Frequently
Asked Questions - Amplifier
For additional help, please call 1-866-294-1660
or send an email to tech@wilsonelectronics.com
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| How do I boost my
cell phone signal? |
Dropped calls and slow data rates are generally caused by
distance from a cell tower or natural and man-made obstructions,
such as buildings, hills, trees, etc... Cellular signals
for both cell phones and data cards can be boosted by the
use of a high gain antenna or the combination of an antenna
and bi-directional amplifier system and Wilson Electronics
offers multiple solutions to stay connected.
There are two components to ensuring reliable cellular communication.
The first step is receiving a strong signal. Wilson’s
high gain antennas collect weak or distant cellular signals
and send them to the amplifier. The amplifier then boosts
those signals and rebroadcasts them to nearby cell phones
and data cards.
The second part of the equation is transmitting the signal
back to the cell tower which is typically the weakest part
of a phone’s ability when used alone. With a Wilson
bi-directional amplifier you are able to broadcast a much
stronger signal back to the cell site at a greater distance.
A high quality Wilson amplifier system is critical to maintaining
a constant connection and increased cellular standards.
All Wilson amplifiers are FCC-type accepted and most important,
is our patented oscillation protection, which activates within
milliseconds to prevent harmful interference to cell sites.
It also monitors the amplifiers operation for optimum performance.
Wilson offers a wide range of powerful mobile wireless and
in-building amplifiers for all carrier frequencies as well
as high-gain antennas with multiple mounting options.
For more details call our tech support department directly
at 1-866-294-1660.
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| What is a basic wireless amplifier system
and how do I know if it will work for me? |
A basic system includes an outside antenna to collect the
signal from the cell tower, an amplifier to boost the signal,
an inside antenna to broadcast the improved signal over the
inside of the building or vehicle and cabling to connect the
three parts together. A wireless amplifier system will work
for you if you can make a cell phone call from where-ever
you might put the outside antenna. If you can make a call
from outside of your vehicle or from the roof of your house
or building, the signal is probably strong enough for the
system to help you. |
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| How much separation do I need between the outside
and inside antennas? How much separation do I need between the
amplifier and the antennas? |
The 50 dB amplifiers must have at least 40 feet of separation
between the inside and outside antennas. The 60 dB amplifiers
must have at least 75 feet of separation. Separation is measured
as a straight line between the two antennas because signal travels
through the air in a straight line. Separation is not measured
by the length of cables. The amplifier does not need to
be any specific distance from either the inside or outside
antenna. You may, if necessary, connect the amplifier directly
to either antenna. The separation between the antennas is
critical, though. |
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| Can I leave my amplifier on all the time? |
All Wilson amplifiers can remain on all the time; however,
leaving the amplifier on in a vehicle when it is not running
can discharge the battery in a day or two. In a vehicle, Wilson
recommends that the amplifier be powered through the ignition
switch so that the amplifier turns off and on with the vehicle. |
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| Does a Wilson amplifier need to be professionally
installed? |
In most cases, you can install a Wilson amplifier system yourself.
The mobile systems and the building systems are designed for
easy installation. |
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| Do I need an FCC license or permit to
operate a Wilson amplifier? |
All Wilson amplifiers fully comply with FCC regulations for
cellular devices and are FCC Type Accepted. They require no
license or permit to operate. The FCC Identification Number
is printed on the back of each amplifier. Wilson amplifiers
are also Industry Canada (IC) Type Accepted and have an IC Identification
Number printed on the back of the amplifier. Wilson amplifiers
have advanced design and engineering, that include microprocessor
technology for top performance, as well as protecting cell sites
from any interference. |
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| Can I use an In-Building Wireless amplifier
in a vehicle? |
In-Building Wireless amplifiers are not recommended for use
in vehicles. You would probably not be able to get the required
minimum separation of 40 feet between the inside and outside
antennas. That would cause the amplifier to go into oscillation
(feedback) and shut itself down. Also, the In-Building amplifiers
do not have enough gain control and that would allow the amplifier
to overload cell towers as the vehicle passes the tower. Wilson
recommends that you use only a Mobile Wireless or Direct Connection
amplifier in a mobile application. |
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| Do I need to unplug the amplifier in
my amplifier system before I make a change to the system? |
Yes. Unplug the amplifier from its power source any time you
make a change to the system. This is especially true when an
antenna is removed from the system. This prevents possible damage
to the amplifier. |
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| Can I have a system where two or more
different carriers' phones work in an area of my building? |
If the carriers use different channels on the same frequencies,
the carriers can overload each other. A two-carrier system can
work and such a system can be built. Please call Technical Support
at 1-866-294-1661 and we will help you as much as possible. |
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| How many phones can I use at the same
time on a wireless system? |
The number of phones that can operate simultaneously on a
wireless system depends on the outside signal strength. The
stronger the outside signal is, the more phones an amplifier
can support. Conversely, the weaker the outside signal is, the
fewer phones an amplifier can support. Wilson Technical Support
has never received a report of a system supporting too few phones. |
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| Can I wire the 12VDC power connection
directly into my vehicle's electrical system? |
Yes. Most of our amplifiers have a hardwire kit available
that allows you to connect directly to the vehicle's electrical
system. You can also cut off the cigarette lighter adapter plug
and wire the cord into a fused circuit. If you use a circuit
controlled by the ignition switch, you can turn the amplifier
off and on with the vehicle's key. The center contact in
the amplifier's power connection is positive. Wiring the amplifier
into the ignition system will prevent the amplifier from discharging
the vehicle's battery when the vehicle is not running. |
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| Will your amplifiers work on GSM? |
Yes. Wilson has amplifiers that work with all analog and digital
cell phone technologies, including AMPS, CDMA, GSM, TDMA, iDEN,
EDGE, 1xEV-DO, GPRS and the latest 3G HSDPA. Wilson has amplifiers
specifically designed for GSM and iDEN. |
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| Will your Mobile Wireless amplifier work
with the Glass-Mount Antenna? |
The glass in a vehicle is not a substantial barrier for a
cell phone signal, therefore a glass-mount antenna is not recommended.
The separation between the outside and inside antennas must
include a metal barrier (such as the roof of the vehicle). The
metal acts like a shield and limits the possibility of oscillation
in the amplifier. Oscillation (feedback) can result in poor
performance and may eventually damage the amplifier. Without
the barrier, the amplifier signal can pass through the glass
and be easily picked up by the glass-mount antenna. |
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| Can I use a Direct Connection amplifier
as a wireless unit by adding an inside antenna? |
The Direct Connection amplifiers must be physically connected
to your cell phone or cellular data card with an external antenna
adapter. A Direct Connection amplifier does not produce enough
gain to drive an inside antenna and give you even a small service
range. |
