The Virgin modems have an external antenna connector.

The only facts that I can find in the Virgin Broadband Home Modem User Guide document are:
- a reference to GMS/UMTS (pg22)
- category is SEL V (pg23)
- type is mc-card type (pg23)
A quick google search suggests that mc-card is a connection type, and that antennas are available in the UK.

Has anyone tried connecting an antenna? Has it improved performance?

mathew writes...

The Virgin modems have an external antenna connector.

This may help:
forum-replies.cfm?t=795155&p=42#r830

I suggest you read some of the other posts on the subject by davmel:
forum-replies.cfm?t=795155&ux=101131

Thanks, very helpful post.

I emailed Virgin about external antennas, and their response was:
In regards to information about external antennas i will recommend that you check with the manufacturer of the product. www.option.com

For the brave and skilled

www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz

the $10 antenna : )

802.11b antenna Google this and you find antenna,s can be made from tin cans. (or so they say) Fun reading anyway.

I've just posted in the other big thread but it is getting a bit cluttered in there to have any meaning conversations.

We've got a number of antennas for this frequency (2.1 GHz), all which really need to be external mounted. To be precise 3 grid dishes ranging from 15 to 23 dB www.rfshop.com.au/Produc...l/2/Default.aspx

and a smaller panel antenna which is about 12 dB.
www.rfshop.com.au/Defaul...3&ProductID=2801

We've managed to do a bit of testing with the Virgin BB modem and so far have supplied one customer with a 18 dB dish which he has mounted on his roof. He has reported he is now getting a steady 3 bars when before he was only getting 1.

LockWire writes... We've managed to do a bit of testing with the Virgin BB modem

Which side of town are you on ?

Oxley in Brissy

For the inexperienced an 802.11 antenna will be likely to make the situation worse as it is the wrong frequency (2.4 v. 2.1). Having said that it is possible to calculate the correct sized tin can for 2.1GHz). As others have said you also need to pay careful attention to signal loss.

mathew writes...

For the inexperienced an 802.11 antenna will be likely to make the situation worse as it is the wrong frequency (2.4 v. 2.1).

Yes that could be true. 2.45GHz antennas may work at 2.1GHz but need to be checked out on a network analyser for gain and VSWR performance.

We've written up this Blogg on our website:

www.rfshop.com.au/Contac.../21/Default.aspx

I am using a 25db gain hills dish on a 4-metre pole.

While it is not ideal and the cable I am using is stuff I had lying around.

The best I could get from modem without this was -97db to only being able to get GRPS at times during the day with careful placement.

The above set-up has given me a rock solid -81 to -83db on the router strength meter.

web.acma.gov.au/pls/radcom

this will bring the search page up

Sites where any detail matches "4030".
Results 1 - 24 of 24 possible matches.
Site ID Name District State & Postcode
12606 Optus/Hutchison Site adjacent to Eildon Hill Reservoir WINDSOR WINDSOR QLD 4030
101430 Vodafone Site Cnr Oakwal Lane & Cox Rd WINDSOR QLD 4030
130298 Vodafone Site Challis St LUTWYCHE LUTWYCHE QLD 4030
400700 Cnr Newmarket Rd & Noble St WINDSOR WINDSOR QLD 4030
401212 State HQ Emergency Services Complex Park Rd KEDRON QLD 4030
401622 Optus Site cnr 132 Lutwyche Rd & Nicholas St WINDSOR WINDSOR QLD 4030
401774 668 Lutwyche Rd LUTWYCHE QLD 4030
402587 Kedron Brook Bldg Emergency Services Complex Park Rd KEDRON KEDRON QLD 4030
402639 Kedron Park Hotel 693 Lutwyche Rd WOOLOOWIN WOOLOOWIN QLD 4030
403464 Optus Site cnr 551 Lutwyche Rd & Chalk St LUTWYCHE LUTWYCHE QLD 4030
134543 Optus Site Lutwyche Shopping 551 Lutwyche Rd LUTWYCHE BRISBANE QLD 4030
101727 Hutchison Site Christies Homemaker Centre 190 Lutwyche Rd WINDSOR WINDSOR QLD 4030
134829 Optus Site Kedron Park 125 Kedron Park Road KEDRON BRISBANE QLD 4030
135039 Optus Site Eildon Hill Constitution Road WINDSOR BRISBANE QLD 4030
9002626 TELSTRA SITE Horace Street BOWEN HILLS QLD 4030
9002740 TELSTRA SITE 142 Newmarket Rd WINDSOR QLD 4030
9002805 Cross River Tunnel Site 2 Grantson St WINDSOR QLD 4030
401656 Optus/Hutchison Site 125 Kedron Park Rd KEDRON KEDRON QLD 4030
4030 Harbour Bridge North East Pylon KIRRIBILLI KIRRIBILLI NSW 2061
12294 Rosemount Hospital Cartwright St WINDSOR WINDSOR QLD 4030
12603 Telstra Exchange 23-33 Wellington St LUTWYCHE LUTWYCHE QLD 4030
12604 Shopping Centre cnr Chalk St & Lutwyche Rd LUTWYCHE LUTWYCHE QLD 4030
12607 Telstra PMTS Site Lutwyche Rd & Grantson St WINDSOR WINDSOR QLD 4030
39761 Police Bldg Eildon Hill Reservoir WINDSOR WINDSOR QLD 4030

