This is another of those questions I asked myself. I'm finding myself spending more time in rural Washington state, with more expected. My primary way of staying connected to the internet is my cellular phone's data plan, but out here on the farm we're in a fringe area. Coverage is weak, and disconnects are common.
Correction: they were common. I've got quite a good connection as I'm writing this.
Here's what I did...
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In a prior podcast, "Mobile Connectivity - Staying Connected on the Road", I talked about how I stay connected to the internet when I travel. It boils down to:
- My Treo 600 cell phone.
- PdaNet software allowing me to use my Treo as a modem connected to my laptop.
- An unlimited data plan from Verizon Wireless.
With that setup I regularly get around 145kbs, or 4 times dial-up speed, when I have a strong signal.
In researching how others have solved this problem, I stumbled across a couple of posts in an Recreational Vehicle forum that discussed using external antennas on cellular phones. Sure enough, the Treo does have a plug for an external antenna, and in fact most hand-held units do these days.
Based on that my first purchase was a Wilson Dual Band Magnetic Mount Cellular Phone Antenna, and an antenna adapter for my Treo.
I opted for the magnetic mount, rather than a permanent mount, for flexibility. Today I use it in my RV, but it's equally well suited for my car or elsewhere. The only problem is that the magnetic mount not only expects to be, well, mounted magnetically, it actually relies on the metal surface it's attached to to act as a ground plane. The antenna alone isn't enough - it needs to be attached to metal. My RV has an aluminum body, so while that might work for the signal, the magnet won't stick.
Based on a couple of recommendations, here's a photo of the solution:
What you're seeing on my RV's dashboard is the antenna mounted to ... a 12 inch pizza pan. A metal pizza pan, that I picked up at my local grocery store. I was skeptical, as you probably are, until I used it. This setup alone increased my phone's reception by at least one 'bar' on the signal strength display.
But decided to take the next step as well. I then purchased a Wilson 3 Watt Direct Connect Cellular Amplifier and inserted it between the antenna and my phone.
Hand-held cell phones are limited both by their size and by the law. They can transmit at a maximum strength of 600 milliwatts, for example. However larger external units, such as the phones actually installed into automobiles, are allowed transmit at up to 3 watts. And that's what the external amplifier does. Not only it is a better receiver (at least another bar on the signal strength display) but it transmits a stronger signal.
The net result is that even here on what used to be the fringe, I now get a strong cellular signal for voice, and for data. And given what I do for a living, that data signal's pretty important.
Related:
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Ask Leo! - Mobile Connectivity - Staying Connected on the Road
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Alternative Wireless - where I picked up the accessories listed in this article.
Article C2379 - July 3, 2005
Leo,
Posted by: Andy at July 18, 2005 8:06 AMI don't know if it is necessary, but I'd suggest that running a wire (maybe with alligator clips on the ends) between the pizza pan and the vehicle ground. (any part of the frame, I'm sure you can find something solid under the dashboard.) Also, since it looks like that pan may have some non-stick coating, I'd suggest scraping the coating off in a small area directly under the mount. You could test the ground of the pan with an ohmmeter, or just a battery, flashlight bulb and some wire.
A few thoughts...
Andy :-) By the way, nice article, and clever ideas!
As a follow up, cellular repeater kits are by far the best way to increase your signal bars and stop dropping calls. They work by amplifying the weak signal through an external antenna that connects to the repeater unit. The repeater has a high gain cellular amp with an output that connects to an indoor antenna which re-distributes a strong and clear signal. Our company provides simple solutions for coverage areas large and small. Please visit our site for more info.
Posted by: Kory at July 4, 2007 8:45 PMwww.ksantennasolutions.com
On the ground plane... Wilson has a 4" round disk with a velcro/adhesive fastener on it rather than use the pizza pan ;-). Although it's a good idea, the 4" metal grounding plane is all that is needed for the 12" magnet-mount antenna. Wilson also has RV Trucker Antennas for mounting on the outside by the ladder or on the side of the RV.. the gain on it is better than the 12". But, as Kory says, combining the antenna with a repeater, such as the SOHO wireless unit... perfect for RVs, is a winning combination. Check out this site for a Wilson RV kit... plug and play:
Posted by: Alan at August 1, 2007 2:29 PMhttp://www.powerfulsignal.com/RV-Motorhome-Cell-Boosters-Antennas/RV-Motorhome.html
I have found a while back an antenna which amplifies the signal of wireless -- I should provide a caveat that "amplifies" might not be the best word. The device is a printout of a parabola which you affix alluminum foil to and cut and paste/fold into the appropriate shape.
Posted by: Snail at July 15, 2008 6:08 PMIn any event, it was shown to boost/enhance reception of wireless Internet connection better than the booster product(in-home unit).