Wilson Cell Ph repeater/amplifier, anyone have experience?

Al F · March 22, 2015

Wilson (now re-branded to weBoost) Cell phone/hotspot repeater documentation shows that it should be within 2-3 feet of the phone or hotspot.

Does anyone have experience using the device? Does it really need to be be within 2-3 feet?

weBoost has another device which is intended for home use and you can be within 10'-15' of the repeater. However the outside antenna needs to be mounted 30' away from repeater, which is problematic with a 30' RV.

I am also thinking about going with the cradle repeater, but with it you can only operate the cell phone or hotspot not both at the same time. So if we are on the internet and we want to use the phone, we need to stop the internet.

Thoughts and comments are welcome.

Jack Mayer · March 22, 2015

Yes, you need to be within 2' of the device.

The home unit is not intended for mobile use. While you may get it to work in a larger RV it is going to be problematic for most people. I do not recommend it, and neither does weBoost.

I think a Sleek works well and is what I use. I do use a different external antenna. I typically cradle my phone and use it as a hotspot and run it through the WiFIRanger Go2. I rarely put my Jetpack in the Sleek. But do occasionally. I find the phone to be faster and more reliable as a hotspot than the Jetpack. In fact, I'm wondering why I have a Jetpack these days.

docj · March 22, 2015

I am also thinking about going with the cradle repeater, but with it you can only operate the cell phone or hotspot not both at the same time. So if we are on the internet and we want to use the phone, we need to stop the internet.

Not sure why you can't operate both at the same time. Almost all Android phones can do simultaneous voice and data on 4G/LTE and the iPhone 6 can also. As for being able to talk into the phone, either use it in speakerphone mode or use a Bluetooth headset.

Dale P · March 22, 2015

I purchase the Wilson SOHO RV kit in 2012. http://www.wilsonamplifierstore.com/wilson-801245-soho-rv-kit

The kit required a min of 20ft between the antennas.

I install the external antenna on the rear cap of the RV, and the internal antenna near the passenger seat. By doing it this way I achieved about 38 Ft. Even though it is only 3G, it has served us well in our travels.

Wayfarer · March 22, 2015

Jack,

What external antenna do you use with your Sleek?

Tom

Yes, you need to be within 2' of the device.

The home unit is not intended for mobile use. While you may get it to work in a larger RV it is going to be problematic for most people. I do not recommend it, and neither does weBoost.

I think a Sleek works well and is what I use. I do use a different external antenna. I typically cradle my phone and use it as a hotspot and run it through the WiFIRanger Go2. I rarely put my Jetpack in the Sleek. But do occasionally. I find the phone to be faster and more reliable as a hotspot than the Jetpack. In fact, I'm wondering why I have a Jetpack these days.

Al F · March 22, 2015

Thanks for the info & quick replies. Sounds like the cradle is the way to go.

Also, to Jack, which antenna are you using?

mikekey · March 22, 2015

We actually use the cradle inside our travel trailer and the new WeBoost Drive 4G-M inside our truck. Because we keep our cell phones in mounts on the dash, the logic follows that in the truck we'd want to boost more than one device at a time. Especially while traveling.

When at the camp ground we typically only need to boost the mifi and I suppose if we needed to place a call could put the phone in the cradle.

It's twice the cost true, but it works for us. They're great devices either way. Although I would replace the antenna either come with. It's ok, but not great.

Technomadia · March 23, 2015

We have all the options on board, and test them out regularly in multiple situations. Right now, the Mobile 4G is our default booster. It handles multiple devices well, and while you do need to have your devices close by the interior antenna (our testing shows the ideal range to be from 6" all the way up to 6' - depending on the signal being boosted), the interior antenna is on a pretty long wire and can be moved about.

The Sleek/cradle is a fine choice too.. but is intended to only boost one device at a time, and isn't nearly as strong.

Currently, both our setups just use the included mag mount stubby antenna that came with the kits.

Here's our comparison guide to all of the 4G boosters currently out on the market:

Comparison: Mobile 4G Cellular Boosters (weBoost Drive, MAX-AMP vs SureCall)

- Cherie

Jack Mayer · March 23, 2015

I've used various antennas, including some models of the trucker. But typically I use a larger mag mount.

Biker56 · March 23, 2015

I just installed the Wilson 460101 DT 4 G last week in my MH.

It is the home version. I attached the square antenna to my Batwing and used a spare cable from the roof that was not needed anymore since I switched my Trav'ler to a SWM.

Ordered the home version because it came with a AC hook up.

10' away from the inside antenna my iPhone went from a -106 to a -92

pugsly · March 24, 2015

I have a Wilson Mobile Pro unit. I've found that it can measurably improve a weak signal (but not magically make a signal appear out of thin air). I figure it is the benefit of the external antenna (external to the phone and to the faraday cage that is my truck).

cpaulsen · March 25, 2015

Use the Wilson Sleek with my Jet{ack in the cradle.Works great for the laptops and wireless printer. Also have the Wilson cell booster for the times we need a btter signal. It is hooked to my batwing at the front of the 5ver and interior antenna is in the back of the 5ver on a shelf.