For part 1 of this series, click here. For part 2, click here. For part 4, click here. For part 5, click here.
I'm beginning to get the feeling that the zBoost YX545 is as good as they say. All I did was tape the antenna to the window and I went from one bar to three. I know that's not a permanent solution, so I set out to see whether or not I should mount the antenna outside. It takes a lot to get me up on a ladder and I want to know if it's worth it.
Attachment 157
Just happen to have a fencepost lying around from an unfinished project.
Step 1: Creating a temporary mast
I started with a 6-foot 2x2 wooden fencepost that I had in the garage. Using my old standby, painter's tape, I temporarily attached the antenna to it. I then took more painter's tape and attached the fencepost to an eight-foot ladder. This wouldn't get me all the way to the 15 feet vertical distance recommended by the instructions but it would get me about as high up as I plan to mount the antenna... if this whole thing works. I then propped the whole thing up against the chimney temporarily.Step 1: Creating a temporary mast
Attachment 158
It's not exactly up to code but it will work for a few minutes. Note the roll of painter's tape on the chimney.
Step 2: Positioning the zBoost YX545
Step 2: Positioning the zBoost YX545
My goal was to put the zBoost YX545 in the exact center of the house. I only had 50 feet of cable and it had to run under doors. I actually got pretty close. The YX545 ended up in the hallway. Hey, it's only temporary, right? I just want to know if the thing works.
Attachment 159
Only the best quality antique furniture will do when testing equipment.
Step 3: Cable Run
Step 3: Cable Run
Running the cable was a pretty easy affair. It went under the doors well enough, as long as I didn't close the doors. As before, connecting the antenna wire was no problem.
The next image speaks for itself. I have never, ever, in 10 years and several cell companies, had 5 bars in the house. Not even for a minute. This was in an area that normally has about three bars. Even in the office, where I get one bar at best, I got four steady bars. Call quality is excellent and there's no doubt in my mind that it's going to be worth it to actually get up on a ladder and mount the antenna.
The next step is to see if I can avoid going into the attic... and that's the topic of my next article.