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05-09-2011, 08:24 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Sioux Falls
, South Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,164
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Cell phones
How do your cell phones work in your Airstreams? Are there any problems with reception? Given the construction, it would seem to me that any sort of radio reception inside would be an issue. On the other hand, since cell phones operate in the microwave bands, there might be enough window space to permit decent reception.
What say ye, full-timers? What works?
__________________
David Lininger, kb0zke
AIR 54240
Heartland mpg 181 (sold)
1993 Foretravel U300 (sold)
2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS
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05-09-2011, 08:32 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2007 25' Safari FB SE
St. Hedwig
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 597
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I am on AT&T and when the signal is strong we have no problem. If your signal is weak then forget it. I tried a booster from Radio Shack today. It was $199.00 and was for the truck. No improvement and taking it back tomorrow.
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05-09-2011, 08:42 PM
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#3
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4 Rivet Member
2002 31' Classic
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 442
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I have never had a problem with reception while in my 31' ASCL. The aluminum construction doesn't seem to make much difference with Sprint.
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05-09-2011, 08:46 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Trabuco Canyon
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 866
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Only in the very weakest conditions do I need to step out of the trailer to use the cell phone. It has to be very marginal reception for that to offer any improvement.
Same with the Verizon aircard. I have it in a router so under a worst case scenario I can locate it outside. But again with even 2 bar reception, it works fine inside.
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05-10-2011, 08:01 AM
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#5
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Indian Harbor Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 182
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Never had a problem with our ATT connections in our AS. We also use a Sprint HotSpot in the AS and during travel in the car for secure wireless internet...never had a problem there either and we've been in some pretty remote areas while travelling.
But now that I've written this....murphys law ya know!!
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05-10-2011, 12:08 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1999 28' Excella
Frederick
, Maryland
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 739
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With VZ, no problems.
__________________
1999 28' Safari
2012 F150 Platinum Max Tow 7650 GVWR 3.73 Elec. Locking Diff.(Prev 2003 Dmax).
Honda EU2000i, Equalizer Hitch
AM Solar Panels 150W - 2 Trojan T 105 6V Batteries
KC3MAP
On internet forums, please research and separate the wheat from the chaff (including mine!)
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05-10-2011, 01:34 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2009 27' FB Flying Cloud
1982 31' International
1991 35' Airstream 350
Jay
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,706
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For a booster, look at Wilson Electronics products. They make good stuff.
__________________
Jeff & Cindy
'09 27FB Flying Cloud;'82 31 International
'91 350 LE MH; '21 Interstate 24GT
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05-10-2011, 01:56 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1961 24' Tradewind
1969 29' Ambassador
1970 21' Globetrotter
Jamestown
, Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,783
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It does make a noticeable difference in weak signal areas.. It makes even more of a difference in early 50's trailers that had wire screens.
We have the option of using an amplifier and outside antenna. Not usually needed but there are times when it was the difference between no phone or data and usable signals.
__________________
Rick Davis 1602 K8DOC
61 tradewind, plus a few others
13 Ram 2500 TD
99 Dodge TD 577K miles
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05-10-2011, 02:23 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
Port Orchard
, Washington
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 4,463
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Problems? a little but not much.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kb0zke
How do your cell phones work in your Airstreams? Are there any problems with reception? Given the construction, it would seem to me that any sort of radio reception inside would be an issue. On the other hand, since cell phones operate in the microwave bands, there might be enough window space to permit decent reception.
What say ye, full-timers? What works?
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Hi David,
Welcome to the forums, It always nice to see another ham show up.
As you mentioned, the Airstream is a large aluminum box. As I think you suspect, there are going to be some slight reception issues. Also, as you mentioned, since cell phone wavelengths are very short in comparison to the size of the windows, it does not present much of a problem. In addition the fact that a signal, once in through the window, will reflect off the inside of the walls makes the reception inside fairly consistent. Of course, as with any structure, sometimes with weak signals you have to go outside and find a sweet spot.
If I were to full time, I would it least get an exterior antenna to increase the height and minimize the obstructions.
Hope that helps a little.
Ken
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05-15-2011, 07:26 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Sioux Falls
, South Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,164
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Thanks, Ken. When you mention an exterior antenna, were you referring to the cell phones, or the ham radios? I don't see any place to plug in an external antenna on my cell phone.
__________________
David Lininger, kb0zke
AIR 54240
Heartland mpg 181 (sold)
1993 Foretravel U300 (sold)
2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS
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05-15-2011, 07:58 PM
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#11
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Site Team
1974 31' Sovereign
Ottawa
, ON
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11,219
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Look at the article on the Faraday cage. "Working" and "working well" are different.
I would love to have external antennae for my phone and wireless internet.
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