Thick head here - confused about windows and GPS.1 - Is 'cell Tower' functionality fed by cable?2 - Do I need GPS? Just for directions and 911 etc. or is it dead without it?2 - Any other reason to place near window? I would like to sit it on top of my cable modem in the center of my basement where the signal is poor. Phone Calls and Texts are by far top needs. Would I be happy? Thick head here - confused about windows and GPS.1 - Is 'cell Tower' functionality fed by cable?2 - Do I need GPS? Just for directions and 911 etc. or is it dead without it? » Read More Thick head here - confused about windows and GPS.1 - Is 'cell Tower' functionality fed by cable?2 - Do I need GPS? Just for directions and 911 etc. or is it dead without it?2 - Any other reason to place near window? I would like to sit it on top of my cable modem in the center of my basement where the signal is poor. Phone Calls and Texts are by far top needs. Would I be happy? « Show Less
180772
The "cell tower" connectivity is back hauled over your internet connection. There is an Ethernet connection on the back of the unit that you use to connect to your router. The GPS thing is required for it to work. I'm not sure exactly they require it, but I'm guessing it has to do with their service areas or something. Calls and texts work pretty well, but you are going to have to get the little good receiver near a window. It has a fairly long cable, maybe 12-15 or something like that.
180773
The unit goes thru a boot-up process, which can take several minutes. During that procedure it must connect to the internet AND acquire the GPS satellite thru an antenna that is typically stuck to the inside glass of a window. The GPS antenna has a generously long cord. The GPS is required so that any 911 calls can give your location to enhanced 911 (E911) response centers if you ever have to dial 911. The unit IS dead to all calls without the GPS because it will not boot up.
1459400
GPS can absolutely be used without wifi access. I used this the other day on my way to work in my car. It's great!
1801073
Trial and error. If you want beauty, probably won't work. Place it temporarily and see what channels you get in. Then move it again and see where you get the most channels. You can go online and see what directions the signals come from for you address. And usually the windows are the best, particularly if your building is brick. Usually the wall or window that faces the most signals. Mine is in a window and behind a room darkening shade and it does not seem to effect it.
471054
I have a metal roof on my house. I have the antenna mounted on the end of the roof closest to the cell tower. I am behind a hill that previously blocked all reception. I do have to have the phone close to the inside antenna (15' to 25') and not in the room where my wifi router is.
1526891
Yes, it comes with a small GPS receiver which sticks on your dash. Routing the cable might be difficult in some vehicles. I put mine in the far left corner of my windshield. It works, but a built in antenna would look better.
2012543
I have been told that a second inside antenna is a waste of money and will not increase signal. I tried it. It has been suggested that raising the outside antenna is best, and have it pointing to the nearest tower.
1924560
I have mine hanging on the wall next to my TV stand. When I first got it I had it laying on top of the stand. I haven't had too much trouble getting signals. I have a couple stations that pixelate but they did that when I tried the window too so the tower for those stations probably is too far away or something.
305036
The system itself needs and comes with an antenna that is mounted on your roof at the highest point. We live in a tri-level house so it is mounted on the chimney and then pointed to the direction of the nearest cell tower. The unit you are asking about is located in a window away from the solid brick wall outside and the two big trees in our backyard. We used to have the same problem and once I acquired more cable than what came with the unit moving it closer to the main floor made a huge difference. I get 4-5 bars at any given time; in addition, my calls come through and don't go straight to voicemail as happened in the past. We live in a "micro" climate whereby we are below a lot of multi level brick homes and a lot of tall trees. Though not rural still difficult to get a signal. This unit helped a lot. Good luck. I would suggest that you call your carrier and ask where the nearest cell tower is located and start from that point.
2160737
In my packet I got, (a) GPS monitor equipment, (b) charging/extension wire, same wire can be used alongside laptop, (c) stand that we put on the front glass to install the GPS in the car (windshield mount and adhesive), (d) instruction book, (e) also, one more adhesive mount disk came for horizontal mounting the GPS at the dashboard.I think, I might not have used the exact words of the accessories but you may find it useful, I explained the same with use.
1779383
Slip off corner cover, unplug GPS unit from extender box, plug cable to connect GPS unit to extender, replace cover, place GPS unit next to window.It may work without using cable as long as GPS unit is connected to extender box and can get a signal.
2056551
This is a directional antenna. You need to have a window with southern exposure and you need a clear site toward tower with no buildings or huge trees in line with the tower. If you have an eastern or western window and can point the antenna in a southerly direction, it may work. With my application I was able to pick up stations 25-30 miles away but had no obstructions and was able to aim antenna directly at towers.
967662
You have to be able to put the "antenna" in a window where you can get the best reception. The antenna is a bit bigger than a VHS tape. Then you run a cable to the signal booster box, which must be at least 6-8ft away from the antenna. I had some signal prior to installation but only standing in certain spots and calls were dropped most of the time. Now we have signal in most of the house and our 3G signal is much stronger. Can't say for sure if it would work for you or not. It's doing okay for us.
2250428
The Gps is very good. I'm not sure how to answer your questions other than it seems to work great and kowm how hug it is at all time.
1883067
According to what I read sometimes an external antenna is a good thing if the GPS has as obstruction between it and the sky (ie under a dash or a canopy). I chose to not take a chance and avoided the problem by mounting mine outside my dash.
995243
Very easy hook the ground wire to any bolt that hooks to the frame that is not painted. Hook the hot wire to the positive side of the battery. Or better a wire away from the battery that keeps power on it when the car is off. Place the gps unit somewhere it cannot be seen use extra wire if needed. Under the dash neer the windsield is a good location.be sure to test to be sure its working properly after install. Repositioning may. Be needed to get good satilite signals.
643707
A GPS signal doesn't work well through opaque objects, regardless of the technology/application. If you were on an indoor track surrounded by a bunch of windows it might work decently well (similar to running in the woods) but if the track is especially short you are going to lose accuracy staying in such a small area.
259191
Thanks for your interests. If you just want it for alarm purpose, you do not need to connect it to a phone line or internet. When you want it to call, you need to connect it to a phone line.Hope the information helps you a lot.