Wilson Dual Band Antenna Question [Archive]

Ben Holcomb

04-16-2008, 03:57 PM

I have that same antenna Bill. It works wonderfully.

I wouldn't worry about getting longer antenna length at those frequencies - it's not going to help a ton. Adding some height might help, but minimally (Unless you can get over the trees)

I really noticed how well it performed back in February in AR when my chase partner that day had a Verizon motorola cell with decent reception and had no service while I have Verizon, and had 3/5 bars :) I was transferring data like nothing.

I would also suggest getting the dual band inline amplifier (Or foot warmer as it's known to HAM's) if you can afford it. Looks like it's right around $270 right now.

John Erwin

04-16-2008, 04:03 PM

I also have the NMO mounted unit and have been happy with the results.

Gordon Spencer

04-16-2008, 04:24 PM

Only the Wilson amplifiers double as foot warmers . Cyfre amplifiers do not over heat and blow the doors of the Wilson stuff performance wise , Just ask any of the Chasers here that have used both.And our prices are better . We sell a full dual band kit - Amplifier , 5DB antenna , AC Adapter , 12 volt cable and carrying case for $199.95

I have that same antenna Bill. It works wonderfully.

I wouldn't worry about getting longer antenna length at those frequencies - it's not going to help a ton. Adding some height might help, but minimally (Unless you can get over the trees)

I really noticed how well it performed back in February in AR when my chase partner that day had a Verizon motorola cell with decent reception and had no service while I have Verizon, and had 3/5 bars :) I was transferring data like nothing.

I would also suggest getting the dual band inline amplifier (Or foot warmer as it's known to HAM's) if you can afford it. Looks like it's right around $270 right now.

Donald Giuliano

04-16-2008, 05:58 PM

Only the Wilson amplifiers double as foot warmers . Cyfre amplifiers do not over heat and blow the doors of the Wilson stuff performance wise , Just ask any of the Chasers here that have used both.And our prices are better . We sell a full dual band kit - Amplifier , 5DB antenna , AC Adapter , 12 volt cable and carrying case for $199.95

Not sure about everyone else, but this chaser and his buddies upgraded from a Wilson to a Cyfre Peak Reception Extreme last year for a couple of chases. Unfortunately, we had so much trouble with the Cyfre that we wound up using it as a really expensive paperweight and went back to our Wilson, which has always worked perfectly and continues to do so. This year we picked up a Wilson Dual-band Wireless amplifier, which has taken the place of our old Wilson and is working like a charm.

The only thing we could come up with that might be causing the problem was the fact that the Cyfre doesn't span as many frequencies as the Wilson. We were using AT&T (Cingular at the time), so perhaps other providers didn't/don't have the same problem.

Gordon Spencer

04-16-2008, 07:52 PM

If you had problems why would you not contact us. I think you will find all the other chasers have exactly the opposite expierience as you. The Cyfre dual band cover exactly the same frequencise as a Wilson and in Fact Wilson has you buy different amplifiers for diferent protocols such as CDMA GSM whereas the CYFRE passes FCC on all frequencies . Wilson has put out different units to cover the various frequencies.If you have the amplifier send it in with your sales receipt and we will test and replace as needed.
Not sure about everyone else, but this chaser and his buddies upgraded from a Wilson to a Cyfre Peak Reception Extreme last year for a couple of chases. Unfortunately, we had so much trouble with the Cyfre that we wound up using it as a really expensive paperweight and went back to our Wilson, which has always worked perfectly and continues to do so. This year we picked up a Wilson Dual-band Wireless amplifier, which has taken the place of our old Wilson and is working like a charm.

The only thing we could come up with that might be causing the problem was the fact that the Cyfre doesn't span as many frequencies as the Wilson. We were using AT&T (Cingular at the time), so perhaps other providers didn't/don't have the same problem.

Chris Caldwell

04-16-2008, 08:05 PM

I have an AT&T(Cingular) card and service and I also have a Sprint card and service and I have chased all of Oklahoma and Kansas and all of the Texas Panhandle and northern Texas and I had no issues with the Maximum Signal equipment. In fact, I had issues with the Wilson products and found them to come up a bit short so my wife installed it on the floor board as a foot warmer on the days we chase snow and ice. Yes, we really did use it for that purpose and it works great for that since it puts off such a large amount of heat. I for darn sure wouldnt give up on the Cyfre products, they work fabulous in Tornado Alley!

