ZBoost YX520 Imternational User Manual - Frequently Asked Questions
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For more FAQ’s, visit our website: www.Wi-Ex.com
What can I expect my mobile phone signal range and strength to be inside my home or
office?
The closer you are to the base, the stronger the signal. This will vary with different conditions.
Some of the conditions that will affect the improved coverage area are signal strength
outdoors, the type of building materials in the home, the placement of the unit and the
aerial’s proximity to mobile phone towers.
Your expectations should be that your indoor coverage will be improved. You will be able to
make calls where you couldn’t before. The degree of improvement will depend upon many
factors. The intent of zBoost® products are to bring outside coverage inside. If you want an
even stronger signal, consider a more powerful signal aerial or an internal directional aerial,
available for purchase at www.wi-ex.com.
Where should I place my zBoost® Base Unit to get the best coverage?
You should place your base unit where you need coverage the most. The base unit is the
component that amplifies the signal inside. The coverage is improved in a circular manner
from the base unit. The further you are away from the base unit, the weaker the signal. The
base unit could be placed in the family room, the basement, an office, a bedroom, a home
office or any other centralized location.
Note: if you place the Signal Aerial too close to the Base Unit, the system will shut down. The
signal light will blink red. This is a normal condition for this scenario. It means that you need to
ensure sufficient distance between the two aerials; otherwise, it will detect feedback (or
noise) and automatically shut down. Lack of sufficient vertical separation is usually the cause.
How do I know if I need a grounding kit and how do I install it?
Generally, we recommend the use of grounding kits in areas where the aerial is placed
outdoors at a high point above ground. The recommended method of grounding your aerial is
by attaching the grounding wire (provided with the grounding kit) to a cold water pipe or a
ground rod (see page v for grounding kit).
Why isn’t my mobile phone indicating more signal with more bars?
You may not observe that gain on your signal meter because of the signal spreading out from
the aerial. The increase in signal you will see depends upon:
• The level of signal at the Signal aerial (outdoor)
• The care of the aerial placement (1-2 meters away from metal, adequate aerial
separation [5-7 meters vertical recommended])
• The signal already present inside (related to building losses)
• The distance of your phone/device from the Base Unit (signal spreads or diminishes
rapidly with distance)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where is the best place to put my Wi-Ex Signal Aerial?
The Wi-Ex signal aerial should be placed at the highest point in or on your house in order to
receive the strongest signal. This location could be in the attic or on the roof. The placement of
the Signal Aerial is very important. It is best to place this in an un-obstructed area. If you
position it outside, place it vertically above the roofline, or, any other area round your home
that has the greatest signal strength.
Note: if you place the Signal Aerial too close to the Base Unit, the system will shut down (The
signal light will blink red). This is a normal condition for this scenario. It means that you need to
ensure that you have proper distance/separation between the two aerials; otherwise, it will
detect feedback (or noise) and will automatically shut down.
Is a cellular phone signal booster the same as a wireless router; will it help my WiFi signal?
zBoost® will not help your WiFi service. This unit is designed to work with mobile phones and
devices. The WiFi in your home or office operates on a different frequency.
Is your product available for international use?
The YX520i is the international model. Check the frequencies for a particular country for
compatibility. Check our website www.Wi-Ex.com for product availability.
Can I use my existing coaxial cable to set up my unit?
The coaxial must be a dedicated run between the aerial and the Base Unit and may not be
shared with another device. zBoost® is optimized by using the cable provided. If you have
special set up concerns, contact Wi-Ex Customer Service at 001-800-871-1612.
There are usually several mobile phones in use at one time in my home, will your product
boost all of our signals simultaneously?
The zBoost® YX520i Series is designed to cover multiple signals simultaneously and will allow
multiple users to operate at the same time.
Easiest Set-Up:
Place the Signal Aerial
inside, by a window
Better Performance:
Place the Signal Aerial
outside of a window
Best Performance:
Place the Signal Aerial in attic or
on the roof