1a. HOW DO MOBILE SIGNAL BOOSTER WORKS?

A phone signal repeater is a device that helps amplify a weak signal, thus improving reception significantly. The device works by first receiving the signal from the nearest phone tower, then expanding it, giving you a stronger signal of up to 2 or 3 extra signal bars. This thus eliminates dead zones hence no more dropped calls or slow internet connectivity in the house, boat, office, or RV.  You can learn more about cell phone signal boosters here. 

1b. What does 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G actually mean and how to differentiate between the four of them?

2. HOW MANY USERS CAN USE ONE CELL PHONE REPEATER AT ONE GO?

While the number of simultaneous users varies from one mobile phone boosters to the other, most cell signal boosters can handle up to 100 or more users at the same time. This is, of course, for as long as the users are within 300 square metres and doesn’t move away from the repeater’s operational radius, then he/she will enjoy the benefits without any glitch.

3. CAN MOBILE PHONE BOOSTER WORK IN CARS AND YACHT? HOW?

Most people are of the notion that there is absolutely a lack of remedies for poor and drop mobile phone signal while in a Vehicles and Yacht. Our team of innovators have developed a perfect solution for this. Our Car and yacht phone signal booster and accessories have been specifically designed for different kinds of vehicles and yachts. 

HOW?

Getting signals in remote areas, while cruising on a yacht and while in the driving in a car on highways could be very challenging, But our mobile phone signal boosters with the help of a strong outdoor antenna locates and captures phone signals from the mobile phone network tower which can be as far as 20 miles or more depending on the power of the booster and broadcast or amplify it in your vehicle or yacht through  the internal aerial or antenna in the vehicle or yacht.

Our vehicle and yacht kits come with a booster, indoor and outdoor antennas, and cables. It is built to boost mobile phone signal coverage for both voice and data on your mobile phone and compatible data devices. 

4. ARE MOBILE SIGNAL REPEATERS SAFE? 

Mobile phones are known to emit some form of radiation which can be harmful to our health.  Radiation emitted however becomes worse if the phone struggles to get reception. A mobile phone repeater, however, makes the signal more available hence reducing strain Mobile Signal have on your phone; thus, very little radiation is emitted which makes it safe to use. In addition to this, all the cell phone repeaters in our catalogue meet international RoHS and CE Standards. 

 5. HOW SECURE ARE THE BOOSTERS CELL PHONE BOOSTER?

 give out some form of radiation which can be harmful to our health.  However, the expensive brands out there all have filters which helps to lower the emission of radiation as much as possible.  When any mobile phones struggle to connect properly with the tower of the service provider, the radiation that goes out from them gets even worse.  When a mobile signal booster is installed, it helps radiation to be lowered by bringing in better signal which reduces radiation from mobile phones drastically.  Furthermore, all of our devices are CE, RoHs & ICASA approved and even has a CRAN license for Namibia and Northern African countries.

 6. WHY CHOOSE SMARTBOOSTERS?

SmartBooster is the only cell phone repeater supplier in the world to offer a 3-year warranty on its devices.  We have local engineers in all major towns in South Africa where technical support is always available.  We also offer free Technical support over the phone and by email.  The after sales support is simply unprecedented and we look after each and every customer every step of the way.  With our devices there are no hidden charges, no subscription fees and no monthly fees.  It is a long term investment and solution with a life cycle of 15 to 20 years if not longer.  Our amplifiers are portable, reliable and upgradable.

Our equipments are 100% CE approved and ICASA licensed.  They have very low radiation due to the great quality of filters that they possess, which makes them safe for people of all walks of life.  As soon as your solution is installed you can expect improved signal for phone calls, higher 3G or 4G LTE Internet data for streaming videos, making Skype calls, WhatsApp and browsing the web.  The solution is wireless meaning that you don’t need to plug anything in any of your mobile phones or other devices.  Our repeaters will improve signal for anything that operates on frequency and that uses a simcard be in a router, dongle, iPad, credit card machine, alarm box, CCTV Cameras, the list is truly endless.

