CATALOG
- Package Contents
- Preparation
- STEP 1: Inside Antenna Placement
- STEP 2: Mount & Point Outside Antenna Toward Nearest Cell Tower
- STEP 3: Route & Connect Outside Antenna To Booster
- STEP 3: Route & Connect Inside Antenna To Booster
- STEP 4: Power Up The Booster & Optimize The System
- Measuring Booster Performance
- Light Patterns
- Troubleshooting
- Safety Guidelines
- Specifications
- Warranty
Package Contents
The package includes the following items:
- Booster (Device with a large stylized 'A' logo and indicator lights)
- Indoor Antenna (A vertical antenna)
- Outdoor Antenna (A vertical antenna)
- 60 ft of 3D-FB Cable
- Power Supply
- Mounting Parts of Outdoor Antenna
Preparation
You Will Need (tools not included)
Ensure the following materials are prepared for installation:
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
- Personnel: 1 Person (2 people recommended for easier antenna calibration)
- Tools:
- Ladder
- Drill (if routing cable through wall)
- 1"-3" diameter existing pole for mounting Outdoor Antenna (Pole Mount can be purchased separately if needed)
- Recommended: Power Strip with surge protection
NOTE: These instructions guide you through a "soft" install process to find optimal locations for antennas, followed by the permanent installation.
Step 1: Inside Antenna Placement
Place the Inside Antenna where you need the greatest signal boost and position the Booster in your desired location.
NOTE: Do not connect the booster to power until the system is fully installed.
Choose right position for the indoor antenna:
- 1 foot away from any other metallic objects.
- 3 feet away from any windows.
[Diagram: Booster unit with an indoor antenna connected to its port.]
Booster Placement
Mount the booster:
- Choose a ventilated and dry place.
- Keep away from heat.
- Do not cover the booster.
[Note: The booster may operate approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the ambient temperature, which is a normal phenomenon.]
Step 2: Mount & Point Outside Antenna Toward Nearest Cell Tower
Pole mounting and wall mounting options are available. Pole mounting is preferred for easier adjustment to the cell tower's direction.
Attach the Mount to the Outside Antenna and use the Bracket Clamps to secure the Antenna to a pole or exhaust pipe.
Ensure the outside unit is mounted at least 3 feet away from any windows. The outdoor antenna must be installed over the roof line.
NOTE: Mounting on an existing roof exhaust pipe can save time. Be cautious of power lines.
[Diagram: Two illustrations showing different pole mounting configurations for the outdoor antenna.]
Point the Outside Antenna toward the nearest cell phone tower. Use an app like 'Open Signal' to locate the nearest tower. This step is critical for the overall performance of the booster system.
The greater the separation between the Inside and Outside Antennas, the better the booster's performance.
[Diagram: Illustrates the required separation distances between the cell tower, outdoor antenna, booster, and indoor antenna.]
NOTE: The Outside Antenna must be at least:
- 40 feet (12 meters) straight line distance
- 30 feet (9 meters) horizontal distance
- 20 feet (6 meters) vertical distance
from the Inside Antenna for best performance. Ensure the Inside Antenna and Outside Antennas are positioned facing away from each other.
Step 3: Route & Connect Outside Antenna To Booster
Connect the white 3D-FB Cable to the Outside Antenna and route the cable into the home. Secure the cable near the antenna. All connections should be finger tightened only.
Route the cable to the Booster and connect it to the port labeled 'OUTSIDE'.
[Diagram: Shows the 3D-FB cable connecting from the outdoor antenna to the 'OUTSIDE' port on the booster.]
Step 3: Route & Connect Inside Antenna To Booster
Connect the Inside Antenna to the 'INSIDE' port on the booster.
[Diagram: Shows the indoor antenna connecting to the 'INSIDE' port on the booster.]
Step 4: Power Up The Booster & Optimize The System
Plug in the Power Supply and connect it to the nearest power outlet.
NOTE: We strongly recommend using a power strip with surge protection.
[Diagram: Shows the power supply connecting to the booster and then to a wall outlet.]
Measuring Booster Performance
How To Get Signal Strength As A Number
iPhone®
iOS 11 and later no longer displays the decibel (dBm) reading in 'Field Test Mode'. Tip: Using the dot signal strength indicator on your cell phone can assist you in finding the strongest signal direction as well as placing calls in different locations.
iPhone: dial *3001#12345#*
then press call.
Android™
Navigate to: Settings > About Phone > Status or Network > Signal Strength or Network Type and Strength (exact options/wording depends on phone model).
Android: download third-party APP-LTE Discovery.
iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
Signal Strength without Booster
Note here: ____________________
Signal Strength with Booster
Note here: ____________________
Compare Results
Having an accurate measurement of signal strength in decibels (dBm) is crucial when installing your system. Decibels accurately measure the signal strength you are receiving.
