Welcome to the Wilson Electronics Family of Products! Thank you for purchasing the Wilson SignalBoost DT amplifi er system. You are just minutes away from enjoying improved performance from your cellular phone and/or laptop data card. When installed properly, the SignalBoost DT will signifi cantly reduce dropped calls and improve both voice and data signal quality. By taking a few minutes to read and follow the simple instructions in this guide, you will get the most out of your new amplifi er system. If you have questions during or after installation, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our Technical Support team by phone (8662941660 or 4356735021) or email (tech@ wilsonelectronics.com). We’re here to help! Before Getting Started This guide will help you properly install Wilson’s SignalBoost DT. It is recommended that you read through all of the installation steps and familiarize yourself with the product. Read the instructions and visualize where you want to place the components before mounting any equipment. If you do not understand the instructions in full, please contact Wilson Technical Support at 8662941660 or 4356735021. Inside this Package: Coaxial Cables SignalBoost DT Onboard Antenna and Cradle Cable (20 and 30 feet) Amplifi er Antenna (locate outside on pole, Connector wall, or inside on window) AC Power Amplifi er PoleMount WallMount WindowMount Supply Wall Bracket (Packet A) (Packet B) ...
How it Works Your Wilson SignalBoost DT Amplifi er works by picking up a stronger signal from an antenna mounted on a pole or wall outside your building or high on a window inside your building, facing the cell site. The amplifi er then increases the signal and transmits it through the onboard antenna on the amplifi er to your cell phone or laptop data card. Figure 1 Note: If 20’ separation is not possible, see page 5. Reasons for Weak Cellular Signals Anyone who uses a cell phone or cellular data card knows the frustration of not being able to connect to or maintain a strong cellular signal. When this occurs, it’s generally due to one of two reasons: 1. Location of the Nearest Cell Tower – Cell towers are situated to provide broad coverage; however, there are many areas in which signal strength may be reduced by topographic features or by local government restrictions on the height or placement of the towers themselves. Rural areas generally have fewer cell towers than urban regions. 2. Natural and Manmade Obstructions – Signal strength can also be negatively affected by trees, hills, buildings and other obstructions. You may be relatively close to a cell tower but still unable to make a call. This often occurs in homes, offi ces and other buildings in which stucco, concrete or metal walls block the signal. The SignalBoost DT works with two antennas (included). The onboard antenna communicates with your cell phone or laptop data card, and the cradle antenna communicates with the cell tower. The cradle antenna is designed for installation outside on a wall or a pole, or inside on a window or wall, depending on your preferred confi guration (see Figure 1). The cradle antenna receives the outside signal and sends it through the coax cable to the SignalBoost DT, where it is amplifi ed and retransmitted much more strongly through the onboard antenna into the room. When the onboard antenna picks up a signal from your cell phone or data card, the amplifi er boosts that signal and transmits it through the cable to the cradle antenna and back to the cell site. (Note: the SignalBoost DT will only operate if there is adequate signal to amplify.) 2 For Technical Support, call 8662941660 or 4356735021. ...
First Step: Find the Strongest Signal Before you install your SignalBoost DT, it is very important that you determine the location of the best available cellular signal. This will affect where you place the cradle antenna and will help you get the best performance from your system. You will fi nd the strongest signal outside your house or building, at the highest place available. Your cell phone can help you fi nd the strongest outside signal, using any or all of the following methods: 1. Place calls from several locations outside your building and note where you get the best reception. 2. Check the bar indicator on your cell phone display and note where the signal appears to be the strongest. Note: cell phone bars are only an approximation of signal strength and vary from phone to phone. They can take up to 30 seconds to reset to a new reading. Be patient and repeat your signal check several times. 3. Some cell phones have test modes for reading accurate signal strength. Using the test mode on your cell phone, move around the outside of your building and determine the location of the strongest signal. (For assistance with the test mode on your particular phone, visit the Technical Support section of our website: www.wilsonelectronics.com or call our Technical Support Department at 8662941660 or 4356735021.) Once you have determined where the outside signal is strongest, you should plan to install the cradle antenna in that general area, either outside or inside. (See the following section for alternative installation options.) Installation Options Cradle Antenna The cradle antenna is directional – it receives and transmits best in one direction. The round Wilson insignia indicates the side of the antenna that should face toward the cell site when the unit is placed in the cradle. Note: the weaker the signal is at the cradle antenna, the shorter the distance the onboard antenna will transmit; therefore, signal strength at the cradle antenna is extremely important. The SignalBoost DT comes with all necessary parts for installation of the cradle antenna in three alternative locations (see Figure 2): • Outside on a pole (bracket, nuts and washers) • Outside on a wall (screws, washers and anchors) • Inside on a window or wall (suction cups or doublesided adhesive strip) Figure 2 Antenna Antenna and and Cradle (high Cradle on inside of (facing Cell Antenna and window, facing Cell ...