 INSTALLING AND USING A SIGNAL BOOSTER

 7. WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED (MAXIMUM) CABLE LENGTH BETWEEN THE SIGNAL REPEATER AND ITS ANTENNA INSIDE THE HOUSE? 

Again, this depends on the model of the phone signal repeater. Powerful mobile phone signal booster can handle anything between 20 and 35 metres while less powerful ones would only manage 10- 15 metres. We however recommend using the standard coax cable provided for optimal performance. 

8. WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM CABLE LENGTH BETWEEN THE REPEATER AND THE ANTENNA OUTSIDE? 

This also depends on that specific signal booster. Powerful signal boosters can support cables with a maximum length of 35 metres, while less powerful models can only support up to 20 metres of cable length. Although the signal booster might be capable of supporting such cable lengths, we would advise users to use the standard cable provided in the package. This assures better performance from the device. 

9. HOW CAN I CHECK SIGNAL STRENGTH IN DB? 

Almost every mobile operating system allows users to check the precise signal level. You might, however, have to switch your phone to FTM (Field Test Mode) to access such data. Some of the most common ways to test signal strength are outlined below: 

 a.         Android devices: Activate by typing * # * # 197328640 # * # *

b.         iOS: Type *3001#12345#* then press call

c.         Windows phone: Type ##3282#

d.         Blackberry: Go to TOOLS >Settings>Status/Options

Be sure to disable Wi-Fi before activating the field test mode. This should make it possible to detect the precise signal level and strength. Contact us if unable to get your device to work. 

10. HOW CAN I EVALUATE AND MONITOR SIGNAL PERFORMANCE IN DECIBELS (DB)?

 There are many apps available on play store and you can also procure yourself of a frequency analyser.  With the smartphones that we have today, it has become very easy for most people to do their own site surveys when it comes to smaller areas.

A few examples of the apps available are the following:

 NETWORK CELL INFO

 NETWORK ANALYZER

 NETMONITOR CELL SIGNAL LOGGING

 2G 3G 4G LTE NETWORK MONITOR

 NETWORK SIGNAL PRO

 KAIBITS

 11. HOW DO I ENSURE THE OUTDOOR DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?

 The ideal position for an outdoor antenna is to place it in an unobstructed position on top of your roof, distance from other antennas that uses frequencies. If this is not possible, locate which corner of the building that has the best signal, and install the outdoor antenna in that corner. Outdoor antennas are typically located at the highest point in your house such as the attic and the rooftop. The external antenna should not be installed close to interior antenna or the booster and should vertically interval the booster by at least 10 metre.

 The higher up on the building the antenna is placed, the more improved the mobile phone reception will be. Most importantly, please note that this might not always be the case. You are advice to find the location with the strongest signal. To achieve this, use your mobile phone signal strength to determine where you have the strongest signal. Make note of this location and then go inside the building to see if you receive good signal inside through the booster and indoor antenna(s). The external antenna should be placed relatively close to the spot where you receive the strongest signal inside the building.

 Also have in mind that locating the outdoor antenna within close distance of other devices which rely upon frequencies (such as satellite dish, existing antenna, or another booster) may result in interference, resulting in the fluctuation of the signals via the booster

It would be advisable to mount the antenna on the sides of the building aiming away from it. There will be fewer obstacles this way. You should also consider doing this as a pair when testing to accelerate the process, and for convenience. 

12. HOW TO ADJUST AND POINT THE OUTDOOR ANTENNA ACCURATELY FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE?

Installing an outdoor antenna is actually easier than it seems.  There are a few simple rules to follow and respect.  The first thing to remember is that the external antenna and the indoor antenna(s) are like cats and dogs and both require to be at least 10 metres away from each other to avoid any form of oscillation.  Prior to the setup, and when a DIY type of installation is required.  All that is required is to determine where the signal on the outside is best and strongest.  So, you can point your mobile phone towards the north, south, east and west while standing on top of the roof to find the best reception or you could even take a walk down your road to find out as to where that signal is coming from.  What is always recommended is that the external antenna is mounted either on the outside wall of a building or even better on top of the roof on a chimney or on a pole at the highest point.  The higher the outdoor antenna while pointing in the direction where the signal is best and strongest, the better the performance of your booster.