Looks like this will give the good oil on where the towers are for a marginal situation …

BMWK12RS writes...

802.11b antenna Google this and you find antenna,s can be made from tin cans. (or so they say) Fun reading anyway.

Cantennas can work quite well with a gain of approx 8dBi. This design works over both the 2.1GHz (Virgin) and 2.45GHz (802.11b,g) bands.

www.rfshop.com.au/Contac...D/2/Default.aspx

Incidentally, Hills wireless grids themselves are quite suitable for 2.1GHz. These will work at all frequencies below 2.45Ghz. The limitation will be the feed which does have a relatively narrow band.

Interesting link, thanks.

Looking at the diagram it says 'standard can' and gives measurements on the diagram remarking that the length is not critical. Does using a larger can, either wider diameter or longer, have any positive (or negative) effects?

I can't quite make out what is represented on the connector. Is that a piece of solid wire sticking out the back of the connector with a 17mm long copper tube slipped over the end?

Dave Arden writes... 'standard can' and gives measurements on the diagram remarking that the length is not critical.

Looks like a Golden Circle Can ? 100 mm is about 4" in old money : )

Ah, I see now. The coax connector comes with a little rod attached to it, so I guess the slip over tube is to extend that out.

www.rfshop.com.au/Defaul...1&ProductID=2730

I wonder if a neat soldering job of some equivalent gauge copper wire would do the trick too.

The can is a very common size used for fruit, soup etc. The critical diemnsions are diameter, length of probe, and backshort distance.

Wire would probably be OK too. We should be able to supply a kit of connector , screws and copper tubing.

In addition, you'll need an extension lead with N male on one end and a MC connector, to fit into the Virgin modem, on the other. The MC connectors are quite small and will onlt fit on to RG316 sized cable which can be lossy in long runs at 2.1GHz. For anything longer than a couple of metres, its better to use a small pigtail adaptor made with thin cable connected to an extension lead made up of LMR195 , LMR240 or LMR400 cable.

MC connectors aren't very robust, so try to avoid too much plugging and unplugging.

drl writes...

I am using a 25db gain hills dish on a 4-metre pole.

drl

If you are in Adelaide, where's the best place to buy that sort of equipment? I don't know anything about radios, antennas, and wireless WAN's, but I wouldn't mind trying out an antenna after seeing the improved signal you're getting.

I'm at Reynella.

I have a Telstra Next G wireless anntenna...one that sticks on the window....was wondering if i got a adaptor to fit it too my virgin modem would it help any?

To Lockwire,

Any chance that you will be selling complete kits in the near future for antennas for Virgin modems? That is antennas complete with around 5 metres of low loss cable, connection at the antenna end, MC-Card connection, and maybe some instructions.

freenet-antennas.com/v-web/portal/73

These guys are good - if it ain't on their webpage, ask 'em.

To: Ale4

I'm not Lockwire but we both work together!

I think we already do what you're asking for. Just read through our Blogg and get back to us if there is anything else that you need.

www.rfshop.com.au/Contac.../21/Default.aspx

ale4 writes... Any chance that you will be selling complete kits in the near future for antennas for Virgin modems? That is antennas complete with around 5 metres of low loss cable,

30 money back like Virgin and this will be a winner

Assorted choices of cable length ?

Antenna Experiences So Far

I have had my virgin BB set up for over a week now and experienced most of the problems everyone is having. Flaky service, drop outs of phone calls and internet not staying connected. I have sorted these out except for the calls dropping out.

So i got in touch with the guys at the RFshop and went over today and picked up a antenna and cable for the virgin box.

It consists of - RFS-3629-2.1 antenna, N30FME80-JBY195-5000 cable assembly, and a FME30MC39 patchlead. (these are the rfshop codes if you want one) total cost $136.95.

Breaking down the numbers the antenna is a Dish antenna for 2.1GHz (15dBi) 360mm x 290mm, N fem pin connector, the cable is 5 metres long and connects to the back of the antenna and then needs a small patch cable to adapt the connector size to fit into the side of the Virgin box.

