Cellular aerial doesn't work

mikb

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82019425#Comment_82019425

The advert actually does say "5dBi" gain. That's not 5dB boost over whatever you are using. It's 5dB compared "i" … to a standard "isotropic antenna" which isn't likely what you had in the first place. Not something average customers would necessarily know/care/understand.

Your real advantage is from being able to mount it higher up, and outside, not inside. Of course, that advantage might not be enough to compensate for the losses you introduced with 3m of cable and two extra connectors.

Definitely should have tested it BEFORE "accepting" the goods by fitting them in this way, it will make a return much harder, you're relying on Amazon goodwill there.

Rodders53

5dB isotropic (a theoretical antenna that cannot be made in real life as it is a infinitely small dot with spherical reception properties) is approx 3dB ref a dipole antenna (2.85dB to be precise). A dipole is a real antenna with a figure of 8 reception in one plane and an O shape in the other plane (horizontal vs vertical).

Usually getting the receive antenna outside and higher up will get a better signal (unless the mobile pole/mast is blocked by the building) itself which may be the case here?

How are you measuring the gain of this antenna (without extremely expensive calibrated professional kit and calibrated reference antennas for comparison?). You'll be hard pressed to prove the gain claim is wrong without that (if such proof were to be needed).

RF is a black art. One usually tries an antenna in different locations/positions to test the signal received before fixing permanently.

I suspect that removal of the sealant from the hole on both sides would not be impossible (messy if the mastic sealant was not fully cured, but still possible). That could then be cleaned off (white spirit, isopropyl alcohol, baby wipes, lighter fluid or similar)… So that the whole thing could be returned to Amazon and the seller.

GDB2222

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82020454#Comment_82020454

I may have a go at doing this. If I do it successfully, I'll report back.