13. HOW DO I INTERPRET SIGNAL TESTING RESULTS IN DB?

 Switch to your phone to Field Test Mode to see exact network parameters. Here are a few tips on how to determine the best dB signal for better signal reception. 

a.         -105 to -100 = Bad signal/drop call

b.         -99 to -90  = weak signal/ might break up

c.         -89 to -80 = Signal is ok but could have a few issues

d.         -75 to -65 = Good signal strength

e.         Over  -65  = Excellent signal

With this in your mind, the main idea will be to get at least -78dB signal for reliable communication and an even stronger signal inside the house. 

14. HOW CAN I LEARN TO READ RESULTS OF TESTING SIGNAL IN DECIBELS (DBS) ACCURATELY?

When it comes to Db (decibel) readings, all that you need to remember is that the higher the numbers, the lower your signal strength will be.  Below you will see examples of how to interpret the readings accurately and how to go about testing. 

To do a site survey, you need to be able to accurately measure the signal strength at various

locations. While “bars” of signal can give you a rough measurement, it’s more accurate to

measure the signal in Decibels or dBs.  Decibels are expressed as a negative number, like -70 dBs the closer the number is to 0, the stronger the signal. For example, -70 dB is a stronger signal than -90 dBs if your phone or computer shows a positive number, just add a negative sign to it, so 70 would really be -70 dBs. If your outside signal is weaker than -90 dB, we strongly recommend using a directional Yagi-type outside antenna to ensure the system has a strong enough signal to cover your inside area. In general, unless you need to support multiple operators, we always recommend using a directional antenna.

15. DO I NEED A TECHNICIAN TO INSTALL THE REPEATER SYSTEM?

 Almost every mobile signal booster system can be installed in a DIY. All you need to do is read the manual first.  Once you’ve done that, you should be able to install the repeater even without any technical knowledge or expertise in communications. Refer to the ‘How to install page’ on the manual and be sure to follow each step for a clean install. If this seems like a challenge for you, you can always contact our technical support team for professional help. 

16. HOW EASY IS IT TO INSTALL A CELL PHONE BOOSTER SYSTEM?

 When it comes to small offices, containers, houses or any small areas varying from 50sqm to 400sqm.  Our DIY solutions would be very simple to install.  If you find yourself very busy you can even hire your local electrician to set it up for you because it basically is just a plug and play system.  Our full installation manuals are always available on the website and we are always available to offer you additional technical support for free by email and over the phone.  Remember that we also have installers available in most major cities in South Africa, so if you really want us to install for you, we can always make arrangements especially for you.  On the other hand, when it comes to bigger properties like Hotels, Hospitals, Corporate offices or even big acres of farming lands, we highly recommend that we do a site inspection prior to the solution that you may want to install and that we actually do the setup for you.

 17. THE 3G MOBILE PHONE BOOSTER BE USED TO IMPROVE MOBILE COMMUNICATION? 

 Many of the current mobile phones can support different frequency bands with no hitches. These phones support GSM for communication and 3G for internet connectivity easily. It is, however, worth noting that most 3G signal repeaters are only designed to boost data exchange. In other words, they only support mobile internet and applications on these phones. Although you might see a 3G icon on your phone, you might still experience dropped calls. That said, you’ll need to invest in a GSM mobile signal booster supporting the frequency range that your carrier uses.  For countries in Europe and Asia, GSM boosters supporting the 900MHz band will be ideal.  Clients from other countries should consider using the search form to find the perfect repeater. 