Performance wise the numbers this afternoon were : -97db with no antenna (about 2 signal bars on the box), this improved to -75db (3 bars on the box)with antenna connected and hanging off my gutter outside the window , and at times goes to -71db (this shows 4 bars on the box)

The antenna I have bought was the best choice between size and gain and cable length. I could increase the signal strength but would need to go larger on the antenna size and cable size to see any gains. the next antenna size up is physically twice the size and only offers approx another 3 db.

The performance of the phone calls seems to have become clearer and only time will tell if the drop outs stop.

The internet performance of VBB is still flaky at best, at times tonight I was unable to connect for more than 20 seconds and had to keep connecting manually, in auto it never stays connected.

Anyway enough rambling, so far I would highly recommend the guys and gals at the rf shop.

They offer good service (and are happy to exchange equipment if it does not perform or an upgrade is required).

richieu writes... Antenna Experiences So Far

What is your location ?

Sorry, i forgot that, I am in coorparoo Brisbane, my house is looking at trees and near the botom of a hill, so i have the antenna pointing over to the tower at the camp hill pub seems to work well just by pointing in the general direction. over the weekend I plan to mount it permanently and see if any improvments can be made.

richieu writes...

I am in Coorparoo Brisbane, my house is looking at trees and near the bottom of a hill,

Trees and Valleys will do it - Some Optus SItes if that is any use ?

web.acma.gov.au/pls/radc...search.main_page


461471 54 Turbo Dr COORPAROO QLD 4151
400787 Optus/Telstra Site 8 Birubi St COORPAROO COORPAROO QLD 4151
401867 Optus Site cnr 412 Old Cleveland & Bennetts Rds COORPAROO COORPAROO QLD 4151
402106 177-179 Old Cleveland Rd COORPAROO COORPAROO QLD 4151
9001354 Holland Park North Telstra RBS Marriott Lodge 387 Cavendish Rd COORPAROO QLD 4151
134592 Optus Site Bowies Flat 412 Old Cleveland Road Cnr Bennets Road COORPAROO BRISBANE QLD 4151
134617 Optus Site Cooparoo South 387 Cavendish Rd COORPAROO BRISBANE QLD 4151
101738 Hutchison Site cnr 48 Cavendish Rd & Milsom St COORPAROO COORPAROO QLD 4151
101711 Hutchison Site Sullivans Bldg cnr 312 Old Cleveland & Cavendish Rds COORPAROO COORPAROO QLD 4151
101699 Hutchison/Optus Site Marriott Lodge 387 Cavendish Rd COORPAROO COORPAROO QLD 4151
206165 Access Education 347 Old Cleveland Road COORPAROO QLD QLD 4151
13196 384 Old Cleveland Rd COORPAROO COORPAROO QLD 4151
13198 Myer Shopping Centre Cnr Cavendish & Old Cleveland Rds COORPAROO QLD 4151
51753 Vodafone Exchange 23 Cambridge St COORPAROO COORPAROO QLD 4151
400727 Water Reservoir View St HOLLAND PARK QLD 4151

web.acma.gov.au/pls/radc...p?pSITE_ID=13212

Found the Pub

"Option", the manufacturer of the VB modem advise that an antenna will be available in "the near future".

I'll post any further news.

This is what I got after "hassling" Option a few days ago:

Ticket Subject : external antenna on GlobeSurfer II 7.2

Please find the summary hereunder for your reference.
Reply:
Dear sir,

No changes have to be made. The following link provides information on antenna
approved for usage with the GlobeTrotter II 7.2:
support.option.com/suppo...o=download&id=17
--
Best regards,

Also the person who asked if he could use his next-G antenna - no - Next-G uses 850MHz instead of 2100MHz - it wont work.

My experience with a glass mount 9dbi gain 3G antenna has not been good - connected or disconnected I see no change in the signal strength indicated by the modem.

By the way, for those interested, the supplier I used for antenna (plus pigtail lead to fit the socket on the modem) was Dave at Cob-webz mailto:sales@cob-webz.com

My experience with a glass mount 9dbi gain 3G antenna has not been good - connected or disconnected I see no change in the signal strength indicated by the modem.

A 9db antenna with cable losses would be of no improvement over the internal.