<signatures must be set in profile>

Donald Giuliano

04-16-2008, 09:02 PM

If you had problems why would you not contact us. I think you will find all the other chasers have exactly the opposite expierience as you. The Cyfre dual band cover exactly the same frequencise as a Wilson and in Fact Wilson has you buy different amplifiers for diferent protocols such as CDMA GSM whereas the CYFRE passes FCC on all frequencies . Wilson has put out different units to cover the various frequencies.If you have the amplifier send it in with your sales receipt and we will test and replace as needed.

Whoa, buddy, settle down there, you're making way too many incorrect assumptions. In all fairness, I'm sure you're right about the Cyfre covering all the usual cell frequencies, as I don't know why they wouldn't. If so, however, you might want to reflect that fact on your website.

Anyway, I didn't purchase the amplifier and had no vested interest in the fact it wasn't working since our Wilson was doing a great job, I'm just reporting our negative experience with a Cyfre product (surely such a thing is at least within the realm of possibility). I'm not even certain where my friend purchased the amplifier, although it's quite possible he bought it through your website. Again, however, I spent nothing on the unit and it's not my problem.

Getting into a big debate over this doesn't really interest me, but there's one thing I have to take issue with about your statement above, and that is the assertion that Wilson forces individuals to purchase different amplifiers for different protocols. That statement could not be further from the truth.

Gordon Spencer

04-16-2008, 09:13 PM

It couldn't be further from the truth go to the Wilson website http://www.wilsonelectronics.com/ListProducts.php?Type=11 and look at all the Wilson direct connect dual band amplifiers they offer all the same power yet different models and yes they will work on all frequencies but they do not pass FCC on all at the same time. All cover 800 and 1900 . But they cannot pass FCC without having seperate models . The Cyfre unit passes on all frequencies and protocols. You call our unit high priced paper weight . Why would someone not contact us and return for another. I admit stuff happens sometimes units go bad . There are over 400 chips on the board . Bad chips happen . They die without explanation . But we back our product up . Tell your friend to return it to me and we will test and replace if there is a problem.

Whoa, buddy, settle down there, you're making way too many incorrect assumptions. In all fairness, I'm sure you're right about the Cyfre covering all the usual cell frequencies, as I don't know why they wouldn't. If so, however, you might want to reflect that fact on your website.

Anyway, I didn't purchase the amplifier and had no vested interest in the fact it wasn't working since our Wilson was doing a great job, I'm just reporting our negative experience with a Cyfre product (surely such a thing is at least within the realm of possibility). I'm not even certain where my friend purchased the amplifier, although it's quite possible he bought it through your website. Again, however, I spent nothing on the unit and it's not my problem.

Getting into a big debate over this doesn't really interest me, but there's one thing I have to take issue with about your statement above, and that is the assertion that Wilson forces individuals to purchase different amplifiers for different protocols. That statement could not be further from the truth.

John Erwin

04-16-2008, 09:40 PM

<ahem>

I thought this was about the Wilson antenna? Like I said, I've had good experience with the product.:)

Donald Giuliano

04-16-2008, 09:43 PM

It couldn't be further from the truth go to the Wilson website http://www.wilsonelectronics.com/ListProducts.php?Type=11 and look at all the Wilson direct connect dual band amplifiers they offer all the same power yet different models and yes they will work on all frequencies but they do not pass FCC on all at the same time. All cover 800 and 1900 . But they cannot pass FCC without having seperate models . The Cyfre unit passes on all frequencies and protocols. You call our unit high priced paper weight . Why would someone not contact us and return for another. I admit stuff happens sometimes units go bad . There are over 400 chips on the board . Bad chips happen . They die without explanation . But we back our product up . Tell your friend to return it to me and we will test and replace if there is a problem.

What on earth does a phrase as vague and meaningless as "...they do not pass FCC on all at the same time" mean? Passing FCC what? Somehow I think the Wilson amps pass FCC something-or-other on all frequencies, or else their products wouldn't be on the market.

As for why my friend didn't send the Cyfre unit back, if this is the reaction he was expecting I can see why he would elect not to bother and just hock it on Ebay instead. Even if the Cyfre were better than the Wilson (which I further doubt after this exchange), the Wilson's performance is more than sufficient for me not to bother risking a response like this from a vendor.

