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Does a Magnet-Mount antenna need to be mounted vertically or can I mount it horizontally? 

Cell tower antennas are mounted vertically, so the Magnet Mount Antenna and all of the other whip-type antennas will give the best performance when mounted vertically. When both antennas are in the same orientation, they are polarized. Polarized antennas transmit and receive signals with the most efficiency. 

How do I tune a Yagi antenna? 

Point the main centre beam of the Yagi in the general direction of the cell tower. Make sure the radials are pointing up and down. Connect the antenna to a cell phone in test mode. Pan the Yagi left and right in 10 degree increments until you get the best signal strength reading from the phone. In most cases, you want a
signal as strong as you can get. Signal strength is measured in negative decibels so a signal strength of -85 is stronger than -99. When you are panning the cellular antenna, be sure to let go of the antenna or it may give inaccurate readings. Lock the cellular antenna down at the position where you get the best signal strength. 

Can I paint an antenna? 

Antennas can be painted as long as the paint does not contain metal flakes (metallic paint). The metal particles would change and disrupt the antenna's signal transmission characteristics. 

Can I use the signal strength bars on my phone to tune my Yagi cellular antenna? 

Yes. However, tuning accuracy will be limited and more difficult than with a cell phone in test mode. If your cell phone does not have a test mode, the signal strength bars may be the only way to tune your Yagi. Bear in mind that signal bars are more a marketing tool than a true signal-strength indicator. 

On a glass-mount antenna, what is the temperature range the glass should be for installation? 

The Very High Bond (VHB) tape used on the Glass-Mount Antenna is produced by 3M Corporation and will provide good adhesion to a clean, flat glass surface. When you attach the cellular antenna, the glass should be about 70 degrees F. After the adhesive has set up (about 24 hours), extreme temperatures will not affect it. 

Can I use a Low-Profile antenna inside my car on the dash to obtain a better signal? 

The Low-Profile cellular antenna would give you some signal increase on your dash compared to your cell phone alone inside your vehicle; however an antenna with a higher gain that mounts outside your vehicle (such as the Trucker, Glass-Mount, Magnet-Mount or NMO Mount) would give you better performance. 

Will my Magnet-Mount Antenna work if I place it on a non-metal surface? 

A MagnetMount cellular antenna must be placed on a ferrous metal (iron or steel) for it to work properly. If the magnet on the antenna base sticks to a surface, the surface is made of iron or steel and the antenna will work. 

The cable on the antenna on my vehicle is not long enough. Can I add 30 feet of cable? 

All of the mobile antennas have a gain of about 5 dB. If you add 30 feet of a low-loss cable such as RG-58, the cable loss would be greater than the antenna gain resulting in a net loss of signal strength. If you must add more than 20 feet of cable, use a lower-loss cable, such as a 9913 equivalent. 

Why do I have to install the outside and inside antenna so far apart? 

Each antenna on a wireless amplifier system has a signal pattern. To achieve the greatest coverage area possible, each signal pattern should not reach the other antenna. This would cause the amplifier to oscillate (feedback) and reduce the performance of the amplifier. The antennas on a 50 dB amplifier must be
separated by at least 40 feet. The antennas on a 60 dB amplifier must be separated by at least 75 feet. A roof or wall will help with separation. 

Does the Yagi antenna need to be grounded? 

The Yagi does not need to be grounded. However, we recommend a Lightning Surge Protector in all building installations. The Lightning Surge Protector will ground the antenna and prevent an electrical surge from damaging your amplifier. 

What is the range of the inside cellular antenna? 

The range or distance you can be from an inside antenna depends on the strength of the signal coming from the cell tower and the output of the amplifier. The stronger your signal is, the greater the range will be. Range is not determined by the cellular antenna. 

Can I install an antenna upside down?

Yes. The signal pattern for the omni-directional antennas (such as the Trucker, Low Profile, Magnet or Glass Mount) will work well as long as the antenna is vertical (pointing up or down). However, they lose much of their effectiveness if they are mounted sideways or at an angle. 

Can I hold my Yagi cellular antenna to point it in different directions while attempting to tune it to a cell tower? 

When you hold or touch a Yagi or any antenna with exposed metal surfaces, your body alters and distorts the signal and changes the antenna's performance. With a Yagi, manufacturers recommends that you temporarily mount the cellular antenna while tuning. It is important that you let go of the antenna when you are taking a signal strength reading or the reading will be inaccurate.

Can I use a Yagi antenna on my motorhome?

Yes. Since the Yagi is directional, you would need to re-tune it at each new location. 

Can I place my Magnet Mount Antenna on top of my refrigerator? 

Yes, as long as the outside of the refrigerator is made of a metal to which the magnet will stick. The Magnet Mount Antenna should provide better performance than the cell phone antenna alone. However, placing the cellular antenna outside will allow it to collect as much signal as possible. 

Can I use a Trucker antenna on my house? 

Yes. Although designed for mobile use, a Trucker antenna will provide the same signal improvement if mounted on a stationary structure. However, we recommend a Yagi antenna for all building installations. A Yagi has more gain and can compensate for signal loss through the cable.The Yagi is directional and can reduce the chances of oscillation. It also has the ability to tune out interfering
signals by pointing away from them. 

Where should I place the inside antenna on an In-Building Wireless amplifier system? 

Place the inside antenna in the area where you need service the most. Keep the inside antenna out of contact with metal objects and away from electronic devices and electrical wiring. Some situations may require more than one antenna. Remember to keep the minimum separation between the inside and outside antenna.