Cell Phone Booster?

[tyreman]

What have folks used for a cell phone booster? We use the bus quite often to a location that has a very weak signal and would like to be able to use phone as a hot spot for data and video streaming. After much research I am thinking of actually getting a house unit vs a specific RV/truck model (i.e. Cell Phone Booster for Home Office 4Bands Cell Phone Signal VS weBoost Drive X RV) since I plan on using it only when stationary and having a temporary mast antennae run up when we park.  It has longer supplied cord, more power and uses 120v.  Thoughts?

[neoneddy]

I have a surecall model that allows up to 75db boost, it's for a home.

I've had trouble with it.  First thing is make sure to have a Yagi antenna, an omni directional will feedback too much.  You need to try and get 40-50 feet of seperation minimum, which is hard to do on a bus, even with a mast.  I've had good luck a few times, but it's been hit or miss, but I've had a hard time getting full seperation.

[sledhead]

I have used a wilson cell home booster that has been in 2 coach's and works great . Mine is older but similar and is 8 years old and not a 4g

https://wilsonamplifiers.ca/weboost-connect-4g-signal-booster-kit-refurbished-470103fr/

same idea ant. on roof at the back and inside ant. up front

dave

[bobofthenorth]

We've had several boosters.  The only ones that worked consistently for us are the type with a flat plate that you set your phone against.  The ones with the inside and outside antennas haven't worked for us but the other type has been great.  They take a bit of getting used to because your phone is tied to the plate antenna but its not that big a deal.  You can use bluetooth to get to the phone and set up a wifi hotspot for internet access.

[buswarrior]

Don't screw around, these busnut/boaters have it all under control:

https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/

Cheri and Chris make it their business to test and rate all the hardware and cell connections to lead a nomadic lifestyle.

They are right on top of all these matters. For the price of membership, don't waste anymore of your time, just join, do a ton of informed reading, and choose the bits you want to buy.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[tyreman]

Thanks all, good info to digest. I will update with a review after next trip to The Creek! :-)

[tyreman]

Well even after what I thought was exhaustive research the unit I bought didn't work with my phone... After we get back home in a few weeks I'll try again with what I hope to be an acceptable unit that will attach to the awesome 30ft mast antenna set up I made. :-)

[richard5933]

Curious what the booster & cell phone were. We're thinking about adding a booster for next season, and it would be good to know what to eliminate.

Did your phone not make connection to the booster at all? Wrong frequencies? Or did it just not provide any boost?

[tyreman]

It was a multi-carrier unit by A ANNTLENT, (Cell Phone Signal Booster for Verizon AT&T T-Mobile 4G LTE - Dual 700MHz Band 12/13/17). Well my Total Wireless phone (Verizon) uses Band 2 or 4 not 12/13/17.
Next try will be Multiple Band Cell Phone Signal Booster Antenna for All Carriers 3G 4G LTE Home Use - Band 2/4/5/12/13/17.

[chessie4905]

I used this brand at home when we had weak to no cell phone signal. It did the job. They should have one that works, provided there is a little signal to work with. None will work miracles if no signal whatsoever, just like tv signal. They supply a lot of versions for the trucking industry btw.

https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/antennas?utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=Wilson+Antennas&utm_source=adwords&utm_term=wilson%20antenna&hsa_kw=wilson%20antenna&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_tgt=kwd-210073022&hsa_mt=e&hsa_acc=5776060852&hsa_ver=3&hsa_cam=168952074&hsa_ad=199262943053&hsa_grp=8824746114&hsa_src=g&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlYSJ8I3m5gIVBeiGCh3OKgxKEAAYASAAEgJ7uvD_BwE

[tyreman]

I found an actual Wilson Electronic refurbished WeBoost home version for under 300 bucks on their site and installed it in the bus using the mast antenna and it worked like a charm here at the house. Taking it down to the Creek next week to try it out in the boonies.
Thanks again everyone for your input!