Wilson Electronics signalboost dt 271265 User manual

SIGNALBOOST™ DT
Adjustable Gain
In-Building Wireless
800/900 MHz
Smart Technology ™
Signal Booster
SIGNALBOOST
DT
™
DESKTOP
CELLULAR SIGNAL BOOSTER
Table of Contents
Before Getting Started........................1
Package Contents ...........................1
Tools Required For Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
How It Works ...............................2
Reasons For Weak Cellular Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
First Step: Find The Strongest Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installation Options - Outside Cradle Antenna. . . . . . 3
Antenna Placement ..........................4
Antenna Separation..........................5
Installing The Outside Cradle Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installing The Signal Booster Unit ...............9
Powering Up The Signal Booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Understanding The Indicator Lights.............10
Warnings And Recommendations .............. 11
Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
About Wilson Electronics.....................13
Guarantee And Warranty.....................14
Signal Booster Specifications . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

1Contact Wilson Electronics Technical Support Team with any questions at 866-294-1660 or email: [email protected]. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.
Welcome to the Wilson Electronics Family of Products!
Thank you for purchasing the Wilson Electronics SIGNALBOOST DT system. You are just minutes away from
enjoying improved performance from your cellular phone and/or laptop data card. When installed properly, the
SIGNALBOOST DT will significantly reduce dropped calls and improve both voice and data signal quality. By
taking a few minutes to read and follow the simple instructions in this guide, you will get the most out of your
new SIGNALBOOST DT system. If you have questions during or after installation, please do not hesitate to
contact a member of our Technical Support team by phone [phone] or 435-673-5021 or email
[email protected]. We are here to help!
Before Getting Started
This guide will help you properly install a Wilson Electronics SIGNALBOOST DT. It is recommended that
you read through all of the installation steps and familiarize yourself with the product. Read the
instructions and visualize where you want to place the components before mounting any equipment. Please
contact Wilson Electronics Technical Support with any questions at 866-294-1660 or 435-673-5021.
Package Contents:
SIGNALBOOST DT Cradle Antenna
(Mount outside on pole, wall, or
inside on a rafter or a window)
AC Power
Supply
(Sold Separately
with some models.)
Coax Cables
(20 and 30 feet)
2. Wall Mount
(Packet B)
1. Pole Mount
(Packet A)
Tools Required for Installation:
Depending on your particular installation, you will need the following tools:
1. Pole mount - 1/4 inch open-end wrench or adjustable wrench
2. Wall mount or Rafter mount - Drill and 3/16 inch bit, Phillips-head screwdriver
3. Window mount - Exacto knife
Cable
Connector
Desktop
Antenna
3. Window Mount
(Packet C)
Installation Instructions For The Following Wilson Electronics Signal Booster:
SIGNALBOOST™ DT Adjustable Gain Cellular/PCS Signal Booster
Model # 271265
FCC ID: PWO271265 IC: 4726A-271265
The term “IC” before the radio certification number signifies that Industry Canada technical specifications were
met.
Accessories packaged may not exactly match the below photos due to different kit options

