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Reception questions

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by CoveringBases, Apr 17, 2017.

  1. Apr 17, 2017 #1
    CoveringBases

    CoveringBases Light Load Member

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    Cellular:
    I recently was at TA, and saw this antenna that looked to be about 3 feet tall. It claimed it was for unbelievable cell reception, and it came at an unbelievable price: $499.99. I laughed and moved on. But that week, I spent a lot of time driving through mountainous areas where my cell reception was stuck on "no service," and I wondered if it would have made a difference if I'd had that antenna, or something like it.

    WiFi:
    I would like to purchase a good signal extender, but the one I currently have wants me to input the details from the router I'm trying to extend from (and I have to set this up at each and every place I want to use it). Most of the time, it's the public router from my company's terminal, or the ones at the truck stops. Most of those just have a landing page where you have to click the button that you agree to their TOS, and then you're in. I don't know their router info. Isn't there an extender that just magnifies the signal, without all that extra nonsense?

    TV:
    I often see advertised these gadgets that are supposed to give you access to a bunch of free TV channels while OTR. Do any of them work as advertised? Are they a pain to deal with, or worth it? Are some really great and worth getting?

    For the above 3 reception issues, what do you all recommend?

    Thanks!
     
    CoveringBases, Apr 17, 2017
    CoveringBases, Apr 17, 2017
    #1
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  3. Apr 17, 2017 #2
    Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    Mark Kling, Apr 17, 2017
    Mark Kling, Apr 17, 2017
    #2
    rabbiporkchop, CoveringBases and baha Thank this.
  4. Apr 17, 2017 #3
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    In today's digital 4g environment, amps aren't as beneficial as they were for yesterday's analog 3G. Yes, in a few scenarios you may get some benefit but generally the carrier you are with and the area you are roaming in has more to do with poor service then your hardware.

    External "Wifi antennas" can help in many situations, especially if your laptop has a weak internal antenna setup and your a good distance from the outdoor antenna.

    For digital tv, the various flexible flat antennas can help in open areas with a decent line of sight to the broadcast antennas a fair distance away. However they will not help reduce cutout interference from passing trucks in busy truck stops.
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2017
    STexan, Apr 17, 2017
    STexan, Apr 17, 2017
    #3
    CoveringBases and Barn Door Bill Thank this.
  5. Apr 17, 2017 #4
    Wallyjr

    Wallyjr Light Load Member

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    Keep phone put up while driving....you can still be sued if in accident even if you have blue tooth headset and be held responsible....
     
    Wallyjr, Apr 17, 2017
    Wallyjr, Apr 17, 2017
    #4
  7. Apr 17, 2017 #5
    Cornbinder_King

    Cornbinder_King Light Load Member

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    So on cellular, yes you could install an amp in your rig. The only thing it will amplify is the receive side of the signal. It will not provide more transmit power back to the cell site though. All cellphones are limited to .06 watts output which is why you might notice more sites as they're needed to fill in the gaps. There are two reasons your phone would say no service, either you have roaming disabled on the phone, or there just isn't any coverage there...

    Wi-Fi, I can't really help you there, that is not my forte in wireless.

    The TV,
    Best bet is to get an amplified antenna that actually uses 110 to power it. Your TV must be digital tuner ready, or you need a converter box.

    And just to set the record straight,
    Analog Cellular networks were turned off in 2005.
    2G ( GSM, TDMA, CDMA) have been operating digital networks since 2000.
     
    Cornbinder_King, Apr 17, 2017
    Cornbinder_King, Apr 17, 2017
    #5
  8. Mar 16, 2018 #6
    rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    rabbiporkchop, Mar 16, 2018
    rabbiporkchop, Mar 16, 2018
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    CoveringBases Thanks this.
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