Old External Cellphone Antenna - Keep or Toss?

[Fergie]

This came from an older bag phone model, a Nokia I think. It hasnt been used in years, and I don't know if it has any worhtwhile application to more modern technologies.

Can it be used for a cellphone now, or something else?

I dont know the make, model or any specs.

Your input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Gavin

 

[Pskhaat]

Does it have the frequency info on the bottom?

 

[Fergie]

Nothing on the bottom, mount, mast, or cable.

 

[angusdevil]

I say keep it. I've always used them and have had them save my butt a few times in the mountains. It was the difference between no signal and no bars... just enough to pass off a text message.

 

[Bodo]

If it's for an old bag phone, chances are it's analog. So that makes it pretty useless for modern phones. They are all digital.

 

[Pest]

I say keep it. I've always used them and have had them save my butt a few times in the mountains. It was the difference between no signal and no bars... just enough to pass off a text message.

Ever seen a connector like that for a modern phone even?

 

[Pskhaat]

AMPS at 850MHz. TDMA the same, GSM850 same ~band as well.

 

[Fergie]

Ever seen a connector like that for a modern phone even?

No, but I have seen adapter that will connect that mini-UHF to my Samsung phone, or numerous other phones.

I'll keep it, buy an adapter for $12 and see if it improves signal.

Thanks for the info Scott.

 

[mtnbike28]

Report back.

I also have the old antenna, would be curious what happens. Where did you see the adapter?

Heck I still have the bag phone since it was a 3 watt phone....

 

[gary in ohio]

The antenna as a whole is not worth much. You can cut the connector off the end and cut the coax at the base and save the coax for jumpers in the future. The whip can be reused if needed.

 

[mountainpete]

If you are confident it's for cellular, it's a single band 3db 800 mhz and it only has lmited value at this point. An ideal external antenna is dual band 800/1900 for north american backcountry use and would have two coils on the mast. (by the way, antennas don't care if you are digital or analogue)

Based on the value of replacement antennas (about $30 - 50), I would only keep it under one condition. That's if your current cellphone has an external antenna port and you can buy an adapter for it to connect to the antenna. 90% of new phones sold do not have antenna ports anymore so if you are a blackberry or iphone user, that antenna has no value.

Based on where you are using it, that antenna could actually reduce your coverage. If the area is covered with 1900 mhz, you are not going to pick it up with that external hooked up and your internal antenna may not pick it up well with that one hooked up. If it's covered with 800 mhz, you will see big gains. Fortunatley providers like Verizon cover a large amount of rural in 800 mhz.

If you see a booster or amp in your future and you are thinking of keeping that antenna for it, don't. The new antenna technology would be worth the upgrade.

Pete