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CB Antenna as Cell Booster

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by JRPro, Nov 6, 2017.

  1. Nov 6, 2017 at 7:26 AM
    #1
    JRPro

    JRPro [OP] Snappin’ necks & cashin’ checks

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    I need someone smarter than me to help me out here... Can I use a CB antenna as a replacement for my cell phone booster antenna? I know they are set to different frequencies, but trying to understand if it won't boost as much or fry my booster....or in the best case scenario, make a badass cell antenna. Anyone ever attempted this? Anyone want to smack me with said antenna for asking??
     
    4x4_Angel and Sunnier like this.
  2. Nov 6, 2017 at 7:52 AM
    #2
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

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    Most likely not.
    Would help to know what booster you are using.
     
  3. Nov 6, 2017 at 7:58 AM
    #3
    JRPro

    JRPro [OP] Snappin’ necks & cashin’ checks

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  4. Nov 6, 2017 at 8:12 AM
    #4
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

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    If you are not getting the results from the weboost, contact them. I have one of their home units. I tried to half ass it and put it on the gutter as high up as i could and didn't get much of a signal boost. I emailed them and asked what is the best antenna to get because if i'm going up on the top of the 2nd story, i want to purchase the best antenna possible. They sent me one for free. I didn't even need to ask, i they just sent it. Shocked!

    I dont see how the firestik would fry the unit. Its a passive antenna, so as long as its grounded it should/could work.

    I'd contact weboost first and tell them you aren't getting the signal strength you want first.
     
  5. Nov 6, 2017 at 8:13 AM
    #5
    Leo's first

    Leo's first TRUCK GANG

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    Not for asking maybe just for fun hahaha
    I pretty sure that’s what the forums are for i like reading all the Q’s & A’s
     
  6. Nov 6, 2017 at 8:43 AM
    #6
    speckmon

    speckmon Must. Have. Pow.

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    RF engineer checking in. I've amplified and created cellular signals in my past for almost every public and private application out there. You won't be able to use that CB antenna since they're very different frequencies.

    Assuming from here that you have the stock mini-mag exterior RX antenna and low pro inside TX antenna.

    You've got two antennas to consider. The RX antenna is tuned to supply you're amp with a certain bandwidth and gain as to not fry the front end on your receiver; it's also highly likely based on the price of that unit that it's not the most robust piece of electronics. What I'd do is just replace the "Low Profile Inside Antenna", your TX antenna, that you've got mounted in your cab with a higher grade, with higher gain, Omni-directional antenna. That way you can supply signal at a higher power and lay out a bigger RF footprint for your devices to see. And don't cheap because higher RF power and RF quality do not go hand-in-hand always, you want a clean signal and a well made antenna will do this for you. Also, keep in mind that RF doesn't pass through metal so you'll want to mount it in a good spot to not obstruct those waves. I would mount it on the underside of your roof, so it'd blow down and out and also hopefully not interfere with the RX antenna, you want isolation between the two.

    PS it looks like that they've already got some optional upgrades you can use. if not then jump on some RF supplier's sites and look for antennas that will work for those freq's: 700 to 2200 MHz.

    this would be a decent start for you'r internal antenna: click me
     
  7. Nov 6, 2017 at 8:45 AM
    #7
    JRPro

    JRPro [OP] Snappin’ necks & cashin’ checks

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    Good call on contacting them. Sounds like their customer service is top-notch. Admittedly, half of my desire is just aesthetics alone but it really could used some more "umph" in the boost department.
     
  8. Nov 6, 2017 at 8:49 AM
    #8
    JRPro

    JRPro [OP] Snappin’ necks & cashin’ checks

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    Wow! This is exactly why I came here. Tundras.com > Google because we have experts with real world knowledge chiming in. I appreciate the input!
     
  9. Nov 6, 2017 at 8:59 AM
    #9
    speckmon

    speckmon Must. Have. Pow.

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    anytime. also, if you go "aftermarket" consider what connector your antenna uses to interface to the amp.
     
    JRPro[OP] likes this.
  10. Feb 3, 2020 at 9:30 PM
    #10
    Anson

    Anson New Member

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