How to install marine wireless phone booster on your boat | Rowing Magazine

2021-12-14 13:47:33 By : Mr. Aries Gu

Use Shakespeare's Stream wireless booster to amplify weak cellular signals on board.

Ken Englert, a long-time boating writer and marine electronics expert, told me that the most common question asked by customers in his store is: "How can I get Internet reception on my boat?" Expensive satellite dome reception Devices (such as KVH and Intellian receivers) and high service fees are the most common ways to connect to the Internet on ships with a total length of more than 40 feet.

But large domes are not practical on many smaller ships, which is why Shakespeare introduced the Stream wireless booster. This compact and economical system can amplify weak cellular signals in offshore, coastal and popular cruise waters, enabling boat people to use their existing data plans to host reliable hotspots on mobile phones or other cellular devices while sailing, anchoring or docking. Stream is ideal for unlimited data plans and is compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon 4G, 3G, and 2G without additional service fees.

To be clear, Stream does not provide a global Internet connection for satellite services. It must accept cellular service, albeit weak, to improve connectivity. Once this happens, you can check the weather forecast on the ship, read emails or research the next port of call, fuel terminal and accommodation.

The helmet antenna is wirelessly transmitted to your mobile phone. It must be within 2 inches of the mobile phone, at least 8 inches from anyone, and at least 4 inches from any metal in order to function properly. Use the provided hook and loop fasteners to fix the helmet antenna next to the phone. There is a clear gap between the phone and the antenna. In addition, do not install the steering antenna on or near any metal surface or object.

Using the hardware provided, place the external antenna at least 12 inches away from the radiating element (such as the VHF antenna), as high as possible, vertical, and at least 3 feet away from the steering antenna. Choose a location where you can drill the hole and pass the cable up through the base to the antenna. Alternatively, the removable cap on the ferrule allows you to pass the cable through the side of the terminal.

Watch next step: How to install a quick disconnect VHF antenna

Choose a dry location behind the rudder, in the center console or inside the engine room to install the booster module. The module should be installed vertically using screw fittings. Temporarily place the booster in this position until the cables are installed. This will give you the opportunity to plan how to route the cables. If the antenna cable is not long enough, consider relocating the booster unit and/or antenna.

Connect a 20-foot cable from the external antenna to the booster and to the port marked external. Next, route the 10-foot cable from the helm antenna to the marked port inside the booster module. Tighten the connection to the booster module and fix the cable along its line. When securing the cable, be sure to remove any kinks or loops that may damage the insulation or internal wires.

Pass the power cord through the rocker switch or circuit breaker to ensure that it does not consume power when the system is not in use. Connect the positive (red) and negative (black) wires to the ship's power source-battery, igniter, bus or fuse box, whichever is most convenient. Connect the DC power cord to the booster and tighten the connection. Use the enclosed hardware to complete the installation of the turbocharger.

Turn on the system. Once the power LED lights up, the booster is ready for use. The alarm LED flashes for up to 15 seconds to show that the frequency band is running. When in the port, the warning light may slowly flash green. This means that the booster will adjust itself due to over-signal. If there is a strong signal, it will automatically adjust the gain. The flicker will be resolved and full power will be restored after leaving the docking station. If a red warning LED appears, the antenna spacing may need to be increased. If this happens, please check the troubleshooting section of the installation manual.

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