Multi Use Antennas?

When I was last OTR no one had ever heard of mobile internet! Now I'm heading out again and don't know much about the technology. I'd like to know if there is an antenna that can be used to boost air card reception, wifi reception and cell reception. If it worked for TV reception that would be great as well. I'm using Sprint for my cel service with an Instinct phone and 99 dollar unlimited plan. I'm using the Millenicom/Verizon air card with the UM175 USB adapter. My TV is a digital LCD. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!

 

I have tried 2 of the cell phone boosters, neither one worked, and yes, one was the Wilson. The one little device I did use was a wireless router for an aircard. For some reason that actually boosted my Sprint aircards signal. Do a google search for "EVDO", that is where I bought mine. But, you will broadcast a wireless signal, so you will need to use WEP or WAP security on your little in truck network.

And here is the kicker, on my Volvo, I am supposed to be able to hook my cell phone into my CB antennas, which are multi use. But even the dealers and Volvo themselves cannot tell me how to hook into the box buried in the dash.

And your LCD tv should pick up the new digital service. I have a 27" Samsung LCD in mine, runs through those CB antennas, what a sweet picture. As long as I have line of sight towards the closest city or tower. And you do need line of sight. I have to park away from buildings and trees. And a passing truck in the truck stop will blow out your signal. But when all is perfect, very nice.

Mike

 

You're going to be hard pressed to find one antenna to handle everything. If they even make one.

For WiFi you're looking at 2.4 & 5 GHz

Cell Phone -- 824 MHz to 893 MHz (tradionally)

Television -- I won't bother you get the idea.

You have to have an antenna that receives from 7KHz -- 5 GHz. That's asking a lot from one antenna.

 

It sounds like you own your truck? If you do, check out the VueQube. Worth every penny.

Mike

 

Stick around. Since XM and Siruis have merged. Their services will make you cry, in about a year or 2.

They've worked seperately on TV and broadband for the past years. Now they'll be working together, for a common goal.

 

I know, my 08 Chrysler Town and Country has the video monitors with three television channels through Sirius. Pretty cool, and actually almost two year old technology. Right now, the VueQube is about all there is other than dragging a dish around. I just wish it would do HD.

Mike

 

Thanks for the answers.

Does the VueQube receive wifi or cell/air card signals as well as satellite tv? I Googled info on it but saw nothing to tell me.

Do the multi use CB antennas reduce the efficiency of the CB?

 

The VueQube is just sat TV, DirecTV, DishNetwork and ExpressView out of Canada. What is cool about it, is that you only need to mount it and everything runs off of one RG6 coax cable and that is it. A wireless remote comes with it, that works in the truck. Usually have a signal in a matter of minutes. I would not leave home without it, especially as things are so slow out here.

As far as my factory Volvo multi use antennas? I don't really know, my radio gets out there, and it is nothing to hear 20 miles down the road. They do the job, and work well for the digital TV reception.

And it's a Volvo, not the best truck to judge a CB in. I figure mine works fine and does the job. Not a real CB guy here anyway. I mainly listen or just turn it off, weather and traffic permitting.

Mike

 

You can see the VueQube mounted to the back of my cab in this picture.

The white blob is it between the stacks. I mounted it myself after a trip to a welding shop to modify the bracket. Took about 40 min. total to mount and run one cable. And the cable hooks into your sat receiver box. That is what powers the VueQube.

Mike

 

Any reception problems caused by the headache rack?