BajaNomad

Cell data signal booster with Telcel ?

jaymtb - 1-26-2021 at 09:42 PM

Has anyone used a cell data booster that works with the GSM Telcel network in Mexico?
This is for weak/marginal signal areas. Ideally one that will work on 12 volts with vehicles or campers, and not too pricey.
Thanks,
Jay

JZ - 1-26-2021 at 11:17 PM

I have the Weboost Home Room.

It's AC. But they make smaller ones. It amps up any GSM based cell signal (Telcel is that technology).

There are a ton of YT videos on it. Here is one:

https://youtu.be/EXalVANK-gY


[Edited on 1-27-2021 by JZ]

JZ - 1-27-2021 at 02:54 PM

Should be able to use a portable 12V car inverter to run the WeBoost.

mtgoat666 - 1-27-2021 at 03:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by jaymtb  
Has anyone used a cell data booster that works with the GSM Telcel network in Mexico?
This is for weak/marginal signal areas. Ideally one that will work on 12 volts with vehicles or campers, and not too pricey.
Thanks,
Jay


you can use a cell phone booster for smart phones, but i have found these sometimes dont work very well when you are not line of site or are using a bounced signal, are in trees, etc. (the cheap boosters on the market are crap, spend extra and get a good one).

if all you want is voice, then best to use an older cell phone that you can directly connect (hard wire) to an external directional antenna. smart phones are no longer produced with antenna jacks, so cant use external antenna with a smart phone.

JZ - 1-27-2021 at 04:23 PM

The better boosters come with an app that helps you point the antenna the proper direction.

We attach ours to a pvc pipe.

You have to have some level of signal. They help make 2 bars go to 4 bars. If you have no bars, it does nothing.


[Edited on 1-27-2021 by JZ]

mtgoat666 - 1-27-2021 at 05:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
The better boosters come with an app that helps you point the antenna the proper direction.

We attach ours to a pvc pipe.

You have to have some level of signal. They help make 2 bars go to 4 bars. If you have no bars, it does nothing.


[Edited on 1-27-2021 by JZ]


tried a booster at my cabin in states, where I get 0 to 2 bars on ATT and Verizon (1.5 avg, strength varies with the stars, moon, wind, temp, and juju). no line of site to tower, and in trees at cabin. booster was POS, barely any effect.

for voice, we now use an old cell phone (desk-top-style cell phone) with antenna port. connect the phone to a yagi antenna and point antenna in general direction of nearest tower, and bob's your uncle, signal is more stable, and voice calls no longer dropped.

JZ - 1-27-2021 at 10:31 PM

That is good point about line of sight and atmospheric conditions.