SureCall 5X Max User manual
Cellular signal booster kit for the home or ofce
Kit d’amplication du signal cellulaire pour domicile
ou bureau
5X Max
User Guide / Guide de L’utilisateur
Questions?suppor[email protected] | 1-888-365-6283
Français English
1
Congratulations you have purchased the high-performance 5X Max cell phone signal booster that features multiple
patented booster technologies which deliver reliable cellular connectivity inside large buildings in the weakest signal
areas. Combined, they deliver the strong, fast and reliable performance, which includes faster mobile data, more reliable
calls and consistent connectivity for multiple phones and devices on all North America carriers, including Verizon, AT&T
and T-Mobile.
If you have any questions during setup, please reach out to our US-based experienced support technicians:
Watch installation,
optimization and
troubleshooting
techniques on our
SureCall YouTube
channel
@SureCall Stay up to date
with all things
SureCall
2
English
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Why indoor signal can be weak ...................................................................................................................................................3
How it works ........................................................................................................................................................................................3
Package contents ...............................................................................................................................................................................4
Optional accessories.........................................................................................................................................................................5
BEFORE INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................................................................................................
Important. Before you begin. .........................................................................................................................................................6
Taking signal measurements with your phone....................................................................................................................... 7
Finding your closest cell tower ...................................................................................................................................................10
Soft install ............................................................................................................................................................................................12
Tools needed....................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Grounding the outside antenna ................................................................................................................................................. 12
Power requirements......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Routing cable......................................................................................................................................................................................12
INSTALLATION.........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Installation overview........................................................................................................................................................................13
Step 1: Find area outside with strongest signal ...................................................................................................................13
Step 2: Install the outside antenna and outside amplifier ...............................................................................................14
Step 3: Mount the inside antennas ...........................................................................................................................................16
Step 4: Place the inside host unit and connect cables .....................................................................................................18
Step 5: Connect to power.............................................................................................................................................................. 19
BOOSTER TESTING AND OPTIMIZATION ...............................................................................................................................................
Antenna optimization...................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Antenna testing ................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
LCD INTERFACE......................................................................................................................................................................................................
Conditions defined...........................................................................................................................................................................21
Parameters of RSSI......................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Parameters of uplink gain and downlink gain...................................................................................................................... 22
Real gain.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
MANUAL CONTROLS..........................................................................................................................................................................................
TROUBLESHOOTING ..........................................................................................................................................................................................
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................................................................................................
Kitting ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
CONSUMER GUIDELINES.................................................................................................................................................................................
WARRANTY...............................................................................................................................................................................................................
Three-year product warranty...................................................................................................................................................... 28
SureCall 5X Max | Overview
33
OVERVIEW
Why indoor signal can be weak
There are several obstacles that can contribute to the poor reception you receive in your home:
•Distance to your carrier’s cell phone tower
•Obstructions caused by terrain and foliage
•Building materials like low-E glass, metal and concrete
How it works
1. The high-gain outside antenna captures even the weakest cell signal, from the cell tower where it is aimed.
2. The 5X Max outside booster uses Extended Range Technology™ (ERT) to grab signal outside, at its strongest point,
where it boosts voice, text and data signals for all 4G & 5G devices.
3. Using ultra low-loss cable, signal is transmitted from the outside to the 5X Max inside host amplifier.
4. The signal is then broadcast from the inside panel antenna to all cellular devices in range.
5. The 5X Max system also works in reverse, boosting the outgoing signal and to faraway and hard-to-reach towers.
Kit option
Kit option
➎➌
➍
➏
➏ ➐A
➐A
➐B
➐B
➊
➋
How the SureCall 5X Max booster works
SureCall 5X Max | Overview
44
Package contents
Unpack all package contents. For missing or damaged items, contact your reseller.
Turn over the signal booster and record the model and serial number for reference:
Serial #: ________________________________________________________________
Purchase Date: __________________________________________________________
Keep the carton and packing material to store the product in case you need to return.
