Wilson Electronics SIGNALBOOST MINI-AMP User manual

Amplifier
Amplifier
Installation
G
u
ide
stallatio
stallat
SIGNALBOOSTTM
MINI-AMP
Dual-Band Wireless
Cellular / PCS
Amplifier
Contents:
Guarantee and Warranty · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 1
How it Works · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 2
Before Getting Started · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 3
Installing a Wilson Outside Antenna · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 4
Installing a Wilson Amplifier · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 5
Installing a Wilson Inside Antenna (Wireless) · · · · · · · · 6
Attaching a Wilson Inside Antenna (Laptop/Data Card) · ·7
Optional Cell Phone Cradle Plus · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 7
Powering Up a Wilson Amplifier · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 8
Understanding the Amplifier Lights · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 8
Warnings and Recommendations · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 9
About Wilson Electronics · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 10
Amplifier Specifications · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Back Cover
Wilson
®
Electronics, Inc.
Warning: This manual contains
important safety and operating information.
Please read and follow the instructions
in this manual. Failure to do so could be
hazardous and result in damage to your
amplifier.
!
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1
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
All Wilson Electronics products are protected by Wilson’s 30-day money-back
guarantee. If, for any reason, the performance of any product is not acceptable,
simply return the product directly to the reseller with a dated proof of purchase.
1-Year Warranty
Wilson Electronics amplifiers are warranted for one (1) year against defects in
workmanship and / or materials. Warranty cases may be resolved by returning the
product directly to the reseller with a dated proof of purchase.
Amplifiers may also be returned directly to the manufacturer at the consumer’s
expense, with a dated proof of purchase and a Returned Material Authorization
(RMA) number supplied by Wilson Electronics. Wilson shall, at its option, either
repair or replace the product. Wilson Electronics will pay for delivery of the repaired
or replaced product back to the original consumer.
This warranty does not apply to any amplifiers determined by Wilson Electronics
to have been subjected to misuse, abuse, neglect, or mishandling that alters or
damages physical or electronic properties.
RMA numbers may be obtained by phoning Technical Support at 866-294-1660.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Wilson Electronics, Inc. is believed to
be complete and accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed by Wilson
Electronics, Inc. for any business or personal losses arising from its use, or for
any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from
its use.
Copyright © 2008 Wilson Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of this device.
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2
Installation Instructions for the Following Wilson Amplifier:
SIGNALBOOST MINI-AMP Dual-Band Wireless Amplifier
Part # 801230 Model #271230
FCC ID: PWO271230SA IC:4726A-271230SA
The term “IC” before the radio certification number only signifies that Industry Canada
technical specifications were met.
Inside this Package
How it Works
Your new Wilson amplifier has been carefully engineered to significantly improve the
performance of your cell phone or cellular data card in mobile applications. Together with an
outside antenna, the amplifier’s state-of-the-art technology is designed to increase your signal
up to 10 times, reduce disconnects and dropouts, and increase data communication rates
needed for 3G technologies.
The outside antenna will collect the cell tower signal and send it through the cable to the
amplifier. The signal is then boosted and sent through the Ultra-slim inside antenna. Your
cell phone or data card then communicates with the improved signal. When the cell phone
or data card transmits, the signal goes through the inside antenna, is boosted by the
amplifier and broadcast back to the cell tower through the outside antenna. The Ultra-slim
antenna may also be attached directly to a laptop or cellular data card for maximum signal
performance.
Wilson Electronics manufactures a wide variety of antennas to help you customize your
amplifier for your specific application. Several are shown below. See your dealer or visit
www.wilsonelectronics.com.
Wireless
amplifier
NMO
Mount
Dual-BandMagnet
Mount
Dual-Band Trucker
Mount
Dual-Band
Mini
Magnet
Dual-Band Marine
Antenna
Dual-Band
NOTE: Use of this amplifier with an
antenna gain higher than 6.12 dBi is in
violation of FCC regulations for which the
offender is fully liable. All Wilson mobile
antennas are 6.12 dBi or less.
