Can I increase my mobile signal (1 Viewer)

[Forestboy]

We're going to be living in the van for the next few months assuming our house sale goes through in the next few days and I use the BB Bold as a tether on the laptop for internet access. The problem is where we're parked my BB Bold signal is quite weak and not quite strong enough to give useable internet.

So the question is, is there some sort of antenna I can use even if fixed on the roof of van that will increase my signal strength. Preferably I would like to hear from someone who actually uses one because having had a quick look on the net it seems that most for sale especially Apps are just gimmicks and a total waste of money.

Thanks in advance:thumb:

 

[cbrookson]

Waste of time. Unless you did something elaborate or illegal!

If you want Internet access then your best bet is an external antenna:
http://www.solwise.co.uk/3g-antenna-outdoor.htm

and a 3G router:
http://www.solwise.co.uk/3g-routers.htm

And get something like Three at 1GB a month for £10 prepay.

Cheers

 

[aba]

these seem to work my mate has a similar thing to give coverage in his building.
an antenna outside and a repeater box inside although not too cheap.

http://www.mobilerepeatershop.com/3G_MOBILE_SIGNAL_BOOSTERS/cat448879_374862.aspx

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[BwB]

I was chatting to a guy at the Newark show who had one fitted to his van for exactly the same reason as you state.

He gave me this link http://www.gsmbooster.co.uk/

I think the snake oil special stick on foil stuff is probably rubbish, but these sorts of devices look the right sort of equipment. Used on boats and in tunnels.

 

[Busterbulldog]

Id try a phone on a different network,just because yrs isnt great doesnt mean they all will be.Or possibly a different phone as some pick up stronger signals. For mobile internet access i use a htc on three,you can run several pc @ the same time through the portable wifi hotspot built into the phones ,I travel round a lot,with pc live and its v rare i have any issues with signal.Download speeds are good too

 

[cbrookson]

As I said - repeaters are illegal to use in the UK, but not to sell!:
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/enforcement/spectrum-enforcement/jammers/

"Repeater devices transmit or re-transmit in the cellular frequency bands. Only the mobile network operators are licensed to use equipment that transmits in these bands. Installation or use of repeater devices by anyone without a licence is a criminal offence under Section 8 of the WT Act 2006. Any person found guilty of installing or using such devices without a licence would be liable on conviction to a fine of up to £5000 and/or up to 51 weeks’ imprisonment (Six months in Scotland and Northern Ireland)".​

I do like the fact that it is still the Wireless Telegraphy Act ...

Cheers

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[ShiftZZ]

I have a Repeatit box, it can pick up a fair bit of wifi traffic,but, the number that are 'open' are getting smaller and smaller.. I have had limited success in France, at my current location I can see 16 wifi beacons, with the Repeatit box will pull in over 60.

I have looked at some Linux packages such as airsnort etc, but they are for the geeks and to be honest I am not techie enough to be able to use all the functions and I am not going to bother learning it.


Hope that helps

 

[Viennese]

Funsters

Link Removed recommend the Solwise for internet access - see their blog at http://www.doyourdream.co.uk/2010/08/tip-our-guide-for-easy-free-internet-access-abroad/

This blog is very helpful and has all sorts of useful downloads for travelling abroad - they are experts!

Best regards

Catherine

 

[activecampers]

Thanks Catherine.
Yep - the rocket I mention works very well for wifi, but not mobile phone signals.

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