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9
Installing Your Hardware
Step 1. Find the area with the Strongest Signal
The signal booster requires a minimum cellular signal of low –100 dBm to high –90 dBm.
If your Force5 kit includes an outside omni antenna and you can only achieve cell phone
reception of one bar or less, you may need a Force5 Yagi antenna which is capable of
targeting carrier antenna towers that are up to 30 miles away. Call or email SureCall for
assistance.
Signal readings usually appear as a negative number (for example, -85). The stronger the
signal, the closer it gets to zero. Aim for a signal close to -50dB. Signals stronger than
-50dB may cause the booster to shut down (see the graph below). 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. (see the graph below). 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 your carrier’s towers.
Measure the strength of the existing cellular signal in various locations.
• Apple iPhones: Dial *3001#12345#* and press Call. In the top-left corner, a number appears instead of bars.
• Android devices: download apps such as “Network Signal Info” in the Google Play store to measure signal
strength.
• Internet: Go to www.speedtest.net
2. Select a location away from buildings, walls, trees, hills, and other terrain features that can block
or reflect wireless signals (12-inch clear radius is recommended).
Note:
Where you install your outside antenna in relation to the carrier’s cell phone tower also determines signal strength. Although cell phone
carriers try to place towers for maximum coverage, local ordinances and terrain features can restrict tower locations, which can limit signal
strength at your location.
Cell
Tower
Outside
Antenna
Signal Strength
-50dB
-60dB
-70dB
-80dB
-90dB
-100dB
-110dB
Excellent
Good
Poor
