Signal Booster Issues with BlackBerry 8830 on Sprint?

BurbMan · EVDO Newbie Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 8

I recently installed a Wilson Trucker's antenna and SignalBoost amp with universal inductive connector in my travel trailer. The antenna is mounted on the side of the trailer, at the top just below the rain gutter.

In the time between when I ordered this setup and it arrived, my Treo 650 bit the dust, so I upgraded to a new Blackberry 8830 on Sprint. The Treo (also was on Sprint) used regular PCS service but apparantly the Blackberry uses the new EV-DO or whatever (display says 1X-EV by the bars)

The instructions for the universal phone attachment say to use the velcro pad to attach the wire to the phone by the antenna. The Blackberry has an internal antenna, and it doesn't seem to make any difference in signal strength if the Wilson amp is on/off or the connector is anywhere near the phone.

Wilson tech support has not gotten back to me on this yet. Anybody have any ideas? Did I buy the wrong equipment? It says it supports all services in the 800-900 and 1800-1900 mHz ranges, except Nextel IDN which I know I don't have.

Using the status meter on the phone, I show anywhere between -84 and -98 dB signal strength at my home. This equates to 1-3 bars on the display. The signal fluctuation is normal, it's been like that in my area since I switched over to Sprint. I'm not sure if the signal is too strong already and that's why I'm not seeing a difference, or if there is problem with the equipment. I followed the install instructions to a T.

I really don't need the booster at home, but will be counting on it at the beach this summer. The signal in town there is strong, but as soon as you get on the other side of the dune the signal disappears, so that's really why I bought the booster setup.