Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL cell phone signal extender
Manufacturer: Wireless Extenders Inc. Part number: YX510-CEL
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- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- 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: $279.99 - $369.99
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 05/30/2007
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.
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.
User reviews
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Does EXACTLY as advertised. See summary for notes.
by cbensch on September 4, 2008
Pros: Brings the coverage that is obtained from the outside, inside your home. The base exterior antenna is not unattractive, base unit is small and fits well in a home, functional lighting system assists setup and offers a view into activity.
Cons: 0 db gain on indoor antenna / 2500 sq feet coverage is highly over rated / coax should be longer in consideration of the average U.S. home size.
Summary: I reside in the northwest corner of Connecticut and have AT&T. I get a total of one to two bars outside of my home with zero coverage inside. ...
Summary: I reside in the northwest corner of Connecticut and have AT&T. I get a total of one to two bars outside of my home with zero coverage inside. Being certified in wireless mesh networking technology I am very knowledgable of an array of antennas, radio frequencies (RF), radio interference, db gain etc. I can say that this product does what it says it does and anyone who says otherwise is not completing the installation properly. Both antennas are omni-directional which makes sense, technologically speaking, as the typical consumer might not really know the true direction the cellular signal is coming from unless they know where the tower is. However, I'd like to see Wi-Ex offer an external directional antenna standard for this product while providing a database of cellular towers that are located in the vicinity of the address the system is to be installed at. A simple aerial mapping program can easily decipher the true direction to that location. Since that is not the case, the directions focus on what is provided and they are complete and accurate. Omni-directional antennas have the capability to receive/broadcast a signal from/to 360 degrees which works well for people who don't know the direction of their cell tower. Think of the antenna going through the hole of a donut and the donut being the signal it is receiving/broadcasting. The db gain is strong enough for the entire system to collect the RF from the nearest tower and transmit it into a building; presuming an external signal exists. Since the base antenna has no db gain, it relies on the base unit's very small amplifier to push the signal. Most U.S. homes (Census Bureau claims an average of 2150 square feet) will be too large for the interior signal to reach all corners of the dwelling. As long as the base unit is located at least 4 feet from the floor and is as close to "ear" level as possible the system supplies an adequate signal within a radius of 10 feet before calls begin to drop and the signal is lost.
Make a large copy of the lighting breakdown from the manual so you have a betetr understanding of what the system is doing. There are many combinations of the lights located on the base unit and they're important to follow. Keep the sheet handy and near the base unit for reference.
Using a cell phone as a signal meter is the best way for a consumer to find the best location for the outdoor antenna. However, keep in mind that the signal on the ground is not going to be the same as the signal on the roof of a home. Hanging out of a second story window is not advisable and is unsafe as is climbing a ladder to find the best signal. Keep in mind that because the antenna is omni-directional, and because it receives a signal from 360 degrees, and is prone to interference, the highest point on the roof where there is nothing blocking the antenna's range (remember the donut?) the better (best) the signal is going to be. If you have the capabilities, always mount it at this location, but again, do this only if you have someone qualified or if you, yourself, are qualified.
Lastly, you may need some additional accessories for this system to function adequately for you. A longer coax cable is typical, as is an indoor antenna with db gain. The external antenna is also advisable. A good solution is to have one person hold the cell phone near the base station while another person slowly rotates the directional antenna on the roof. When the meter on the cell phone shows the strongest signal, secure the antenna at that location. After a few hours of testing the off-the-shelf system, this is the way I went.
Another note, the coax is shielded so don't be afraid of being anywhere near power wires, outlets, other cable lines, radios etc. The signals should not interfere with the coax. But the base station is prone to interference, especially from outlets. make sure the base unit is at least 5 feet from any outlet. This avoids electromagnetic fields (EMF).
A good product. I'm happy with it. I think that it is probably a little beyond the average consumer considering understanding radio frequencies is practically an art. But the technical support is strong and they seem to work well with their customers, using lame man's terms. If you can't get the system to work, don't fret. Just call wi-ex. The system works, but patience might be a necessity.9 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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 ...
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 inside6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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 ...
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.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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 ...
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.4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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, ...
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.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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 ...
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.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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 ...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.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Did not work as both CNET and Wi-Ex led me to believe
by ssalava on January 26, 2009
Pros: Simple design and set-up. Relatively clear instructions. Dual-band covered both of Verizon's networks.
Cons: It did not provide any sustainable boost in coverage for my Verizon Wireless service.
Summary: I may be in too weak of a signal area for this technology to work, but nowhere did I read that as a requirement.
My best signal strength using a ...Summary: I may be in too weak of a signal area for this technology to work, but nowhere did I read that as a requirement.
My best signal strength using a Razr, Storm, and Omnia was two bars on the west side of my rural property. The YX510 would *sometimes* show a boost to 4-5 bars but it would almost always drop. And it wasn't the set-up either. As a last resort, I set this up in a pasture with no obstructions nor interference and was unable to achieve a consistent boost in signal strength.
I purchased this via Amazon and returned it within the 30 day satisfaction guarantee period. I'm now pursuing Samsung Femtocell technology per http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/accessory?action=gotoFemtocell2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Really works!
by Rajeev123ABC on February 7, 2009
Pros: house has concrete floors. Cell phones were practically useless.
Installed ZBoost a few months ago and what a difference it has made!! Rarely use land line now. Worth the money. PS: External antenna is not optional on this gadget!!Cons: Wish I didnt have to install that external antenna. Hated running the coax through my window. Design suggestion 1: weather proof ZBoost outside the house. 2: setup a short range IR link between the antenne and the base unit, if technically possible
Summary: Good product. Too expensive. If you can buy it, you will love it.
Summary: Good product. Too expensive. If you can buy it, you will love it.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This product does exactly what it says it will do.
by lawosngaither on January 12, 2009
Pros: It increased my coverage in my home/office from 0 bars to 5 bars.
Cons: I wish the transponder would cover a larger area or you could hook 2 transponders up to one antenna.
Summary: I have a Iphone 3g. I recently purchased a new home where AT&T's coverage wasn't very good. I had reception upstairs but my office was downstairs, ...
Summary: I have a Iphone 3g. I recently purchased a new home where AT&T's coverage wasn't very good. I had reception upstairs but my office was downstairs, every time a customer called me on my cell I had to run outside to answer my phone. I was very weary when I purchased this product but I couldn't be happier. I purchased a blue tooth compatible cordless phone synced it to my Iphone and I am covered though out my house. I went from 0 bars to 5 bars in my office. It was the best $300.00 I spent. I am thinking about purchasing another to cover the whole house.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Wireless Extenders Inc.
- Part number: YX510-CEL
- Description: The Wi-Ex zBoost cell zone signal booster is a revolutionary, patent-pending new product that improves indoor cell phone coverage. zBoost captures the wireless signal outside, brings it inside and enhances, or boosts it - extending a cell zone in your home or office or your car.
General
- Packaged quantity 1
Product series
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Wi-Ex zBoost XY500-CEL cell phone signal extender
Manufacturer: Wireless Extenders Inc.
Specs:
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Wi-Ex zBoost YX500-PCS cell phone signal extender
Manufacturer: Wireless Extenders Inc.
Specs:
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Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL cell phone signal extender
Manufacturer: Wireless Extenders Inc.
Specs:
Manufacturer info
- Wireless Extenders Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Wireless Extenders Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.wirelessextenders.com
- Address:
330 Research Court, Norcross, GA 30092 - Phone: (800)-871-1612
- Email: info@wi-ex.com
- Fax: (770)-239-5473