The only way to get woth while gain is an exteral dish type antenna

Does signal strength reduce ping times? My main concern is reducing my ping for VOIP, video conferencing and gaming. With the cost of parts for an external antenna I would like to know ahead of purchase if it's going to help?

www.rfshop.com.au
Pig Tail: $22.00
Dish Antenna 2.1GHz (23dBi): $95.00
5m Cable with loss<1.2dB: $52.00
SUB TOTAL: $169
P&H: $14
TOTAL: $183

Signal Strength: Poor (-107 dBm) or 1 bar
Connection Type: UMTS

Ping to bc.whirlpool.net.au:
4/4 transmitted, 4/4 received, 0% loss
Minimum = 255 ms
Maximum = 319 ms
Average = 276 ms

Speed from speedtest.net:
Sydney Server = 630/156 at 183ms

Looking to reduce my ping to around 100ms. I'm in WA, 6108.
Cheers, Chrome. :)

As long as you have a solid UMTS connection, I have no idea about ping times but you should have a download speed of around 600, that being the case the antenna will not help you or your ping times.

I just pinged that address from a command promt and got a

Min 134ms
Max 135ms

Test Results
----------------------------------­
Test run on 22/08/2007 @ 04:10 PM

Mirror: OptusNet
Data: 600 KB
Test Time: 7.61 secs

Your line speed is 642 kbps (0.64 Mbps).
Your download speed is 80 KB/s (0.08 MB/s).

Thank you for reply drl,
If we both have coverage and we are both using the same hardware (modem)...are you sure that signal strength does't effect ping time? Where are you located?
Thanx :)

I am about 4.5km north of tower in the 5115 area

I can drop of my external antenna to redo the test if you like?

Its a bout 20db difference

Chrome_0001 writes... Are you sure that signal strength does't effect ping time?

From my limited understanding NO.
The service is basic rather like a Mini Moke without a windscreen : )

Asking VBB to do too much is unreasonable, and while it may be frustrating, a DSL service with a ISP which specializing in gaming may be a better option if that is what you are attempting. There are some settings for VOIP which make life easier in one of the threads and this has had positive feedback.

ideatriage.com/WPSearch.html a whoogle search may help

drl...
Might be a good idea if you're up to it, just to see what effect (if any) it has on your ping. It would be very much appreciated if you got the time. :)

I have exhausted all other options for broadband...
no cable, no DSL (to far from exchange), no fixed SAT (tree coverage or ground dip), Satellite has to high a latency/cost, it's either this or ISDN.
Didn't think I was being that unreasonable JS4. :P

With antenna

Signal strength: Good (-85 dBm)
Operator: Virgin
Access point name: VirginBroadband
Status: Connected
Connection type: UMTS
Missed calls 0
Total connection time: 276:26:55 [hh:mm:ss]
Current connection time: 41:15:30 [hh:mm:ss]
Received bytes: 823.8 [MB]
Sent bytes: 180.1 [MB]

This time
Min 139ms
Max 179ms
Avg 150ms

Without antenna

Signal strength: Poor (-103 dBm)
Operator: Virgin
Access point name: VirginBroadband
Status: Connected
Connection type: HSDPA
Missed calls 0
Total connection time: 276:39:27 [hh:mm:ss]
Current connection time: 0:01:21 [hh:mm:ss]
Received bytes: 826.1 [MB]
Sent bytes: 180.4 [MB]

MIN 137ms
MAX 214
AVG 175ms

Took some time to get a half decent result as it kept dropping back to a GRPS signal without the antenna

Chrome_0001 writes... I have exhausted all other options for broadband..

If that is the case then good luck with a solution.

Didn't think I was being that unreasonable JS4

If that is all you have then - wait for technology to catch up, maybe next year ; )

Chrome_0001 I hope that helps you, I had to keep redoing the ping to get it while on UMTS signal.

The signal strength changes a lot this far out, thats the only reason I went for an antenna. Hills 25db dish 4 M up on flat open farm land

Unbelievable mate, thanks for going to all that trouble. :D
I can see a slight improvement but I guess that could be net traffic...thanks again but I guess I'm still unsure. It's hard to find a good source for information on ping times concerning different tech, and $200 for an antenna is a lot of money. *sigh

Chrome_0001 writes... $200 for an antenna is a lot of money. *sigh

If you are brave www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz - shop for a wok : )

If you are brave www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz - shop for a wok : )


Dont waste your time.

You could start a thread asking for ping times and signal

Joe - that site is fantastic! Almost tempted to give it a try just to amuse my idiot friends.

I was just about to let everyone know that the addition of a well placed stainless steel baking dish behind the modem (being careful not to screen out wifi for the laptop we use in the lounge room) resulted in a change from GPRS to UMTS - but only just. I'm getting - 107dBm (poor) and just the one band on the signal strength meter, but the ramp up in speed is in the order of a factor of six - 204kbps c/f 33 on GPRS. The best I can get with dialup (in the national capital!) is 31.2kbps so I am becoming a happy chappie.

