Coax cable question

[dlctcg]

TheMan419 -

Glad to see you got positive results just moving the antenna outside for your test run. Definitely take your time tweaking the antenna; we use that antenna all the time & tiny adjustments make big differences. Granted we are 99% of the time using the antenna with a booster & internal antennas, & we also own testing equipment to help in aiming; but the antenna alone can give a 7 - 8+ dBi Gain by itself if tuned in.

I don't think you want to add the second antenna to the MoFi's other antenna connection; if I'm not mistaken it only has two... So if you are using the MoFi as your WiFi access point also, I believe you would be seriously depleting it, as the attached antennas are also used to distribute the signal inside. (I'm thinking, even using the first one for the outdoor wideband antenna will have some effect, but the increase in signal is probably worth it for you.)

As I mentioned our systems are usually designed to boost & redistribute the cellular signal through out a space helping both voice & data devices, we don't normally connect directly a router. (so I could be wrong)... Now if you are not using the MoFi as your WiFi access point then it might be ok...

If you want to use a second external Wideband antenna you might want to look at using a Diplexer / Combiner which will allow you to connect two antennas out at the pole (your mounting point), aim them in different directions & combine their signals on the same coax going back to your MoFi. I've never done this for the same signal / Carrier, we do this for different carriers that are on different towers but need to provide multi-carrier distribution within a building. I believe the correct Wilson Diplexer / Combiner part # is 859922:

Wilson Cell Phone Signal Boosters | Cell Boosters | WilsonPro

I would also recommend an inline sure suppressor for this type of installation....

 

[LittleBill21]

TheMan419 -

Glad to see you got positive results just moving the antenna outside for your test run. Definitely take your time tweaking the antenna; we use that antenna all the time & tiny adjustments make big differences. Granted we are 99% of the time using the antenna with a booster & internal antennas, & we also own testing equipment to help in aiming; but the antenna alone can give a 7 - 8+ dBi Gain by itself if tuned in.

I don't think you want to add the second antenna to the MoFi's other antenna connection; if I'm not mistaken it only has two... So if you are using the MoFi as your WiFi access point also, I believe you would be seriously depleting it, as the attached antennas are also used to distribute the signal inside. (I'm thinking, even using the first one for the outdoor wideband antenna will have some effect, but the increase in signal is probably worth it for you.)

As I mentioned our systems are usually designed to boost & redistribute the cellular signal through out a space helping both voice & data devices, we don't normally connect directly a router. (so I could be wrong)... Now if you are not using the MoFi as your WiFi access point then it might be ok...

If you want to use a second external Wideband antenna you might want to look at using a Diplexer / Combiner which will allow you to connect two antennas out at the pole (your mounting point), aim them in different directions & combine their signals on the same coax going back to your MoFi. I've never done this for the same signal / Carrier, we do this for different carriers that are on different towers but need to provide multi-carrier distribution within a building. I believe the correct Wilson Diplexer / Combiner part # is 859922:

Wilson Cell Phone Signal Boosters | Cell Boosters | WilsonPro

I would also recommend an inline sure suppressor for this type of installation....

which cell amp do you generally use? the wilson product line?

 

[TheMan419]

The mofi actually has 4 antenna ports and supports MiMo. So it has two for receiving the cell signal and two for broadcasting the wifi.

Depending on how this goes an amp will be the next possible addition.

 

[dlctcg]

which cell amp do you generally use? the wilson product line?

Yes we are primarily Wilson, my company is Certified Wilson Pro Installers; we support the product because it works, their support for their product has been great, zero warranty issues... oh & it works.... We also have access to SureCall just prefer the Wilson line...

 

[dlctcg]

The mofi actually has 4 antenna ports and supports MiMo. So it has two for receiving the cell signal and two for broadcasting the wifi.

Depending on how this goes an amp will be the next possible addition.

TheMan419 - My bad... I didn't actually look up the MoFi unit, I was going off recollection... (again... my bad). Then you should have no issue adding a second antenna if you desire....

Looking forward to hearing your results after your single antenna install...

