Looking at cell phone boosters. Leaning toward Weboost Drive Reach but only because I've seen one (not used it). They have an OTR version aimed at fleet vehicles that comes with an OTR antenna. It would be cheaper than the Reach plus OTR antenna.
Which Weboost model are most people installing?
- Thread starter kcjaz
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You are much better off getting one of the older blue wilson electronic boosters that matches your type of cell phone signal.
These are similar to the 470121R but they are 4G with more power.
Weboost bought out wilson electronics' cell boosters and then toned them down.
The weboost otr 311229 is their better antenna, but even then the antenna only has 4.3 gain. The antenna I have is from AU but top quality.
These are similar to the 470121R but they are 4G with more power.
Weboost bought out wilson electronics' cell boosters and then toned them down.
The weboost otr 311229 is their better antenna, but even then the antenna only has 4.3 gain. The antenna I have is from AU but top quality.
I purchased a basic drive reach unit (not the OTR) when @SharpeCat arranged a group buy. It has been handy and worked pretty well in areas with sketchy coverage. Finding a spot for the main box can be challenging. I've had mine velcroed to the carpet behind the second row but in front of my cargo drawers for over a year now, plugged into the second row power outlet and it is ok. Eventually I hope to find a better spot and hard wire it.
I have an otr. Hard wired to the cig circuit. Unit under right seat. Antenna on hatch mount. Inside antenna in the ashtray.
Spoiled by always having a good signal now in the rig.
Spoiled by always having a good signal now in the rig.
- Thread starter
- #6
With that hatch mount location, how did you run the wire into the truck? The pic shows the wire on the outside of the truck but I assume that was temporary.
Up to the hatch hinge, down to the bottom of the lift gate along the outside of the gasket, then drip loop and OVER the gasket. Ideally one would go thru the rear grommet behind the tire in the quarter, but I wasn’t into taking my quarters off in the cold. I’ll fix it eventually. I did need a 1 meter extension to get the outside antenna wire up to the seat, the junction is at the b pillar.
I found an easier way to run those wires the other day.
First I cut the end off with the rg58 connector. (mine had an rg58) This was so I could keep the hole small.
Run the wire down the gasket and under that plastic plate. (remove plate run wire replace plate)
Remove the tail gate bridge.
Drill a small hole on the top of there the tailgate bridge was covering.
Run the wire through the exiting grommet and then up through the small hole you drilled.
Gasket glue the wire hole areas.
Run the wire out the side of the bridge and tuck it under the interior panels.
Then got an rg58 connector off amazon and re-crimped the connector back on.
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@Mooterman what is the piece under the antenna w the blue velcro? I have the same setup and when folded down using the Rhino rack mount, it occasionally rattles against the cross bar. Looking to do the same as your setup.
Yeah, don’t even think I had to undo the seat cables. Pull the four bolts, put seat forward, tip it back (I think back anyhow.
It’s just floating free is the seat pan next to whatever computer is down there. Lots of room. I should probably go back and sticky Velcro it in. That would be better. If I recall the mount already has loop on it.
I did need an an outdoor cable extension to get it there, cable only made it to the b pillar. I got two meters, one would be enough.
Was taking the ashtray out anyhow to put the indoor antenna in, so used cig power (ign switched) while I was In there. The cig adapter that came with it was sacrificed for the cord.
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It's a plastic insert from an old Thule bike rack tire cradle. Fits the antenna nicely. Drilled a couple of holes and T-nuted to the crossbar. I have this other one if you wanted it. Can drop it in the mail.
Thanks so much. Will PM you.
- Thread starter
- #15
I think I am going to mount my weboost antenna (and HAM antenna) on my swingouts. I've already run wires for my relo'd rear camera through the passenger side grommet. A couple questions:
1. Do I need to worry about proximity to other wires when routing the antenna cable?
2. I know that getting the weboost antenna head up as high as possible is best from a signal perspective but I'm a little worried about getting it bumped by tree branches as I am often shoe horning my 200 in places where a sided by side would be better. I'd like to just have the top of the mast head be at the roof height.
1. Do I need to worry about proximity to other wires when routing the antenna cable?
2. I know that getting the weboost antenna head up as high as possible is best from a signal perspective but I'm a little worried about getting it bumped by tree branches as I am often shoe horning my 200 in places where a sided by side would be better. I'd like to just have the top of the mast head be at the roof height.
RobW0
GOLD Star
You don't want to run the wires in close proximity parallel to power wires. You also do not want your two antennas right next to each other either.
I mounted my Weboost unit behind passenger 2nd row seat. The Yaesu HAM radio also back there. Power to Weboost is controlled by a Switch Pro. Leaving the Weboost on overnight will put a drain on your battery unless switch is on accessory.
I have two Weboost antennas, the small magnetic one and the larger RV one, both mounted on roof, that I can quickly switch between the two. Really only use the bigger one when somewhere remote. Keep my 6db Midland GMRS antenna back there too.
I have two Weboost antennas, the small magnetic one and the larger RV one, both mounted on roof, that I can quickly switch between the two. Really only use the bigger one when somewhere remote. Keep my 6db Midland GMRS antenna back there too.
- Thread starter
- #18
The only wires in the vicinity are tail lights and rear camera. If I use the rear grommet, the antenna wire will be next to the camera wires but there should only be power to the camera when in reverse. There maybe a grommet on the driver side but I’ve never looked for it.
I was planning in putting one antenna on each swing arm to keep them separated. I’ve also thought about putting the ham antenna on the front bumper mount but I don’t think I’ll like looking at it all the time.
If @prharper passes I would be interested in that bike mount.
It’s end of August 2023 and I’m considering adding a Weboost or better to my 100 and 200. Used one in my buddies Tacoma back home in Alaska and was amazed at how well it worked. His is a few years old so not the latest tech. So, a couple of questions:
- Any update relevant to this thread on the latest/ best cell phone signal booster? Any updates in the last year?
- Updated Learnings / best practices for installation? Or is the advice posted here still pretty solid?
- Anyone know a good installer in South Central AK or the Seattle area?
- Any update relevant to this thread on the latest/ best cell phone signal booster? Any updates in the last year?
- Updated Learnings / best practices for installation? Or is the advice posted here still pretty solid?
- Anyone know a good installer in South Central AK or the Seattle area?