Model number Model name
Outside
Antenna
Type
Outside
Cable
Length
Inside Antenna Inside Cable
(Qty) Type (Qty) Length
SC-5XMax-Y2U 5X Max Yagi / 2 Ultra-Thin Yagi 100 ft (2) Ultra-
Thin (2) 100 ft
SC-5XMax-Y2P 5X Max Yagi / 2 Panel Yagi 100 ft (2) Panel (2) 100 ft
WARNING: Any product modifications that use unauthorized antennas, cables, and/or coupling devices are prohibited by the
FCC. Contact FCC for details: 1-888-CALL-FCC. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by SureCall could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
WARNING: Do not collocate antennas or operate the outdoor antenna with any other antenna or signal booster.
Outside Yagi
Antenna:
(SC-530W)
Outside Amplifier Outside Cable
(100 ft; SC-400)
Inside host amplifier Power supply
OR
Inside Cable
(100 ft; SC-400) (x2)
Inside Ultra-Thin
Antennas:
(SC-528W) (x2)
Inside Panel
Antennas:
(SC-548W) (x2)
➊➋➌➍➎
English
SureCall 5X Max | Overview
55
Optional accessories
Looking to upgrade your SureCall booster? Boost your signal even further with these bestselling accessories:
SC-LP Lightning arrestor prevents damage from electrical surges
SC-MOUNT-JBAR Adjustable 20-inch mounting pole for outdoor antenna
SureCall 5X Max | Before installation
66
BEFORE INSTALLATION
IMPORTANT. BEFORE YOU BEGIN.
IDENTIFY THE AREA OF STRONGEST OUTSIDE SIGNAL.
Since booster performance is largely determined by the signal strength received by your outside
antenna, it is important to identify the location of best signal for placement of your antenna.
The best location is generally found on the side of your home that faces your nearest cell tower and
as high as possible -- where the antenna can ‘see’ your cell tower. Better signal received by your
outside antenna means better booster performance inside. Conversely, the weaker your outside
signal, the more limited your coverage will be indoors.
If you’re unsure of the direction of your carrier’s closest cell tower, see page 10 on Finding
your closest cell tower for suggestions.
DO NOT RELY ON CELL PHONE BARS AS AN ACCURATE MEASURING TOOL
Cell phone bars are an approximation of your signal that varies by phone and carrier. Placing
your phone in test mode or downloading an app that shows your signal in decibels (dB) is more
accurate. For help using this feature on your device, see "Taking signal measurements with your
phone" on page 7.
During planning, installation and testing, take multiple readings several minutes apart. Also, verify
that you can place and hold a call.
BETTER ANTENNA SEPARATION MEANS BETTER PERFORMANCE
Maintain a distance of at least 25 vertical feet or up to 50 feet of horizontal distance, especially if
sufficient vertical separation cannot be achieved. Also, make certain the antennas are aimed away
from one another.
NO
Antenna Placement
Antenna Aiming
Good
Better
Best
English
SureCall 5X Max | Before installation
77
Taking signal measurements with your phone
Cell phone bars are an approximation of your signal that varies by phone and carrier. Viewing measurements in decibel
milliwatts provides a more accurate reading. In most cases, units are reported in RSRP (LTE & 5G signals) and will
generally fall between -80 dBm (strong) and -130 dBm (very weak). If you are connected over 3G or HSPA the decibels
units are reported in RSSI and the units will generally fall between -50 dBm (strong) and -100 dBm (very weak).
PLEASE NOTE, To achieve optimal performance for your booster, it is vital to take care choosing antenna placement
and antenna alignment The coverage area that the booster provides is directly related to the strength of incoming
signal received by the outdoor antenna. Mounting the outside antenna where the signal is the strongest provides the
best results. if signal is extremely weak where the outside antenna is installed, indoor coverage will be limited.
See the instructions to measure decibels on your phone.
SureCall 5X Max | Before installation
88
Measuring signal will be helpful to (1) identify the location outside with the strongest signal for placement of your outside
antenna and (2) to measure indoor signal strength during installation and testing of your system.
During installation and testing, always take multiple readings several minutes apart. Also, take note of the band number
related to each reading for accurate comparisons.
NOTE, signal measurements are displayed alongside their measurement scale. RSRP is one scale commonly used, as is RSSI. For more
information, see "Signal measurement scales" on page 9.
FOR IPHONE dBm signal measurements, use the methods below.
