Any hope of getting a EVDO Signal?

widgetman101 · EVDO User Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 51

I had debated over EVDO or going with satellite internet. A few months ago I took the plunge and decided to go EVDO with Verizon as I was shown in the coverage map for broadband coverage as well as a good return and cancellation policy.

So I purchased the 595u as well as the antenna adapter and the generic antenna they sell on Verizons website. When I got it I was rather disappointed that I can only connect to Nationwide coverage.

I had filled out a customer survey online and a representative contacted me earlier today to talk about why I wasn't happy. That afternoon a representative showed up at my house and did some diagnostic tests.

He confirmed 2 Towers and told me the approximate distance and were to aim the antenna that I want to buy. More on that in a bit. Anyway the main tower I'm hitting is EVDO Rev A but he's saying the signal is to degraded so its forcing it back to 1Rxtt mode. I'm 12.5 miles from this tower and probally 13-14 miles from the other tower.

I ran a diagnostic mode and range around -87dBm through -89 dBm. I've seen it as low as -79dBm very few times. This is with no antenna attached inside my home as its a desktop solution.

Here is my diagnostic picture for you to look at taken a few minutes ago. I guess I can't post pictures so here is the following info in the diagnostic mode.

CDMA RSSI -88 dBm
CDMA Ec/lo 14
HDR RSSI -125dBm
HDR Ec/Lo 5

If you need any of the other info let me know.

Now that I know my signal isn't strong enough I'm looking at both antenna's and amplifiers. Is it going to be possible to boost my signal to a EVDO signal?

He recommended that I get a yagi antenna but I'm not sure if I need 800mhz or the 1900mhz one. Also is the higher in the air better or what is the best way of going about running it.

I plan on just trying the antenna first and see how that works. If I get a decent gain I may try a amplifier. I'm thinking either 30 or 50 feet of coax is what I'll need to mount it on the top of my roof. I need to run from my modem, across the room and out the window then about 10 feet to the roof.

I'm hoping you guys can put some light as I'm rather frustrated. I really want faster internet but I'm 4-5 miles outside of DSL or Cable's reach. Do I have any chance with the diagnostic I posted above of obtaining a full EVDO signal or enough to at least connect?

I took it about 15 miles away to my friends home and that connected to full Rev A and was blazing fast. I don't expect to get as fast as I did there but better than nationwide.

Thanks in advance for the input and nice site very informative.

EvdoNonLOSuser · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: PNW

Do you have good Line of Sight to the tower(s). If so, then a good high gain grid antenna might work. I don't have too much experience with more that 10 miles distance. But at 10 miles, I was able to get an rssi of 92 on the top of my property to the closest tower with a 24db grid. And that was with the top of a hill across the canyon in the way. Must be some slight bending going on. But I am not an expert on this. If you are on flat land, that might make the signal worse. But if you don't mind spending a 50-60 bucks on a good grid antenna, and you have good LOS, then imo I would go with the grid, at least lmr400 cable. There are other here that are more skilled and knowlegable than I, so hopefully those individuals will lend their advice. Good Luck!!

widgetman101 · EVDO User Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 51

My line of sight would be fairly decent outside. He pointed out the 2 directions I would want to aim the antenna at. I'm actually on top of a hill but I'm not sure what the specific elevation changes are from my place directly to the tower I want to aim at.

I would be willing to guess there at a similar elevation. My area is full of hills and trees though. What type of HDR dBm do I need to actually connect?

I know its at -125 now how much of a gain is possible. I was reading that the antenna's provide like -14dBm but could it be more if its a better line of site.

So what would you recommend. After getting the antenna just get a ladder and aim it in different directions towards the tower?

How exactly do you aim the antenna's? Also what is grid your talking about. I'm unfamiliar with the term.

Thanks for the input. Which antenna would you recommend?

EvdoNonLOSuser · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: PNW

Oh, you could look at this thread and read my posts. You might even have a good laugh too.

http://www.evdoforums.com/thread8646.html

BTW, I had zero signal outside with the device. I did also have to put it on HDR lock too. I probably float around 95 to 105 rssi now with the antenna setup.

widgetman101 · EVDO User Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 51

Wow thats pretty crazy glad it worked out for you. How do I know which band mine is running on 800Mhz or 1900Mhz? I doubt I'll get that lucky Rolling Eyes

I just really have no clue on how to go about this. All I know is that I need some cable to run a solution outside to even have a change. I gather the higher up in the air the better.

Which antenna did you purchase? Also did you have to get a amplifier.

Sorry if you answered these questions in your thread I read through it but I'm a bit tired doing some last minute searching tonight.

I guess I'll check back later today and see what everyone thinks would be the best and preferably cheapest first option.

EvdoNonLOSuser · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: PNW

No amplifier for me. I am not sure if it would help at all in my situation. I think an amp is a last resort. I don't want to violate any rules by posting a link on a non-3g antenna. Just do a google search on hyperlink and 24db grid antenna. In your situation, I personally (and I reserve the right to be wrong. LOL) think you shouldn't mess with any other type of antenna. I mounted mine on a J-pole and I mounted the j=pole on a 8 ft 2X4 stud. this was my first round of testing I did. I used a 20 ft section of LMR-400 cable for this antenna. I took that antenna(mounted on the stud) all over the property with my computer until I was able to get a usable signal. I use a usb720 and my rssi on revA didn't do so well above 109. But that 109 number was derived from a short test because it was 20 degrees outside and I could only stand outside for so long. LOL. I currenly am averaging 50-100 upload and 450-800 download. I am definitely happy with that.

widgetman101 · EVDO User Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 51

Alright thanks for the advice. Does anyone else have some input on the best way of doing this?

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:42 pm Post subject:

Before purchasing an antenna check with Verizon, if that is who you are using, and verify the frequency used in your area. Try the antenna first before springing for an amp. At your distance from the towers a grid/parabolic is your best bet. Even a small change in dBm can represent a big change in broadband performance.
_________________
--Sprint EVDO--

Rider_55 · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:20 pm Post subject:

widgetman101 · EVDO User Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 51

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:36 pm Post subject:

I explain it here:

http://evdotips.blogspot.com/
_________________
--Sprint EVDO--

Rider_55 · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:52 pm Post subject:

widgetman101 · EVDO User Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 51

Okay thanks again for your input guys. I just want to confirm this will work with my system.

I'm looking at the Wilson 301111 Yagi 800Mhz Antenna and the Wilson Ultra Low loss 30ft cable.

I do have a question about the cable though. I'm not sure if I have the right connection to the data card. I bought the antenna converter when I placed my order for the 595u is this the same adapter cable the Wilson 400 will plug into or do I need another cable adapter.

The adapter I have has the 2.5mm jack that plugs into the air card then about a 6" long cable that has a 9/16th's wide end with threads on the inside with a pin in the center. The generic antenna I have then plugs into it then screws in the threads.

Is this the same principal with the Wilson Cable? Thanks again for the help I can't wait to see how much my RSSI improves.

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:23 pm Post subject:

Depends on what kind of connector is on the Wilson cable. The Yagi has a N-female so the cable needs a N-male on one end. What stock number is the Wilson cable you bought? The pigtail for your modem terminates in a FME-male connector.
_________________
--Sprint EVDO--

widgetman101 · EVDO User Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 51

I didn't buy it yet since I wanted to make sure everything I'll need before I place my order. I'd just take a picture of the current cable I have and post up but I can't post links or pictures yet.

If you go to the repeater store under accessories Wilson 400 Ultra Low Loss Coaxial Cable 30ft - 952330.

The antenna will work though with my air card right? And its a decent quality one right?