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ZBOOST® YX500/510 SERIES USER GUIDE
Note
Cell phone signal bars are approximate and vary from phone
to phone. The number of bars can fluctuate widely,
depending on the location of the phone, the position or angle
of the phone, weather, etc. Most cell phone signal meters
update every 6 to 10 seconds. An increase of only one bar
typically indicates a 4x to 10x signal increase.
THE BEST INDICATOR OF SIGNAL STRENGTH IS THE ABILITY TO
RELIABLY PLACE AND RECEIVE CALLS.
Tools Needed
The following tools are needed to set up zBoost®:
•
#2 Philips screwdriver
•
Cellular phone operating in the band supported by your zBoost® unit
•
Drill (may be required for outdoor or attic antenna placement)
Check for Signal Strength
Before placing a zBoost® in your home, make sure that you can place calls on the outside of
your home, in the attic, at roof level or wherever you plan to place the signal antenna. zBoost®
can only bring signal into your home when signal reaches the Signal Antenna.
Using your cell phone, place a call from an outdoor location to confirm that enough signal is
present to complete the call. If a weak signal is available at ground level, check the signal
strength in your attic or at roof level location where the signal will likely be stronger and
where the Signal Antenna can be placed for best performance.
If you can reliably make and receive calls outside your home, then zBoost® can bring the signal
into your home.
If only one signal bar is displayed on your cell phone outside, indoor coverage will be limited
to one small room
. We recommend placing the Signal Antenna outside and/or purchasing a
Wi-Ex® upgrade Signal Antenna (
see page viii
).
FIGURE 3: Checking Signal Strength
Preparing to Set Up Your zBoost® Product
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ZBOOST® YX500/510 SERIES USER GUIDE
Warning
Avoid placing the Signal Antenna near metal such as wiring,
A/C ducts, metal siding, truss plates, etc.
When connecting the cable to the antenna, run the cable
straight down from the antenna. Avoid draping the coax near
the antenna.
Determine the Needed Coverage Area
Identify the location in your home/office where you need signal coverage the most. The
zBoost® YX500/510
Series can cover approximately 2500 square feet (coverage varies based
on outdoor signal level, building construction, and placement of antennas). Walls, ceilings or
floors will reduce the coverage area.
FIGURE 4: zBoost® Base Unit Coverage
Determine the Location of Signal Antenna and Base Unit Antenna
It is recommended that the Signal Antenna and Base Unit Antenna have approximately 15
feet of vertical separation
.
If the antennas are too close together, the Install (
) light on the Base Unit will be lit or flash
red indicating a problem (
See Page 12, Troubleshooting
). To capture the best signal, place the
Signal Antenna as high as possible and position it vertically, keeping it at it at least 2 feet away
from any metal.
The location of the Signal Antenna should be at least 15 feet higher than the Base Unit Antenna.
If this is not possible, maximizing the horizontal separation between the 2 antennas is advised.
See page 6,
Setting Up Your zBoost® Product
, for additional information.
