Cellular Help

Regardless of the terminology (Modes) used to characterize cellular technology
(PCS, TDMA, CDMA, GSM, Cellular, Digital, Analog, etc.),
at this time there are only two frequency ranges ( Bands) available in the US.

824-896 MHz called 800 MegaHertz Band
800-900mHz range is used by both analog and many digital phones.
Most phones are operating in the frequency covered by the 800MHz Band.

1850MHz-1990MHz called 1900 MegaHertz Band or 1.9 GigaHertz
1800-1900mHz range is another digital range often referred to as PCS.

There are three types of antennas.

1-The most common is the cellular band antenna. These antennas cover digital and analog phones using the 800-900mHz frequency. These antennas are the correct antenna for the vast majority of phones currently in use.

2-The second type is a PCS antenna. These antennas are tuned for frequencies in the 1800-1900mHz range.
Currently the PCS market is limited to a small number of major metropolitan areas.
Before purchasing one of these antennas we recommend you confirm your phone is using this frequency by contacting your service provider (many of the CDMA services such as Verizon and Cingular as well as the GSM services such as Voicestream use this frequency).

3-The third type of antenna is a Dual Band antenna.
These antennas cover both the 800-900mHz frequency as well as the PCS 1800-1900mHz frequency.
Phones purchased after 1999 this type of antenna is the best choice as most phones after 1999 are dual band phones.

Not certain what frequency you are operating on, please check with your service provider.

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ADVANTAGES of EXTERNAL ANTENNAS

We would never really state an exact distance increase because it is all very dependent on conditions that are changing constantly. For example cell-site tower distance, site antenna height, design, type of terrain and placement and efficiency of the external antenna.

We can safely say that, the external antenna will provide a vertically polarized, omni-directional signal at 0 (zero or unity) gain up to 5dB which will be a noticeable and effective signal increase. Depending on the phone and what antenna is used outside the car, signal improvement should be on the order of 6 to 20dB less aproximately 1 dB for cable losses to the antenna. This equals, anywhere from triple to 5 times the power (on the horizon) that was being radiated by the phone-top antenna.Choose the antenna that fits your needs.

Majority of cell phones have an external antenna port, behind a rubber plug that is located near or below the antenna. Where no external jack is present, the adapter couples the antenna by way of coils, looped around the existing antenna.Extend the range on your handy, connect to an ouside antenna via RF cable.

800 MHZ Series

MAGNETIC MOUNT CELLULAR

By far the most popular type for this type of use has been the magnetic based antennas. If your phone is cellular band only, analog (AMPS, EAMPS) or digital (CDMA,TDMA) then a regular cellular band antenna will work well. For example our MM87 series are magnetic with a 2.5" base and very strong magnet. These come with 9.5 feet of RG-58 cable and almost any connector.
The 3db is the 8003-MM9 and the 5dB (dual enclosed coils) is 8005-MM9.
For Cellular Magnetic mounts, click here.

GLASS MOUNT CELLULAR

The other way to go would be with a permanently mounted antenna on the rear window of the car or truck. While this type losses some signal strength as the signal passes through the glass, it will be the choice of many who want a permanent installation
For Glass mounts, click here.

YAGI CELLULAR
Home, Cabins or any other place weak signels are encounterd.

For Yagi click here.

800 / 1900 MHZ Series

DUAL-BAND (CELL/PCS)

If your cell phone is a dual-band or "tri-band" it is the type which hops between cellular 800mHz bands and the PCS 1900mHz bands. It is in fact dual-band but also called tri-band due to the analog and digital use of the 800mHz band. This type of phone, for example the Nokia 5160/6160 requires a dual band antenna.

The glass mount 819 UG quickly installs on the car window. It includes 14 feet of RG-58 dual shield "ULTRA" cable and FME connector. You may order TNC, MiniUHF or SMA adapters to compliment your et up.

Mini magnetic mount antennas and the "Stealth" inside mounted antennas are very popular.
For 800/1900 MHz click here.

1900 MHZ Series

FLAT PANEL ANTENNAS (PCS 1900 MHZ)

Home, Boat, Cabins or any other place weak signals are encountered.
your answer is a 13 dbi gain Flat panel antenna. Mount it on a pole or on the side of the house.
For 1900 MHz click here.

Connectors