Your Universal Remote Control Center
RemoteCentral.com
Custom Installers' Lounge Forum - View Post
Previous section Next section Up level
Up level
The following page was printed from RemoteCentral.com:

Login:
Pass:
 
 

Topic:
Cell boosters for a yacht?
This thread has 9 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Tuesday May 16, 2017 at 19:24
PSS
Select Member
Joined:
Posts:
December 2002
1,520
I have a client that is asking if a cell booster can help him on his yacht. He said when he's down in "the islands" his service gets bad when going in between the larger islands.
It kind of works when on the bridge/ outside but no go in the cabin. I'm thinking of giving him a omni with an indoor antenna, some cable,amp and let him try it?
But, regarding the question. Have any of you done this on a yacht?
Post 2 made on Wednesday May 17, 2017 at 08:53
cma
Super Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2003
3,044
Google search brings up a lot of options.. Cell boosters on yachts are common. You need to get something that is Marine/Yacht specific as you will be dealing with an omni directional antenna/receiver as well as it needs to be able to handle moisture/salt/corrosion.

Also.. No matter what system you use.. eventually if you get a certain distance out from land it just isn't going to work. Be sure to limit your clients expectations or this will become a recurring thorn in your side.

[Link: alternativewireless.com]
Post 3 made on Wednesday May 17, 2017 at 18:54
highfigh
Loyal Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2004
8,311
On May 16, 2017 at 19:24, PSS said...
I have a client that is asking if a cell booster can help him on his yacht. He said when he's down in "the islands" his service gets bad when going in between the larger islands.
It kind of works when on the bridge/ outside but no go in the cabin. I'm thinking of giving him a omni with an indoor antenna, some cable,amp and let him try it?
But, regarding the question. Have any of you done this on a yacht?

If it has a radar arch, how far above the waterline is it? If you don't know, you should be able to find this by google searching the make and model. Most cellular boosters need a fair amount of vertical offset and it might not work unless the boat is larger. I have one client who has a Verizon cellular WiFi dongle connected to a Cradlepoint router. That allows them to use the cellular system for data AND cell phone calls, as well as controlling their stereo with the iPad app.
My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder."
Post 4 made on Thursday May 18, 2017 at 00:32
Mac Burks (39)
Elite Member
Joined:
Posts:
May 2007
17,515
My advice...say thanks but no thanks. You will get the phone calls and emails and unlike your residential projects the address changes for a yacht so service calls are tricky...unless you have a helicopter.

If you feel like helping... find a solid product via online research then find the manufacturers recommended installer and give their contact info to your client.
Avid Stamp Collector - I really love 39 Cent Stamps
OP | Post 5 made on Thursday May 18, 2017 at 01:21
PSS
Select Member
Joined:
Posts:
December 2002
1,520
On May 18, 2017 at 00:32, Mac Burks (39) said...
My advice...say thanks but no thanks. You will get the phone calls and emails and unlike your residential projects the address changes for a yacht so service calls are tricky...unless you have a helicopter.

If you feel like helping... find a solid product via online research then find the manufacturers recommended installer and give their contact info to your client.

Yup, He was hot and heavy to find something before he flew out today. I talked to him and decided it'd be best he check with his marine electronics guy in Florida when he gets back..........My gut feeling was pretty much what you said. I'd be getting calls, etc.
Post 6 made on Monday April 9, 2018 at 21:39
andrewinboulder
Select Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2003
1,518
Slightly off topic, but anyone doing any of the latest cell boosters? Like Sure Call, or is it still a nightmare?
Post 7 made on Monday April 9, 2018 at 22:38
Brad Humphrey
Super Member
Joined:
Posts:
February 2004
2,586
The biggest problem with cell boosters is, they need a good signal coming into the antenna to work.
For the majority of situations, the customer is wanting a booster because there is poor signal in the area. Well, that means a very tall mast to put a high gain antenna on (and precise alignment to the tower) if there is any chance for it to help at all. And if it still can't get a good enough signal then...
The training for Wilson and Sure Call both say they want to see -90dB to -70dB on the incoming antenna. That is a strong signal for 4G/mobile.
So for most people who don't understand this mechanic, they rush out and buy these $600-$1,000 boosters thinking it is going to fix their problems. When the reality is, they were not meant to do this very thing you expect them to.

These devices shine where people are in a big metal building, with almost no signal inside but strong signal outside. THAT is what these devices were meant for.
Post 8 made on Tuesday April 10, 2018 at 05:41
Mario
Loyal Member
Joined:
Posts:
November 2006
5,681
Ask John.
He's been slacking off on vacation right now. When he's working, he deals with this s*** on daily basis
Post 9 made on Tuesday April 10, 2018 at 07:36
james_aa
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
January 2018
227
Would it work to have a satellite internet connection to the Yatch and then he could use wifi calling from his iPhone ? [Link: support.apple.com]
Post 10 made on Tuesday April 10, 2018 at 07:58
Brad Humphrey
Super Member
Joined:
Posts:
February 2004
2,586
Satellite internet has default latency of around 600ms+, depending on service and routing. Although you could have a phone conversation, it would be frustrating. Round trip time between listening and replying would be almost a second and 1/2 on average.


Jump to


Protected Feature Before you can reply to a message...
You must first register for a Remote Central user account - it's fast and free! Or, if you already have an account, please login now.

Please read the following: Unsolicited commercial advertisements are absolutely not permitted on this forum. Other private buy & sell messages should be posted to our Marketplace. For information on how to advertise your service or product click here. Remote Central reserves the right to remove or modify any post that is deemed inappropriate.

Hosting Services by ipHouse