I am still very interested in a value for money, indoor extension antenna which just might keep me connected on 3G. Apart from the requirement for the antenna to be functional and approved by VB and/or Option, it is VITAL that it look nice in order for the indoor deployment to acquire the necessary approval of the Minister for War. Otherwise it's an outdoor and expensive solution I fear. Until then, no baked dinners!

deeranger writes... addition of a well placed stainless steel baking dish behind the modem

Perhaps a magic wok will add some more signal : )

A parabola ? Put in sun - if it focuses to a hot spot in the middle it will be close

deeranger writes... Otherwise it's an outdoor and expensive solution I fear. Until then, no baked dinners!

Hide in ceiling ?

drl writes... You could start a thread asking for ping times and signal

www.google.com/search?q=...%3AWireless+ISPs

or use an existing one

If anyone would like to see pictures of my installed external antenna drop me a line to whim and i will email them back to you.

i am new to whirlpool so i dont think i can post them here for all to see, let me know if i can and i'll upload them.

the way to do it is to use an external site like flicker or whatever and supply a link

another way is to use a website such a yahoo where photos are able to stored

cheers

JS4

richieu writes...

drop me a line

Not a good idea to post your email address here, better to use WHIM...

Good feedback on an antenna installation here: forum-replies.cfm?t=805419&p=9#r161

Help !
I have been trying to get a window mounted 3G (9dbi gain) antenna to work with the VB modem for the last couple of weeks and with the antenna connected it makes absolutely no difference. I would have expected something (even reduced signal strength) when I plug it in.

I suspect I may have the wrong pig-tail, apart from saying the connector is an MC-card type, can anyone give me an actual part number of the pigtail, then I can check this with my supplier - presently I have a CAL712 lead.

edurrant writes... I have been trying to get a window mounted 3G (9dbi gain) antenna to work with the VB modem for the last couple of weeks

www.rfshop.com.au/Contac.../21/Default.aspx

Have a dig on this site and these guys are reasonably helpful …

Edit I

www.rfshop.com.au/Defaul...1&ProductID=4890

Is that it ?

Hi All,

In order to get any kind of 3G signal I've had to stick the modem up in the roof space.. (obviously a temporary solution!!) - So I'm also in the market for an antenna of some kind.. (can only get GPRS if I keep it anywhere in the house)

Anyway, my signal is around -98dBm, but it keeps flicking between UMTS and HSDPA.. would the addition of an external antenna not only improve the signal strength, but also help to keep it locked on HSDPA ?

Thanks for your help!

forum-user.cfm?id=15914 watch out for possums

mickfitz writes... So I'm also in the market for an antenna of some kind..

there are a success story or two on this

addition of an external antenna not only improve the signal strength

apparently yes forum-user.cfm?id=187274 has had a good run with aerials

mickfitz writes...

my signal is around -98dBm, but it keeps flicking between UMTS and HSDPA.. would the addition of an external antenna not only improve the signal strength, but also help to keep it locked on HSDPA ?

Its supposed to do this. Its how the modem is designed to work. It sits at UMTS and switches to HSDPA when ever data is being transfered.

I think i will throw in my 2 cents worth.
I have played around with the connection and gotten some results
I made a external antenna lead 10 meters in length using rg316 cable cost 8.00 per meter and attached to this a Magnetic GSM car antenna. I then made a small L shaped bracket so i could attach it to my TV antenna pole this is 5 meters in Hight. My gprs signal strength jumped from 1 bar to solid 3 bars. Then I took a empty 6 inch Juice tin, cut this in half and place behind the antenna and used it as a shield and reflector. This now gave me a connection HSDPA . low signal strength but getting a down load speed on 80K plus.

Ok, Guys, just to bring you up to date with my situation, Im located at Hallett Cove, SA. notorious black spot fot ADSL. Been fighting for some sort of connection for 5 years. Was one of virgins first customer in this area, and the first two days connected to UMTS but very weak signal. Been on solid -69 to -71 GPRS ever since.
All that changed when the Antenna from RF Shop arrived. Not yet installed, propped up on a garder chair outside Ive got a solid 3 bar UMTS showing with signal strengh of -71 to -79 UMTS!!!! Wow Im happy. Details of antenna are
1 RFS-8766-2.1 antenna
1 N30N30-JBY400-13000 N male, N male,
JBY400 Cable, Loss at 2.45 GHz N85MC39-RG316-300 cable assembly
Cost of about $240 delivered, well worth the effort. Hope this helps.

Regme writes... 6 inch Juice tin, cut this in half and place behind the antenna and used it as a shield and reflector

Perhaps a $10 wok or mesh strainer might help ?

Beware the MC-CARD right angle connectors !!