 

[TheMan419]

TheMan419 - My bad... I didn't actually look up the MoFi unit, I was going off recollection... (again... my bad). Then you should have no issue adding a second antenna if you desire....

Looking forward to hearing your results after your single antenna install...

No worries. Do you think a second antenna or an amp would be better bang for the buck?

 

[Tractor Seabee]

My cell company is Verizon. Last place I lived reception was on and off 1 bar. I went to the Verizon store and discussed with them. The only tower in the area was too far away to use the antenna set up the OP is discussing. I had cable internet so they provided me a unit that took the cell signal from the internet signal and boosted it for my house area. It covered a 5,000 foot diameter area. They even have an external antenna to boost that signal some more. The unit was $100 on sale at the time. It uses a simple RG5/6 short cable from the booster to the modem. Worked perfect for me running a home business. Simple install in the same room as your modem.

All you that have cable internet (not sure about DSL) and have cell signal problems that may be a better solution if you cell provider offers the product. I have heard their are other such products available on the internet. Probably buyer beware though.

Ron

 

[TheMan419]

So got the antenna installed and cable ran.

Prior to antenna ave speed around 3mb. High was 8 or so.

Now low is 8. High can hit 20 but 12-15 more normal.

You need about 5 to stream hd tv if you are doing nothing else.

Next I need to log into the mofi. From there I can see how many db of signal I am getting. Then I can rotate antenna to find the sweet spot. That is a project for another day.

Off to urgent care. Got an upper respiratory issue. Blech.

 

[dlctcg]

TheMan419 - Take care of that upper respiratory thing....

Sounds like you are on the right track... as I stated earlier.... the antenna alone can give a 7 - 8+ dBi Gain by itself if tuned in, so you are getting close to its max... (this is max with fine tuning)...

As for your question prior... that is not a simple question when it comes to bang for the buck. A booster will be much more $$ than adding a second antenna, but a second antenna is not going to boost your signal, it is going to provide signal from a different tower; again the antenna alone can give a 7 - 8+ dBi Gain by itself of what you currently have.... If we were designing the system we would base it on a site survey by taking readings with our meters (which we require prior to a design or proposal), then based on that we would recommend a solution. Although never the cheapest solution, if your area has the minimum exterior signal required a booster will work 99% of the time if installed correctly. The system will work with all / multiply carriers at the same time & provide both voice & data services. When we design systems they will include the exterior wideband antenna (or multiple) the surge suppression, the booster, & one / or multiple interior antennas for even coverage.

So the reality of it is, the second antenna may net you no gain.... you can test this by tuning your current antenna towards the other tower & seeing if it gains you any net speed. If it does give you greater speed & enough signal, I would probably suggest a booster & aiming at that tower exclusively...

 

[TheMan419]

TheMan419 - Take care of that upper respiratory thing....

Sounds like you are on the right track... as I stated earlier.... the antenna alone can give a 7 - 8+ dBi Gain by itself if tuned in, so you are getting close to its max... (this is max with fine tuning)...

As for your question prior... that is not a simple question when it comes to bang for the buck. A booster will be much more $$ than adding a second antenna, but a second antenna is not going to boost your signal, it is going to provide signal from a different tower; again the antenna alone can give a 7 - 8+ dBi Gain by itself of what you currently have.... If we were designing the system we would base it on a site survey by taking readings with our meters (which we require prior to a design or proposal), then based on that we would recommend a solution. Although never the cheapest solution, if your area has the minimum exterior signal required a booster will work 99% of the time if installed correctly. The system will work with all / multiply carriers at the same time & provide both voice & data services. When we design systems they will include the exterior wideband antenna (or multiple) the surge suppression, the booster, & one / or multiple interior antennas for even coverage.

So the reality of it is, the second antenna may net you no gain.... you can test this by tuning your current antenna towards the other tower & seeing if it gains you any net speed. If it does give you greater speed & enough signal, I would probably suggest a booster & aiming at that tower exclusively...

Thanks. It is amazing the speed difference between 3mb and 15mb. If I can get sustained speeds in the range of 20mb I will be VERY happy. If things stay as they are I will be happy. Well worth the investment.

Having looked at the cost of an amp..... maybe on a long term wish list....