If you have access to the roof or to the outside walls of your house or building, your best choice is to place the cradle antenna outside, facing toward the cell site (see page 3). If you cannot access these areas, use your cell phone and fi nd an area indoors that faces the cell site, ideally near the top of a window or wall, where you can make calls or you have several bars on your phone. Usually, a window is preferable to a wall, because it does not obstruct radio waves. Note: install the antenna as high as possible on the window or wall for the strongest signal. If you cannot fi nd an indoor location with a good signal position, you will need to install the cradle antenna outside on a wall or pole, and turn it toward the cell site. Antenna Placement The location of the amplifi er with its onboard antenna in relation to the cradle antenna is very important. Once you fi nd a good signal location for the cradle antenna, the amplifi er and onboard antenna need to be located behind it to reduce the possibility of oscillation (indicated by a red indicator light on the amplifi er). In other words, the front of the cradle antenna (indicated by the Wilson insignia) needs to face in the direction of the cell site and not in the direction of the amplifi er and onboard antenna (see Figure 3). Figure 3 CORRECT INCORRECT INCORRECT INCORRECT Cradle Cell Cell Antenna Antenna Site Site Site Cradle Antenna Amplifi er with Amplifi er with Amplifi er with Amplifi...
Antenna Separation The distance between the cradle antenna and the amplifi er with the onboard antenna is extremely important! If they are too close together, they will oscillate, causing the system to shut down, as indicated by a red light on the amplifi er. It is very important to keep the distance between the two units at least 20 feet (30 or 40 feet is even better). (See Figure 4) Depending on your specifi c installation, you may need the 20foot coax cable, the 30foot cable, or both cables connected with the supplied barrel connector. Figure 4 CORRECT INCORRECT Cell Cell Site Site Antennas too close. Cradle Cradle Antenna Antenna Amplifi er with Amplifi er with OnBoard OnBoard Antenna Antenna Correct Antenna Separation Incorrect Antenna Separation Even at 20 feet, the amplifi er may shut down, as indicated by the red light. By moving the onboard antenna to a horizontal position, you may be able to change the red light to a green light, indicating that the system is operating properly (see Figure 5). Figure 5 If you are unable to maintain the 20foot minimum separation between antennas, it may be possible to achieve normal operation (a green light) at less than 20 feet by moving the onboard antenna to a horizontal position, as noted above, and rotating the onboard antenna in relation to the cradle antenna (see Figure 6). Do not position the onboard antenna over the amplifi er unit. Figure 6 ...
Installing the Cradle Antenna Outside Pole Mount (Packet A) 1. The supplied polemount bracket is designed to accommodate a pole diameter of 1 to 2 inches. Antenna and Install the pole in the desired location using your Cradle own hardware. Cell Tower ! Warning: RF Safety: The cradle antenna, when used with the included cable, must have a separation distance of at least 8 inches from all persons. If the cable is shortened, or if a different type of cable is used, or if a different antenna is used, consult with Wilson Technical Support to verify that the planned installation is safe. Call 8662941660 or 435 6735021, or email tech@wilsonelectronics.com. ! Warning: Take care to ensure that neither you nor the pole comes near any power lines during installation. 2. Insert the supplied Ubolt through the holes in the cradle and slide one half of the bracket assembly onto the Ubolt (see Figure 7). 3. Fitting the assembly onto the pole, slide the second half of the bracket onto the Ubolt and secure it with lock washers and nuts. Be sure the cradle is at the desired height on the pole and is rotated toward the nearest cell tower before tightening the nuts. (Do not overtighten the nuts.) Figure 7 4. Insert the antenna into the cradle with the Wilson insignia facing in the direction of the cell tower. The cable connection should protrude through the bottom of the cradle. ...