Scott Weberpal

04-16-2008, 09:53 PM

After using a wilson amp a few years back (I also have a friend who uses a wilson) and now using a cyfre amp (which I bought because nearly every chaser I talked to has a cyfre), the cyfre has outperformed the Wilson in nearly every aspect. I, along with my friend had major issues with the wilson amp often overheating, and quite frequently the signal performance was up-and-down at best. Ran my cyfre for 5 hours straight last week and it hardly got warm!

Donald, Gordon is simply defending the wonderful product he sells. He has by far the best customer service of anyone I've ever dealt with. After ordering my cyfre amp online, he called at home within 10 minutes to confirm that what I ordered was what was best for my equipment. Gordorn knows his stuff about cellular amps and is excellent at customer servive...which is why easily 75% of chasers I know that have ordered amps in the last year have ordered from him.

Gordon Spencer

04-16-2008, 10:02 PM

Exactly what it says . Notice they have a unit for GSM an another for CDMA. Both units do work on both protocols . But to get around FCC regulations . They make the two units. No one said they force you to buy any unit.
I am just backing up my product . If your friend had a problem with our product I would have loved to have the oppurtunity to rectify it and not have you come here and say it our product is no good. Sorry you do not like my response . I am passionate about the product we sell and also give the best service after the sale. I only wish your friend would have contacted us right away as soon as he felt the unit was not performing as advertised.That way we could have made things right so you and him would have had the oppurtunity to see the difference. Like I said chips go . and there is no explaining why.But we don't want people out there like yourself saying our product is inferior when it is not. Please if your friend still has his unit have him contact me and I will replace even if it is out of warranty at my expense . So you might have a real oppurtunity to compare the units head to head.
To Tim and David , Sorry for the waste of Bandwidth . I guess I will have to make another donation to help with the bandwidth I have wasted here. What on earth does a phrase as vague and meaningless as "...they do not pass FCC on all at the same time" mean? Passing FCC what? Somehow I think the Wilson amps pass FCC something-or-other on all frequencies, or else their products wouldn't be on the market.

As for why my friend didn't send the Cyfre unit back, if this is the reaction he was expecting I can see why he would elect not to bother and just hock it on Ebay instead. Even if the Cyfre were better than the Wilson (which I further doubt after this exchange), the Wilson's performance is more than sufficient for me not to bother risking a response like this from a vendor.

M Potter

04-16-2008, 10:04 PM

I purchased a Wilson amp used it once it worked for about an hour and worked great might I say then it over heated and burnt up. That was it and i can not seem to get anyone at Wilson to help me.

Bill Tabor

04-16-2008, 10:05 PM

I'm not really ready to go amplifier yet. I'd prefer to save the cash if I can. I have to save pennies for those longer chases. That or start chasing on a moped. I know Drummond doesn't use one and basically as I recall he said he mostly doesn't need it. Still, without testing...I'm wondering if my antenna will match or somewhat compare to that of the trucker version. Gordon, I almost bought that 5db mag mount off your site, but I wasn't able to do express shipping option and wanted it quickly in case the next chase was right away. I've got the SW 595U card and just signed with Millenicom. I should be activated soon, and we'll see what this bad boy can do.

If I'm not happy with the antenna I'll try another I suppose. Does sound like you have a decent kit set up though Gordon for $199 complete. I will keep that in my back pocket if needed.

So what of these NMO mounts? I looked the term up and it means New Motorola M(O)unt. Huh? :D Do I have to drill holes if I go that route?

John Erwin

04-16-2008, 10:12 PM

So what of these NMO mounts? I looked the term up and it means New Motorola M(O)unt. Huh? :D Do I have to drill holes if I go that route?

Generally yes, although there's a few brackets that go on trunk lips/hatch gates etc. that can use them as well.

I prefer them since in my opinion they provide far superior performance over other temporary methods such as mag or glass mounts.

Not for everyone to be sure. Most folks are not crazy about drilling holes. I've always drilled away since I tend to keep my vehicles a bit longer than most.

For cellular use the mag mount types seem to work well enough for most folks. Just make sure the area under the magnet is kept clean and dry to prevent scratching/discoloration of the paint.

