Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL cell phone signal extender

Manufacturer: Wireless Extenders Inc. Part number: YX510-CEL

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CNET Editor rating:
4.0 stars Excellent
Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 13 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: Though the Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL cell phone signal booster may take some time to set up, it offers exceptional performance.

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CNET editors' review

Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL cell phone signal extender

price range: $289.00 - $349.00

Though the Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL cell phone signal booster may take some time to set up, it offers exceptional performance.

The good: The Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL significantly boosts your cell phone reception and is easy to operate. Also, it uses a wireless connection to your phone.

The bad: The Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL comes with a load of restrictions regarding placement of its various parts.

The bottom line: Though the Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL cell phone signal booster may take some time to set up, it offers exceptional performance.

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One of the greatest pitfalls to bedevil a cell phone is a weak signal in your home or office. Not only is it a pain to have dropped calls when you're trading the dish with your best friend, but it also pretty much negates the point of having a mobile phone if you can only make calls near your front window. But in the past couple of years, a variety of companies have identified the need for a real cell phone signal-booster. Unlike the foil decals you see in SkyMall, signal boosters like the Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL cell phone signal extender actually improve your cell phone's reception by significant levels. And, unlike the previous two products we've reviewed, Wilson Electronics SignalBoost and the Arc Freedom Antenna, the zBoost uses a wireless connection to your phone. On the whole, it's one of our top choices for a cell phone signal booster, though it is expensive at $399. Just make sure it works with your phone before you commit.

While the Arc Freedom Antenna looks like a loudspeaker from the starship Enterprise, the zBoost has a more inspiring design (at least as signal boosters go). With a prominent pair of antenna and its flashing lights, it certainly looks like it has the potential to do something useful. The zBoost's main component is a squat rectangular base unit, which looks a little like an answering machine. Measuring 6 inches long by 4.5 inches wide by 1.75 inches thick and weighing a slight 10.88 ounces, the base fits easily on a small shelf, while the white-and-gray color scheme is relatively unobtrusive. Three indicator lights sit on top of the device, while ports for the base antenna, the coaxial cable, and the power cord are on either end.

The signal antenna is a white cylinder measuring 1.3 feet. Since it's designed for catching the cellular signal, its large size is necessary, but it also means it's pretty conspicuous in almost any setting. The antenna is connected to the zBoost's base via a 35-foot standard coaxial cable. That should be long enough for anyone, especially considering the rather complicated placement restrictions (more on that later). The second antenna transmits the boosted signal from the base throughout your home. At 6.75 inches it's not exactly small, but the white color doesn't call too much attention to itself. Rounding out the parts are a power cord and AC adapter.

Though connecting the zBoost's various parts is easy, it's worth noting that Wi-Ex has several restrictions regarding where to place everything. For example, you're not to place the signal antenna too close to metal, nor are you supposed to drape the coaxial cable nearby (that can be difficult to avoid if you have a lot of slack). And of course, it's also essential that you position the signal antenna in a place where you get an adequate cellular signal. While this can be as simple as placing it inside your home near a window, you might have to place it on an exterior wall, in your attic, or on the roof. For that reason, be sure to use your phone to find the area with the strongest signal before you install anything. Wi-Ex conveniently includes a mounting bracket for the signal antenna in the box. That said, an exterior installation may take a bit of handiwork on your part.

As for the zBoost's base unit, you must place it at least 15 feet from the signal antenna. Indeed, when we tried to place it any closer, the zBoost didn't work as expected. Also, the base unit can't be within two feet of any metal and it should be placed near the center of the room, at least 15 feet above the floor. While we get that the various restrictions are necessary for the optimum performance, it also means it can be difficult to find the ideal location for the base and antenna. But on the positive side, the zBoost's wireless connection to your phone is a much more ideal arrangement than the previous products we reviewed, which require your phone to be tethered to one place.

After connecting the cable, power cord, and antenna, the zBoost kicks into action almost immediately. The trio of lights indicates the status of your signal signal. For example, they'll show if the zBoost is receiving a signal, if it's receiving a signal for your particular phone, if the signal is too weak, if there is interference, or if the signal is too strong. Since a different pattern of lights indicates each status level, their meaning can be difficult to decipher at first. Fortunately, the manual has a complete list for easy reference.

We tested the zBoost in two places, the first being a residence with notoriously bad cell phone reception. As previously mentioned, the various setup limitations required us to search thoroughly for an appropriate location to install everything. And since we weren't able to install the signal antenna outside, we had to find a room large enough to put the required 15 feet of cable between the signal antenna and the base unit.

