Can anyone tell me my predicted performance?

gohawk08 · EVDO User Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 72

Hello everyone.
I currently have a U727 with unlimited service and get a -84 reading with a cantenna and about 1.1 mbps down with 150 kbps up.
I am thinking about upgrading.
I was looing at 3gstore and I think I know what to do.
I want to get the Direct Connect (3 Watt) Amp, an Omni External antenna, and an MBR1000.
Never mind about the router right now.
I want to know how much better my performance could be expected to be at when I'm done setting this stuff all up. I'm only about 1/4 mile away from sprint's No Service area on their coverage map. I'm in a fringe area. without the cantenna, I get around -100 dbm. in Rural Iowa.
Thanks for any help on this topic.
_________________
- Henry

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:48 am Post subject:

Locate the tower and use a directional antenna with the amp. Save the omni for when you are mobile.
_________________
--Sprint EVDO--

gohawk08 · EVDO User Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 72

Can I use an amp connected directly to the modem with the proper connector?
How do I locate the tower exactly?
_________________
- Henry

gohawk08 · EVDO User Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 72

Ok. Here's what I need to figure out. I know that I want to get an amplifier, but I think you have to connect the amp to some sort of external antenna, and you can't just connect the amp directly to the modem itself. So I need to figure out which type of antenna to buy...
I have been advised to get a yagi which supposedly get better performance as long as you align them right. I think this is a good option becasue right now I'm using a cantenna aimed in the direciton I think the tower is. (I have done a little bit of shifting and adjusting and found the best way to point the cantenna) I am probably only about 5 miles from the tower, but with the cantenna I only get about -84 dbm. Therefore, I am skeptical about if I really do have a clear line of sight to the tower. (wherever it is).
If I get an omni directiononal antenna, I am guranteed to get a better signal because it broadcasts in every direciton. I need advise on whether to take the risk on getting a yagi, or play it safe with an omni. I know I will end up getting an amp, I just need to figure out which type of antenna is best.
Thanks for any opinions/advice for this topic.
_________________
- Henry

gohawk08 · EVDO User Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 72

OK. so i've decided to get a directional antenna. should I get a panel or a yagi? is there a difference?
I have a U727. which connectors should I use to either hook up the yagi/panel to the direct connect amp and then to the U727?
also if I just forget the amp, how do I connect the yagi/panel directly to the U727?
Oh yah, one more thing. I read that a yagi must be mounted on a metal pole connected to the ground. also it can't be mounted on wood. It that true? what about a panel antenna?
Is it possible for a yagi to go through a group of about 5 trees? I have a line of pine trees as a wind break toward the direction of the tower that are as tall as my 2 story house.
Sorry about all the questions. I'm just trying to maximmize my signal which right now is a consistent -85. I'm only about 3 miles away from the tower, but I still only get a -85.
_________________
- Henry

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject:

Why don't you go poke around on my blog: http://evdotips.blogspot.com. I answer most of those questions there, it is a lot of info to post here.
_________________
--Sprint EVDO--

gohawk08 · EVDO User Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 72

Well, I ended up talking to gord and I think I am going with maximum signal and a *.
_________________
- Henry