![]() ![]() Call quality was as if I had a normal 5 bar signal. VerdictĪfter a proper installation, which takes some tinkering, the Wi-Ex zBoost zPersonal YX300 successfully turned my 1-2 bar cell phone signal reception into a 5 bar, 6-foot reception zone around my desk. In short, don't put your head within ~8 inches of the YX300's antenna when you're on a phone call. If not, the idle power transmission and various cell phone tower handshakes won't come near the YX300's peak output. That being said, this is only something to be slightly concerned about if you're on the phone a lot. The difference is that the YX300 zPersonal is meant to be next to your workspace and transmits more power, where as my router is several feet away. It has a "typical" transmitted power output of 18dBm, compared to the peak of ~20dBm of the YX300 pretty similar numbers. Take for example my Linksys WRT54G2 wireless router. So you're probably thinking that this is no biggie because you work next to about 25 Wi-Fi networks. If I wanted to nitpick, I could say that the EPA power density equation is for isotropic antennas which technically can't exist for a number of reasons (good read) (and for which they use decibels relative to isotropic radiator), but I digress. I did a quick search of the YX300's FCC ID (SO4YX300-PCS-CEL) and found an RF Exposure Certification Test Report: In other words, I don't want to nuke my brain. ![]() We all know cell phones emit radiation of their own, so one might be led to believe that a cell phone signal booster might produce even more radiation and not be regulated by the same FCC SAR radiation limits. My biggest concern with using a cell phone signal booster in my everyday work environment is whether or not being next to it can be detrimental to my health over time. The bedroom which is another 15 feet past the kitchen still gets "No Service" but I didn't expect the zPersonal to help me out there. I get 3 bars in the kitchen about 15 feet away when I used to get 1 bar. Location is everything with this cell phone signal booster.Īs Wi-Ex states, the zBoost zPersonal is meant for workspaces and provides a "personal cell zone." I found this to be accurate, and sometimes a little bit of an underestimation. After this happened a few times, I experimented with the location of both the antenna and base unit. I would power cycle it and it would show a green light again, and then show the same flashing red light. ![]() When I first started using the zPersonal I had many frustrating experiences where the base unit would show the green light and I would get a good signal, but then 10 minutes later it would start flashing red. There were a few times I experienced where my iPhone, when idle, will revert back to low signal but when I unlock it and start doing stuff it goes right back up to 5 bars. If it turns solid green while you're on a call, you need to be closer to the antenna for it to continue processing the call. When you're on a call the light will flash to indicate it is handling the call. ![]() Once installated and powered up, the YX300 should display a green light that means everything is okay and it's idle. Contrary to popular belief, the plugged in unit goes on the window while the external antenna goes near the workspace. The first step is finding a place on your window where you get the best signal and mounting the main unit there. The zPersonal is made for a single user at a personal workspace and as such has a small range of 6 feet (radius from the antenna). Installationĭepending on your room layout, setting up the zPersonal YX300 should be a painless process. That means it works with my GSM iPhone 3G. carriers regardless of technologies (GSM, GPRS, CDMA, TDMA, AMPS, EDGE, EVDO, HSDPA, 1xRTT) except iDEN (ex: Boost Mobile, Nextel, and Sprint's Direct Connect) and 1700MHz AWS (T-Mobile US 3G). This particular zPersonal YX300 is a dual-band unit that receives and amplifies the 800MHz and 1900MHz bands and is compatible with all U.S. It has to use at least a weak signal to boost. It's important to understand that such a device cannot just make a signal. Both antennas are used for receiving and transmitting, with the one mounted where there is reception being the actual end point talking to cell phone towers. That signal gets processed and amplified through the powered unit and gets pumped out the other end, which you place close to where you need reception. One goes nearest the area of the room where there is some cell phone signal reception. The premise behind cell phone signal boosters, the zPersonal included, is pretty simple. The Wi-Ex zBoost zPersonal YX300 packaging claims a lot, but does it perform? How it works ![]()
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