Installing and Aiming Directional Antennas
The location of the Directional External Antenna determines the performance and area of
improved signal. Choose a location using your cell phone to determine the area of strongest
signal - typically found outside, above the roofline or in an attic. Keep in mind that if your best
signal is one bar, your coverage will be limited to one small room.
The antenna must remain at least 3 feet above any metal objects such as pipes, metal siding, A/C
unit etc. Maximum performance will be achieved when the antenna is aimed at the strongest
signal from your wireless provider. If you know the direction of your provider’s tower, simply
point the antenna in that direction. If you are unsure of the location of the nearest tower, loosely
secure the antenna to the mounting surface or mast to allow adjustment or rotation around mast.
To get the maximum benefit, you will want to take special care to point the antenna in the
direction of the best signal for your wireless service provider.
1.
Place your cell phone on a non-metal surface which is 6-8 feet from the Indoor Antenna.
2.
Turn the signal booster on and wait 30 seconds. Note the number of signal bars displayed on
your cell phone. For best results, you want your phone to display in the middle of the signal
meter range or less so that it can go up as you rotate the External Antenna to the optimum
direction. If it is reading too high, move the phone farther from the Indoor Antenna.
3.
Record the number of signal bars (or range) ________(A) on your cell phone. Leave the phone in
the same place and pointing in the same direction for the following steps. Note the direction of
the antenna starting position_________________________.
4.
Rotate the antenna mast 90 degrees and then record the phone signal bars _________(B).
5.
Continue to rotate the antenna mast another 90 degrees in the same direction and record the
phone signal bars _________(C).
6.
Again, rotate the antenna mast another 90 degrees in the same direction and again record the
phone signal bars _________(D).
7.
Look for the highest reading above. Set the antenna to that position and tighten the antenna
mast.
8.
If you desire to optimize further, then look for the two highest signal bar readings above and
move the antenna between these two points to find the highest signal bars reading.
9.
Once you have determined the highest reading position tighten the antenna bracket hardware.
Coax Cable
Use only the cable provided with your zBoost system (or the type specified for that model)
Don't split or share the cable with another system
Do not exceed the specified length of cable. For RG-6, do not exceed 65 feet. If longer cable is
needed, use RG-11 up to 150 feet
When connecting the cable to the antenna, run the cable straight down from the antenna. Avoid
draping the coax near the antenna