1. First turn off your Wi-Fi
2. Dial *3001#12345#* then press the call button.
3. The field test screen will appear. Once open, the menu navigation varies depending on the iOS version.
4. Navigate to “Cell Info” in the menu
5. The measurement that reads “RSRP” is your cellular signal strength in decibel-milliwatts.
6. Note Band number
If you’re using an earlier version of iOS or looking for more detailed information, we have more instructions available
here: www.SureCall.com/support
iPhone test mode
English
SureCall 5X Max | Before installation
99
FOR ANDROID devices: Download the app “LTE Discovery”
in the Google Play store.
1. Note band number
2. 4G LTE/5G (measurement in RSSI or RSRP)
Signal measurement scales
The relationship between RSRP and RSSI is approximate
and depends on the channel bandwidth, noise floor and
channel loading. The chart below displays the approximate
equivalent of all four measurements:
Signal Power (dBm) Signal Quality (dB)
RSRP RSSI RSRQ SINR
Phone in LTE Phone in HSPA Phone in LTE Phone in HSPA
Very Edge -125 -102 -25 3
Average -110 -85 -20 10
Good -95 -70 -12 15
Best -80 -55 -8 20
Android app “LTE Discovery”
SureCall 5X Max | Before installation
1010
Finding your closest cell tower
Since performance is largely determined by the signal received by the outdoor antenna, it is important to know the
direction in which you will aim your directional outside antenna before installation.
The best location for your outside antenna is generally found on the side facing your nearest cell tower and as high as
possible -- where the antenna can ‘see’ your cell tower.
WARNING: Do not collocate antennas or operate the outdoor antenna with any other antenna or signal booster.
Finding your strongest outside signal
If you’re not sure of the location of your nearest cell tower, there are resources available. You may utilize crowd-sourced
cell tower resources such as sites like www.cellmapper.net
See below for brief instructions on utilizing cellmapper.net
English
SureCall 5X Max | Before installation
1111
Visit website www.cellmapper.net
1. Find your location on the map
2. Select your provider
3. Find your cell tower by clicking on the red
or green dots on the map closest to your
home.
Once selected, detailed information of
each base station is shown to the left,
including the communication standards
and frequency band and block.
The shaded area represents the coverage
area for that base station.
4. Locate the closest base station with
signal coverage facing the direction of
your home and note the direction in
relation to your home.
Note: While your home may or may not
be located inside a shaded coverage zone
indicated on the map.
SureCall 5X Max | Before installation
1212
Soft install
Prior to securing the location of any booster components, a “soft install” is recommended as adjustments may be needed
to optimize performance.
Refrain from securing your cable, drilling any holes, etc. until you complete and test the installation of the system.
Tools needed
• Ladder
• Drill
• 1 to 2 inch diameter pole for mounting outside antenna (if needed, SC-MOUNT-JBAR can be purchased separately)
• Recommended: Surge protected power strip and cable clips
Grounding the outside antenna
SureCall recommends all outside antennas be properly grounded. See "Optional accessories" on page 5.
Power requirements
This booster uses 12v input voltage (power supply part: SC-AC-12V3.8A-B). DO NOT use the booster with a higher or lower
voltage power supply. This can damage the booster, cause personal injury, and void your warranty.
Use of a power strip with surge protection is strongly recommended.
Routing cable
SureCall recommends that cable connected to the outside antenna run straight down and away from the outside antenna,
not wrapped or draped near it. When securing the cable, be sure to remove any kinks or loops.
Route cable along and through a wall that leads closest to the location of the booster.
SureCall recommends that cable entering the home from an exterior wall use appropriately rated sealant/caulking at the
point of entry.
Following completion of install, SureCall recommends weatherproofing the exterior coax connections with sealing tape.
English
SureCall 5X Max | Installation
1313
INSTALLATION
Before installation, review all the information in this manual.
Prior to securing the location of any booster parts, a “soft install” is recommended as adjustments may be needed to
optimize performance.
Installation overview
Step 1. Find the outside area with the strongest signal.
Step 2. Install the outside antenna and the outside amplifier , in the area identified in step 1.
Step 3. Install the Inside antennas ,
Step 4. Place the inside host unit and connect cables
Step 5. Connect power and turn on.
Check System and Optimize Installation.
