Passive repeater antenna

[firetaz834]

I've been reading about a passive repeater antenna and heard that in some cases it works and in other cases it doesn't. I'm thinking of installing one on my vehicle to improve my transmission/reception of cellular signals.

What I'm wondering is has anyone used one and if so has it or has it not worked?

All comments will be welcomed.

Thank you,

Frank

 

[zz0468]

What I'm wondering is has anyone used one and if so has it or has it not worked?

I've designed microwave links using passive repeaters, and they can work quite well. I've also seen passive repeaters installed in buildings where a very small area needs more signal. So, I know they CAN work.

I would question the effectiveness in a car where there are lots of large windows to allow signal to enter, and the donor antenna is a zero or low gain omni. In every effective passive system I've seen/built/used, the key element is antenna gain aimed at the active signal source, and lots of it.

 

[OceanaRadio]

You are looking for a cellular booster antenna system, and if you google that (also check marine products where this concept has been popular for years) there are dozens of maufacturers.

Jack

 

[lmrtek]

Most are marketing Gimmicks

I've yet to see ANY passive repeater for cell phones that works well enough to buy.

If you want better cell coverage, buy a Wilson bi-directional amplifier(BDA)

They have both hard wired and wireless (coupled) systems and they really work.

 

[N_Jay]

I've yet to see ANY passive repeater for cell phones that works well enough to buy.

If you want better cell coverage, buy a Wilson bi-directional amplifier(BDA)

They have both hard wired and wireless (coupled) systems and they really work.

AND (yet again) the "wireless coupled" systems are illegal.

 

[lmrtek]

AND (yet again) the "wireless coupled" systems are illegal.

Wireless(coupled) cell phone BDAs are NOT illegal.

I don't know what system your are referring to but it's certainly not the tens of MILLIONS of Cellular BDAs that are in use every day and the ones I'm referring to.

 

[N_Jay]

Wireless(coupled) cell phone BDAs are NOT illegal.

I don't know what system your are referring to but it's certainly not the tens of MILLIONS of Cellular BDAs that are in use every day and the ones I'm referring to.

Wireless to the phone IS illegal unless authorized by the carrier.

Wired (or close coupled) to the phone (like a car kit) is legal.

Yes, I know the people selling these things say they are legal.

Yes, legal to sell, and legal to own, but ILLEGAL to use (unless authorized by the license-holder/carrier).

PERIOD, end of story, no ifs ands or buts, been discussed, been looked at by lawyers, been reviewed by carriers, etc. etc. etc.

 

[datainmotion]

Wireless to the phone IS illegal unless authorized by the carrier.

Wired (or close coupled) to the phone (like a car kit) is legal.

Yes, I know the people selling these things say they are legal.

Yes, legal to sell, and legal to own, but ILLEGAL to use (unless authorized by the license-holder/carrier).

PERIOD, end of story, no ifs ands or buts, been discussed, been looked at by lawyers, been reviewed by carriers, etc. etc. etc.

And to add to this - if you use a wired BDA (like Wilson or the hundreds of fly-by-night companies selling these) to connect directly to a cellular modem (i.e. - PC card), you will automatically void the manufacturers warranty.

 

[BuffaloJustice]

Your carrier should sell a "booster" car kit, it will cost you but they usually have a certified installer to put it in. This will get you the improved signal and you will be "compliant" with your carrier.