Description: This high gain antenna comes with 7 m cable terminated in a SMA (m) connector (standard usb modem connector). The generic adapter cable fits onto the E220 USB modem. Includes 1m mounting pole and wall bracket valued at R180.
This antenna is robust and meant for a fixed, outdoor installation. The antenna has a gain of 11 dBi and covers the 824 - 1000 MHz and 1700 - 2170 MHz frequency bands. It is just over 1 m long and looks very similar to an old MNet antenna. It is supplied with a U-bolt that allows you to fit it to the included 1m mounting pole (50 mm in diameter with wall bracket).
Use this antenna to improve data reception: You can use this antenna to improve your 3G/HSDPA reception when using a USB Modem or a your cellular phone as a modem.
Use this antenna to improve cellular voice reception:The high gain antenna is ideal to improve voice as well as data reception.
If the included 7 m cable is too short you may want to purchase a 5 or 10 m extension cable. Note that longer cables weaken the signal you receive somewhat. Always use the shortest cable possible.
Installation: The antenna is supplied with a U Bolt, wall mount and 1m aerial pole, as well as a 7m aerial extension lead.
Mount the antenna on a pole outside the home or office. The antenna must be installed as high as the cable allows. It should be pointed in the direction of the cellular tower. Have a look here to get more advice on installing the antenna. Take the cable into the house or office and connect the 7m to the 30 cm long 3G adapter cable. The other end of the adapter cable gets connected to your 3G card.
What does a high gain 3G Antenna do?
Provided that you are within the 3G/HSDPA signal range a higher gain antenna will provide you with higher data rates as your signal to noise ratio is increased, thus a better transfer rate can be achieved.
A high gain antenna mounted outside in a fixed position will also result in a more stable signal.
Please bear in mind that the 3G/HSDPA data rate will also be affected by the number of subscribers on line at a particular time, so you may have great throughput in the mornings and late evenings and during the day this may drop.
What lightning protection should be used?
When using the LPDA-A0021 there is a DC short built into the antenna which will help with vicinity strikes, but the pole which the antenna is mounted on must be properly grounded. This means that it must be mounted on an aluminium pole with a copper strap running down the pole into an appropriate spike (or 3 spikes) into moist soil. An additional aluminium pipe can be mounted horizontally above the antenna to take the brunt of any direct strikes.
Gas arrestors or polyphaser devices can also be fitted inline to further suppress any surges
What is the difference between a YAGI and a LPDA?
A yagi antenna typically can only cover 1 of the 3 cellphone bands (900MHz/1800MHz or 3G, 1950-2170MHz). GPRS is transmitted on 900/1800 bands, 3G/HSDPA on the UMTS 2000MHz band. Very likely that yagi is not made for the 3G band in which case it may actually REDUCE the signal at 3G and enhance GPRS. Best to use a broadband antenna such as an LPDA (log-periodic dipole array). These antennas do all the bands and may solve the problem.
Will the Poynting Antenna increase the 3G signal strength and reduce 'inactive' connection periods?
Regarding inactive periods the following (simplified) explanation: The base stations normally does power control. It operates on a contention basis and the better connected users will shut out those on the margin of the signal in peak periods. To reduce these inactive times a high gain antenna will definitely help, in the sense that the mast will interpret it as a better connection.
This item is still new and unused (has never been installed).