Kit option
Kit option
➎➌
➍
➏
➏ ➐
A
➐
A
➐
B
➐
B
➊
➋
Installation overview
Identify the outside location with the strongest signal for
placement of your outdoor antenna. Maximum performance
is achieved when the antenna is aimed toward the strongest
signal source. If you know the direction of your provider’s
tower, point the antenna in that direction. If you are unsure
of the location, see "Finding your closest cell tower" on page
10
Step 1: Find area outside with strongest signal
Finding your strongest outside signal
Maximize
vertical antenna
separation – 25 ft
minimum
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• Mount at the highest possible location above the roofline –
The mounting area must have at least a 3 ft radius clear of
obstructions, other radiating elements and metal objects such as
pipes or metal siding.
• Maximize antenna separation. Plan at least 25 vertical feet (or at
least 50 horizontal feet) of separation between the outside and
inside antennas.
• Note that both components should be mounted to an exterior
surface or a 1-2” diameter pole. A mounting pole is available
separately (SC-MOUNT-JBAR). PVC piping from your local
hardware can also be used.
• Avoid placement near windows, where possible, as it increases
the potential for oscillation.
• Ensure the outside antenna is oriented to face away from the
inside antenna.
• Mount the outside antenna at the corner or side of the roof which
faces your cell tower.
• Avoid placing / aiming the antenna towards materials (such as
windows) where the signal may be reflected towards your home.
Step 2: Install the outside antenna and outside amplifier
Once you have identified the area of strongest signal, choose where you will mount your outside antenna and outside
amplifier while considering the following antenna placement guidelines.
Note there are two main outside components -- a Yagi directional antenna and SureCall outside amplifier.
Maximize antenna separation
Minimum
antenna
separation is
25 vertical ft
or 50 ft of horizontal
distance
Outside Cable
(100 ft)
Outside Yagi antenna
and mounting bracket
5X Max outside amp and
mounting bracket
➊ ➋ ➌
English
SureCall 5X Max | Installation
1515
➊
Install Yagi antenna
Once you have identified your install location, assemble
the u-bolt, bracket, nuts and washers onto a pole (available
separately) as shown in the illustration.
Orient the antenna with the drip hole at the bottom.
➋
Place the outside amplifier
Next assemble the bracket for the outside amplifier the
same way you did the yagi bracket and secure in the same
location within range of the antenna cable connection.
➌
Connect cable to the outside amplifier, as shown
With both components in place, connect one end of the
provided 100 ft. coax cable to the outside amplifier and
hand tighten the connection.
Do not fix mounting hardware until the optimum antenna
angle is found. Loosely secure the antenna in a manner that
allows for rotation during final system testing.
Drip Hole
Outside system assembly
U-bolt
➊
➋
➌
Nut
Washer
L-bracket
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Step 3: Mount the inside antennas
Inside Directional Panel
antennas (x2)
Inside host amp and
power supply
Inside cable; SC-400,
100 ft. (x2)
Your kit includes a set of two inside antennas -- Either
Omni-directional UltraThin ceiling-mount antennas or
Directional wall-mount panel antennas.
Both kits include a set of indoor cables that are used to
connect the antennas to the inside host unit.
The range of antenna is dependent on three factors:
• Physical obstructions
• Power generated by booster
• Signal level received by the outdoor antenna
For kit A with omni-directional antennas:
• Optimal placement should be central to where signal
is needed with minimal obstacles near the antennas.
• SureCall's UltraThin dome antenna is mounted to the
ceiling and broadcasts in 360°.
For kit B with directional panel antennas:
• Antennas should be mounted to a wall facing the
area signal is needed – SureCall’s panel antenna
broadcasts in a 120˚ beamwidth.
Choose a location for your inside antennas while
considering the following general guidelines:
• Maximize isolation between the outside antenna and
inside antennas (minimum 25 ft. vertical separation or
50 ft of horizontal separation).
• The performance of your antennas is limited by
building materials between the antenna and your
mobile device. The antenna may be concealed behind
a wall provided there are no materials that could
obstruct signals.