Ultra-slim
antenna
DC plug-in
power supply
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3
Before Getting Started
This guide will help you properly install Wilson’s SIGNALBOOSTTM Mini-Amp Dual-Band
Wireless Cellular/PCS Amplifier. It is important to read through all of the installation
steps for your particular application prior to installing any equipment. Read through
the instructions, visualize where all the equipment will need to be installed and do a soft
installation before mounting any equipment. If you do not understand the instructions in full,
seek professional help, or contact Wilson Technical Support at 866-294-1660.
Warning: In a wireless installation,
do not plug the amplifier directly into the
cell phone or data card using an antenna
adapter. It will damage the amplifier.
!
Outside
Antenna
Ultra-slim
Inside
Antenna
Amplifier
DC Power
Supply
Cell Phone
PDA
Notebook
Outside
Antenna
Amplifier
DC Power
Supply
Laptop with Ultra-
slim antenna
attached (see pg. 7)
Installation Diagram
Inside Antenna
Warning: Do not plug the amplifier
directly into the laptop or data card using
an antenna adapter. It will damage the
amplifier.
!
Installation Diagram
Laptop Use
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4
Installing a Wilson Outside Antenna
To receive the best cell signal, select a location in the center of the vehicle’s roof 12 inches
away from any other antennas and free of obstructions.
Follow the specific antenna installation instructions included with the outside antenna (sold
separately).
The outside antenna must be installed
vertically. Signal performance will be
degraded if the antenna is not vertical.
The antenna cable may be run through the
door to the amplifier.
The antenna cable is small enough to easily
tuck under the door seal or plastic molding.
For a more professional-looking installation,
the antenna cable may be run under the
door seal. Carefully pull down the door
seal. Run the cable through the seal
and push the seal back into place. This
prevents constant wear and tear on the
cable as the door opens and closes.
Warning: Do not use any type of glass-
mount antenna with this amplifier. The outside
and inside antennas must be shielded from
each other to prevent oscillation.
!
Optional Magnet-
Mount Antenna
Shown
Carefully
Pull Down
Door Seal
Run Cable
Under
Seal
Tuck Cable
Under Seal
Warning: The outside antenna must
have a separation of at least 10 inches from all
persons during normal operation.
!
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5
Installing a Wilson Amplifier
Warning: Do not plug in the DC power
supply until the outside and inside antenna
cables are attached to the amplifier.
!
Wilson offers two options of improved signal
inside a vehicle:
Option A (Wireless) - offers the
convenience of no physical connection to
the cell phone or cellular data card.
Option B (Attached) - places the Ultra-slim
antenna directly on the laptop or cellular
data card for maximum signal performance.
Select a location to install the amplifier that
is away from excessive heat, direct sunlight
or moisture and that has proper ventilation.
Recommended installation locations are:
• Under the seat
• On the console
• On the dashboard
Run the cable from the outside antenna
and attach it to the SMA connector labeled
“outside antenna” on the amplifier.
Attach the Ultra-slim inside antenna cable to
the SMA connector labeled “inside antenna”
on the amplifier.
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6
Install the Ultra-slim inside antenna 8-12
inches from where the cell phone is located
or directly on the cellular data card or laptop.
Place the inside antenna on the side of the
driver’s seat for maximum performance.
Install the inside antenna at least eight
inches, but not more than 12 inches, from
where the cell phone or cellular data card
will be used.
Install the inside antenna at the same angle
as the cell phone when held in use, or
place next to the laptop’s cellular data card
(see pg. 7). This will maximize the signal
strength.
For a more professional-looking installation,
the Ultra-slim antenna may be slid under
the seat cover or leather, high on the
driver’s seat.
Warning: Do not install the Ultra-slim
antenna within four inches of metal. (Metal
found inside the vehicle’s seat will not affect
the antenna’s performance.)
!
Amplifier Ultra-slim
Antenna
Installing a Wilson Inside Antenna
Wireless
Warning: The inside antenna must
be installed with a separation of at least
eight inches from all persons and must not
be located in conjunction with any other
antenna or amplifier.
!
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7
The Ultra-slim antenna must be placed on or
near the cellular data card to work properly.
