FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Here is some general information on phones and networks.

What's the difference between 0db (unity), 3db, 5db, 7db gain?
0 dBd gain antenna radiates more energy higher in the vertical plane to reach radio communication sites that aradio communication sites that are located in higher places. Therefore they are more useful in mountainous and metropolitan areas with tall buildings. A 3 dBd gain antenna is the compromise in suburban and general settings. A 5 dBd gain antenna radiates more energy toward the horizon compared to the 0 and 3 dBd antennas to reach radio communication sites that are further apart and less obstructed. Therefore they are best used in deserts, plains, flatlands, and open farm areas.

Omnidirectional Antennas

My digital phone shows 1 or 2 bars but I still tal phone shows 1 or 2 bars but I still can't make a call. Why?
On digital networks, a stronger signal is required to make a connection. A weak signal that may have enabled you to connect with an analog phone (although with poorer sound quality), may not be enough to enable a digital phone to connect at all. Although the phone shows some signal, it isn't strong enough to make a connection.

I have a Nokia 6160 that works on 3 different networks. Which antenna is right for me?
You can get a dual band antenna that will cover all 3 networks or, as mentioned above, focus on whmentioned above, focus on where you're having reception problems. First find out what network your phone is actually on in your city by calling your service provider (usually AT&T Wireless with the 6160). The dual band antenna is a good all around antenna but if you're in a rural area, your area is not on a 1900MHz network or you do a lot of traveling, we would recommend the 7db gain Cellular antenna.

I have a new XXXX phone. What antenna should I get?
First, contact you're wireless service provider to find out what network your area is actually covered by. Although a phone may be capable of working on multiple networks, you want to determine what network you're actually on. Once yo you're actually on. Once you have this information, look through your options above.

How do I connect an external antenna to my phone?
You can connect most phones to an external antenna by using an installable hands free kit that comes with an external antenna adapter or purchasing an external antenna adapter that allows you to connect the antenna directly to your phone. Some phones have an external antenna port. Other phones require that you remove your fixed antenna and insert an external antenna adapter to that port. Still other phones have no way to connect an external antenna to it at all. Be sure and check your owners manual for instructions on attaching an external antenna adapter. external antenna adapter.

Can I improve my signal without connecting an external antenna to my phone?
One of the biggest obstructions to a strong signal is your head. Sometimes putting on a longer antenna (such as a 3" rubber duckie) will help by moving the signal away from your head.

Reception is poor inside my home or office. Can I use an antenna made to mounted on a car?
Most cellular and digital antennas are manufactured for use on cars and trucks. The car or truck acts a ground for the antenna. To get the most from your antenna, you should supply a ground surface if using the antenna away from the vehicle. Many of our customers have had good success using these car antennas inside their home without a ground plane but we recommend providing a ground plane such as putting the antenna on top of a piece of metal (12 inches x 12 inches would be fine) and placing outside or near a window.

I'm in a basement with no windows. What are my options?
Some of our customers have seen increases in signal strength by just connsignal strength by just connecting an antenna to their phones and placing the antenna as high as possible. We would recommend getting it as close to the outside as possible without adding to the cable length.

I need an antenna with a 100 foot cable?
Our antennas are rated using the cable length they come standard with. Adding to the cable length will greatly reduce the signal getting to your phone. As a general guide, you'll lose about .1db gain for each additional foot of cable with analog networks and .15db gain in digital. You'll also lose about .1db gain for each additional connector you use.

Can I install a glass mount antenna myself?
Since glass mount antennas are glued to your cars glass and the antennas cable is a little harder to run inconspicuously through the car's interior, we recommend professional installation of glass mount antennas. You also need to consider window tinting, defroster wires and proper placement, and passivated glass (glass impregnated with tiny metal particles that render the glass incapable of coupling RF between the inside and outside couplers).

How can I tell if the glass on my vehicle is suitable for one of Larse suitable for one of Larsen’s on-glass antennas?
First, look near a corner of a window for words that mean "sun", relate to sun, or refer to ultraviolet or other forms of radiation. If you find terms like "Soft-Ray", "EZE-Cool", "Solar-Coat", "Solar-Cool" or similar terms, your glass is probably passivated and won’t work with on-glass antennas. If you want to be 100% certain, and you don’t find helpful words on the glass, ask a 2-way or cellular shop technician to test your glass with a capacitance meter.

How does a glass mount antenna attach to the glass?
One portion of the antenna is glued to the outside of the glass and another is glued right behind it on the inside of the glass. The signal is transferred through the glass.

Since the glass mount antenna has to transfer the signal through the glass, does that mean it is not as powerful as the magnetic mount antenna?
No, the glass antennas are rated passing the signal through the glass.

I have window tint on my rear window. Will this interfere with the antenna?
If metal is used to tent the glass, it will interfere. Many professional installers will cut off a piece of the tent so that it does not interfere with the antenna.