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Outside Wall Mount (Packet B) 1. Select a location on an outside wall as high as possible and at least 20 feet away from where the amplifi er will be located (see Figure 8). Cell Antenna Tower and Cradle ! Warning: RF Safety: The cradle antenna, when used with the included cable, must have a separation distance of at least 8 inches from all persons. If the cable is shortened, or if a different type of cable is used, or if a different antenna is used, consult with Wilson Technical Support to verify that the planned installation is safe. Call 8662941660 or 435 6735021, or email tech@wilsonelectronics.com. 2. Using the cradle as a template, position it on the wall in the desired location and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Min. 20 feet 3. Drill two holes where marked, using a 3/16inch (see page 5) bit, and insert the screw anchors. 4. Line up the holes in the cradle with the screw anchors and mount the cradle to the wall using two screws and two washers (see Figure 9). Tighten the screws with a Phillipshead screwdriver. Figure 8 5. Insert the antenna into the cradle with the Wilson insignia facing in the direction of the cell tower. The cable connection should protrude through the bottom of the cradle. ...
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Inside Window Mount (Packet C) 1. Select a location on the inside of the window as Antenna high as possible and at least 20 feet from where and Cradle the amplifi er will be located (see Figure 10). Warning: RF Safety: The cradle antenna, when used with the included cable, must have a separation distance of at least 8 inches from all persons. If the cable is shortened, or if a different type of cable is used, or if a different antenna is used, consult with Wilson Technical Support to verify that the planned installation is safe. Call 8662941660 or 435 6735021, or email tech@wilsonelectronics.com. 2. Clean the area on the glass with the supplied alcohol prep pad. 3a. If you plan to remove or relocate the cradle antenna at some point, use the suction cups provided in Packet A. Using a twisting motion, press the suction cups into the two holes on the antenna cradle (see Figure 11), then press the cradle onto the glass at the desired location. 3b. For a more permanent installation, use the doublesided adhesive strip. Cut the strip as shown in Figure 12. Peel the backing from one Figure 10 side of the strip and place it on the back of the cradle (see Figure 13). Peel the backing from the other side of the strip and press the cradle onto the glass at the desired location. 4. Insert the antenna into the cradle with the Wilson insignia facing in the direction of the cell tower. The cable connection should protrude through the bottom of the cradle. ...
Installing the Amplifi er Unit Desk or Table Mount ! Warning: The amplifi er unit is designed for use in an 1. Attach the onboard antenna by screwing it onto indoor, temperaturecontrolled environment (less than 100 the threaded connector on the amplifi er. Position degrees Fahrenheit). It is not intended for use in attics or similar locations subject to temperatures in excess of that the antenna at a 45degree angle by adjusting it range. on its base (see Figure 14). Note: the onboard antenna may be positioned vertically; however, this will require greater separation from the cradle antenna (see Page 5). 2. Place the amplifi er on a desk, table or similar surface where you have routed the coax cable. Warning: RF Safety: The amplifi er must be placed so that its onboard antenna has a separation distance of at least 8 inches from all persons. Figure 14 3. Attach the cable to the connector on the amplifi er. Wall Mount 1. Attach the onboard antenna by screwing it onto the threaded connector on the amplifi er (see Figure 14). 2. Position the triangular wallmount bracket at the desired spot on the wall, at least 5 feet up from the fl...
Powering Up the Amplifi er 1. Ensure that the distance between the amplifi er and the cell phone or cellular data card does not exceed 4 feet. 2. Important: Ensure that any other cell phones and cellular data cards are turned off unless they are at least twice the distance from the amplifi er than the desired unit. Min. 20 feet (see page 5) 3. Ensure that the distance between the on board antenna and the cradle antenna is a minimum of 20 feet (see Figure 17). If you are using a different antenna confi guration, see the separation guidelines for your specifi c antennas Figure 17 or call Wilson’s Technical Support department at 8662941660 or 4356735021. 4. Ensure that the coax cable is attached to the amplifi er and the cradle antenna before powering up the amplifi er. 5. Plug the power supply into the amplifi er input marked “Power” (carefully, to avoid damaging the center pin) and then into a wall outlet. ! ! Warning: Verify that the onboard antenna is attached Warning: Use only the power supply provided in this ...
