Wilson Sleek external antenna boosts cell signals

[haven]

Wilson (the folks who make the "trucker" antennas, not the sporting goods company) just introduced a gadget that boosts cell phone signals by about 20 dB. That could make a big difference when you're in a fringe area. It's called the Sleek Universal Cell Phone Signal Booster and costs $129.

The Sleek looks like an oversize phone car cradle. The kit includes a suction cup mount for the windshield, and a mount with an adhesive back for more permanent attachment to the dashboard. You attach the Sleek to the cable from an antenna. It works best if the antenna is external to the vehicle, but even in the car the antenna will help.

The Sleek requires power to work. Included in the kit is a 12V to 5V DC (USB) converter that fits in the power port of your car. A second USB port on the Sleek lets you charge your phone while using the Sleek. There's an optional power supply for use with 120V AC if you want to boost the signal inside your home or hotel room.

The Sleek works in two frequency bands that cover phones from the major carriers. (That's 825-895 MHz and 1850-1990 MHz.) One exception is the frequency T-Mobile uses for Nexus One data service. But most cell phone voice and data service signal strength is boosted by the device.

Here's the web page http://www.wilsonelectronics.com/Sleek.php

Hands-on reviews of the Sleek are here
http://jkontherun.com/2010/02/26/cell-phone-signal-booster-review/ includes video demo
http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/21/get-mobile-signal-a-dead-zone-gadling-reviews-the-new-wilson-e/

 

[wesel123]

Wow...looks like it really works. But will it extend your coverage area not just increase your signal strength or do the two go hand in hand. Sorry I’m cell phone dumb

 

[Pskhaat]

I used the "Trucker" cell antenna when AMPS was still active <2008 and I would have amazing coverage in the most remote locations. My current junk GSM/EDGE BB doesn't have a standard antenna adapter and thus I've been much more limited.

 

[haven]

"will it extend your coverage area"

If the problem is low signal strength, the antenna will help.
If the coverage problem is due to the signal being blocked
by a big building or a mountain, then the amplified signal
may still be too low.

The hotel room scenario is interesting to me. Lots of times
you get poor reception in your room. The hotel is happy to
sell you a connection to their WiFi for $20 a day. With the
antenna, I'm thinking your cell phone 3G would start to
work OK.

 

[adventureduo]

Interesting, we used the antenna version also a while back and it was great.. http://www.adventureduo.com/2008/01/product-review-wilson-cellphone-booster.html

 

[saltamontes]

here are a few earlier threads re cell booster:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2116&highlight=booster
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5374

i always was of the opinion that the prob w/ booster is its one way, the tower now thinking you are closer (stronger signal) turns down its reply wattage and asks your ph to do the same.

would like to hear from some telco techs to clarify.

 

[haven]

A year after the Sleek antenna was introduced, here's an update.

First, the antenna is widely available for $75, a $50 savings compared to its price last year.

Second, Gizmodo staff tested it on the Saline Springs road, northwest of Death Valley. Without the Sleek, the AT&T test phone showed signal strength of zero to one bar. Adding the Sleek, the phone showed two bars, and was now able to send and receive phone calls and check email. Gizmodo's conclusion: Worth considering when you're traveling in areas with limited reception.

More here
http://gizmodo.com/5744237/sleek-smartphone-antenna-booster-review-the-dropped-call-eater

 

[X-plorenow]

Looks interesting, thanks.

 

[buff30]

I have the sleek it works great. Worth every penny to me. It will often boost my I phone from 1 or no bars to full service.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

I have the sleek it works great. Worth every penny to me. It will often boost my I phone from 1 or no bars to full service.

Which model of the iPhone?

 

[buff30]

I have a iphone 3g.

 

[buff30]

This is a few pic of my setup.

 

[teotwaki]

I've built and used similar things. There was a situation with an all steel quonset hut building where the simple solution was to place one VHF omni antenna on the roof and one inside the building, connected by a very short length of low loss coax. Made the FAA guys really happy that their handheld radios worked inside the building.

The in-car style can be similar with passive re-radiation of cell signals, using two antennas. The problems usually arise when there are some poorly designed electronics inserted in between the antennas, causing distortion and loss. In one case some bright guy installed one in his workplace and the stupid thing was oscillating, producing a nice jamming signal. That one took weeks to track down and eliminate.