DID YOU KNOW: A signal increase of just 3dB is 2 times the power and signal amplification!
Light Patterns
Panel Indicator
Correct Functioning:
- The band indicator lights on the front panel indicate the status of each band of the booster.
- Every time the power is turned on, all the indicators will turn green for about 1 second. This means that the booster has passed the self-test and is in good condition.
- When there is no problem with the system, all the indicators remain solid green during operation.
Band Indicator Lights Blinking Red:
- Band has reduced gain. Lights blinking indicate that the corresponding booster bands have reduced power due to a feedback loop condition called oscillation. This is a built-in safety feature to prevent harmful interference with a nearby cell tower.
- If you are already experiencing the desired signal boost, no further adjustments are necessary. If not, refer to the Troubleshooting section.
Band Indicator Lights Solid Red:
- Band has shutoff. This is due to a feedback loop condition called oscillation. This is a built-in safety feature that causes a band to shut off to prevent harmful interference with a nearby cell tower. Refer to the Troubleshooting section.
[Diagram: Booster front panel showing indicator lights for different bands (e.g., Band 12, Band 5, Band 2, Band 13, Band 4) and the APlusBoost logo.]
Troubleshooting
IF YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THE COVERAGE, THESE LIGHT ISSUES DON'T HAVE TO BE RESOLVED. YOUR CARRIER'S BAND HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED.
FIXING ANY BAND INDICATOR LIGHTS BLINKING ISSUES
Band Indicator Lights Blinking Red
- Band Indicator Lights Blink 1 To 15 Times (1 cycle): This means the gain lowered 1~15 dB. If your coverage and reception are good, you can ignore the blink.
- Band Indicator Lights Blink All The Time: This means the gain lowered 15~25 dB. Check and install the whole system again.
FIXING ANY BAND INDICATOR LIGHTS SOLID ORANGE ISSUES
Band Indicator Lights Solid Orange
This means shut down. Check and install the whole system again.
ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE NOT ON
Please verify your power supply has power; contact APlusBoost by email or call for replacement.
[Footer: NEED HELP ? www.aplusboost.com]
Troubleshooting (Oscillation)
How does oscillation happen:
- Indoor antenna receives leak signal from the outdoor antenna.
- Booster amplifies the signal and then transmits it to the outdoor antenna.
- Outdoor antenna broadcasts the signal in the air; some of the signal feeds back to the indoor antenna and becomes a leak signal.
- If the gain of the booster is higher than the loss of the leak signal, the leak signal will become bigger and bigger, finally causing oscillation.
How to confirm that oscillation has occurred:
- Panel light flashes or solid red/orange after power on.
- Screw off the indoor antenna from the booster.
- Restart the power supply.
- All indicator lights flash once after power on, indicating self-test finished.
How to solve the problem of oscillation:
Keep enough distance between indoor and outdoor antenna.
Minimum Required Separation Distance Between Indoor and Outdoor Antennas:
- Straight line distance: over 40 feet (12 meters)
- Horizontal distance: 30 feet (9 meters)
- Vertical distance: 20 feet (6 meters) (as far as possible).
Safety Guidelines
To uphold network protection standards and ensure compliance, all active cellular devices must maintain a separation distance of at least six feet between the inside unit antenna and outside unit antenna, and at least four feet of separation distance from the inside unit.
Use of a non-APlusBoost product or accessory may result in damage to the equipment or components of the equipment.
The inside unit is designed for use in an indoor, temperature-controlled environment (less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit). It is not intended for use in attics or similar locations where temperatures may be in excess of that range.
RF Safety Warning: Any antenna used with this device must be located at least 8 inches from all persons.
This is a CONSUMER device.
BEFORE USE: You MUST REGISTER THIS DEVICE with your wireless provider and have your provider's consent. Most wireless providers consent to the use of signal boosters. Some providers may not consent to the use of this device on their network. If you are unsure, contact your provider.
In Canada, BEFORE USE you must meet all requirements set out in ISED CPC-2-1-05. You MUST operate this device with approved antennas and cables as specified by the manufacturer. Antennas MUST be installed at least 20 cm (8 inches) from (i.e., MUST NOT be installed within 20 cm of) any person.
You MUST cease operating this device immediately if requested by the FCC (or ISED in Canada) or licensed wireless service provider.
WARNING: E911 location information may not be provided or may be inaccurate for calls served by using this device.
