Hard Light Productions Forums

Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Retsof on February 16, 2012, 07:56:03 pm

Title: Boosting Signal Reception
Post by: Retsof on February 16, 2012, 07:56:03 pm
Okay, I live in the middle of nowhere and use an aircard for internet.  It seem that the reception has progressively been getting worse (wouldn't think it would wear out, it hasn't even been two years).  So, do you guys know if it is possible to rig it to a nice big antenna and get better reception?  Or am I completely misunderstanding how it works?
Title: Re: Boosting Signal Reception
Post by: headdie on February 17, 2012, 08:53:38 am
Depends, is there an aerial port on it?  I ask because my USB dongle does.
Title: Re: Boosting Signal Reception
Post by: Retsof on February 17, 2012, 12:19:18 pm
I don't think so.  And after looking at it closer it looks like I can't take it apart without breaking it.  Too bad.  There goes my idea of wiring it to that huge old TV antenna out back :P.
Title: Re: Boosting Signal Reception
Post by: Nuke on February 17, 2012, 03:50:45 pm
an antennae has to be tuned for the frequency range its going to receive/transmit at. an old skool tv aerial is designed only to receive a wider range of signals (30 to 3000 mhz) and is not designed for transmission. i bet that air card is designed for urban use, probably has a little chip antennae, trace antennea or an external-non removable antennae. if actually call up your provider and see if they have a unit with a higher signal gain or perhaps at least an external antennea port so you can stick an external frequency matched antennae on there (like on your roof or in a tree or something).
Title: Re: Boosting Signal Reception
Post by: JGZinv on February 17, 2012, 06:26:47 pm
Yes there's plenty you can do for most any card, antenna port or not.

EVDOstore.com can sell you stuff, or you can put in your own gear (sometimes cheaper).

I install mobile broadband cards out in the country where there's no signal and use a yagi and booster to toss signal 3-6 miles.
Title: Re: Boosting Signal Reception
Post by: Retsof on February 18, 2012, 08:32:52 am
*facepalm*  Looks like it was Executive Meddling.  I reset the drivers and disallowed updates and it works better again.  Ugh.
Title: Re: Boosting Signal Reception
Post by: Nuke on February 18, 2012, 03:48:30 pm
****ing executives, they should all be executed.