Wilson Signal Boost Universal Installation
How The Wilson SignalBoost Universal Works
The Wilson SignalBoost Universal Amplifier has been carefully engineered to significantly improve the performance of your cell phone or cellular data card in both vehicle and home/ office applications. Together with an antenna, the amplifier’s state-of-the-art technology is designed to increase your signal up to 10-15 times, reduce disconnects and dropouts, and increase data communication rates needed for 3G technologies.
The universal connector fits all cellular and PCS phones and data cards. (Not designed for iDEN/NEXTEL)
The antenna will collect the cell tower signal and send it through the cable to the amplifier. The signal is then boosted and sent through the extension cable to the universal connector on your cell phone or data card, which then communicates with the improved signal. When the cell phone or data card transmits, the signal goes through the universal connector and the extension cable, is boosted by the amplifier and broadcast back to the cell tower through the antenna.
NOTE: Use of this amplifier with an antenna gain higher than 6.12 dBi is in violation of FCC regulations for which the offender is fully liable. All Wilson mobile antennas are 6.12 dBi or less.
Before Getting Started
This guide will help you properly install Wilson’s dual-band, SIGNALBOOST™ amplifier. It is important to read through all of the installation steps for your particular application prior to installing any equipment. Read through the instructions, visualize where all the equipment will need to be installed and do a soft installation before mounting any equipment. If you do not understand the instructions in full, please contact Wilson Technical Support at 866-294-1660.
Installation Overview
The following steps provide a summary of the amplifier/antenna installation process using the mini magnet-mount antenna (included with Part #811211). However, they are not a substitute for the complete installation instructions on the following pages, which you should read thoroughly. If you are using a different antenna, follow the specific instructions that come with it.
STEP 1 Install the Antenna
For a vehicle installation, attach the antenna in the center of the vehicle’s roof and run the cable through the door to the amplifier. For a home or office installation, attach the antenna to the optional window bracket, affix the bracket to a window with the suction cups and run the cable to the amplifier.
STEP 2 Install the Amplifier
Position the amplifier in a well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight. Run the cable from the antenna and attach it to the FME-Male connector labeled “outside antenna” on the amplifier.
STEP 3 Attach the Universal Connector
Attach the universal connector cable to the FME-Male connector labeled “Universal Connector” on the amplifier. Attach the other end of the cable to your cell phone or cellular data card with the supplied VELCRO®.
STEP 4 Power up the Amplifier
IMPORTANT! Before connecting the power supply, ensure that both the antenna cable and the universal connector cable are connected.
Installing the Antenna
To receive the best cell signal, select a location in the center of the vehicle’s roof at least 12 inches away from any other antennas and free of obstructions.
The antenna must be installed vertically. Signal performance will be degraded if the antenna is not vertical. The antenna cable may be run through the door to the amplifier.
Warning: The antenna used with this amplifier must have a separation distance of at least 11 inches from all persons.
The antenna cable is small enough to easily tuck under the door seal or plastic molding.
For a more professional-looking installation, the antenna cable may be run under the door seal. Carefully
pull down the door seal. Run the cable through the seal and push the seal back into place. This prevents constant wear and tear on the cable as the door opens and closes.
Installing the Wilson SIGNALBOOST™ Amplifier
Vehicle Installation Keys
Warning: Do not plug in the DC power supply until the antenna and universal connector cables are attached to the amplifier.
Select a location to install the amplifier that is away from excessive heat, direct sunlight or moisture and that has proper ventilation.
Recommended installation locations are:
- Under the seat
- Under the dash
Run the cable from the antenna and attach it to the FME Male connector labeled “outside antenna” on the amplifier
Attach the universal connector cable to the extension cable and attach the extension cable to the FME-Male connector labeled
“Universal Connector” on the amplifier.
Then attach the universal connector to your cell phone or data card.
Home/Office Installation
Installing the Antenna
To receive the best cell signal, select a window location at least 12 inches away from any radio or television antennas and free of obstructions.
Using the suction cups, position the optional mounting bracket on the window at a height convenient to where the amplifier will be located, then attach the antenna to the bracket.
The antenna must be installed vertically. Signal performance will be degraded if the antenna is not vertical.