Dennis Sherrod

04-16-2008, 10:18 PM

I'm not really ready to go amplifier yet. I'd prefer to save the cash if I can. I have to save pennies for those longer chases. That or start chasing on a moped.

Bill, I will always loan you my bicycle to use if you need it.
As I have mentioned before, I have not used an external antenna or amp yet and have got 5500 miles of chases so far this year. I am sure I will run into bad reception somewhere sooner or later, but so far, so good.
I have asked Gordon his opinion on this and I will be interested to hear what he and others say.

Gordon Spencer

04-16-2008, 10:29 PM

I send everything two day priority mail and ship the same day order is placed so you will have your antenna quickly. I tell everyone that 5db mag mount is the best value and performance antenna I sell . And I often tell customers not to buy a bigger antenna such as a trucker as the mag mount that comes with the amplifier kit will give them everything you need and more. The NMO basically means roof mount and yes you do have to drill a hole with them.
I'm not really ready to go amplifier yet. I'd prefer to save the cash if I can. I have to save pennies for those longer chases. That or start chasing on a moped. I know Drummond doesn't use one and basically as I recall he said he mostly doesn't need it. Still, without testing...I'm wondering if my antenna will match or somewhat compare to that of the trucker version. Gordon, I almost bought that 5db mag mount off your site, but I wasn't able to do express shipping option and wanted it quickly in case the next chase was right away. I've got the SW 595U card and just signed with Millenicom. I should be activated soon, and we'll see what this bad boy can do.

If I'm not happy with the antenna I'll try another I suppose. Does sound like you have a decent kit set up though Gordon for $199 complete. I will keep that in my back pocket if needed.

So what of these NMO mounts? I looked the term up and it means New Motorola M(O)unt. Huh? :D Do I have to drill holes if I go that route?

Donald Giuliano

04-16-2008, 10:51 PM

Exactly what it says . Notice they have a unit for GSM an another for CDMA. Both units do work on both protocols . But to get around FCC regulations . They make the two units. No one said they force you to buy any unit.
I am just backing up my product . If your friend had a problem with our product I would have loved to have the oppurtunity to rectify it and not have you come here and say it our product is no good. Sorry you do not like my response . I am passionate about the product we sell and also give the best service after the sale. I only wish your friend would have contacted us right away as soon as he felt the unit was not performing as advertised.That way we could have made things right so you and him would have had the oppurtunity to see the difference. Like I said chips go . and there is no explaining why.But we don't want people out there like yourself saying our product is inferior when it is not. Please if your friend still has his unit have him contact me and I will replace even if it is out of warranty at my expense . So you might have a real oppurtunity to compare the units head to head.
To Tim and David , Sorry for the waste of Bandwidth . I guess I will have to make another donation to help with the bandwidth I have wasted here.

Gordon,

I apologize if I been a bit abrasive, in my experience when a vendor responds as vigorously to criticism as you did, it is a sign that there is something wrong with their product. Clearly, however, there are a lot of people here who really like your equipment, so it's quite possible (perhaps even likely) I am in the wrong.

I'm pretty sure that my friend still has the unit, so I may have a suggestion for you, if you are interested. If my friend does still have the unit and is willing to go along with my suggestion, I will PM you the details, and you can let me know what you think. I have no skin in the game myself as I'm just an end-user, and if Cyfre really does make a better product than Wilson, I darn well want to know about it! :)

--Don

Bill Tabor

04-16-2008, 10:56 PM

Bill Tabor

04-16-2008, 11:01 PM

and if Cyfre really does make a better product than Wilson, I darn well want to know about it! :)

--Don

That's right man...dueling amplifiers. I can here the Deliverance tune played now on guitar and banjo...da da da da da da da da da, duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh... well mental imagery here.
http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/deliverance.JPG

Gordon Spencer

04-16-2008, 11:07 PM

No problem . I get wound quickley because I truly believe in what I sell and how it performs. And I take great pride in my customer satisfaction and continued service after the sale is over. See Cyfre spends $0 on advertising .( that is why they do not have the profile Wilson does) They reinvest all the money they would have spent on advertising into research and development continually improving the product . Wilson spends alot of money telling people they have built a better mousetrap when Cyfre takes that same money and Builds a better mousetrap . That is why they are the only units that have passed with Major cellular carriers and have no negative impact on the cellular enviorment.Have your frind get in touch with me I will gladly get his unit swapped out . And get you and him on the Cyfre Bandwagon as well once you use a properly performing unit.
Gordon,

I apologize if I been a bit abrasive, in my experience when a vendor responds as vigorously to criticism as you did, it is a sign that there is something wrong with their product. Clearly, however, there are a lot of people here who really like your equipment, so it's quite possible (perhaps even likely) I am in the wrong.

