Wilson iBooster for the iPhone Review

Wilson iBooster for the iPhone Review

It’s happened to all of us.  We’ve been driving down the road, having a pleasant conversation with someone, and all of a sudden, you realize you’ve been talking to yourself for who knows how long.  Dropped calls are still a part of the mobile phone experience, even 25 years after the technology was invented.  Every phone and carrier is susceptible to this issue, as RF is just something that never will be perfected.  However, if you are someone that is looking to do something about it, Wilson Electronics may have your answer with the newSignalBoost iBooster Wireless Amplifier line of products.  Specific models include the iPhone or Blackberry Curve, while a universal model is also available.  For this review, I will be using the iPhone model which is available for around $230 at various Wilson Electronics retailers.

In the Box
The Wilson Electronics iBooster amplifier kit includes:

• All-in-one amplifier, charger and cradle combo
• iPhone case adapter
• 2 adhesive mounting clips
• Outside vehicular magnet-mount antenna
• Cigarette lighter power adapter
• Installation guide
• 30-day, money-back guarantee and limited one-year product warranty

Specs
With 20 times the power to the cell site of a cell phone alone, the iBooster features a built-in antenna, battery charger and works with Cellular (800 MHz) and PCS (1900 MHz) frequencies.

• Frequency 824-894 MHz / 1850-1990 MHz
• Gain 40 dB / 42 dB
• Max Output Power 2000 mw
• Max RF (downlink) -20 dBm
• Noise Figure 3.5 dB nominal
• Flatness ±4dB
• Isolation > 90 dB
• Power Requirements 12V
• Connectors SMA Female
• Dimensions 2 x 4.75 x 1 (inch)  5.1 x 12.1 x 2.5 (cm)
• Weight 3 (oz) / 0.09 (kg)

About the Product
The iBooster and its external vehicular antenna increase the phone’s output power to the cell site and improves the phone’s ability to hear signals in weak signal areas.  TheiBooster helps users stay connected by reducing dropped calls, increasing data rates and allowing the completion of calls from those dreaded “dead spots”.  TheiBooster is designed for simple set up and can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle.  At the heart of the iBooster is Wilson’s bi-directional Smart Technology® signal amplifier with battery charging circuitry, designed around a convenient, phone specific ‘slip in’ cradle.  A magnetic vehicular antenna is included with the kit.  The cradle allows for hands-free operation when used with a phone compatible headset or Bluetooth® device.

Installation
Installation of the product is not difficult, but for a professional looking installation, plan on about an hour.  The actual amplifier cradle can be mounted using 1 of 2 adhesive mounting clips that come in the package, or as I have done, use a 3rd party universal mount to hold the cradle.  The connection between the mounting clip and the cradle is not impressive, and the mount feels unstable unless force is used to push the cradle onto the mount.

After attempts to make the adhesive clips work, I finally gave up and chose instead to use the windshield mount solution seen in these photos from iGrip (www.igrip.us).  This mount is universal, so I was able to pop the cradle in the mount, and squeeze the sides together to hold it in place.  If need be, the removal is easy and clean, and I can use the mount for any other use in seconds.

Next is the power supply, which is a cigarette lighter adapter with a rather long cord.  I was able to use the lighter in the back of my vehicle, and ran the cord under the seat and mats and into the glove compartment, virtually keeping this cable out of sight  This power supply feeds the cradle with the required current to amplify the signal being picked up, giving you the needed boost for your phone.  This also allows for the phone to be charged while in the cradle as well, something that you obviously expect from this type of install.

Then, the magnet mount antenna needs to be installed.  This is the most time consuming and thought inducing part of the install.  The cord on the antenna seems just short enough to either require a non-professional looking install, or being placed in an odd area on the vehicle.  Optimally, you want this antenna to be placed on the roof of the vehicle to maximize the performance.  However, this is not easily done when your vehicle is an SUV or truck and you want to have the cords hidden.  I opted to install the antenna on the hood of the vehicle, on the far right nearest to where the hood meets the windshield.  This allowed me to run the cable in a way that is not seen, and the antenna looks somewhat natural.

Finally, if you have the ability to connect your iPhone to your car stereo, the amplification cradle has a port on the bottom that allows for connections ofiPod dock connector cables.  My Honda Ridgeline has such a cable in it, so I simply plug this into the bottom of the cradle, and my iPhone’s audio is sent through the speakers of the vehicle.

After everything is installed, I found myself looking at all these cables, and wanting something that looked cleaner.  I simply took some wire loom and wrapped it around these 3 cables, and am happy with the results.

Use and Results
Using the iBooster is as simple as inserting your iPhone into the cradle.  The unit is automatically powered when you turn on the vehicle, and the audio starts streaming through the cars speakers in seconds. Note:  With my particular model, to activate the iPod for use, I receive an error message that is cleared by holding down the home button for 5-7 seconds.  Once the message is cleared, all functionality of the phone is available.

To test out the effectiveness of the amplifier, I have forced the phone into Field Test Mode (simply type *3001#12345#* and hit call and your phone will show the debug screen where the EC/I0 can be found in the form of a negative dB reading).  Here are 2 screen shots taken with the phone out of the cradle while in a stationary position, see the top left corner of the screen for the signal reading.

And one showing the phone’s reading while in the cradle.

The difference is noticeable, about 20dB.  This difference can mean either being able to make a call or not.  In the real world, I found that I now have a constant 5 bars of service shown on the handset.  In Field Test mode, the phone is regularly in the -80′s or better.  Calls arenoticeably stronger, with no dropped calls over the course of a week of testing.  Also, the data connection seems much better, and a speed test while driving yielded these results.

Finally, the signal amplification extends beyond the cradle, and gives other phones in your vehicle enhanced service when within a few feet of the cradle.  I found that my Verizon Wireless Blackberry 8330 now will function in an underground parking garage where no service wasavailable before.  This proximity amplification is particularly beneficial if you are someone that has multiple devices.

Overall
For under $250, the iBooster from Wilson Electronics is a good in-vehicle solution to poor service and dropped calls.  I have tried signal enhancing products in the past, and been disappointed.  However, theiBooster lives up to its claims, and performs as advertised.  While the installation takes some time, and the included mounts are poor, taking the time to install the cradle properly will yield a nice looking install that works well.

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