USB Cell Phone Booster
- 3
- Add a Comment
I get a lot of calls at work asking if we sell “amplifiers” for people in low signal areas. As a tech rep, I have to tell the customers that we do not and I cannot tell them about other companies that might. Here, however, I can. So, here is a device that advertises the ability to improve your cell signal by 2 - 3 bars.
Plug the device into an open USB port on your computer and place the antennae near a window. By comparing the signal strengths of the nearest towers, the micro-processor tunes to the correct channels. Because it only amplifies the signal itself, it is carrier friendly.
Please note, however that you must have at least some signal for this device to work. It can’t amplify what you don’t have in the first place. If you are in a low coverage area and are only getting one bar of signal, this device promises to improve that to a usable strength. This would be exceptionally good for people who insist on using a wireless data card on a desktop computer.
I have used a product similar to this that seemed to work well. I haven’t seen any reviews for this particular device but this technology is getting better and seems to be pretty reliable now. Cost for this device is $150 from www.getcellranger.com and they offer a 12v version at the same price.
3 Comments
the oracle
July 6th, 2008
at 4:49pm
How does this ‘amplified’ signal get to the cell phone?
I am not sure if you don’t realize what you are saying or if this is a joke.
leftystrat
July 6th, 2008
at 5:42pm
We approach wireless of whatever variety (cell, computer) as rocket science. It’s not.
All you need to do is figure out the frequency and use the appropriate amp/antenna. If you check Make Magazine’s site, you can find all sorts of plans on how to build a wireless antenna for your computer using a steamer basket. This alone will extend the range.
I’d be curious to read a review of this device. It looks like a repeater. You may be able to improve the reception on a cell phone with just a better antenna. It’s certainly worth a try.
teddgcm
July 6th, 2008
at 5:51pm
It gets to the phone the same way the signal from the tower gets to the phone. This device simply amplifies the signal. And yes, devices like these are real and they do work.