I'm pretty sure that my friend still has the unit, so I may have a suggestion for you, if you are interested. If my friend does still have the unit and is willing to go along with my suggestion, I will PM you the details, and you can let me know what you think. I have no skin in the game myself as I'm just an end-user, and if Cyfre really does make a better product than Wilson, I darn well want to know about it! :)

--Don

Gerard Jebaily

04-16-2008, 11:18 PM

Gordon, I just bought and installed a brand spanking new Wilson dual band cellular antenna. I havent been completly impressed with it because my signal strength doesnt seem to change when being plugged in, vs unplugged. I'm on sprint which I beleive is the 1900 mhz. If I bought an amplifier, id most likely buy the cyfre. However it would take me 3+ hours to run the antenna wire of a new antenna, as well as eat the 30 bux i jus spent on the wilson antenna. Is there any way to get your amp to work with a wilson antenna?

Gordon Spencer

04-16-2008, 11:52 PM

Yes we sell a FME to TNC adpter set so you can use Wilson antennas and adapters with our amplifier.I just hope you did not buy theier trucker antenna . That would explain your problem . Basically they have no Gain on 1900 mhz . You can find people all over the net *****ing about it. By the way if you want unbiased opinions on this stuf check out www.DSLREPORTS.Com. There alot of people there that will give an hinest opinion on the Cyfre amplifiers.

Gordon, I just bought and installed a brand spanking new Wilson dual band cellular antenna. I havent been completly impressed with it because my signal strength doesnt seem to change when being plugged in, vs unplugged. I'm on sprint which I beleive is the 1900 mhz. If I bought an amplifier, id most likely buy the cyfre. However it would take me 3+ hours to run the antenna wire of a new antenna, as well as eat the 30 bux i jus spent on the wilson antenna. Is there any way to get your amp to work with a wilson antenna?

Gerard Jebaily

04-17-2008, 08:35 PM

Chris Gullikson

04-19-2008, 04:40 PM

Could somebody give me some technical reasons why the Cyfre amp is better then the Wilson amp? I have a Motorola V3m which does not have an antenna adapter available from Wilson so I had to buy the Wilson amp with an inductive coupler to the phone. I find that it works quite well using a Wilson dual band antenna. I have used my amp 24x7 at home and for many hours on the road with no issues and very good reception.

Does Cyfre have an adapter for my V3M?

Thanks, Chris.

Gordon Spencer

04-19-2008, 08:52 PM

Yes Cyfre have an adapter for the V3M .The ports on the razr's are varrying greatly lately depending on what plant they are produced in . Cyfre now makes 3 different adapters for Razr models . Wilson makes one . Induction adapters can work well , But you always will get your best results with a direct RF connection.

Cyfre amplifiers use Software driven amplifcation . Wilson and all other cellular amplifiers available use hardware driven amplification. Amplifiers using hardware driven amplification use excessive bandwidth and are bad for the cellular networks and other users on the same network . Cyfre amplifiers use zero additional bandwifth and are invisable to the tower management systems. That is why CYFRE amplifiers are the only amplifiers approved by major Cellular carriers and licensed and approved by Motorola . Because Cyfre amplifiers are software driven they draw .4 to .7 amps to run . Hardware driven amplifiers take 2 to 3 amps . Also because of the patenetd software driven amplification Cyfre amplifier run cool to the touch . Hardware driven amplifiers run very hot almost to dangerous ( the upside of this is that they good foot warmers) . I am sure lots of chasers here who have used both can tell you more .

Could somebody give me some technical reasons why the Cyfre amp is better then the Wilson amp? I have a Motorola V3m which does not have an antenna adapter available from Wilson so I had to buy the Wilson amp with an inductive coupler to the phone. I find that it works quite well using a Wilson dual band antenna. I have used my amp 24x7 at home and for many hours on the road with no issues and very good reception.

Does Cyfre have an adapter for my V3M?

Thanks, Chris.