18. WILL A 3G SIGNAL BOOSTER HELP TO ENHANCE CELL PHONE VOICE CONNECTIVITY?

First of all, let's identify the meaning of 2G, 3G, LTE 4G & 5G.  What do they really stand for?  Well, the term 2G actually really means second generation.  This term was first introduced when mobile phones was first introduced, and it was generally related to voice and SMS being the 2G data.  Then with 3G being the 3rd generation we saw the very beginning of the Internet being introduced to mobile phones.  LTE 4G promised 10 times the speed of 3G and LTE means Long Term Evolution.  With 5G emerging recently, this new craze promises a completely revolutionary experience for mobile phone users when connecting to internet data on these devices.  So, when it comes to a 3G booster, it is important to note that 3G operates on the 2100Mhz frequency meaning that it is designed to boost 3G internet data primarily.  2G on the other hand operates on either 900Mhz or 1800Mhz at any one time and sometimes they may operate on a dualband frequency at ones which enables users to benefit from all networks being improved for voice & sms with a 2G repeater. 4G on the other hand varies from 1800Mhz to 2100Mhz but in South Africa most network operators broadcasts there 4G on the 1800Mhz.

19. WILL ONE MOBILE PHONE BOOSTER COVER A FEW ROOMS AND FLOORS?

Almost all the powerful signal repeaters can service several rooms and floors comfortably. You might however need to invest in the most powerful of these repeaters for the best results. Be sure to consider factors such as building materials used in the house. Metal and concrete walls will have a considerable impact on the signal strength; one of the reasons you should ask a professional to help you pick the right device for such an application. Two repeaters might come in handy in larger houses and even more floors. 

20.  IS ONLY ONE UNIT GOING TO BE SUFFICIENT TO IMPROVE SIGNAL IN MULTIPLE ROOMS AND FLOORS?

Depending on the thickness of walls, the size of the building and number of storeys involved.  amplifier should normally be enough to cover approximately 4 to 5 rooms with one indoor antenna.  However it is important to note that the walls should be normal brick walls and not be reinforced by steel or old stone walls.  Alternatively, similar to a wifi system that uses access points to distribute signal in particular rooms and corridors.  We would create and suggest something that we call a (DAS) Distribution Antenna System which are extra indoor antennas that are connected with splitters and cables which all need to be placed in areas where improved signal is required.

 ORDERING AND SHIPPING

21. WHAT PAYMENT METHODS CAN I USE?

There are several methods to pay for an order. First, you can use the website portal to pay for the product using a Master Card or Visa. Simply click on the ‘Buy Now’ button, and you’ll be directed to a secure payment portal. You can also use bank transfers and PayPal to pay for the same. You should, however, contact our customers representatives  for payment details if paying by bank transfers. 

 ORDER PROCESSING & DELIVERY

 22. HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY ORDER?

Since we have stock locally in JHB, you are very welcome to view, pay and collect.  However, it is essential that you make an appointment with us over the phone because we are more of an online store than a shop.  You can also pay via credit card direct through our website or by EFT Bank Transfer.  In exceptional circumstances we may accept cash, but we would rather you deposit the payment into our bank account or do an EFT.

23. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY SHIPMENT?

Product shipping generally takes between 3 and 10 business days. This however depends on your location and distance. We use FedEx Express and Parcel Force Couriers to ship all mobile phone boosters and the accessories.  

24. WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL OF MY ORDER ONCE PAID?

We would usually wait for payment to clear on our account prior to processing your order if you pay by EFT.  However, the good news is that since we have local stock, delivery to the Johannesburg area is quite fast and is usually next day delivery and for Durban, Cape-Town or any other areas nationwide you can expect delivery within 2 to 3 working days. Our courier company is called “Courier Guys” and they collect from us every day at around 2:30pm, so if your payment clears at least 1 hour before that we can send your order for delivery pretty much right away.

TROUBLESHOOTING 

25. I HAVE SET UP BOOSTER AND ANTENNA BUT I STILL DO NOT GET SIGNAL?

a) Troubleshooting a booster and antennas you will need to check a few preliminary common causes to determine the best course of action to take. Firstly, make sure the booster that you order is compatible with your mobile phone network. If you have a 4G phone but you are trying to use a 3G cell phone signal booster, that may be the problem because it won't enhance 4G LTE data signals that your phone receives from your carrier's mobile phone tower. While you can typically use a 4G booster for 3G and 2G phones, there may be some issues if you try to reverse this. 

 b) Ensure the power is connected accordingly and the power light on the booster is on. Check to make sure all the cables linked to the boosters and antennas are connected accordingly as this might cause the device to stop working properly. 