Attach the Ultra-slim antenna to the laptop
or cellular data card with the VELCRO®
included in the package. IMPORTANT:
The adhesive of the gray Velcro patch that
adheres to the laptop or cellular data card
needs time to “cure.” For best results, do not
use the Velcro connection for a minimum of
24 hours after application.
The Ultra-slim antenna included in the
package is long enough to reach the
amplifier location. This allows for ease and
convenience of use.
To maximize performance, attach the Ultra-
slim antenna as close as possible to the
original antenna on your laptop or cellular
data card.
If you have questions as to the placement of
the Ultra-slim antenna, call Wilson Technical
Support at 866-294-1660 or visit
www.wilsonelectronics.com.
Amplifier Ultra-slim
Antenna
Attaching a Wilson Ultra-slim Inside Antenna to a Laptop or a Cellular Data Card
Laptop or Data Card
On cellular data card
On laptop
Optional Cell Phone Cradle Plus
As an alternative to the Ultra-slim antenna,
Wilson offers the Cell Phone Cradle Plus, a
high-quality phone cradle with a built-in inside
antenna. The Cradle Plus accommodates
any cell phone or wireless-capable PDA and
supports any hands-free device including
earbuds and Bluetooth products.
Like the Ultra-slim antenna, the Cradle Plus
communicates with multiple cell phones
and data cards in the vehicle. The cable
from the Cell Phone Plus attaches to the
“Inside Antenna” connector on the amplifier.
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8
Powering up a Wilson Amplifier
Make sure both the outside and inside
antenna cables are connected before
powering up the amplifier.
Connect the power cable from the DC
plug-in power supply to the amplifier and
insert the large end into DC power socket
(the cigarette lighter outlet.)
The amplifier may remain on all the time.
However, leaving the amplifier on in a
vehicle when it is not running can discharge
the battery in a day or two.
A good option is to power the amplifier
through the ignition switch so the amplifier
is turned on and off with the vehicle.
Carefully insert the power cable.
IMPORTANT: Do not power up the ampli-
fier unless antenna cables are attached to
amplifier.
Warning: Use only the power
supply provided in this package. The
power supply must be 6 V DC.
!
Understanding the Amplifier Lights
If the light turns red, oscillation is occurring and the amplifier has powered down.
The outside antenna needs to be moved farther from the inside antenna. Move the
outside antenna on the roof of the car to the rear of the car, but at least 8-12 inches
from the rear or side windows. Remove power from the amplifier and reinstall
power - this resets the amplifier.
If the light is now green, the oscillation has stopped and the amplifier is working. If
the red light is still on, move the antenna farther away and repeat the process.
Always use a magnet-mount or roof-mount antenna. Do not use a glass-mount
antenna, as oscillation may cause continuous shut-down of the amplifier.
An amber light indicates overload from the cell site. The amplifier has temporarily
shut down and will automatically reset approximately 1,000 feet or more from the
cell site.
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9
Warnings and Recommendations
Warning: In a wireless installation, do not plug the amplifier directly into
the cell phone or cellular data card using an antenna adapter. It
will damage the cell phone or cellular data card.
Warning: Do not plug in the DC power supply until the outside and inside
antenna cables are attached to the amplifier.
Warning: RF Safety: The inside antenna must be installed with a
separation of at least eight inches from all persons and must not
be located in conjunction with any other antenna or amplifier.
Warning: RF Safety: The outside antenna must be installed with a
separation of at least 10 inches from any of the vehicle’s
occupants or nearby persons and must not be located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or amplifier. All
roof-mount antennas should be centrally located on the roof of
the vehicle. Use of this cellular amplifier with an antenna gain
higher than 6.12 dBi is in violation of FCC regulations for which
the offender is fully liable. All Wilson mobile antennas are 6.12
dBi or less.
Separation of inside and outside antennas is very important. The metal
roof of the vehicle acts as a barrier and helps shield the two antennas from
each other, preventing oscillation.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, it is important to separate the inside and outside antennas
by at least five feet. This prevents the amplifier from overloading or oscillating.
Distance between antennas
through a sunroof must be
5 feet or more.
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