Though we didn't place the base unit near the center of the room, it boosted our signal significantly--even when placed near a wall. We shot up from just one bar to a full five and the signal stayed constant. The audio was also clearer and we experienced almost no static or distortion. Wi-Ex promises that the zBoost has a range of up to 3,000 square feet (or even more with an optional antenna), but we presume that's only under the best conditions. And, in any case, we didn't have a big enough house to even test such a range. Yet we noticed an improvement in almost every room of the two-level home.

When we tested the zBoost in another home with good cell phone reception, the indicator lights told us immediately that the signal was too strong. As such, the device made no difference in audio quality or reception.

The zBoost works with both CDMA and GSM phones and operates on both the 800 and 1900 frequencies, so all major carriers and most U.S. cell phones are supported. Yet reception for your particular phone can vary by area. Carriers switch frequencies across different geographic regions, so it's important to check that the zBoost you buy will be compatible with your phone. If you happen to purchase the wrong model, Wi-Ex will exchange it for free.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 13 reviews

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 13

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8 stars

Provides cell phone signal inside your home

by JClark4626 on November 29, 2007

Pros: No user settings to fuss with

Cons: Expensive and requires installation. The box needs to be visible in your room.

Summary: Arrives with 50 feet of coaxial cable with an antenna at the end. The antenna needs to be installed where a cell-phone-signal exists. I put mine outside the house just ...

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Summary: Arrives with 50 feet of coaxial cable with an antenna at the end. The antenna needs to be installed where a cell-phone-signal exists. I put mine outside the house just under the eaves.
The box needs to go exactly where you want cell phone service. The range is the same as the distance to the antenna, so plan to use all of the supplied coax to get the antenna as far away from the box as possible.
No antenna-ground comes in the package, so plan to purchase one. If you need more than 50 feet of coax, you will need an amplifier as well.

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4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 stars

Boosts signal real well, multi phones used at one time, good coverage.

by capt910 on August 4, 2007

Pros: Does what the manufacture says it does. Boosts signal, multi phones, good coverage, broadband phones.

Cons: Complicated setup, little pricey.

Summary: I bought this unit to boost signal for our broadband phones. I live in the stix and there are no cell towers close. With only two bars on top of ...

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Summary: I bought this unit to boost signal for our broadband phones. I live in the stix and there are no cell towers close. With only two bars on top of my house I now have three to five in all of my house (small house). Installation is a little tricky, you do have to experament with the location of the antenna and base unit. But once there, the phones work just like being in the city. With both phones working broadband at the same time (500-700 kbps), we still can receive calls with no problems. If you can handle the price ($289.99 solidsignal.com) and need signal help in your home it is a good investment.

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4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

I can finally use my cell phone at my house, bye bye land line!!!

by gilbo95 on February 24, 2008

Pros: This unit allows me to use my cell phone in my home. I can use multiple phones at the same time and they are on different networks.

Cons: The unit takes a little planning to mount the antenna where you have great service and the box as far away as you can.

Summary: I think this unit will save me a lot of money every month. I can use my wireless phone at home so I can cancel my landline phone. The system ...

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Summary: I think this unit will save me a lot of money every month. I can use my wireless phone at home so I can cancel my landline phone. The system works very well and I have service in my home just as good as the service I have if I were to stand on my roof.

I live in the middle of nowhere and I used to have no service in my house and very weak service if I stood near a second story window. Now I have the antenna on my roof and the base unit on my first floor. I have service everywhere in my home.

I have Verizon Wireless and so does my Family but I have friends on AT&T and they have service also. It works for all of us at the same time.

I would recomend this unit to anyone who has service outside and wished they had it inside

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3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Works Great!

by Tuck.Franklin on May 29, 2008

Pros: Very simple to setup and actually works

Cons: pricey but worth it

Summary: I have had great success with zBoost. I was worried when I opened the box and saw all the parts that I was going to have trouble setting it up ...

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Summary: I have had great success with zBoost. I was worried when I opened the box and saw all the parts that I was going to have trouble setting it up but it was no problem. Worked instantly and has had continuous great results. Very glad that I purchased because not only can I use my phone at home, I have found that it also speeds up my data card.

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 stars

You can hear me now

by myrnaloy on April 10, 2008

Pros: Improves my phone reception as if I was standing by a cell tower.

Cons: Takes a little while and two people to figure out the best setup configuration.

Summary: Having to use the phone in a steel sided home was a nightmare for both parties. This product solved the problem beautifully.
I attached the baton outside on an unused
...