Warnings and Recommendations ! Warning: Connecting the amplifi er directly to the cell phone with use of an adapter will damage the cell phone. ! Warning: Attach the onboard antenna and connect the cradle antenna before powering up the amplifi er. ! Warning: Use only the power supply provided in this package. Use of a nonWilson product may damage your equipment. ! Warning: RF Safety: A minimum separation distance of at least 8 inches must be maintained between the antennas supplied with this amplifi er and all persons. A different antenna may be used in place of the onboard antenna, provided that its gain does not exceed 15 dBi and it is separated by at least 8 inches form all persons. Antennas outside of the building may have gains as high as 15 dBi, provided that a separation distance of at least 30 inches is maintained between the antennas and all persons. Use of antennas with higher than the above maximum gains and/or closer to people than the specifi ed minimum distance is in violation of FCC regulations for which the offender is fully liable. Warning: Always operate cell phone at least three feet from the onboard antenna. Frequently Asked Questions What kind of improvement in cell phone performance can I expect with the SignalBoost DT? The SignalBoost DT’s performance will depend somewhat on the strength of the cellular signal outside your home or building. However, if you install the SignalBoost DT in accordance with the instructions in this guide, you can expect a signifi cant improvement in your ability to use your cell phone or cellular data card indoors. Where should I install my SignalBoost DT to get the best coverage? You should install the amplifi er in the area where you most need an improved signal. The farther you are from the amplifi er, the less improvement you will experience. It is also important to install the cradle antenna in a location where you have the strongest outside signal (see page 4). Also keep in mind the distance between the ...
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Can I use my own cable for my installation? The lowloss RG6 cable included with your product has been specifi cally selected for the SignalBoost DT. Use of another type or longer length of cable will likely degrade the system’s performance. Can I use different antennas than the ones supplied in the box? Yes! While the SignalBoost DT is designed to give you reliable signal improvement with the included antennas, Wilson offers a variety of optional antennas and accessories that enable you to customize your SignalBoost DT to your specifi c needs. Visit www.wilsonelectronics.com for details. There are frequently several people using cell phones in my offi ce at the same time – will the SignalBoost DT improve the signal for all of them? Absolutely! The SignalBoost DT is designed to support multiple users simultaneously (within the range of the onboard antenna). I have installed the system but I don’t have the coverage I need – what can I do? See the section below. For Weak Areas with Insuffi cient Signal In areas with particularly weak outside signals, additional coverage can be obtained by removing the onboard antenna and replacing it with a highgain inside panel antenna (Wilson part #301147). This antenna (which includes cable) can double the inside coverage area. (See Figure 18.) Figure 18 Optional panel antenna (with cable) for improved coverage inside the building Cell (Wilson part # 301147) Site Minimum 20 feet Panel ...
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About Wilson Electronics Wilson Electronics, Inc., a leader in the wireless communications industry for over 40 years, designs and manufactures amplifi ers, antennas and related components that signifi cantly improve cellular telephone signal reception and transmission in a variety of mobile, small building, and large building applications. With extensive experience in antenna and amplifi er research and design, the company’s engineering team uses a stateoftheart testing laboratory, including an anechoic chamber and network analyzers, to fi netune antenna designs and performance. For its amplifi ers, Wilson uses a double electrically insulated RF enclosure and cell site simulators for compliance testing. Wilson amplifi ers feature patentpending Smart Technology™ that enables them to automatically adjust their power based on cell site requirements. By detecting and preventing oscillation, signal overload and interference with other users, these Smart Technology™ amplifi ers improve network cell phone areas without compromising carrier systems. All products are engineered and assembled in the company’s 50,000squarefoot headquarters in St. George, Utah. Wilson has product dealers in all 50 states and in countries around the world. Improving Your Cellular Signal 3301 East Deseret Drive St. George, Utah 84770 www.wilsonelectronics.com TollFree: 8662941660 Fax: 4356562432 Part #104027 AIG SBDT 022 12.17.07 ...
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