This device may be operated ONLY in a fixed location for in-building use.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON REGISTERING YOUR SIGNAL BOOSTER WITH YOUR WIRELESS PROVIDER, PLEASE SEE BELOW:
- Sprint: http://www.sprint.com/legal/fcc_boosters.html
- T-Mobile/MetroPCS: https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-9827
- Verizon Wireless: http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/register-signal-booster.html
- AT&T: https://securec45.securewebsession.com/attsignalbooster.com/
- U.S. Cellular: http://www.uscellular.com/uscellular/support/fcc-booster-registration.jsp
Specifications
Parameter | Details |
---|---|
Model Number | SF-002 |
FCC | 2A34B-SFZN002 |
Connectors | F-Female on the inside Antenna / F-Female on the Outside Antenna |
Noise figure | 5 dB nominal |
Antenna Impedance | 75 Ohms / 75 Ohms |
Weight | 0.35Kg |
Frequency | 698-716MHz, 776-787MHz, 824-849MHz, 1850-1915MHz, 1710-1755MHz 728-746MHz, 746-757MHz, 869-894MHz, 1930-1995MHz, 2110-2155MHz |
Power output for single cell phone (Uplink)dBm | 700A-MHz (Band12): 62 700V-MHz (Band13): 62 800MHz (Band5): 62 1900MHz (Band2): 65 1700MHz (Band4): 65 |
Power output for single cell phone (Downlink)dBm | 700A-MHz (Band12): 64 700V-MHz (Band13): 64 800MHz (Band5): 65 1900MHz (Band2): 68 2100MHz (Band4): 68 |
EIRP | 1W Max |
Operating temperature | 5°F to 140°F (-15℃~60 ℃) |
Isolation | >110 dB |
Power Requirements | AC/DC 12V, 1.5A, w/1.35X3.5mm Jack |
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by APlusBoost could void the authority to operate this equipment.
CPC-2-1-05 - Zone Enhancers - Spectrum management and telecommunications: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf08942.html
Warning: Unauthorized antennas/cables and/or coupling devices are prohibited by FCC rules. Please contact FCC for details: 1-888-CALL-FCC
[Footer: NEED HELP ? www.aplusboost.com]
Warranty
3 YEAR WARRANTY
The Booster is covered under a three-year product warranty for failures or defects that result from craftsmanship and/or materials. Dated proof of purchase should be retained for use in warranty cases. Contact the retailer/reseller directly with any warranty issues, or alternatively contact the manufacturer in cases where the reseller is no longer available to handle warranty claims. In cases where the reseller is unavailable, the product may be returned to the manufacturer at the consumer's expense, with a dated proof of purchase and a return authorization letter which can be attained by contacting APlusBoost.
This warranty does not apply to any signal booster components determined by APlusBoost to have been subjected to misuse, abuse, neglect, tampering, or mishandling that result in damages to the physical or electronic properties of the product. Refurbished products that have been recertified to conform to product specifications may be used for product replacements.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided by APlusBoost is believed to be complete and accurate, to the best of our knowledge. However, no responsibility is assumed by APlusBoost for any business or personal losses arising from the use of the information herein contained, or for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from its use.
Antenna Kitting Information
Component | Prod No. Description | Gain/Loss | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Outdoor Antenna | A-SF001 | LTE-A: 8dBi, LTE-V: 8dBi, 800MHz: 8dBi, 1900MHz: 10dBi, 1700MHz/2100MHz: 10dBi/10dBi | Log Periodic Antenna (Default) |
A-SF002 | LTE-A: 3dBi, LTE-V: 3dBi, 800MHz: 3dBi, 1900MHz: 5dBi, 1700MHz/2100MHz: 5dBi/5dBi | Omni Directional Antenna | |
Outdoor Cable | RG660Feet | 4dB, 4dB, 4.3dB, 6.5dB, 6.5dB \7dB | 60 feet |
3D-FB60Feet | 4.5dB, 4.5dB, 5.4dB, 8dB, 8dB \9dB | 60 feet (Default) | |
3D-FB30Feet | 2.1dB, 2.1dB, 2.5dB, 3.6dB, 3.6dB \ 4.1dB | 30 Feet | |
Indoor Cable | 3D-FB30Feet | 2.1dB, 2.1dB, 2.5dB, 3.6dB, 3.6dB \ 4.1dB | 30 Feet |
RG630Feet | 1.8dB, 1.8dB, 1.9dB, 3.1dB, 3.1dB \3.2dB | 30 feet | |
Indoor Antenna | A-SF003 | 8dBi, 8dBi, 8dBi, 10dBi, 10dBi\10dBi | Panel Antenna |
A-SF004 | 2dBi, 2dBi, 2dBi, 3dBi, 3dBi\3dBi | Whip Antenna (Default) |
*All equivalent antennas and cables are suitable for use with the xxx
Notes
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Notes
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