Yahoo Message Number: 7339 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7339)
Has anyone in the group made use of an auxiliary antenna for their cell phone? If so, what type, and are you pleased with the gain? Thanks,
Bill Harris
03 Allure 1st Ave 30912
Datastorm
Yahoo Message Number: 7340 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7340)
Magna 6162 I have used exterior ant.,cradle, and speakerphone in the last two mtr homes. Would not be without.
Bob Ewing
Yahoo Message Number: 7341 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7341)
Bill:
We use a side mounted Marine type cell phone antenna. It is rated at 9 DB of gain (ya, right).
See: http://www.boatantenna.com/cellular/996-C.html (http://www.boatantenna.com/cellular/996-C.html)
A Chrome-plated brass fitting (Westmarine Part no. 117283) is used to bring the Antenna cable into the MH.
We also use a Cellsocket.
( cliped this is from the Cellsocket site)
"CellSocket is a cellular phone accessory that transforms your wireless phone into an additional telephone line. CellSocket allows you to make and receive cellular voice calls on a standard telephone in your home or office. It can also be used in vacation homes, dorm rooms, RVs, or on a boat. "
We take the cellsocket output and 'backfeed' it into the phone wiring in the MH. It allows us to make and answer cell calls from our regular phones in the MH. (we have three phnoes with one of them being a 900mhz cordless) Also keeps the cellphone in a 'known' location that makes it easy to grap up when we depart. (and it's charged!)
Drop me a note if you want the details of my installation.
Have fun!
Jim Cook
www.al7rv.net
2002 Intrigue #11446
Datastorm (Beta, Jan-2002)
Yahoo Message Number: 7343 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7343)
Hi Bill,
I haven't done much research but the approach I like, and you might want to look into, is at this web site: http://www.digitalantenna.com/ (http://www.digitalantenna.com/) The 3 watt solution is what GM's On-Star uses and they can get out almost anywhere. I remember using the old 5 watt analog bag unit in the waterpocket fold cliffs of Utah.
Fred Kovol
- In Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com (Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com), "Bill Harris" wrote:
Yahoo Message Number: 7349 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7349)
Bill,
We have a Shakespeare antenna on the radar arch of the boat and install kits [amps, speakers, antenna] in vehicles. Can't see much difference in range or reception so haven't put one on the coach.
Doug 03 Allure 30929
Yahoo Message Number: 7356 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7356)
Bob, Jim, Fred
Thanks for your responses, now you've done it! The juices are flowing now. Set up one of those roof/antenna thingies, with one of the booster widgets, tie it into one of the cellsocket thingamajiggies, and I will be able to talk to the moon. Cool! Looks like it's time for a little "mind expansion" regarding this technology.
Bill Harris
03 Allure 1st Ave 30912
Datastorm
Yahoo Message Number: 7363 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7363)
Just to add a nickel's worth, I've put 3-watt boosters and external antennas in our cars since about 1990 -- and they virtually eliminate dead spots. We've driven extensively throughout the US and it is exceptionally rare to not have a signal with a booster.
The only point not mentioned in this discussion that you might want to be aware of is that in the real "boonies" you'll often have an analog (AMPS) signal - works just fine and if you NEED to make a call it's nice to have the option, but on most plans this does incure roaming charges. This is becoming less common as the digital networks get built up, but the analog systems are still a lot more prevalent (that's why OnStar using analog).
Gary