I have found why adding an external car 3G antenna to the Vodafone Broadband modem doesn't have any effect. The plastic casing around the antenna socket stops a right angled MC-Card connector, which is what is on my pigtail lead from seating properly and "clicking" into place. "air gap problem".

My solution at the moment is to have the plug angled at 45 degrees within the square hole on the side of the modem, then with some pressure the connector fits and clicks in place.

My advice is if possible get you pigtail lead with straight rather than right angled plug and then this wont be a problem for you.

Regme writes...

lead 10 meters in length using rg316 cable cost 8.00 per meter and attached to this a Magnetic GSM car antenna

RG316 is OK for small lengths but its too lossy at 2.1GHz to use in 10 metre lengths. About 1.3 dB loss per metre at this freq.

GSM antennas aren't a good idea either. They are for the 900MHz band. You might get an improvement but its just luck if one does happen to work at both frequencies. If you want something cheap make a cantenna. You'll also need a lead with MC connector for your modem. Total Cost would be less than $20 if you make your own cables.

The good folk at Option (manufacturer of VB modem) have now got an antenna available. Cost is €45/unit ($AUD73.08) incl freight. I have asked for specs and a photo which I will share - if I can master the technology to do so!

deeranger writes... The good folk at Option

Any chance of links to all this ?

I am in an e-mail exchange with them. It seems the antenna is brand new and there's nothing on their web site as yet.

deeranger writes... It seems the antenna is brand new and there's nothing on their web site as yet.

Correct … Had a look and nothing yet

Keep us posted how it all works !

deeranger writes...

The good folk at Option (manufacturer of VB modem) have now got an antenna available. Cost is €45/unit ($AUD73.08) incl freight. I have asked for specs and a photo which I will share - if I can master the technology to do so!

I will be keeping an eye on your progress with this ( I take it from your previous posts you plan on getting one?) as I'm moving in about 6 months, and although I will still be in the 3G coverage area, its good to know there may well be an affordable antenna thats made for this modem and internal (no having to mount on the roof wold be good as I rent) if I happen to end up in an area that needs a little help getting a good, steady signal.

Happy to play guinea pig if the specs make it look good value for money - and the pic meets the approval of the OIC decor.

I'm not sure if you're looking for a simple antenna or a major dish or yagi installation but you might want to check out this local supplier before ordering at twice the price out of Belgium?

cgi.ebay.com.au/CAR-9dB-...80QQcmdZViewItem

This one is a 9 dbi gain window mount 3G antenna but he also does mag mounts etc.

You will however also require a "pigtail" lead to convert down to the mc-card connector on the modem (Dave at ConWebz can supply these as well).

endurrant, i have used a directional antenna to good effect, I think there will not be much signal gained from a whip antenna, maybe a cantenna built from scratch would provide a cheap alternative to a store bought one.

Point taken, however in my case once I can clear the house, the Optus tower is line of sight from here, so just putting an antenna (any antenna) where I can't put the modem, I think will help things.

edurrant writes...

This one is a 9 dbi gain window mount 3G antenna

A number of people on these forums have commented that a 9 dBm antenna would offer no improvement over the modem's internal antenna. Any possible gain will be offset by cable and connector resistance.

richieu writes...

i have used a directional antenna to good effect,

Um, one thing that occurs to me is... what happens if you are in a 2 tower area? (not me... just wondering)

I wonder if you can improve your signal but reduce your connectivity overall? Just a thought.... and probably a silly one.

I am using a directional antenna.

I have 2 towers that I can access, one gives me 3 bars and the other 2 while pointing at them in turn.

I am just using the one that gives me the best signal.

richieu writes...

maybe a cantenna built from scratch would provide a cheap alternative to a store bought one.

For those on a tight budget we are offering a cantenna kit (excluding the can) www.rfshop.com.au/Produc...l/2/Default.aspx for less than $10. Add in a pigtail and you're still less than $30.

There has been some suggestion that having an antenna gain less than 10dBi is not worthwhile. With a cantenna you'll get a gain of approx 9dBi. I'd just say that this is a genuine spec which is more than can be said for a lot of antennas that we've measured. They may not look too good, but cantennas certainly work well and are worth a try.

I noticed that the RFShop kit doesn't include any waterproofing eg butyl rubber. I know the connectors are reasonably weather proof but sometimes water will wick through the insulation/shield section and can change the performance of the cable.

An inner layer of butyl tape and then an outer layer of insulating electrical tape should do the trick. Alternatively you can put a polythene bag over the whole thing. Polythene is transparent to RF.