Warning: The antenna used with this amplifier must have a separation distance of at least 11 inches from all persons.
Installing the Wilson SIGNALBOOST™ Amplifier
Warning: Do not plug in the AC power supply until the outside antenna and universal connector cables are attached to the amplifier.
Select a location to install the amplifier that is away from excessive heat, direct sunlight or moisture and that has proper ventilation.
Recommended installation locations are:
- On a desk or table top
- In a bookshelf
- On the floor
Run the cable from the mini magnet-mount antenna and attach it to the FME-Male connector labeled “outside antenna” on the
amplifier.
Attach the universal connector cable to the extension cable and attach the extension cable to the FME Male connector labeled
“Universal Connector” on the amplifier. Then attach the universal connector to your cell phone or data card.
Installing the Wilson Universal Connector
The universal connector must be placed directly on the cell phone or cellular data card to work properly. Attach the universal connector to the cell phone or cellular data card with the VELCRO® included in the package.
The universal connector and extension cable included in the package are long enough to reach the amplifier location. This
allows for ease and convenience of use. To adjust the universal connector for the best signal, go to a weak signal location
where your cell phone registers only 1-2 bars without the universal connector connected. (Be sure the amplifier is turned off when
checking for low signal.) Then, attach the universal connector to the phone, power up the amplifier and you should see a signal
improvement of 2 or more bars.
NOTE: Many phones take up to 20 seconds to reset the bar indicator. To maximize performance, attach the universal connector as close as possible to the original antenna on your cell phone or cellular data card.
For cell phones with an internal antenna, place the universal connector on the back, upper left-hand corner of the phone.
NOTE: Certain phones, such as the Motorola RAZR, have internal antennas at the base, rather than the top, in which case the universal connector should be attached at the bottom rear of the phone.
For cell phones with an external antenna, place the universal connector directly below the phone’s original antenna.
Powering up the Amplifier
Make sure both the outside antenna and universal connector cables are connected before powering up the amplifier.
For vehicle use, connect the power cable from the DC power supply to the amplifier input marked “Power” and insert the large
end into DC power socket (the cigarette lighter outlet).
For home or office use, connect the cable from the AC/DC power supply (sold separately) to the amplifier input marked “Power” and insert the plug end into a standard wall outlet.
Warning: Use only Wilson power supply units. Use of a non-Wilson product may damage your equipment.
The amplifier may remain on all the time. However, leaving the amplifier on in a vehicle when it is not running can discharge
the battery in a day or two. A good option is to power the amplifier through the ignition switch so the amplifier is turned on and off with the vehicle.
Amplifier Temperature
The aluminum casing of the SIGNALBOOST™ amplifier will adjust very quickly to the ambient temperature of its environment. For example, in the summer, when the inside of a car can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the amplifier temperature may be 150 degrees or higher. The casing will be hot to the touch, similar to a metal door handle or steering wheel. Such high temperatures will not damage the amplifier, nor do they pose a fire risk. As recommended in these instructions, when installing the amplifier in a vehicle, select a location with adequate ventilation, such as under the seat or dashboard. Keep the area free of items that could block air flow to the amplifier. Carefully insert the power cable.
IMPORTANT: Do not power up the amplifier unless the antenna and universal connector cables are attached to the amplifier.
Warnings and Recommendations
Warning: Do not plug the amplifier directly into the cell phone or cellular data card using an antenna adapter. It will damage the cell
phone or cellular data card.
Warning: Do not plug in the power supply until the antenna and universal connector cables are attached to the amplifier.
Warning: The antenna must be installed with a separation of at least 11 inches from nearby persons and must not be located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or amplifier. Use of this amplifier with an antenna gain higher than 6.12 dBi is in violation of FCC regulations for which the offender is fully liable. All Wilson mobile antennas are 6.12 dBi or less.
Recommended amplifier installation locations for a vehicle are:
- Under the seat
- Under the dash
Power the amplifier through the ignition switch so the amplifier is turned on and off with the vehicle.
Recommended amplifier installation locations for a home or office are:
- On a desk or table top
- In a bookshelf
- On the floor
Wilson SignalBoost Universal Cellular Power Booster