2
Contact Wilson Electronics Technical Support Team with any questions at 866-294-1660 or email: [email protected]. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.
How It Works
Your Wilson Electronics SIGNALBOOST DT works by picking up a cellular signal from the outside antenna
facing the cell tower. The Signal Booster then increases the signal and transmits it to the Desktop Antenna.
The Desktop Antenna then transmits the boosted signal to your cell phone or laptop data card. There are
several ways to mount the outside antenna, (See Figure 2) but for the best results, mount the outside antenna
on a pole outside your building facing a cell tower.
Reasons For Weak Cellular Signals
Anyone who uses a cell phone or cellular data card knows the frustration of not being able to connect to or
maintain a strong cellular signal. When this occurs, it is generally due to one of two reasons:
1. Location of the Nearest Cell Tower – Cell towers are situated to provide broad coverage; however, there
are many areas in which signal strength may be reduced by topographic features or by local government
restrictions on the height or placement of the towers themselves. Rural areas generally have fewer cell
towers than urban regions.
2. Natural and Man-made Obstructions – Signal strength can also be negatively affected by trees, hills,
buildings and other obstructions. You may be relatively close to a cell tower but still unable to make a call.
This often occurs in homes, offices and other buildings in which stucco, concrete or metal block the signal.
The outside Cradle Antenna receives the outside signal and sends it through the cable to the SIGNALBOOST
DT, where it is amplified and transmitted through the Desktop Antenna into the room. When the Desktop
Antenna picks up a signal from your cell phone or data card, the Signal Booster then amplifies that signal and
transmits it through the cable to the outside Cradle Antenna and back to the cell tower.
(Note: The SIGNALBOOST DT will only operate if there is adequate outside signal to amplify.)
Outside Antenna
Option B (outdoor)
Wall Mount
Outside Antenna
Option A (outdoor)
Pole Mount
SIGNALBOOST DT
Area Needing
Increased
Signal
Cell
Tower
Desktop
Antenna
Outside Antenna
Option C (indoor)
Window Mount
Aim toward
cell tower
Aim toward
cell tower
Minimum 15 feet of separation
Minimum 15 feet of separation
Minimum 15 feet of separation
Note: If minimum
15’ separation is not
possible, see page 5.
Figure 1
Pole Installation (A)
Cell
Tower
Antenna
and
Cradle on a
pole
(facing
cell tower)
Wall Installation (B)
Antenna and
Cradle (on
outside of
the building
as high as
possible,
facing cell
tower)
Cell
Tower
Figure 2
Window Installation (C)*
Antenna and
Cradle (high on
the inside of the
window, facing
cell tower)
Rafter Installation (B)
Antenna and
Cradle (high on
inside of the
rafter, facing
cell tower)
Best Better Good OK
*Note: Most glass windows have a metal film that reduces signal strength up to 20dB
Warning: Make sure the
position of the Desktop
Antenna observes
the minimum required
separation distance
from the outside Cradle
Antenna. The Desktop
Antenna must be
positioned at least 20
horizontal feet OR 15
vertical feet from the
outside Cradle Antenna.
!

3Contact Wilson Electronics Technical Support Team with any questions at 866-294-1660 or email: [email protected]. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.
First Step: Find The Strongest Signal
Before you install your SIGNALBOOST DT, it is very important that you determine the location of the best
available cellular signal. This will affect where you place the outside Cradle Antenna and will help you get the
best performance from your system. You will find the strongest signal outside your house or building, preferably
at the highest place available. Your cell phone can help you find the strongest outside signal, using any or all
of the following methods:
1. Place calls from several locations outside your building and note where you get the best reception.
2. Check the bar indicator on your cell phone display and note where the signal appears to be the strongest.
Note: Cell phone bars are only an approximation of signal strength and vary from phone to phone. They
can take up to 30 seconds to reset to a new reading. Be patient and repeat your signal check several times.
3. The best way of getting the strongest signal is to have one person on the roof to rotate the outside antenna,
which is connected to the Signal Booster, while the second person is watching the signal strength on the
phone inside the building. This allows you to read the signal strength from the cell tower. Turn the outside
antenna 45 degrees at a time. It is preferable to have the phone in the test mode so the numerical signal
strength can be read since bars are not the most accurate. Go to the website www.WilsonElectronics.com
for help in finding the test mode for your phone. Always make sure the person inside the building gives
the phone time to register. (Between 10-30 seconds for phone to reset to the new signal reading). Signal
readings usually appear
as a negative number (for
example, -86). The closer
you get to zero the stronger
the signal. (See Signal
Strength Figure). Once you
have determined where the
outside signal is strongest,
you should plan to install
the outside Cradle Antenna
in that general area,
with the antenna facing
towards the cell tower.
(See the following section
for alternative installation
options).
Installation Options - Outside Cradle Antenna
The outside Cradle Antenna is directional – it receives and transmits best in one direction. The round Wilson
Electronics insignia indicates the side of the antenna that should face toward the cell tower when the unit is placed in
the cradle. Note: The weaker the signal is at the outside Cradle Antenna, the shorter the distance the Desktop
Antenna will transmit; therefore, signal strength at the outside Cradle Antenna is extremely important. In
some kits the SIGNALBOOST DT comes with all necessary parts for installation of the outside Cradle Antenna in four
alternative locations (see Figure 2 on page 2):
 • BEST: Outside on a pole. See page 6 for installation instructions.
 •BETTER: Outside on a wall. See page 7 for installation instructions.
 •GOOD: In the attic on a rafter. See page 8 for installation instructions.
 • OK: Inside on a window. See page 8 for installation instructions.
-50dB -60dB -70dB -80dB -90dB -100dB -110dB
EXCELLENT GOOD POOR NO
SIGNAL
Signal Strength Figure
Cell Tower
Cell Signal
Wide Band
Antenna

