The Texan
Home: Idaho - Location: Texas
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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Looking for a reliable system to use here in south Texas that will serve both the phone and the aircard in the RV, but not bankrupt us. We have Verizon phones and one each Verizon and Sprint aircard. Can not use a direct connect system, so it must be a repeater type. I do have the ability to put an antenna on either a 20' pole on the ladder or permanently mount one on the roof in the front cap. Looking for recommendations from those that have a system of any brand, as I am NOT locked into a Wilson system, in fact I am looking at others. Thanks.
We are moving to a new work location next Wed or Thu and it does NOT have a usable cell signal. We will probably reactivate our Motosat satellite internet if needed.
Bob & Betsy(FishNFanatic) - USN Aviation Ret'd '78 & FL LEO Ret'd '03 & "Oath Keeper Forever"
'05 HR Endeavor 40PRQ, 400 Cummins W/ 540w/35A solar system -Pulling our '05 GMC Sierra LT, CC, Z-71, w/ 2010 Silver Rzr in back.
Where the wheels are stopped
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jcpainter
Crossville, TN
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Joined: 09/06/2009
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Does your phone have the ability to function as a hotspot?
If so, does it have an external antenna port?
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The Texan
Home: Idaho - Location: Texas
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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Nope, we got rid of our smart phones and have just basic phones.
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Dutch_12078
Great Sacandaga Lake, NY
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Joined: 10/07/2008
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I helped a fellow in Tennessee install a "Large RV" cell amplifier/repeater from Maximum Signal last year. I was impressed with the amount of boost we saw almost everywhere in the coach.
Dutch
1995 Coachmen Catalina 322QBXL
F53 chassis, 460 V8, TST TPMS
Quadra Bigfoot EZ Levelers
2011 Toyota RAV4 4WD/Remco pump
ReadyBrute Elite tow bar/Blue Ox baseplate
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Ajones42
North Texas
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Joined: 11/17/2006
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Texan,
We have been using one of the Wilson SOHO amps with a wireless indoor antenna for several years now with good results. It will amplify multiple cell phones or laptops with the addition of a wireless router.
Wilson service after the sale is beyond reproach.
More info on my blog or in the forum in my sig line.
Fulltiming in a 1993 Dolphin 32D
North Dallas, TX
My Old RV
Oil Field Gate Guard Forum
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wingerphil
Lebanon, Indiana, USA
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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here is what we have.
cell phone booster at Best Buy
We bought it before deploying to our gate outside of Cotulla,Tx. and it has worked very well. We have AT&T cellphones and Virgin (Sprint) Mifi. Have the antenna mounted to a telescoping pole attached to the rear ladder on the 5er.
Phil
on edit: checked the website and it shows several of the San Antonio stores have the unit in stock.
Phil
Our Blog
1995 Freightliner FLD120 converted to RV Hauler
2007 Montana 3400RL
2010 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic
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Popsie
Livingston, TX, USA
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Joined: 04/04/2003
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Have you checked the "coverage" maps for all the cell providers in your new area to see if one of them claims to cover your planned location?
If there are no towers servicing the area, then your satellite system is probably the only choice.
If you want to try another provider, I believe that most of them will give you a week or two to try it out. If it doesn't work for you, you can then return the equipment and drop the contract for no charge.
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The Texan
Home: Idaho - Location: Texas
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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I have been looking at the Wi-Ex zBoost YX545 Cellular Phone Signal Booster, which appears to have real good reviews. I will also talk to the 3G store Monday about the Wilson, similar to the zBoost. I do not want a cradle type, as we want one to use for both the phones and the internet.
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The Texan
Home: Idaho - Location: Texas
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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Popsie wrote:Have you checked the "coverage" maps for all the cell providers in your new area to see if one of them claims to cover your planned location?
If there are no towers servicing the area, then your satellite system is probably the only choice.
If you want to try another provider, I believe that most of them will give you a week or two to try it out. If it doesn't work for you, you can then return the equipment and drop the contract for no charge. They all claim to have coverage in the area, but in fact only AT&T has marginal coverage. With an antenna and amp, Verizon will work, but not real sure about Sprint.
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pyoung47
MO
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Joined: 02/16/2005
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If you plan to be in one area for a time, I would suggest looking at a cell phone yagi antenna. A yagi is a directional antenna with multiple elements, much like a television antenna. It is necessary to determine the frequency that your carrier is using in order to purchase the correct antenna. Wilson makes several of these. A push up fiberglass pole would make an excellent support for one of these.
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