Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Inductive external antenna/amp for cell phones? (Read 821 times) previous topic - next topic

Inductive external antenna/amp for cell phones?

Feliz dia de conejo,

Now that winter is finally over and trip planning has started, I thought I would see what members do about external antennas for cell phones without an antenna jack. What luck have you had with inductive antennas? Ideas on mounting on our Foretravels? I have noticed several on Ebay that are quite reasonable. Inline amplifiers seem to add another $200. Who has tried these and how much does the amplifier add to the range/reception? Love my iPhone but wish I could add a bar or two in a lot of areas.

Best from the West,

Pierce & Gaylie
93' U300/36
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Inductive external antenna/amp for cell phones?

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Feliz dia de conejo,

Now that winter is finally over and trip planning has started, I thought I would see what members do about external antennas for cell phones without an antenna jack. What luck have you had with inductive antennas? Ideas on mounting on our Foretravels? I have noticed several on Ebay that are quite reasonable. Inline amplifiers seem to add another $200. Who has tried these and how much does the amplifier add to the range/reception? Love my iPhone but wish I could add a bar or two in a lot of areas.

Best from the West,

Pierce & Gaylie
93' U300/36

Last fall we purchased a Wilson PCS 824-894 amplifier with inductive pickup and a RV antenna designed for fiberglass RV's. I drilled a hole in the roof right next to the passenger horn through which I ran the antenna wire and mounted the antenna on the horn. This was intended to be temporary but it has been there 6 months already. If I can figure out how, eventually it will be permanently bolted through the roof in the middle of the coach away from low overhanging branches.
 
I mounted the amp in the compartment just above the passenger seat. This was done so I could easily move it into the car when needed. I am not sure if this is the best location due to high temperatures that occur in compartment in the warm months and I have yet to move it into the car. I may permanently mount the amplifier lower in the main interior of he coach. I have the inductive antenna mounted under the window sill by the table on the passenger side. You have to have your phone or MiFi within 12" of the inductive antenna for the most effective use but it still amplifies the signal up to about 3 feet. Within the 12" radius, my iPhone goes from 1 bar or none to a full 5 bars. My MiFi also works much better in fringe areas. I set the MiFi on top of the window sill under which the inductive antenna is attached.

The cost was under $250 last year off of the internet. I'm afraid I don't recall from whom it was purchased. It came with a magnetic mount antenna for use on the car.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Inductive external antenna/amp for cell phones?

Reply #2 –
If you figure on going where you will need an external antenna, I suggest that you investigate Cell Boosters, Wireless Cellular Amplifiers & Repeaters, Marine & Land Antennas and their cellular repeaters and a quality antenna.
Then, most likely you won't be disappointed.
Regards,
JON TWORK KB8RSA
Full Time RVer (10+ Years) & Dedicated Boondocker
Retired, Unemployed, Homeless Transients
1996 Foretravel U270-36 w/24' Timberwolf Trailer
I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my remaining obligations.
Welcome to WeRV2 (Under Construction)
Find Jon: Via Satellite Tracker Datastorm Users
The Second Amendment is in place in case they ignore the others.

Re: Inductive external antenna/amp for cell phones?

Reply #3 –
Howdy Jon, 
  This is a interesting website.. I too, have been looking at cell system repeater.  I'm wondering if you might be using this set-up 4KSBR-50M ?  Do you have any advice on these?
Thanks in advance for your help,  Dave Abel 
Dave and Nancy Abel
'00 U320 36' WTFE  Build #5669
'10 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Livingston, TX  SKP's Fulltiming

Re: Inductive external antenna/amp for cell phones?

Reply #4 –
The 4KSBR-50M has been on my wish list for quite some time.
I would probably utilize a better omni antenna than is included in the kit and additionally I would use an antenna switch and be able to operate the system with either the omni or a 4' yagi on a rotor to extend the capabilities when I am in remote locations. Not having an antenna port on the new phones is a PITA.
I already have an external 3 watt amp and the yagi but, now with a Motorola Droid X that has NO antenna port, things are indicating that I will soon have to spend the money or stay close to a metro area.........

Regards,
Jon Twork
JON TWORK KB8RSA
Full Time RVer (10+ Years) & Dedicated Boondocker
Retired, Unemployed, Homeless Transients
1996 Foretravel U270-36 w/24' Timberwolf Trailer
I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my remaining obligations.
Welcome to WeRV2 (Under Construction)
Find Jon: Via Satellite Tracker Datastorm Users
The Second Amendment is in place in case they ignore the others.