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Old 09-24-2012, 12:44 PM   #1
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Cel Phone Booster advice

Anybody out there using a cel phone signal booster. There are so many on the market that it's difficult knowing what works and what doesn't. We're in a dead spot here, so at least initially, we need one for our residence, but we'd also like to take it with us when we begin full time cruising. Thanks in advance for any help.
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Old 09-24-2012, 12:49 PM   #2
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I've used the Wilson products for years with great success on phones and aircards.

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Old 09-24-2012, 01:37 PM   #3
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This article is still a good primer about the things to think about with a cellular amplifier:
https://activecaptain.com/articles/m...oostSignal.php

I think the Wilson products are the best. It's been a couple of years since I tested them head-to-head but back then there was no difference in performance between any amp I tried and a Wilson that cost about half as much. I've had my Wilson now for about 8 years - I'm using it right now at anchor to send this posting over a JetPack MiFi.
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Old 09-24-2012, 02:38 PM   #4
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One more thumbs up for the Wilson. Works great, no complaints.
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Old 09-24-2012, 08:03 PM   #5
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We have a Wilson in the bus and a MaxSignal on the boat. On paper the MaxSignal is the better unit. But only on paper. We use an inductive coupler on the bus and the MaxSignal guy tells me that is why the Wilson works better. I'm not convinced. If I was doing it over again no question I would install another Wilson.

Either one of them will take a signal that won't hold a call and turn it into a strong usable signal, the Wilson just does it more reliably.
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Old 09-24-2012, 08:35 PM   #6
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Ben Ellison over at Panbo is using one now and has reported some info on his current experience, Panbo: The Marine Electronics Weblog . Chuck
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Old 09-25-2012, 10:03 AM   #7
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Thanks everyone. I've been reading everything I can, but many of the sites sound like vendor funded, if you know what I mean. Great link to Panbo, Chuck. I really need to just delve into these blogs and study the overwhelming tide of products. I'm due for a new electronic suite in the spring. Money, money, money.
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Old 09-25-2012, 10:23 AM   #8
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Sometimes the information can be overwhelming. It is hard to sift through the self interest posts all over the internet. If your looking at electronics, be sure and research some of the testing Ben has done on Panbo. Too often you will get individual opinions with their built in bias and it makes deciding even harder. Don't get me wrong we often make decisions from the feedback of others. But not based on "I really like my XYZ". Instead we look for "The unit does this and this well", if those are the features we're looking for. Very few people will say that what they made a bad decision unless there are serious issues. Raymarine was a good example of this but their products and manufacturing have made major improvements since Flir took them over. Good luck. Chuck
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