• Orient the inside antennas so they aim away from the
outdoor antenna
DO NOT face outside antenna towards the inside antenna
Face inside antenna away from outside antenna
Inside Omni-Directional
UltraThin antennas (x2)
➍
➎
ab
DO NOT face inside antenna towards the outside antenna
English
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171717
Panel-antenna installation
Panel antenna installation
Besides the antenna itself, parts include mounting
equipment for a flat horizontal surface
For each antenna
Install the panel antenna as shown in the illustration.
1. Using the plate, mark the position of desired screw
placement.
2. Screw the mounting plate into place with the slide
panel protruding towards you.
3. Slide antenna onto mounting plate.
If not accessible by crawl space, a metal bracket mount
has been provided along with instructions for this
mounting option.
Indoor
cable
UltraThin antenna installation
The SC-528W wideband antenna is an omni-directional
interior antenna that gathers and sends signals from all
sides. Besides the antenna itself, parts include mounting
options for an install that is accessible by crawl space or
one that is not. Optimally, It should be located central to
where signal is needed with minimal obstacles.
For each antenna:
If accessible by crawl space:
1. Drill a 20 mm diameter hole in the ceiling. The size
should be large enough to allow the antenna’s plastic
cable base to pass through.
2. Place antenna cable through hole.
3. From crawl space, screw the fixing nut onto antenna
Screws
Antenna
Bracket Mounting plate
Threaded nut
ceiling
Threaded mount
A. B.
UltraThin antenna installation, mounting option 2
Metal
Mounting
Plate
Screws
Pegs
Keyholes
Indoor
Cable
UltraThin-antenna installation
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Place the Inside host unit in your chosen location that is
on a flat surface or mounted to a wall. Choose a location
that is near a working AC outlet and in an accessible
location.
To install the booster to a wall, use the supplied screws or
appropriate screws for surface and drill through screw tab
holes on unit.
NOTE:
This booster should not be used near open fire
or flame. Storage and transportation: Store and place in
non-extreme room-temperature and dry environment.
NOTE: Do not power on until the system is fully
connected.
Cable
Connect each antenna to an indoor cable provided with
your kit.
Run the cables along route toward the planned location of
your inside host unit.
Connect the indoor antennas to the host unit using the
provided cables. The cables should connect to the ports
on the host unit labeled “INSIDE 1” and "INSIDE 2".
Connect to ports marked "INSIDE 1" AND "INSIDE 2"
Connect to port marked "OUTSIDE"
Step 4: Place the inside host unit and connect cables
Next, connect the outside and inside components by
routing the outside cable from the outside amplifier,
indoors and connect to the host unit port marked
“ O U T S I D E ”.
See page "Routing cable" on page 12 for more
information.
Inside host unit
Mode
Select
Band
Select
�
English
SureCall 5X Max | Booster testing and optimization
1919
Host unit diagram
Step 5: Connect to power
Connect the AC power supply to the booster and plug into a 110V AC power outlet. Once the booster has been completely
assembled, turn the booster’s power switch on.
Note: If the Power LED does not turn ON or the Alert LEDs continue to flash, see the Troubleshooting section.
BOOSTER TESTING AND OPTIMIZATION
When your system is in place and fully connected, test system performance in locations you have previously experienced poor
signal. Verify that you have a reliable connection by taking multiple readings several minutes apart. For instructions on taking
measurements with your cell phone, see page 7. Also, verify that you can place and hold a call.
If the signal strength has improved, your booster is working.
Remember that coverage varies based on outdoor signal level, house construction, and antenna placement. Coverage in
adjoining rooms will be reduced by walls and building materials.
The gain settings should always be at maximum level unless otherwise indicated. They should ONLY be reduced if
other recommended actions do not resolve the issue. In any of these cases, the first action should be to increase the
antenna isolation between the inside and outside antenna as much as possible
Antenna optimization
The 5X Max automatically reduces gain (coverage performance) because of insufficient RF separation between the inside
and outside antennas. Consider the options listed in this section to resolve issues with inadequate antenna isolation.
• Verify that a minimum distance of 25 vertical feet has been achieved. 50 ft or more horizontal separation may be
needed, however, especially where vertical separation is not possible.
• Check for sources of interference such as cellular modems or hotspots.
Power switch
Power jack
To outside antenna
To inside antennas
To outside antenna
Power LED
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