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Old 05-09-2011, 08:24 PM   #1
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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?
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Old 05-09-2011, 08:32 PM   #2
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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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Old 05-09-2011, 08:42 PM   #3
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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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Old 05-09-2011, 08:46 PM   #4
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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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Old 05-10-2011, 08:01 AM   #5
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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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Old 05-10-2011, 12:08 PM   #6
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With VZ, no problems.
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Old 05-10-2011, 01:34 PM   #7
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For a booster, look at Wilson Electronics products. They make good stuff.
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Old 05-10-2011, 01:56 PM   #8
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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.
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Old 05-10-2011, 02:23 PM   #9
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Problems? a little but not much.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kb0zke View Post
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?
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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Old 05-15-2011, 07:26 PM   #10
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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.
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Old 05-15-2011, 07:58 PM   #11
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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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