Selecting the Right Amplifier for Your Application

Which Booster is Right for You?

First, determine where you will use the cell booster (home, office, car, boat, RV) and if your primary goal is to amplify voice, data or both. If maximum signal on data is your primary goal, choose the DA4000 direct connect amplifier. If your primary goal is to use a wireless cell booster (repeater), you must adhere to the distance and structure requirements between the inside and outside antennas (Antenna Seperation) and have a usable cell signal at the location of the external (outside) antenna.

Do you have an exisiting cellular signal to boost?

Exisiting cellular signal strenth of -70 to -90dB (easily complete calls) at the location of the outside antenna is required to use a wireless repeater. If the cell signal outside is below -90dB and as low as -100dB (difficult to complete calls) a direct connect amplifer should be used. An amplifier or repeater cannot amplify a cell signal that is not present. A direct connect amplifier is recommended for use in areas whre there is extremely low outside cellular signal or to enhance data and internet connections. In addtion, optional directional and higher gain antennas will give increased performance to your amplifier or repeater in low areas.

Should I use a direct connect amplifier or a repeater? What is the diffrence?

Both amplifiers (cellular boosters) and repeaters (wireless cell boosters) boost cell phone signals up to 3 watts and will deliver similiar benefits. A direct connect amplifier will provide additional range up to 50+ miles from a cell tower. A wireless repeater offers a range up to 30+ miles from a cell tower.

How does a direct connect amplifier work?

Your cell phone is physically connected directly to the amplifier by an adapter cable. The amplifier then connects to an outside cell antenna. (cable & antennas sold seperately) Multiple cell phones can be used with a combiner.

How does a wireless repeater work?

An advantage of a wireless repeater is that no physical connection is required to your cell phone; however, a stronger outside cell signal (-70- to -90dB) is required and specific installation guidelines for ouside and inside antennas must be followed. The outside antenna receives the signal from the cell tower, the signal is amplified by the repeater unit and repeated to your cell phone through the inside antenna. This technology also allows the use of mulitple cell phones and carriers simultaneoulsy. (wireless repeaters are sold as complete systems).

DA4000

In remote areas, the DA4000 direct connect amplifier is the best choice.  This direct connect amplifier is 15% to 20% stronger than the wireless units.  This difference is more prominent in remote areas.  Want the best signal you can get but don't want to be wired to the unit?  If your phone has Bluetooth you can hook your phone to the unit and talk wireless via the Bluetooth.

• Works best in very poor signal areas
• Add a Directional or Yagi antenna to this unit for weak areas
• Your phone or device must have an external antenna port.  A cellular phone adapter cable will be required to attach phone to amplifier.

DA4000 IN CAR:

You will need:

• DA4000
• Antenna - choose either slim patch CA09P or magnetic mount CA55M
• External antenna adapter (phone specific)

DA4000 IN BOAT:

You will need:

• DA4000
• Antenna - choose either 18" Omni Directional antenna 288PW or 8'  antenna with cable 567CW
• Cable if you choose the Omni Directional Antenna (see DA340 cables)
• External antenna adapter (phone specific)

DA4KMR-30M

Marine/RV Repeater covers up to 800 square foot and only 12' separation plus a structure between inside & outside antenna. Works best in Cabin Cruisers under 40 ft, Sailboats, and RV's under 40 ft.

DA4KMR-30U

Comes complete with everything you need.  Additional accessories such as longer cable or a directional antenna can be added to boost reception.

Key Notes:

• Boosts 1 room only (up to 1,000 square feet) or standard car interior
• Requires the outside and inside antennas to be separated a minimum of 5', with an exterior wall and roof structure between the antennas.  If installing in a boat this is a vertical separation in a home you should get the separation by both horizontal and vertical.  If you cannot get this separation you cannot make this unit work.

DA4KSBR-50M

Marine/RV Repeater covers up to 4,000 square foot and only 25' separation plus a structure between inside & outside antenna. Works best in yachts over 40', sailboats, and RV's.

DA4KSBR-50U

Key Notes:

• Must be able to make a call & hold a signal outside for omni-directional to work.  Intermittent / low signal will need to add YAGI to boost signal.
• Requires the outside and inside antennas to be separated a minimum of 40', with an exterior wall and roof structure between the antennas.  If installing in a boat this is a vertical separation / If installing in a home you should get the separation by both horizontal and vertical.  If you cannot get this separation you cannot make this unit work.
• Will cover up to 5,000 square foot open area.  Will penetrate 1 or 2 walls depending on outside signal.  Also depends on wall structure, metal walls will limit penetration.  The weaker the cell signal is outside, the less coverage area you will have inside.

4KPR-15U

• Easy installation - antenna mounts to window with suction cups and draws outside reception into a 500 square ft area.

4KMR-10A

This mobile repeater covers a standard car interior and requires only a 3' antenna seperation and a metal roof between the inside and outside antennas (no for use in a convertible or composite roof)