Recommendations for cell booster

[Vikes79]

Hey all, looking for suggestions for a cell booster.

getting tired of crappy signal when I’m ice fishing, camping, driving in western SD etc.

I’ve looked at the Wilson setups, but wonder if there are better for lower cost.

Ideally I’d like something I could move rig to rig as needed, and still be 12v... maybe even for trail riding as well?

suggestions?

 

[Admin]

 

[JTW]

I’d be interested in something like this too!

 

[Ragnar406]

No experience with but the review is well done

not cheap

 

[russknight]

We are a WeBoost distributor / dealer. I have one in my side by side and they work well. You will have a stronger signal in marginal areas, and coverage in areas where you didn't before. Couple of important things to consider. Interior and exterior antenna separation must be at least 6 feet apart, which can be difficult sometimes on a side by side, and the boosters are not waterproof or even water resistant.

 

[Vikes79]

We are a WeBoost distributor / dealer. I have one in my side by side and they work well. You will have a stronger signal in marginal areas, and coverage in areas where you didn't before. Couple of important things to consider. Interior and exterior antenna separation must be at least 6 feet apart, which can be difficult sometimes on a side by side, and the boosters are not waterproof or even water resistant.

Thanks for the insight.

Approximately close does your phone have to be to the interior antenna?

6” to a 1’?

 

[Vikes79]

No experience with but the review is well done

not cheap

Also not very portable either.

 

[Vikes79]

How about something like this?

Drive X Cell Phone Signal Booster - weBoost

Drive X is our standard multi-user in-vehicle cell signal booster. It’s designed to provide enhanced coverage. Learn more here!

www.weboost.com

Maybe this is a bit more portable?

For my rv / ice fishing needs it would more for streaming or hotspot as I usually have my work pc with me.

 

[russknight]

Thanks for the insight.

Approximately close does your phone have to be to the interior antenna?

6” to a 1’?

Not sure, but it's more than that. It also depends on the tower signal strength. I'll see if I can find out.

 

[Vikes79]

Pulled the trigger on this booster plus the upgraded magnetic mount antenna and a carrying case for storage.



Hopefully I’ll be able to report results this WE.

 

[JTW]

Pulled the trigger on this booster plus the upgraded magnetic mount antenna and a carrying case for storage.

View attachment 185399

Hopefully I’ll be able to report results this WE.

Can’t wait to hear the results!!

 

[russknight]

Pulled the trigger on this booster plus the upgraded magnetic mount antenna and a carrying case for storage.

View attachment 185399

Hopefully I’ll be able to report results this WE.

That's what I have and sell. You will see a difference. You might want to purchase the antenna I've linked to. It gives you more gain / range and is inexpensive.

Antenna

 

[Vikes79]

That's what I have and sell. You will see a difference. You might want to purchase the antenna I've linked to. It gives you more gain / range and is inexpensive.

Antenna

Yep, already have.

 

[ERICMADERE]

I would also like to know how good this is as I am looking into some for my boat. Where we fish, after so far out you lose cell signal which ain't a bad thing most of the time.

 

[Vikes79]

So the booster, carrying case and better truck antenna arrived today.



Using a 12v converter in my house I was able to tinker with it a bit. My cell coverage in my house is usually a strong 2-3 bars.

With booster off



With booster on (bump to all bars on my phone)




It’s not quite a realistic test as I’m already in a spot with good coverage, but there is definitely an improvement.

Tomorrow I’ll try it in and area that I know the coverage is kinda poor. I was also just using the antenna that came in the box.

 

[Vikes79]

Better test this morning near a lake I fish.

Phone alone.


Booster on




I’m posting this in an area that would have been harder in the past.

 

[JTW]

Does it work while driving? I’m reading some comment saying it doesn’t work as well.

 

[Vikes79]

Does it work while driving? I’m reading some comment saying it doesn’t work as well.

Yes it works fine while driving. It will automatically derate or turn off it’s boost if you are already close to a tower.

So far it seems to work well. I think I’ll be adding a fixed antenna to my RV so I don’t have to fish the antenna wire all the time.

In a few weeks I’ll be traveling to areas that are very weak on cell service, that will be the true test.

 

[JTW]

Yes it works fine while driving. It will automatically derate or turn off it’s boost if you are already close to a tower.

So far it seems to work well. I think I’ll be adding a fixed antenna to my RV so I don’t have to fish the antenna wire all the time.

In a few weeks I’ll be traveling to areas that are very weak on cell service, that will be the true test.

Well, I’m prolly going to order one now and try it out. Is the other antenna necessary? What’s the point? I would have thought the antenna it came with was good.

 

[Vikes79]

Well, I’m prolly going to order one now and try it out. Is the other antenna necessary? What’s the point? I would have thought the antenna it came with was good.

As I understand it, the other larger magnetic mount antenna has a higher gain vs the in box antenna.

 

[Vikes79]

Thought I’d make an update. This week I have my booster in my P1k5 while out and about in the Black Hills of SD.

Cell service is very spotty in the hills especially when you are in the bottoms.

Several times I’d have a 1x service signal, bump on the booster and I’d be up to a 3G signal at 2 or 3 bars.

Definitely worth the investment if you are riding by yourself.

I used some 1/8” steel plate about the size of a beer can bottom and taped it with gorilla tape to my roof and used the magnet mount antenna.


The cable is just long enough that you can route it over the passenger side roof line, down the front and into the under dash storage bin if you have it. Plug the cig lighter adapter in to your booster. I have the phone side antenna run up to my Ram Mount phone holder.