Signal Boost DT Review

Signal Boost DT

If your cell network provider’s signal is a bit weak, you might consider a signal booster. The effect of this device is to provide a better signal for your cell phone, whether you need it at home or in the office.

Signals may be weak for a number of reasons: too far from nearest cell tower; interference from other signals; construction of your building or office impairs signal, and others.

The Signal Boost DT works by having an outside receiver, a desktop antenna and the Boost device itself.

The product comes with those three items, two lengths of coax cable, a cable connector, and mounting hardware for pole, wall and window. It also comes with a very complete installation guide, with explanatory text, pictures and step-by-step instructions for installation and operation.

It’s necessary to mount the outside receiver in a position so that it faces the cell tower nearest you. It may be difficult to find the direction of the nearest cell tower, for starters! The guide mentions two ways to do this.

The first is to read the number of bars on your cell phone, as you walk around your house or office building to see in which direction the bars are the highest.  The response time is very slow, using this method. It may take 15-30 seconds for the bar indication to change from one location to another.

The Wilson Electronics web site has a section which details for many types of cell phones how to access a test mode.

The way I used was to go to the AT&T store and ask about the nearest cell tower. They have a web site which pinpoints cell towers. From this you can determine which is the closest and in what direction it is located.

Once that is determined, you mount the outside receiver on a pole, wall or window. The guide advises that a pole mount is the best.

The coax cable is connected to the outside receiver and the desktop antenna, and the Signal Boost is connected to the desktop antenna. This completes the installation, although it may be necessary to rotate the outside receiver slightly to maximize reception.

The Signal Boost unit has two lights, indicating reception on either the 800 MHz or 1900 MHz band. 

Each can be green (blinking or solid), yellow or red. Satisfactory installation is indicated with blinking green for 15 minutes, then solid green.

This is a product which requires careful installation, but will provide increased cell signal reception.

Signal Boost DT by Wilson Electronics 
www.wilsonelectronics.com                  
Price about $330