Jaycar have this sealing tape which is like rubber on a roll which one of my rellies says is good … Keeps the electric fence working

I will have to investigate the external antenna option. Have had VB three days, only get to test it out at night. Mon/Tues night in the house was GPRS only. Tonight I've put the modem outside on a box and it's giving us steady broadband (does switch between UTMS and HSDPA). Nice and fast, very impressed. But yes... that's outside. Antenna will be a must I think. Help? :)

spi writes...

(does switch between UTMS and HSDPA)

Its ok, this is how the modem is supposed to work. It generally sits at UTMS and switches to HSDPA when data is being transfered.

Definitely take a look at the antenna threads... this might help you forum-replies.cfm?t=799422&p=1

I bought the largest 2.1Ghz antenna with LMR400 cable from

www.rfshop.com.au/Contac.../21/Default.aspx

The results have been excellent.

Before I never had UMTS/HSDPA even for a second with the modem on its own indoors, and only very rarely saw UMTS with 1 bar on the modem when tested outdoors.

I have not even installed the antenna properly yet. Its on the floor indoors facing a window and already I am seeing UMTS/HSDPA all the time with the connection settings set to Automatic/UMTS preferred.

Signal strength is now a quite stable Low (-95 dBm) with Connection type: HSDPA
Previously signal strength fluctuated frequently between -87dBm to -103dBm
with Connection type: GPRS all the time.

I have just achieved results as high as 745 kb/sec down and 352 kb/sec up at

speedtest.net

compared to typical results before on GPRS of 40 kb/sec down and 15 kb/sec up.

2 more days of testing with my new 23dB gain external antenna has given the following results ( and this is still with the antenna on the floor indoors facing a window - not even properly installed yet ).

Very stable signal strength between -89 dBm to -97 dBm.

Most stable in the evenings, stays on -93 dBm then later -91 dBm for long periods.

With the Connection settings on Automatic/UMTS preferred, the Connection type stays on UMTS/HSDPA 100% of the time, which is way better than being on GPRS 100% of the time as I was earlier, with the modem only.

Much better quality voice with phone calls. Voices sound clearer and louder than before at both ends of a phone call.

The constant buzzing sound I could hear in the background before ( when using modem only without an external antenna - GSM/GPRS type connection which was all I could ever get before ) while on phone calls has disappeared.

From the time I first turned the modem on I noticed very obvious electrical interference sound in the normal landline telephone on copper phone line even at a distance of 4 metres away from the modem. Now that an external antenna has been plugged into the modem this has also disappeared.

Before I was often finding that incoming phone calls would go straight to the voicemail without the phone ringing at all. This problem seems to have stopped since adding an external antenna.

The best single result at

speedtest.net

has been 795 kb/sec down and 347 kb/sec up.

I have run many tests in the last 2 days at

speedtest.net

using many locations including overseas sites, and the average has been 730 kb/sec down and 342 kb/sec up, with 361kb/sec being the highest upload speed.

Practical tests downloading various software such as Google Earth has shown average speeds around 75 kilobytes/second with peak speeds just over 80 kilobytes/second, so it seems that even at a signal strength around -93 dBm
full or very close to full speeds are already being achieved.

When I download the Windows Media Broadband videos from

abc.net.au/lateline

they download and play in real time at full screen resolution!

While those videos are certainly not high definition thats still a great result!

matt ,ive givern up on trying to sort out this equipment of theres,everytime i get thru they tell me move the modem around the house,it hasnt helped in using the phone which disconnects the broadband when the phone is in use ,so im going back to aapt,least lastnight i got thru to them in 1 min ,not like waiting for virgin the other night for 35 mins

petencaz writes... least lastnight i got thru to them in 1 min

That is good news either the issues are being sorted or Virgin has enough staff
who are up to speed

it hasnt helped in using the phone which disconnects the broadband when the phone is in use ,so im going back to aapt,least lastnight

sounds like you are on the Virgin equilant of dial up using 2G towers
www2.optus.com.au
web.acma.gov.au/pls/radc...earch_dispatcher
unless you can find a 3G tower then you have a few options

Put up with the low level service, or try an aerial but this does not bode well, as you need a signal to boost.

Sadly and this must be frustrating - it is the sachel

In view of the massive take up Virgin and their daddy Optus must be looking at an extra cash flow which can be used for expansion and they are aware of areas which are not presently futured for towers but are a candidate

Cheers

JS4

JS4 (Joe SmithIV) 4030 writes...

That is good news

J, aapt answered the phone - not our buddies.

whats wrong to my speed:
Download 727kbps
Upload "60" kbps?????????

aladdin88 writes...

Upload "60" kbps

If you are using a web based testing service like www.speedtest.net the results may not be particularly accurate. A better way to test your upload speed would be to FTP a 5MB or 10MB file to an FTP site and even that may not be very informative as you can't be certain how much bandwidth the FTP site is allowing.

