraday cage. And as the trees are filling in, I'm having more problems.

Inside on my EVDO modem, in the perfect spot at the perfect angle, next to the correct window, I get a strength reading of -94 to -90. My cell phone test screen currently indicates -95db and an Ec/Io of -12.5 approximately 18" from where the EVDO modem is. If I place my cell phone at the best spot for EVDO, my signal doesn't change, but the Ec/Io drops to -7.5.

Due to the fact that I would like to be able to use my cell phone and EVDO in other areas in the house other than this second story room, I'm thinking of a repeater. Also the EVDO modem is an embedded modem in an HP NC6400 notebook.

Doing my research, I found that I need a relatively good signal outside.
Well, I don't have a ladder to get to the roof, so I got close.
I went up into the storage/attic area above my garage.
I was indoors and received a signal on my cell phone of -84dB with an Ec/Io of -6. This is worse than the winter when I was seeing -79 to -74 dB. So I might have to get a ladder and see what it is on the other side of the roof. (Its raining today which might affect what I'm seeing, too).

Anyways, now on to my real questions...
Does anyone have real world experience with repeaters?
Is there a strong difference in brands?
The two I have seen that are prevalent are the Digital DA4000SBR-50U and the Wilson 801245.
The Wilson has the better name and the price to go with it.
Opinions on these?
Did I leave any alternatives out?
Are there any items that will come back to bite me that would be good to know now?

Thanks,
Jon

hustl3 · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 9:18 pm Post subject:

Have you seen the YX500-PCS or the YX510-PCS?

I haven't used these however they are an alternative to the 2 you have asked about.

WPSANTENNAS-MATT · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 7:25 am Post subject:

Jon

Your situation is all too common. Steel or Aluminum siding attenuating the signal. With the readings that you were getting in the attic you are a good candidate for a repeater.

There are many different brands out there with many different price points. Most of the repeaters on the market being sold are FCC approved and will solve both your data and voice coverage issues. When selecting a repeater, look closely at the return policy and warranty/support that is available post sale. You may find that you have to spend a few more dollars up front but that will likely give you a 30 day return policy with no restocking charge.

The difference between the brands comes down to the type of coax cable and the antennas being used. The Wireless Extenders YX510 uses a 75 Ohm 50’ run of coax from the rooftop omni antenna to the unit and a small dipole antenna that is 50 Ohm for the broadcast antenna. It is a great unit for 1-2 rooms of coverage and is likely the least expensive dual band repeater on the market.

The Digital Antenna DA4000SBR-50 is a more powerful unit designed to cover 3000 to 5000 square feet. The main difference between the Digital Unit and the Wireless extenders unit is the use of 50 Ohm cable and a more powerful repeater unit designed to cover 3000 to 5000 square feet.

Before making your final decision, you may want to climb up on the roof and do some dB strength testing. This will give you a good baseline to work off of. If the signal is strong (low -70’s) and you only want coverage in 1-2 rooms the Wireless Extender is a good choice. If you are looking for complete home coverage you may want to try the Wireless Extenders first with the option of trading up or explore other more commercial units from Wilson or Digital Antenna.

Matt Larson
_________________
http://www.wpsantennas.com

JGriggs · Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 5:11 pm Post subject:

That you both.

hustl3, I'm going to look into that model a little more.

Matt, I'll take a look at your website and keep you in mind.

I guess the next step is to have the rain stop, borrow a ladder, and see what the signal strength is on the roof.

Jon