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7
Installing Your Hardware
Step 1. Find the area with the Strongest Signal
Finding Your Strongest Cellular Signal
To send and receive cell phone calls you need to have an adequate cellular signal. This usually means having to
be somewhat close to a cell phone tower. Your cellular signal is measured in decibels (dB), which represents the
power of the signal. Signal readings appear as a negative number, for example -85 dB. The stronger your signal
is the closer it gets to zero. As the illustration below shows a -50 dB signal reading is very strong while a signal
reading of -100 dB and above is very weak.
How to Determine Your dB Signal Reading
•
Using an iPhone: Dial *3001#12345#*, a Field Test screen will appear press down on the home button for a
few seconds so your dB reading will appear in the upper left hand corner.
•
Using an Android: Download the “Network Signal Info” within the Google Play store. Once installed, you will be
able to view your dB strength.
•
Internet: Go to: www.speedtest.net to test your 3G and 4G data rates.
• Measure the strength of the existing cellular signal in various locations.
If you have an omni outside antenna and your signal is too weak you may need a yagi antenna, which can
be aimed at the closest antenna tower. Before installing the outside antenna, find the area with the strongest
cellular signal source from your service provider by following the directions below. You can also go to
www.antennasearch.com
to find the general location of carrier towers.
Cell
Tower
Outside
Antenna
Signal Strength
-50dB
-60dB
-70dB
-80dB
-90dB
-100dB
-110dB
Excellent
Good
Poor