Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)No matter whose providing our cell phone service, dead zones still seem to be an issue. The overpriced and underachieving booster that my service provider billed us for was absolutely worthless. In short, after four days use I boxed it up and sent it back for an account credit. When the opportunity came along to take the Wilson Electronics 801247 Cell Phone Signal Booster for a test drive I had some serious doubts.
Opening the box, the first thing I noticed was the hard plastic body casing for both the exterior antenna and the amplifier. Speaking from personal experience I know that the exterior antenna unit will have a short lifespan against the elements unless it is weather proofed. Corrosion will definitely have an effect on the connectors. Vulcanizing tape, electrical tape and Scotch coat is a must if this product is installed outdoors. My other gripe is the design of the cradle. Its a given that the cradle will accumulate standing water which could result in damage to the unit.
That said, I did a quick inventory of hardware that included the DT amplifier, amplifier antenna, exterior antenna, mounting hardware, barrel connector, ac power supply, and both 20' and 30' coaxial cables. Kudos to the folks at Wilson for providing a detailed and readable instruction manual. Tools that will come in handy if mounting outdoors including the protection that I mentioned earlier are a drill, 3/16" bit, phillips head screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. After determining the location of the strongest signal, I opted to mount the exterior antenna inside on a facing window.
Just a reminder to mount the front of the antenna so that it faces outside (which is the logo side) and not in the direction of the amplifier. To keep the system from oscillating and shutting down, I placed the amplifier about 20 feet away from the antenna. Always point the onboard antenna backwards towards the exterior antenna. The flashing of the red light means the gear is too close to each other and the unit will shut down. The green light means all systems are go. Luckily we got this model up and running after only two tries.
Now the important test. In the same space and about 10 feet away from the amplifier I opened my cell phone and got a surprise. Instead of getting the customary one bar for this location, I had the full compliment. That has never happened here. Conversations were crisp and clear. Instead of turning up my volume to hear the other party, I had to lower the volume on my phone. That is a first. To further test this system, I left the office, closed the door and walked down the hall to the soda machine which is about an additional 30 feet away. Even though I lost a couple of bars, my reception was still clear.
It goes without saying that this product is far superior then the overpriced piece of junk that my cell phone provider shipped out to me. The Utah based manufacturer backs this system with a one year warranty and also a 30 day money back guarantee. The company website is somewhat basic but offers great links to various product operating manuals, tech support and a toll free customer service number.
In closing, my only disappointment remains with the overall design of the exterior antenna and cradle. Still this booster delivers on a great signal. With proper installation (weatherizing) this Wilson Electronics product may just be the right choice for those of us that can't hear you now.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Wilson Electronics 801247 Desktop (DT) Cell Phone Signal Booster for Home or Office - For Multiple Users
Designed to give the best results when used in a single room, the Wilson Electronics Desktop (DT) Cell Phone Signal Booster increases your cell phone's signal by more than 15 times. It significantly improves your cell phone's overall performance by minimizing dropped calls, increasing data rates, and letting you enjoy clearer reception, making the Wilson DT the ideal solution in an office or at home.
Multiple mounting options ensure you'll get the best possible signal. View larger.It's All About PowerThe primary cause of dropped calls is low signal output power from the cell phone to the cell tower, which limits the phone's ability to communicate with the tower. A typical cell phone provides merely one-fifth of a watt of output power. To address this problem, the amplifier and the outside antenna work together to increase the phone's output power by more than 15 times over using just the phone alone.
Enjoy Premium Reception and Fewer Dropped CallsIf you have to go to the window or outside to be able to use your cell phone, you know the frustration of weak cell phone signal reception. Using state-of-the-art technology, the Wilson DT amplifies the signal both to and from the cell tower, increasing the power to penetrate through natural or man-made obstructions, thus enabling you to communicate where you were unable to before.
The Wilson DT comes with a compact signal booster that fits neatly on your desk or small table, and it works best when placed in the room where you're experiencing problems with reception.
Included Hardware for Multiple Mounting OptionsThe Wilson DT is connected via a coaxial cable to the outside antenna, which performs best when mounted outside of the building and pointed towards the nearest cell tower. The antenna may also be mounted on a window (again, best when aimed at the nearest cell tower), or on an outside wall; however, some performance may be lost.
Once installed, the Wilson DT enhances the signal of multiple cell phones and data cards near the device. The result is that you will experience fewer dropped calls, clearer call quality, and improved data rates--even with 3G technologies.
Compatible with Most Cell Phone Models and ProvidersThe Wilson DT is compatible with all US and Canadian cellular providers, excluding iDEN, Nextel, and MIKE. Also, it supports CDMA, TDMA, GSM, and AMPS cell phone technologies, as well as data protocols such as GPRS, 1xRTT, HSDPA, EVDO, and EDGE. The use of radio distribution equipment that enhances, extends or amplifies a wireless signal may be prohibited without the consent of the wireless carrier upon whose network such equipment will be used. You should consult with your carrier before purchasing such equipment to use with that carrier's service.
The Wilson DT Signal Booster includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and is backed by a one-year manufacturer's warranty.
Specifications
Frequency: 824-894 MHz / 1850-1990 MHz
Amplifier Gain: 56dB / 56dB
System Gain: 62dB
Max Output Power: 1.3 watts
Max RF (downlink): +9.5dBm
Noise Figure: 3.5dB nominal
Flatness: ±5dB
Isolation: > 90dB
Power Requirements: 120-240V AC, 50-60 Hz, 8W
Connectors: TNC Female / F-Female
Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.2 x 1.5 (inches)
Weight: 0.64 lbs
What's in the BoxIncludes everything you need for a full installation DT amplifier, on-board antenna, outside antenna, coaxial cables (20 feet and 30 feet), cable connector, wall bracket, mounting hardware for pole, wall or window mount, and AC power supply.
