ZBoost ZB560Y Setup Overview

SETUP OVERVIEW

zBoost

®

Cellular REACH

 ZB560Y

DMAN-0073

Rev 4914

SETTING UP YOUR zBOOST

®

 SIGNAL BOOSTER

The zBoost ZB560Y is designed to provide increased in-building voice and data 

coverage, up to 7,500 square feet, and better reach into rural environments. The 

ZB560Y supports multiple users and all devices operating on (CEL) 800 MHz 

Network. 

Boost voice and data transmission and increase call clarity in 4 easy steps:

FIRST: Choose a location for the External Antenna using your cell phone to 

determine the area of strongest signal.

 The coverage your zBoost provides is 

largely determined by the quality of signal received by the External Antenna. This 

location will be typically found on the roof. 

Before installing, please note the following important factors in determining your 

zBoost performance:

• 

At least 15 vertical feet is needed between the External Antenna (receives the 

outside signal) and the Indoor Antenna (rebroadcasts the signal indoors). Separation 

less than 15 vertical feet will result in decreased performance. 

•  Keep the External Antenna at least 2 feet above any metal such as wiring, A/C 

ducts, truss plates, etc. When attaching the cable to the antenna, run the cable straight 

down from the antenna.  Avoid draping the coax near the antenna.

To get the maximum benefit, you will want to take special care in pointing the 

External Antenna in the direction of best signal for your wireless service provider.  If 

you are unsure of the direction of your provider's closest network tower, see the 

Antenna Aiming section of the User Manual or you may wish to use a YX699 RF 

signal meter to help during this process. Once you have determined the optimum 

location and angle, connect the bracket to the antenna and secure the antenna 

bracket to a mast (not provided) using the provided antenna hardware.

SECOND: Place the zBoost Base Unit where you want to create a Cell Zone

TM

. 

Connect the Indoor Antenna to the Base Unit and place it where you need signal. 

For the widest possible signal area, position the Base Unit near the middle of a 

room. You may also mount it on an interior wall by first removing the silver bracket, 

screwing the bracket to a wall (screws not provided) then snapping the Base Unit 

back in place keeping the Indoor Antenna vertical. This Base Unit uses an 

omni-directional antenna that delivers signal in a circular pattern around the 

antenna. 

Keep the Base Unit off the floor and at least 2 feet away from other cords, metal 

objects or other wireless devices such as wireless routers or wireless access points. 

The zBoost performs best when there are no obstructions between the zBoost Base 

Unit and your mobile device.

Remember, the zBoost REACH requires at least 15 feet of vertical separation 

between the Base Unit and the External Antenna. Generally, increasing this distance 

(up to 40 feet) will increase the performance and decreasing the distance will limit 

zBoost performance. 

THIRD: Run the provided coaxial cable between the Base Unit and External 

Antenna.

 Use the provided 50 feet of RG-6 coaxial cable to connect the External 

Antenna and the Base Unit. To run the cable from exterior to interior through a 

window, an 8 inch window-entry cable is available for purchase (Part: YX030-08W). 

Should you need additional cable length, 15 foot  extensions (Part: YX030-15W) are 

available at www.zBoost.com. Please note: Cable longer than 65 feet is not 

recommended.

FOURTH: Connect the zBoost Base Unit to the provided power supply and 

plug into a power outlet. 

When your zBoost system is in place and fully connected, 

walk throughout your building and verify that you are able to reliably place calls. If the 

signal strength has improved, your zBoost is working. 

Remember, coverage varies based on outdoor signal level, building construction, 

and antenna placement. Coverage in adjoining rooms will be reduced by walls and 

building materials.

Upon initial power up, the 

LED will cycle RED, GREEN 

and ORANGE for 30 

seconds.  After, a series of 

GREEN flashes will indicate 

the quality of your setup. 

Following this, a solid GREEN 

light indicates normal 

conditions. If it is not solid 

GREEN, follow the 

instructions in the Base Unit 

LED Indicators section. 

Adjustments may be needed 

to optimize performance. If 

you find the increased signal 

coverage is acceptable, 

however, no additional 

adjustments are needed.

Download the Cellular REACH ZB560Y User Manual at www.zBoost.com/Support

See LED Indicator section for more information.

Should you desire to improve coverage, you may:

•  Relocate the External Antenna in order to capture a better signal–higher is better.

•  Increase the distance between the Indoor Antenna and the External Antenna. 

•  Purchase an upgrade antenna available at www.zBoost.com.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

zBoost Base Unit

User Manual available 

at www.zBoost.com/Support

Indoor Antenna

External Antenna

and Mounting Bracket

Coax Cable

RG-6, 50 feet

Power Supply

Base Unit LED Indicators

During Initial Power Up

Light 

Mode

Status

Solution

Cycle 

RED, 

GREEN, 

ORANGE

System is 

powering 

up. Please 

allow up to 

30 seconds.

N/A

Flashing 

GREEN

BASE UNIT will 

flash GREEN 

once for every 

2 dB less than 

optimal system 

gain. Three  

flashes or less 

indicates the  

system will 

still operate 

properly.

1. Unplug the BASE UNIT power supply. 

2. Relocate the EXTERNAL ANTENNA to pick up the 

strongest signal from your wireless carrier. 

3. Move the EXTERNAL ANTENNA as far away from the 

INDOOR ANTENNA as possible, with at least 15 ft. of 

vertical separation (height difference).

4. Plug the BASE UNIT power supply back in.

5. Wait 30 secs. for the BASE UNIT to power cycle on.

So

lu

tio

n #1

After Initial Power Up

Light 

Mode

Status

Solution

SOLID 

GREEN

zBoost is 

ready.

N/A

Flashing 

GREEN

zBoost is 

in use.

N/A

SOLID 

ORANGE

EXTERNAL 

ANTENNA 

and INDOOR 

ANTENNA 

are too close 

together. 

1. Unplug the BASE UNIT power supply. 

2. Move the EXTERNAL ANTENNA as far away from the 

INDOOR ANTENNA as possible, with at least 15  ft. of 

vertical separation (height difference).

3. Plug the BASE UNIT power supply back in.

4. Wait 30 secs. for the BASE UNIT to power cycle on.

So

lu

tio

n #2

SOLID 

RED

Signal from the 

carrier’s cell 

tower is too 

strong for the 

BASE UNIT 

to operate 

properly. 

1. Unplug the BASE UNIT power supply. 

2. Relocate the EXTERNAL ANTENNA to another spot. 

3. If you have a directional antenna re-aim it to reduce 

carrier signal strength.

4. Plug the BASE UNIT power supply back in.

5. Wait 30 secs. for the BASE UNIT to power cycle on.

So

lu

tio

n #3

Flashing 

RED

Excessive 

electronic 

noise in the 

system – the 

BASE UNIT will 

not operate.

^ Refer to Solution #2

zBoost Base Unit

Power Supply

Indoor Antenna

Coaxial Cable

External Antenna

15 ft. of

Vertical

Separation

External Antenna Bracket Assembly