zBoost YX510 from Wi-Ex Review

zBoost YX510 from Wi-Ex Cell Phone Signal Booster Review

Last week, I reviewed the YX230 in-car cellular signal booster from Wi-Ex, and this week, I’m taking a look at the YX510. The YX510 is a home or office signal enhancing solution that like the YX230, is a simple and effective way to enhance your cellular signal. The YX2510 is available from Wi-Ex for $400, but may be found online for less.

In the Box

• zBoost YX510 dual band amplifier base unit with fixtures
• External Omni-directional Antenna
• Antenna mounting bracket
• Internal base unit antenna
• 50 feet of RG-6 coaxial cable
• AC Power Adapter
• Installation Manual

Specifications

zBoost YX510 Dual Band Base Unit

• Downlink: 869 – 894 MHz, 1930 – 1990 MHz
• Uplink: 824 – 824 MHz, 1850 – 1910 MHz
• Max output power: PCS 24dBm uplink, 13dBm downlink, Cellular 26dBm uplink, 10dBm downlink
• System Gain: PCS 55dB uplink, 78dB downlink, Cellular 54dB uplink, 67dB downlink
• Adaptive Gain Control and oscillation prevention
• Built in wall-mount
• RF Connectors: F-type female and TNC Female
• Operating temperatures: 40˚ – 105˚F

zBoost YX510 Dual Band Antenna Cable – This cable is used to connect the Clear Voice amplifier unit to the directional antenna.

• Length: 50 feet
• Cable type: RG-6 75-ohm coaxial
• Connectors: F-type male (both ends)

zBoost YX510 Dual Band Signal Antenna – The Wireless Extender zBoost YX510 dual band repeater kit comes with an omnidirectional signal antenna. This antenna is mounted outside your home or in the attic where the signal from the nearest cell phone tower is the strongest.

• Frequency Range: 824MHz – 894MHz,1850 MHz- 1910 Mhz
• Gain: 5dBi PCS, 3dBi Cellular
• Connector: F-type female
• Mount: Wall-mount and fixtures

About the Product
Designed for consumers, the zBoost dual band cell phone signal booster extends the cellular signal for single or multiple users in homes or offices simultaneously, and is compatible with all cellular and PCS phones, except Nextel. The omni-directional antennas are easy to orient and receive from multiple cell towers. Here are some highlights:

• Improves all PCS 1900 MHz and Cellular 800 MHz bands.
• Compatible with all networks (except Nextel)
• Wireless – Supports up to 20 users simultaneously with no need to connect to your phone.
• Improves standard CDMA and GSM voice signals, and also EVDO, HSDPA, UMTS, and EDGE data transfers.
• Approximate coverage is 2,500 sq ft.
• Easy to install and simple to use.
• 30-day money-back guarantee.

Installation
Installation of the product does take some time depending on your environment. I chose to locate the Signal Antenna in the back room of my office, which has an exterior wall and relatively good cellular reception. I then placed the base unit on my desk, to give me the maximum signal strength while working. To connect the two, I cut a hole in the wall of my office, ran the coax cable up and above the drop ceiling, and across to the mounted location of the Signal Antenna, this entire run was about 45 feet. Routing the cables can take some time, especially if you don’t want any of them to be seen.

The Base Unit is the amplification piece of the system, that looks very similar to a network router. Physically, it has 3 ports, and 3 lights. To use the base, you simply connect the AC adapter, coax leading to the Signal Antenna, and smaller antenna to the unit once everything is installed. I found it took various trials and multiple test locations, to find the area best suited for installation.  Make sure you take the time to do so as well to maximize efficiency.

The front of the Base Unit has 3 lights, Install, Signal, and Power. The Power light indicates operation for normal or abnormal conditions. The Install light reflects the “quality” of the installation. Positioning the zBoost properly is a function of using this light as your guide. If you are receiving a cell signal that is too strong or too weak, the amplification may not work properly. Finally, the Signal light indicates communication between a wireless device and the cellular network. The light blinks to show data being sent back and forth between a phone and the connected network.

Next is the Signal Antenna. This foot long omni-directional Signal Antenna gets positioned in a location that allows it to pick up signal from the providers tower that may be in a different room, or even outside your home or office.  Mounting is easy, with a single screw and a tension clamp, it only takes about 3 minutes once you know where you want to permanently install the antenna.

Then, a coax antenna is run between the base and the antenna.  Like I mentioned, I cut a hole in the wall behind my desk, routed the cable through it, and then up above the drop ceiling.

After everything is installed, simply plug in the ac adaptor and watch the base unit’s lights spring into action. A troubleshooting guide comes in the informative user guide that allows you to interpret the methodical flashing of the colored lights.

Use and Results
Using the YX510 is as simple as using your phone. The unit can cover approximately 2500 square feet based on signal level, placement of the antennas and building construction. My tests yielded about half that, giving me reliable coverage throughout the 1500 square foot office space I work in. I am testing out the device using an iPhone 3G S from AT&T. Comparing the signal strength, the difference is noticeable, about 15-20dBm. Working in an area that has constantly been a struggle for me with AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile, the zBoost YX510 is the first in-building product that I have used that reliably allows me to make and receive phone calls, as well as use the data connection on my 1900mhz network devices. The unit also enhances the 850mhz band, but this difference was less noticeable for me, as the Verizon service in my area is quite good.

Overall
For under $400, the zBoost YX510 Cell Phone Signal Booster from Wi-Ex is a good home or office solution for poor service and dropped calls. Having used other signal enhancing products, the YX510 works as advertised, and allows phones to be used in areas that have poor service more reliably.