4
Contact Wilson Electronics Technical Support Team with any questions at 866-294-1660 or email: [email protected]. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.
In addition, it is important that the Desktop Antenna be positioned so that the logo is not pointed towards the
Signal Booster or the outside Cradle Antenna, as shown in Figure 3. The Desktop Antenna is recommended to
be 18 inches or more away from the Signal Booster as shown below.
Never point the outside Cradle Antenna across
the building toward the Desktop Antenna. Do
not let the outside Cradle Antenna and the
Desktop Antenna (logo side) transmit toward
each other.
Figure 3
Signal Booster
with Desktop
Antenna
Cell
Tower
Cradle
Antenna
Signal Booster
with Desktop
Antenna
Cell
Tower
Cradle
Antenna
The Wilson Electronics
insignia on the outside
Cradle Antenna should
face toward the cell
tower and away from
the Desktop Antenna.
CORRECT INCORRECT
Position the Desktop Antenna with the logo
on the antenna facing away from both the
Signal Booster and outside Cradle Antenna.
CORRECT
Recommended 18 inches minimum
Antenna Placement
The location of the SIGNALBOOST DT with the Desktop Antenna in relation to the outside Cradle Antenna is
very important. Once you find a good signal location for the outside Cradle Antenna, the Signal Booster and
Desktop Antenna need to be located behind it to reduce the possibility of oscillation (feedback) (indicated by
a red indicator light on the Signal Booster). In other words, the front of the outside Cradle Antenna (indicated
by the Wilson Electronics insignia) needs to face in the direction of the cell tower and not in the direction of the
Signal Booster and the Desktop Antenna (see Figure 3).
INCORRECT

5Contact Wilson Electronics Technical Support Team with any questions at 866-294-1660 or email: [email protected]. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.
Antenna Separation
The location of the Desktop Antenna in relation to the outside antenna is very important. Poor antenna
placement increases the possibility of oscillation (feedback), which causes system shutdown (indicated by a
red light on the DT). Observe the following rules for correct antenna placement and optimum DT performance.
Rule #1 Once you find a good signal location for the outside antenna, the front of the outside antenna (the
Wilson Electronics insignia) must face toward the cell tower, and face AWAY FROM the Desktop
Antenna. The Desktop Antenna must be positioned at least 20 horizontal feet OR 15 vertical feet from
the outside antenna. See Figure 4.
Rule #2 The Desktop Antenna should be placed 18 inches or more away from the Signal Booster, with the
logo pointed away from the Signal Booster. See Figures below.
Even at 20 feet, the Signal Booster may shut down, as indicated by the red light. By moving the Desktop
Antenna further away from the Signal Booster, you may be able to change the red light to a green light,
indicating that the system is operating properly (see Figure 5).
If you are unable to maintain the 20-foot minimum separation between antennas, it may be possible to achieve
normal operation (a green light) at less than 20 feet by moving the Desktop Antenna to a different position, as
noted above, and rotating the Desktop Antenna in relation to the outside Cradle Antenna (see Figure 6). Do not
position the Desktop Antenna towards the Signal Booster unit or the outside Cradle Antenna.
If you are not able to change the red light to green in this manner, more separation is needed between the
outside Cradle Antenna and the Desktop Antenna.
Signal Booster
with Desktop
Antenna
Cell
Tower
Minimum 20
Horizontal feet
Cradle
Antenna
Cell
Tower Cradle
Antenna
Signal Booster
with Desktop
Antenna
If antennas are too close,
a red light will come on.
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Minimum
15 Vertical
feet
Min. 18 in.
separation
Horizontal Separation Vertical Separation