Testing upload speed is much more difficult for the average user than it is to test download speeds, because there are lots of fast mirror servers to download from.

You guys are keep mentioning RF shop, They are good! They deal with WIFI.

BUT

Did you note the spectrum of the operating band of GSM/UMTS and 3g is CDMA!

By the way, I guess you don't understand how a phone tower works. You gain it to much and it will simply do a hand off to another tower!

If you want me to give you a better understanding on increasing the signal, let me know

coolfuel writes...

If you want me to give you a better understanding on increasing the signal, let me know

I am all ears, been trying to get a better signal, but before buying an antenna, want to know what will work. Thanks.

You guys are keep mentioning RF shop, They are good! They deal with WIFI.

Yes they do, the wifi equepment they handel is 2.4g G3 is 2.1G the antennas are near enough and work well.

and 3g is CDMA!

WTF?

By the way, I guess you don't understand how a phone tower works. You gain it to much and it will simply do a hand off to another tower!

Not when you are using a directional antenna, there wont be ant other towers to choose from

If you want me to give you a better understanding on increasing the signal, let me know

Yes please we could all do with a better understanding.

WTF what?

3 Cdma yes!

You want the best, Polar Electronic Industries, and RF Industries antennas. forget the rest.

www is at your finger tips.

leaves WP.

coolfuel writes...

leaves WP

Do we have access to counseling?

coolfuel writes...

3 Cdma yes!

Third-Generation (3G) Frequency Range:

Base transmit (BTx) 2110 - 2170 MHz
Mobile transmit (MTx) 1920 - 1980 MHz

BTx / MTx In TDD (Time Division Duplex) 1900 - 1920 MHz

NextG operates on 850MHz (Same frequency as CDMA)

www is at your finger tips.

leaves WP.

What a perfect suggestion! ;}

coolfuel can I suggest a little lite reading for ya pal

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CDMA

drl writes...

Yes they do, the wifi equepment they handel is 2.4g G3 is 2.1G the antennas are near enough and work well.

That may not always be true. Some antennas, for example, slotted waveguide types are quite narrow band and wouldn't work well at 2.1GHz. With a grid antenna the frequency limitation is more the feed element rather than the grid itself. 2.45Ghz feeds can be used at 2.1Ghz but you should expect that the gain wouldn't be as good.

The feed, and grid antenna, that RFshop recommend for 2.1GHz has been designed to cover all frequencies between 1.85GHz to 2.5Ghz and so can be used for iBurst (1.9GHz), VBB (2.1 GHz) , Wireless (2.45GHz) and amateur TV (2.35Ghz)

Finally got all my stuff yesteday from the rfshop after waiting for a week, and to my disapointment the cable got damage in the post, must have been pushed up really hard against the antenna, cuase its squashed in a few places and the wire is visible in another couple. Wondering if this will greatly affect the loss???

Would like to send it back, but dont know if they will exchange it and that would mean waiting another 2 weeks.

thanks :)

jbone writes...

but dont know if they will exchange it

Why not ask them?

jbone writes... my disapointment the cable got damage in the post,

Call them right away …

RF Shop actually make some of the feed elements for their antennas. And whats even more imortant is that they actually do a frequency sweep of the antenna and this gives you the gain and frequency response of the antenna. This info is available on the RF Shop website or ask Peter Martin for it. RF Shop antennas perform great, I've used a couple for Virgin BB with great success.

Iv sent them an email but have not heard back yet.

Does anyone know where i can get this cable in perth it has a N male connector and a FME female at the other end?

Thanks

deeranger writes...

The good folk at Option (manufacturer of VB modem) have now got an antenna available. Cost is €45/unit ($AUD73.08) incl freight. I have asked for specs and a photo which I will share - if I can master the technology to do so!

Any news on this yet deeranger?

Meje writes...

Any news on this yet deeranger?

They have yet to send me the pics and specs. I have followed up so will wait until about Thu b4 chasing again.

Thanks deeranger... will wait with you lol. I'm keen to see how it performs, as I have about 4 weeks left of my 60 day trial left and will me moving to an area thats even closer close to the end of the fringe of coverage than I am now, plus is more hilly there too so.

Meje writes...

Thanks deeranger... will wait with you lol. I'm keen to see how it performs, as I have about 4 weeks left of my 60 day trial left and will me moving to an area thats even closer close to the end of the fringe of coverage than I am now, plus is more hilly there too so.

Hi Meje. Have you seen Marjoroony's post on his new Antenna?
forum-replies.cfm?t=805311
Looks like he has got the best deal, but if, deeranger is getting the info still, and it is an internal, would like to read more.