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Summary: Having to use the phone in a steel sided home was a nightmare for both parties. This product solved the problem beautifully.
I attached the baton outside on an unused satellite dish post and attached it to the existing cable line at that location. Inside I wall mounted the unit in an inconspicuous area.

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 stars

Very happy with it

by 1dennis3 on December 19, 2007

Pros: Easy to set up

Cons: cant be near metal

Summary: I installed this in my basement apartment. Before the Zboost I had maybe 1 bar of signal. I installed the antenna on the roof, the cable that came with the ...

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Summary: I installed this in my basement apartment. Before the Zboost I had maybe 1 bar of signal. I installed the antenna on the roof, the cable that came with the kit was plenty long. I now get 3 to 4 bars everywhere in my apartment.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Works as advertised. Went from 2 bars to 5.

by Xrocks on July 8, 2008

Pros: Easy to understand instructions.

Cons: Antenna placements very critical to performance.

Summary: I had to do a lot of internal justification to spend $300.00 to make my cell phone function inside my apartment. After carefully reading the instructions about antenna placements, ...

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Summary: I had to do a lot of internal justification to spend $300.00 to make my cell phone function inside my apartment. After carefully reading the instructions about antenna placements, I was able to come up with good choices. Mounting the receive antenna outside is the way to go. That allows many more placement options of the base unit. For me this ends up being one of those things that you say to yourself, why didn't I do this sooner? It really does work excellent. It is a little pricey, but so far it is well worh it to me.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 stars

Does exactly what I need it to do

by filafella on August 23, 2008

Pros: Actually WORKS, good looking unit, fairly easy installation

Cons: A bit pricey, indoor range could be better

Summary: I bought the YX510-PCS-CEL because I recently moved to house on Padre Island that is just on the edge of 2 cell towers' signal, and my phone would constantly switch ...

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Summary: I bought the YX510-PCS-CEL because I recently moved to house on Padre Island that is just on the edge of 2 cell towers' signal, and my phone would constantly switch between the 2 networks searching for a better signal. Needless to say I could not be on the phone for more than a minute or so without experiencing a dropped call. I rely on my cell phone for work, so I absolutely had to come up with a solution. The zBoost has proven to be that solution. I ordered from Buydig and it arrived in 2 days (with $30 overnight shipping it still came to less than other stores' price). Installation was pretty straight forward. I installed the antenna at the highest accessible point in our attic and then mounted the base unit on the wall in our livingroom. For my wife and I, we don't mind the base unit being visible because it's fairly attractive and its white and orange color goes well with our cream-colored walls. As soon as I plugged the unit in I noticed a jump from 0-1 bars to about 3-4 bars (which is what my phone got up in my attic where I installed the antenna). Though my signal gets as low as 2 bars sometimes, it is much more stable than before and I have yet to have a dropped call. In fact, the only time my call will drop is when I walk outside of the house forgetting that I have poor reception outside and get out of the range of the base unit. The indoor range of the zBoost is not as good as I hoped, but still sufficient enough for our 1700 sqft home. Luckily, Wi-Ex sells upgrades that can boost the signal and the range of the unit, so at least we're not locked into reduced range. So in closing, I think this was definitely a worthwhile purchase that will come in handy even if we move to an area with a better signal, and I would recommend it to anyone who is in a similar situation to us.

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1 stars

Useless. Skip this one.

by noseypaws on August 21, 2008

Pros: There are none.

Cons: Does not work as stated.

Summary: zBoost provides only 1/2 watt output. Must be within 1 foot of the antenna to receive any benefit at all, and then got only 1 bar. Installing a 3 ...

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Summary: zBoost provides only 1/2 watt output. Must be within 1 foot of the antenna to receive any benefit at all, and then got only 1 bar. Installing a 3 watt until (JDTECK) in the same location gave me 5 bars. Skip this one and go with a 3 watt unit from the start.

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9 stars

Great so far

by bassbybk2003 on July 30, 2008

Pros: Great not back out of the package

Cons: hard to hide...wife complaining about it

Summary: Ok just took it out of the box 2 nights ago when i got off work. i taped to the window we have to stand next to use are cells. ...

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Summary: Ok just took it out of the box 2 nights ago when i got off work. i taped to the window we have to stand next to use are cells. and then put it on the coffee table in the middle of the room. from NO bars on the couch to 4 to 5 bars... for about 5 mins of work...will it look nasty right now but i plan to mount it on the top of my roof and extend it out 4ft aboce the roof line. the only thing i'm have problems is try to hide the base unit. the wife doesn't like the look of it, but she love the bars on the cell so now she can talk and talk and talk all over the house.

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Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL cell phone signal extender

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