6
Contact Wilson Electronics Technical Support Team with any questions at 866-294-1660 or email: [email protected]. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.
BEST: Outside Pole Mount (Packet A)
1. Select a location on the roof where the outside Cradle Antenna
can be mounted on a pole directly above the Desktop Antenna
with at least 15 feet vertical separation. See Figure 7-1.
2. The supplied pole-mount bracket is designed to accommodate
a pole diameter of 1 to 2 inches. Install the pole in the desired
location using your own hardware.
3. Insert the supplied U-bolt through the holes in the cradle and
slide one half of the bracket assembly onto the U-bolt (see
Figure 8).
4. Fitting the assembly onto the pole, slide the second half of the
bracket onto the U-bolt and secure it with lock washers and nuts.
Be sure the cradle is at the desired height on the pole and is
rotated toward the nearest cell tower before tightening the nuts.
(Do not over-tighten the nuts.)
5. Insert the antenna into the cradle with the Wilson
Electronics insignia facing in the direction of the cell
tower. The cable connection should protrude through the
bottom of the cradle.
6. Connect the supplied cable to the antenna. Route the
cable as desired to where the Signal Booster will be located.
Depending on the distance between the Signal Booster and
antenna, you may need one or both lengths of the supplied
cable. If you use both, connect them together with the
supplied cable connector.
Installing The Outside Cradle Antenna
Figure 8
Cell
Tower
Antenna
and
Cradle
Cable
Connector
Cable
Figure 7-1: BEST: Outside Pole Mount Option
Null Zone
5 feet
Figure 7-2: BETTER: Rafter Mounting Option
Null Zone
5 feet
Troubleshooting Tip:
If your installation
maintains at least 15
vertical feet of separation
distance but the red light
remains illuminated, then
relocate the Desktop
Antenna more directly
beneath the position of
the outside antenna,
inside the imaginary
Null Zone of Signal
(See Figure 7-1 & 7-2).
Make sure the relocated
Desktop Antenna
observes rules 1 & 2 on
page 5.

7Contact Wilson Electronics Technical Support Team with any questions at 866-294-1660 or email: [email protected]. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.
BETTER: Outside Wall Mount (Packet B)
1. Select a location on an outside wall as high as possible and at least 20
feet away from where the Signal Booster will be located (see Figure 9).
2. Using the cradle as a template, position it on the wall in the desired
location and mark the screw holes with a pencil.
3. Drill two holes where marked, using a 3/16-inch bit and insert the screw
anchors.
4. Line up the holes in the cradle with the screw anchors and mount the
cradle to the wall using two screws and two washers (see Figure 10).
Tighten the screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
5. Insert the antenna into the cradle with the Wilson Electronics insignia facing in the direction of the
cell tower. The cable connection should protrude through the bottom of the cradle.
6. Connect the supplied cable to the antenna. Route the cable as desired to where the Signal Booster will be
located. Depending on the distance between the Signal Booster and antenna, you may need one or both
lengths of the supplied cable. If you use both, connect them together with the supplied cable connector.
Warning: RF Safety: FCC regulations require that any antenna (inside or outside) used with this signal booster may not have
gain that exceeds 14 dBi. All Wilson Electronics antennas meet this requirement. Inside antennas must have at least 8 inches of
separation from all persons. Outside antennas must be farther than 30 inches from all persons.
!
Min. 15 Horizontal feet
(see page 5 for vertical)
Figure 9
Figure 10
Antenna
and
Cradle
Cell
Tower
Cable Connector
Cable

