Wilson November 23, 2012, 07:57:48 am Yahoo Message Number: 135337Solid Signal has their Wilson stuff on sale today in case anyone is interested. http://tinyurl.com/asxlvy2 I don't know how these prices compare to what other stores charge.Dick
Re: Wilson at Solid Signal Reply #1 – November 23, 2012, 11:38:57 am Yahoo Message Number: 135339"I don't know how these prices compare to what other stores charge." Thanks for the tip, Dick. I took a quick look at Solid Signal's prices and Amazon's, and results were mixed. Solid Signal's price was a few dollars cheaper for the Wilson #801212 high-powered booster, but thirty dollars more expensive for the #815125 "Sleek" booster, which sells for $98.25 at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NQ7RZY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003NQ7RZY&linkCode=as2&tag=andbai-20So there are some deals to be had, but it pays to shop around. Incidentally, anybody who's shopping for a cell phone amp right now should think carefully about whether they'll be satisfied with a 3G-only amp like the #801212, or want to look ahead and get a 3G/4G/LTE model such as the #815125 "Sleek." While LTE coverage is still mostly limited to metro areas right now, it will eventually become nationwide... and it is FAST! That would make it a no-brainer to buy a 3G/4G booster, except for one thing: at present, only the #815125 Sleek meets that description, and the Sleek is not the most powerful amp on the market (about 24 dB, as I recall). Unfortunately, Wilson has yet to ship a 4G-compatible version of their much more powerful (40 dB) "blue box" #801212 booster amp, which many of us rely upon for connections when out in the boonies. What it boils down to is this: if you don't think you need the ultimate in reception boost, get the #815125 Sleek model, and you'll be covered for all possibilities. But if you want the maximum possible boost, you'll have to choose between getting the 3G-only #801212 and replacing it at some point when 4G/LTE becomes more widespread... or waiting until Wilson gets its act together and offers a high-powered 3G/4G booster. Just something to keep in mind. I'm getting along OK with my #801212--combined with Larry's Super Antenna, it saved my bacon a number of times last summer in rural Colorado--but I know that I'll replace it when a 4G-compatible model becomes available. Having recently experienced Verizon's 4G/LTE internet service during brief stays in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, I can't wait until it's available everywhere!Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/ As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Wilson at Solid Signal Reply #2 – November 23, 2012, 03:22:10 pm Yahoo Message Number: 135345" What it boils down to is this: if you don't think you need the ultimate in reception boost, get the #815125 Sleek model, and you'll be covered for all possibilities. But if you want the maximum possible boost, you'll have to choose between getting the 3G-only #801212 and replacing it at some point when 4G/LTE becomes more widespread... or waiting until Wilson gets its act together and offers a high-powered 3G/4G booster. Just something to keep in mind." I wrestled with this decision for some time but was advised that the Antenna has more to do with remote reception then the Amp. I purchased the Sleek 815125 and so far with the telescopic super antenna have been happy. My reasoning was the Sleek price not real expensive and the times I have been able to get 4G it has been great for downloading movies from Netflix or music files. When the Blue Box amp is released in the 4G version I will upgrade and sell the Sleek to recoup part of my investment. BTW check Ebay when purchasing. Occasionally deals pop up.Bob
Re: Wilson at Solid Signal Reply #3 – November 23, 2012, 05:38:56 pm Yahoo Message Number: 135353"...I purchased the Sleek 815125 and so far with the telescopic super antenna have been happy..."QuoteBob Bob, which "telescopic super antenna" are you referencing?Chris
Re: Wilson at Solid Signal Reply #4 – November 23, 2012, 05:57:49 pm Yahoo Message Number: 135355" Bob, which "telescopic super antenna" are you referencing?Quote Chris" Its the same one Andy has. Custom made (not by me) clamped to rear ladder with base bolted to bumper. There are pictures here of Andy's: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157629379463822/If you are attending Live Oak Caravan you can check the antenna out. I have a Blue and White 23.5 NV. plates and battle damage.Bob
Re: Wilson at Solid Signal Reply #5 – November 23, 2012, 06:06:32 pm Yahoo Message Number: 135356"which 'telescopic super antenna' are you referencing?"I believe Bob means this setup: http://www.andybaird.com/Eureka/pages/photos/Mast-raised-1.jpgThis is a directional, high-gain Wilson cell antenna mounted on an extendable pole that's clamped to the rear ladder. Larry Wade worked out this design at my request, and has since installed a similar setup on Bob's rig. Because the antenna is directional, it can be aimed at a cell tower and will pull in a stronger signal than the 12" omnidirectional whip antenna most of us use. (Yes, I have one of those too; a coax switch that Larry installed lets me select which antenna to use.) This telescoping, directional antenna setup, when combined with a Wilson booster amp, can often bring in a cellular signal in situations where the more common whip antenna isn't able to get a usable signal. When I was traveling in Colorado last summer, I was very glad to have it.For more information, see my Eureka article on cell phones: http://www.andybaird.com/Eureka/pages/phones.htm#cell-antennaAndy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Wilson at Solid Signal Reply #6 – December 26, 2012, 08:05:15 pm Yahoo Message Number: 135865Andy, Where did you buy the coax that runs from my new antenna to my Wilson amplifier? The diameter of the coax on the antenna is about twice the diameter of the coax connection on the amplifier.best, paul"When you arise in the morning, think of****what a precious privilege it is to be alive...****to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."********~ Marcus Aurelius
Re: Wilson at Solid Signal Reply #7 – December 26, 2012, 10:40:54 pm Yahoo Message Number: 135872"Where did you buy the coax that runs from my new antenna to my Wilson amplifier?" At Larry's recommendation, I bought Wilson part # 952330 (30-foot "Wilson 400" low-loss cable) from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=andbai-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=Wilson%20Electronics%20952330&url=search-alias%3DapsWe cut the cable to length and re-terminated it using Wilson N male coax connectors also purchased from Amazon. An adapter was required to mate it to the Wilson amplifier. Sorry, I don't remember the details, but it may have been N female to FME male. Check the specs on the amp to find out what type its input connector is.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/ As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Wilson at Solid Signal Reply #8 – December 27, 2012, 12:31:43 am Yahoo Message Number: 135874Thanks, Andy!best, paul"When you arise in the morning, think of****what a precious privilege it is to be alive...****to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."********~ Marcus Aurelius