My Review - Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS/CEL dual band extender

Malignity · EVDO Newbie Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 7

I thought I’d share my experience with the Wi-Ex zBoost YX510 dual band extender. Especially considering these devices are much cheaper than some of their commercial competition they might spark your interest like they did mine. I’ve owned this for about three weeks now.

I live in a somewhat rural area on the fringe of Sprint service. Outside I can manage 3 bars of signal (-80db roughly) however we built an insulated concrete home and are lucky to manage 1 bar inside. I use a Sprint cell modem (AC595) for internet access and have been looking for months at products such as this but didn’t want to spend $500 for a commercial unit.

I purchased the dual band Wi-Ex unit and initially tested it by strapping the exterior antenna to my deck railing and running the cable/base in my kitchen. Normally in the kitchen my Sprint card sees -97db signal strength this equated to 1 or 2 bars in the software. Once I turned on the Wi-Ex the signal strength boosted to -72db over a 20db gain! I was quite impressed – the software was reading 5 out of 6 bars most of the time. The cell modem connected with less trouble, stayed connected, and transfer rates went up. So for a more fixed installation I mounted the external antenna onto the two 4x4’s that hold our satellite dish – this time using a 10’ mast thinking I’ll see even further benefit. I ran the cable and base unit in my basement utilizing most of the 50’ of cable they give you –keeping the unit as near the center of my home as possible.

I was very disappointed to find my notebook upstairs would not connect / utilize the range extender. Which was literally 15' away (direct line / partially vertical). Basically nowhere upstairs could I get it to use the extender. It wasn’t until I moved my notebook into the basement would it utilize it. I’m VERY disappointed this unit claims to have a 3500sq/ft interior range yet it wouldn’t connect literally 15’ away (9’ or so vertically). My home is 1850sq/ft and it’s not like I have marble or tile floors either – this is a typical wood subfloor with laminate wood & carpeted floors. I changed the location and orientation of the base unit and it’s antenna but all attempts ended with the same results. So I contacted Wi-Ex technical support and their recommendation was to purchase a different interior antenna. Sorry for that total I’d rather buy the commercial grade amp I was originally looking at. This product works and works well but its interior range is poor in my opinion therefore I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Side notes: Nowhere in the documentation does it state this device is an “amplifier” nor does it state any wattage in the specifications. Also product uses standard RG6 cable and does not list loss over distance specifications.

I really think I’ll take this back and buy the Digital PowerMax DA4000SBR - which I was originally looking at - instead.

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 1:08 pm Post subject:

Interesting review. If the imrpovement in the kitchen is that substantial, have you considered putting a router in there with it? Perhaps that, in conjunction with the Wi-Ex, would give you whole-house coverage with a great signal (-72 dBM)
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Malignity · EVDO Newbie Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 7

I intended on using something like the KR2 in the basement.

I failed to mention I've started to run into another problem with this Wi-Ex device. There are three lights on the device (power, transfer, and alert). On occasion the alert light will flash red and power light flash between green and yellow. I'll unplug the power from the base unit and reconnect and it's fine. The book simply states if this happens to contact technical support (which I've done and haven't heard anything back yet).

I did not see this problem during my initial setup on the deck / kitchen. However that was only a one day test to see how the system was going to work before I went thru the trouble of permanently mounting anything.

rokky · EVDO Newbie Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Posts: 7 Location: NC

I saw this in a CNET review ( http://review.zdnet.com/cell-phone-and-smart/wi-ex-zboost-yx510/4505-6448_16-32156398.html ):

"As for the zBoost's base unit, you must place it at least 15 feet from the signal antenna. Indeed, when we tried to place it any closer, the zBoost didn't work as expected. Also, the base unit can't be within two feet of any metal and it should be placed near the center of the room, at least 15 feet above the floor. While we get that the various restrictions are necessary for the optimum performance, it also means it can be difficult to find the ideal location for the base and antenna"

I dunno about that part "15 feet above the floor" - not many houses have that kind of vertical distance except possibly some of the big loft setups (maybe), so I am guessing he meant 5?

Anyway, the restrictions sound typical of wireless tech in general: i.e. wacky Wink

I am considering one or another of these zBoost units since our house is "cellular resistant" even tho in a fairly major metro area, Raleigh-Durham, NC, and I can get strong Verizon signals almost anywhere but at home. Alltel was the same way a few years back, but my Sprint Aircard seems to do better (employer supplied, and I don't want to switch from Vzw since most of my family is on it, and that means free calls... when we can connect).

Local Tiger Direct store has several models, so considering a trial as long as I can be sure of a return if it does not work out (TD used to be pretty bad about that from what I recall?).
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Rokky

Malignity · EVDO Newbie Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 7

My suggestion to anyone looking to invest in one of these devices - check around price isn't everything. Consider return policies and such. That's one reason I went with Firefold.com - its been easy to contact them - they're always friendly - and they have a fairly lenient return policy.

I should also note I contacted Wi-Ex tech support once again regarding a "wacky" problem I've been seeing on and off. Once in a while when I go to connect with my aircard the error light flashes red and power light flashes between green and yellow. The manual says reset power to fix and if the problem continues contact support. Wi-Ex support mentioned this could be a software issue with the base unit and I should get it exchanged. So I'll give the product another shot - firefold has been great about all this and I'll be returning the unit shortly for a new one. I'll keep everyone posted.

Side note - my mention of 15' was meant if you drew a direct line from the base unit up and over thru the floor to the kitchen where I had the unit installed previously / where my notebook resides most the time.

Malignity · EVDO Newbie Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 7

I can't find a way to edit my post - so sorry for double posting.

I read that review and they meant the base unit and EXTERNAL antenna have restrictions / must be at least 15' apart. You will find that with ANY product - the two simply can't be too close to each other or feedback (for lack of better term) will occur and potentially damage the amplifer.