 Next, check to see if you're receiving any signal with the device turned off. Check both inside of the building as well as exterior of the building. A cell phone signal booster can help to maximize the signal strength even in a no signal indoor, but if there's absolutely no signal outside to boost, then the device will not work. However, if you do find a signal on the external part of the building, place your outside antenna at the strongest signal position. Interior antenna should be placed where you need the reception indoors but there must be signals outside, in order for the booster to replicate it inside.

 Finally, make sure there is plenty of distance between indoor and outdoor antennas. Avoid having them too close to each other. If the problems still persist, please call our technical support team or go to online chat and ask for tech support. Our advice line is (0110838659) We're always happy to help.

 26. SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT INSTALLING A BOOSTER IF I DON’T KNOW THE LOCATION OF THE MOBILE PHONE TOWER?

Absolutely no, the mobile phone tower does not have to be visible for you to use the booster. There is signal in the air and the Booster have the ability to capture even the slightest signal it can find through the outdoor antenna and then amplify it to near full bars indoor. Though it is factual to say that proximity to the mobile phone tower, the more effective the booster will work, but its functionality does not rely on this.

Our boosters are crafted to effectively pick up the slightest amount of outdoor signal without the user being able to see the mobile phone tower. 

The positioning of the outdoor antenna has significant effects on the signal strength. Users should follow all instructions as specified in the manual and your signal booster should work great as long as there's minimal signal outside the building for it to pick and amplify inside.

 27. DOES MOBILE PHONE BOOSTER HAVE THE SAFEGUARD FUNCTIONS FOR PREVENTING INTERFERENCE AND OSCILLATION?

 Mobile phone towers emit some form of frequencies that may affect mobile phone booster and vice versa, this may depend on the distance between the booster and the mobile tower. To increase the performance of the booster, prevent the booster from any interference which may be caused by a mobile tower and also prevent the device from causing interference to a mobile tower, all our mobile phone signal boosters are built and optimised with a three-way interference surge system.

a) AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL

 Automatically adjusts thus aiding the incoming signals to work accurately. This helps prevent the Mobile Booster closed loop-circuit overloading, regardless of the inconsistencies and changes in the frequencies by the mobile phone tower.

b) OSCILLATION DETECTION. 

The booster should have a repetitive variation which is somewhat predictable by the booster. When the variations go outside of the normal, the oscillation detection within the booster set in and stop the interference from causing malfunctions in the system.

c)AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN. 

This function helps the booster to shut down in the event that all options fail, to prevent the booster from Damage.

These three options are basic requirements of an approved mobile phone signal boosters because the carriers need as much help as possible to remove this variable and to solve the interference abnormalities. 

d) These are part of the basic requirements and safety guide from ICASA and other International Telecoms regulatory bodies.

e) WARNING METAL SURFACES

All amplifiers emit a low magnetic field of electric power to the outdoor antenna. The connectors as well can transmit this weak electric field to a metal roof or cladding, transforming them into supra-antennas but generating at the same time a signal disturbance. This is mainly to avoid any form of interference, so please do not take this point lightly.  Do your best to keep your outdoor antennas as far as possible from metal surfaces or insulate.

28. IS IT A PREROGATIVE TO KNOW WHERE THE MAST OF THE SERVICE PROVIDER IS WHEN INSTALLING A REPEATER & SHOULD I BE WORRIED IF I HAVE NO IDEA OF ITS LOCATION?

The answer is a resounding No.  There is absolutely nothing to worry if you are unable to see or even locate the tower of your nearest service provider.  What’s essential is that you know that you have been recommended with the correct and best amplifier based on your requirements and location along with the strongest outdoor antenna if necessary.  The next point to consider is to simply ensure that the outdoor antenna is pointing in the general direction as to where signal may be available even if that location is only kilometres away, the external antenna needs to be at its highest point and connected to a powerful repeater.