zBoost
®
ZB450 Manual
zBoost
®
ZB450 Manual
4
5
FIRST: Mount the External Antenna
Choosing the best location for the External Antenna provides
the best performance and the largest area of improved signal.
Choose a location for the External Antenna using your cell
phone to determine the area of strongest signal - typically found
outside, above the roo
fl
ine or in an attic. The antenna must also
remain at least 3 feet from any metal objects such as pipes, metal
siding, A/C unit etc. and at least 15 vertical feet above the Indoor
Antenna.
Identify the best location for attachment of the mounting bracket –
such as an attic cross or main beam. Secure the mounting bracket
at the highest possible point.
Position the mounting bracket such that the External Antenna
will be vertical and attach the External Antenna. See "Antenna
Bracket Assembly" on page 6 for more information.
Securing Cable with a Drip Loop
If you place the External Antenna outdoors, create a drip loop
with the coaxial cable at the point where the cable enters the
home through an outside wall. This can be done by twisting
and securing the cable into a loop (no less than 4” across)
near the entry point. This will help prevent moisture from
gathering at entry point and leaking into the home. Consult a
professional installer if you need more information.
Power Requirements
The Base Unit can be plugged into a standard 2 or 3 prong 110 VAC receptacle using the Included
power supply. The power supply consumes less than 10W (less than 0.2A).
Coax Cable
Exterior Wall
Setting Up Your zBoost Signal Booster
Maximum Performance
15’ of vertical
separation
15’ of vertical
separation
15’ of vertical
separation
Before installing, please note the following important factors in determining your zBoost
performance:
•
At least 15 vertical feet is needed between the External Antenna (receives the outside signal)
and the Indoor Antenna (rebroadcasts the signal indoors). Separation less than 15 vertical feet
will result in decreased performance. See illustration below.
•
Keep the External Antenna at least 3 feet above any metal.
See page 5, Setting Up Your zBoost Product, for additional information.
Additional Cable Requirements
RG-6 cable is used to connect the External Antenna and the Base Unit. Should you need additional
cable length, 15 foot extensions (Part #:
YX030-15w
) are available at www.zBoost.com.
The total cable length should not exceed 65 feet unless you also purchase an upgraded signal
antenna (see page v). A longer cable is helpful only if it allows you to place the External
Antenna in a location where you measure stronger signal.
Grounding the External Antenna
If you decide to place the External Antenna outdoors, it must be properly grounded. (See page
v for a recommended grounding kit).
The set up must be in accordance with Article 810 of the National Electric Code (NEC). A listed
antenna discharge unit must be provided for the lead-in coaxial cable per NEC article 8.10.20 or the
shield of the coaxial cable must be permanently and effectively grounded in accordance with NEC
article 8.10.21. Please consult a professional installer or electrician for more information.
Warning
Avoid placing the External 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.
Maximum Performance
Minimum Performance
15’ of vertical
separation
15’ of vertical
separation
15’ of vertical
separation
Note
Cell phone signal bars are approximate and vary from
phone to phone. The number of bars can
fl
uctuate
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 PRODUCT
PERFORMANCE IS THE ABILITY TO RELIABLY
PLACE AND RECEIVE CALLS WHERE YOU COULD
NOT BEFORE.