8
Contact Wilson Electronics Technical Support Team with any questions at 866-294-1660 or email: [email protected]. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.
GOOD: Rafter Mounting Option
1. Select a location in the buildings rafters where the outside Cradle
Antenna can be mounted directly above the Desktop Antenna with at
least 15 feet vertical separation. See Figure 7-2 on page 6.
2. Using the cradle as a template, position it on the rafter in the desired
location and mark the screw holes with a pencil.
3. Drill two holes where marked, using a 3/16-inch bit and insert the
screw anchors.
4. Line up the holes in the cradle with the screw anchors and mount the
cradle to the wall using two screws and two washers (see Figure 10
on page 7). Tighten the screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
OK: Inside Window Mount (Packet C)*
1. Select a location on the inside of the window as high as possible and at
least 20 feet from where the Signal Booster will be located.
2. Clean the area on the glass with the supplied alcohol prep pad.
3. Mount the outside Cradle Antenna using the suction cups provided in
Packet C. Using a twisting motion, press the suction cups into the two
holes on the antenna cradle (see Figure 11), then press the cradle onto the
glass at the desired location.
4. Insert the antenna into the cradle with the Wilson Electronics
insignia facing in the direction of the cell tower. The cable
connection should protrude through the bottom of the cradle.
5. Connect the supplied cable to the antenna and route the cable as desired to where the signal booster will
be located. Depending on the distance between the signal booster and antenna, you may need one or both
lengths of the supplied cable. If you use both, connect them together with the supplied cable connector.
Figure 11
Antenna
and
Cradle
Suction cup
installation
*Note: Window mounting the antenna will degrade the performance of your
system due to the metal oxide film applied to most windows. Most glass
windows have a metal film that reduces signal strength up to 20dB.
5. Insert the antenna into the cradle with the Wilson Electronics insignia facing in the direction of the
cell tower. The cable connection should protrude through the bottom of the cradle.
6. Connect the supplied cable to the antenna. Route the cable as desired to where the Signal Booster will be
located. Depending on the distance between the Signal Booster and antenna, you may need one or both
lengths of the supplied cable. If you use both, connect them together with the supplied cable connector.

9Contact Wilson Electronics Technical Support Team with any questions at 866-294-1660 or email: [email protected]. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.
Powering Up The Signal Booster
1. Ensure that the distance between the Desktop
Antenna and the outside Cradle Antenna is a
minimum of 20 horizontal feet (see Figure 12).
If you are using a different antenna configuration,
see the separation guidelines for your specific
antenna or call Wilson Electronics Technical
Support Team at 866-294-1660 or
435-673-5021.
2. Never point the front of a directional outside
antenna toward the inside antenna.
3. Ensure that both the outside antenna cable and the inside antenna cable are connected to the Signal Booster
and the connections are tight before powering up the Signal Booster.
4. Plug the 6-volt power supply into the Signal Booster input marked “POWER” (carefully, to avoid damaging the
center pin) and then into a wall outlet.
5. Make sure the position of the Desktop Antenna observes the minimum required separation distance from
the outside Cradle Antenna. The Desktop Antenna must be positioned at least 20 horizontal feet OR 15
vertical feet from the outside Cradle Antenna.
6. If the Signal Booster does not have a green light please see page 10 for troubleshooting tips.
7. If you know that only one frequency band (800 or 1900) is available in your coverage area (or going to be
used), reduce the gain control on the frequency band that is NOT in use to the minimum. This will reduce
the power consumption of the Signal Booster.
Installing The Signal Booster Unit
1. Select a location to install the Signal Booster that is away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, moisture
and that has proper ventilation. Do not place the Signal Booster in an air-tight enclosure. Recommended
installation locations for in-building signal boosters are: On a shelf or In a closet, and near a power outlet.
Note: It is important to have adequate air ventilation. Maintain at least 6 inches of clearance from
surrounding objects.
2. Place the Signal Booster on a desk, table or similar surface where you have routed the cable.
3. Run the outside antenna cable to the Signal Booster and attach it to the connector labeled “Outside
Antenna” on the Signal Booster. Run the inside antenna cable to the Signal Booster and attach it to the
connector labeled “Inside Antenna” on the Signal Booster. Note: Be careful when plugging the connector in
to avoid bending the center pins on the connectors.
Figure 12
Min. 15 feet
SIGNALBOOST DT
Desktop
Antenna
Install the Lightning Surge Protector (LSP) close
to the Signal Booster. Attach the cable from the
outside antenna to the surge protector. Using a
short length of low loss cable, attach one end to
the LSP and the other to the outside antenna.
Ensure the LSP is properly grounded. (For
RG6 cable use #859988-75 Ohm).
Installing The Lightning Protection
White cable is from
outside antenna
Green cable is the
ground wire
Power Supply cable
Lightning Surge Protector
BLINKING
GREEN:
BLINKING
ORANGE:
SOLID
RED:
SOLID
GREEN: