Wilson Electronics U465034 Installation Manual

Contents:

How Cellular Boosters Work ..................................1

Inside This Package ........................................2

Install Overview ............................................2

Installation Diagram ......................................3 & 4

Outside Antenna Installation ..................................5

Installing the Inside Panel Antenna(s) ...........................7

Installing The Signal Booster ..................................7

Finding The Strongest Signal .................................8

Post Install Setup / LCD Screen ...............................9

Warnings and Recommendations .............................12

Warranty & Specifications ...............................14 & 15

Note: This manual contains important safety and operating information. Please read and follow the
instructions in this manual. Failure to do so could result in damage to your Signal Booster.

Appearance of device and accessories may vary.

INSTALLATION GUIDE

In-Building
SmarTech

®

Cellular Signal Boosters

PRO 70™ -50 Ohm

PRO SERIES

1

Contact Wilson Electronics Customer Support Team with any questions at 866-839-9361

or email: [e-mail]. Mon.- Fri. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.

How a Cellular Booster Improves Indoor Signals

Wilson cellular signal booster systems work as follows: an outdoor antenna placed
on a building where some cell signal is present, (ideally on a roof or pole), receives
and sends that weak signal via coax cable (like used in satellite TV installs) to a
signal booster located indoors. That weak signal is amplified by the booster and
delivered via coax cable to an inside antenna(s) which rebroadcasts the amplified
signal within one or several areas where improved signal is required. Signals from
indoor cell device(s) are likewise picked up by the inside antenna(s), amplified by
the signal booster and transmitted back to the cell tower via the outside antenna.
The improved signals result in reliable cellular connections for indoor users.

About Gain and Improved Signal Area

The less signal strength at the outside antenna’s location and/or the greater
the coverage need, the more gain will be required. Conversely, the more signal
present outside, the greater the inside coverage area will be. Proper aiming of the
outside antenna towards the source of the cell signal is also important. The gains
of the outside and inside antenna, though reduced by losses from coax cable
lengths, also affect area of improved coverage. Placement of the inside antenna is
also a factor as they have directional characteristics. Inside wall materials will also
affect indoor coverage area.

Another important factor affecting coverage area is inadequate isolation between
outside and inside antenna(s). Wilson boosters are designed to reduce their
internal gain in order to prevent any feedback “oscillations” which if unchecked,
could affect nearby cell site operation. The LCD status display on the booster is
used to determine if a booster is operating at optimal gain for each cellular band.
Optimal gain can be achieved by increasing antenna separation, i.e. isolation,
until the max gain is indicated. If attainable separation is limited by a building’s
layout, gain will suffer. A nearby cell site, even if not providing service to a user,
can also cause the booster’s automatic network protection circuitry to reduce
gain or even turn off one or more of the booster’s bands so as to prevent signal
overload to the nearby site. The display on the booster can also be used to
determine if this condition is taking place. Refer to pages 9-11 for explanation of
the booster status display.

2

Contact Wilson Electronics Customer Support Team with any questions at 866-839-9361

or email: [e-mail]. Mon.- Fri. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.

Inside this Package Note: Kits may contain different accessories

Signal

Booster

AC/DC

Power Supply

12V/3A (859900)

2’ LMR400 Cable

(952302)

Lightning Surge

Protector

(859902)

To purchase Expansion Kits call Wilson Electronics Sales Department at: 888-503-5329

For additional antenna options see pages 13 & 14.

1. Select a location on the roof or outside of the building to install the outside
antenna. Refer to pages 3 & 5.

2. Select a location to install the Signal Booster that is away from excessive heat,
direct sunlight or moisture, and has adequate ventilation. Airtight enclosures
are not recommended. Booster should be as close to the outside antenna as
possible in order to minimize losses from cable length to outside antenna.

3. Connect the cable from the outside antenna to the signal booster’s “outside
antenna” connector. Refer to page 6 for more information on running cable.
Lightning Surge Protection is recommended for all in-building installations.

Refer to pages 3 & 6.

4. Select a location for the inside antenna. Try to choose a position in the center
of the area needing improved signal. Keep in mind that proper inside antenna
to outside antenna isolation is necessary for the system to function properly.
This may require as much as 50 to 75 feet of horizontal separation from the
outside antenna. Vertical separation also helps increase isolation. Alternate
means of isolation are possible. If physical separation is not possible, please
contact Wilson Electronics Tech Support at 866-839-9361 for suggestions on
alternate methods to achieve isolation.

5. Connect the cable from the inside antenna to the signal booster’s “inside
antenna” connector. Refer to page 6 for more information on running cable.
Keep cable runs as short as possible to reduce signal loss in the system.

6. Before powering up the signal booster, verify that both the outside antenna and
the inside antenna are connected correctly, and check that all connections are
tight. Refer to page 9. Note: Be careful when plugging the connectors in so as

not to bend the center pins on the connectors.

7. Power on the signal booster by plugging in the included power supply. If the
lights are not green, please refer to page 10.

Install Overview

Refer to Installation Diagram on page 3 & 4. Contact Wilson Electronics Technical
Support Team with any questions at 866-839-9361.

Wide Band Directional

Antenna 75’ LMR400

(314411-40075)

Wide Band Panel Antenna

60' LMR400

(311135-40060)

3

Contact Wilson Electronics Customer Support Team with any questions at 866-839-9361

or email: [e-mail]. Mon.- Fri. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.

Installation Diagram

Spacing Critical

Outside Antenna

(Wide Band Directional
Antenna shown)

Inside Antenna

Power Supply

Inside Antenna

Preferred Method: Place the
Inside Antenna in the ceiling
facing down for the best
coverage.

Note: A Wilson Lightning Surge
Protector (859902) is recommended

for all building installations. Make sure
the protector is installed outside the
building at point of entry connected to
a suitable ground and in line between
the Outside Antenna and the Signal
Booster.

Surge Protector
Power Strip

4

Contact Wilson Electronics Customer Support Team with any questions at 866-839-9361

or email: [e-mail]. Mon.- Fri. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.

Signal
Booster

Optional Inside
Antenna for added
coverage

Optional Splitter

2-way or 3-way, when using
multiple inside antennas for
increased coverage

5

Contact Wilson Electronics Customer Support Team with any questions at 866-839-9361

or email: [e-mail]. Mon.- Fri. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.

Cell Tower

Wide Band Antenna

Selecting a Location for the Outside Antenna

The outside antenna must be mounted at a location outside of the home or building,
where the strongest cell signal is present. This can be accomplished by using the
Wilson Signal Meter. Alternatively, a cell phone in test mode* can be used for finding
the area around the building with the strongest signal.

Mount the outside antenna as high as possible facing towards the suspected
location of the cell tower and pointing away from the expected location of the
inside antenna(s).

Outside Antenna Installation

The antenna should be mounted as shown in Figure 1. The mounting bracket,
included with antenna, is adjustable and will accommodate pipe diameters from

1.25 inches to 2 inches (pipe sold separately #901117). Mount the antenna so
that there is at least 3 feet of clearance in all directions around it. Make sure the
antenna is not pointing across your own roof or at the inside antenna as this will
cause the cell site protection circuitry to shut down the signal booster.

Signal Booster

Outdoor

Antenna

Outdoor
Antenna

Inside Panel

Antenna

Figure 1

Figure 2

CORRECT INSTALLATION

Never point antennas toward each otherPoint antennas away from each other

INCORRECT INSTALLATION

Inside Panel

Antenna

Signal Booster

6

Contact Wilson Electronics Customer Support Team with any questions at 866-839-9361

or email: [e-mail]. Mon.- Fri. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.

Warning:

Lightning protection is recommended for all installations (#859902-
50 ohm, shown below). Take extreme care to ensure that neither
you nor the antenna comes near any electric power lines.

Installing Lightning Protection

Install the Lightning Surge Protector (LSP) outside, in line with the coax cable from
the outside antenna, near where the coax cable from the outside antenna will enter
the building. Connect the Outside antenna cable to one of the connectors of the
surge protector. Connect the other connector on the LSP to the cable entering the
building. Ensure the LSP is
properly grounded as close to
the LSP as possible (ground
wire not included).

Running Outside Antenna Cable

If you are mounting the outside antenna to the outside wall of your home or
building, the simplest way is to run the cable on the outside of the wall and attach it
to the exterior of your home or office. Then drill a hole through the wall where you
want the cable to appear on the inside of the building. Before drilling, make sure
that there are no electrical outlets, sewer or water pipes, or electrical wiring in the
wall that you are about to drill through as this could potentially harm you or damage
the building. Note: Existing TV cables already being used for another purpose can

not be shared with the cell booster installation.

After drilling the required hole, run the cable through and seal it with cable bushings
or a silicone-type sealant to enclose the hole that you have created. In some
instances, it may be possible to run the cable up into the fascia of the attic overhang.
In this circumstance, the cable will be accessible in the attic for further routing.

Exterior wall of building or home

Lightning

Surge Protector

Signal Booster

Surge Protector Power Strip

To Outside

Antenna

Ground Wire

To Inside

Antenna

7

Contact Wilson Electronics Customer Support Team with any questions at 866-839-9361

or email: [e-mail]. Mon.- Fri. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.

Installing the Inside Panel Antenna(s)

Select a location for the inside antenna, preferably in the center of where the signal
needs to be amplified. A minimum separation distance of 20 vertical feet and or
50 horizontal feet between the inside and outside antenna(s) may be necessary
in order to achieve full booster gain and therefore maximum indoor coverage. If
the amplifier can not be set to maximum gain as explained on page 10, you may
need as much as 75 feet of horizontal separation, or mechanical isolation, between
inside and outside antennas. Refer to installation diagram on pages 3 & 4.

Ceiling

Rafters

Ceiling

Drywall

Inside

Antenna

Some installations requiring signal improvement in far areas of larger homes or
structures may require multiple inside antennas and splitter(s). For example if
signal is improved in most areas of a structure, but yet there is weak signal In
another area, the signal from the booster can be split to two or more separate
indoor antennas by using a splitter (sold separately). Refer to the configuration
on pages 3 & 4.

Additional Inside Panel
Antenna w/ cable

sold separately

Multiple mounting options
available

For additional antenna options
see pages 13 & 14

Splitter Options:

2-way

(859957)

3-way

(859980)

4-way

(859981)

Installing the Signal Booster

Select a location for the signal booster which is away from excessive heat, direct
sunlight, moisture and is not subject to high temperatures. Do not place the signal
booster in an air-tight enclosure. Recommended installation locations for in-building
signal boosters are in a closet or on a shelf where power is available. Attic installations
may expose the booster to high heat.

8

Contact Wilson Electronics Customer Support Team with any questions at 866-839-9361

or email: [e-mail]. Mon.- Fri. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.

Note: Do not install in areas subject to temperatures in excess of 150 °F.

Note: Maintain at least 6 inches of clearance from surrounding objects. Be careful

when plugging the connector in so as not to damage the center pins on the connectors.

Run the outside antenna cable to the signal booster and attach it to the connector
labeled “Outside Antenna” on the signal booster. Run the inside antenna cable to the
signal booster and attach it to the connector labeled “Inside Antenna” on the signal

booster.

Note: In order to abide by FCC regulations, cable lengths and antennas shipped as a kit
with each booster must be used and not cut and shortened. Contact our tech support for
cable kits to be used in situations requiring long cable runs.

Note: It is very important to power your signal booster using a surge protected AC
power strip with at least a 1000 Joule rating. Failure to do this will void
your warranty in the event of a power surge or lightning strike

Finding the Strongest Signal

When installing your signal booster’s outside antenna, aiming it towards the best
signal source from your carrier is important. The best way of getting the strongest
signal is to use the Wilson Signal Meter and accessory Directional antenna (see
outside antenna kit options on page 14), an alternate way is to have one person
on the roof to rotate the outside antenna, which is connected to the signal booster.
Turn the outside antenna about 45 degrees at a time, while the second person,
inside the building, is watching the signal strength on a signal meter (preferred)
or a phone in test mode. This allows you to read the signal strength from the cell
tower. The phone should be in the test mode so the actual signal strength can
be read, as bars are not the most accurate. Always make sure the person inside
the building gives the signal strength time to register on the phone (at least 30
seconds for phone to update the signal reading).
Signal readings usually appear as a negative number (for example, -86). The closer

-50 dBm0 dBm -60 dBm -70 dBm -80 dBm -90 dBm -100dBm -110dBm

EXCELLENT GOOD POOR NO

SIGNAL

Signal Strength Graph

Cell Tower

Cell Signal

Outside

Antenna

the number to zero, the stronger the signal (see Signal Srength Graph above).

9

Contact Wilson Electronics Customer Support Team with any questions at 866-839-9361

or email: [e-mail]. Mon.- Fri. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MST.

Post Install Setup

The Pro Series booster is designed with advanced internal programming which allows
it to automatically adjust itself for a variety of conditions and still boost weak signals.
After completing the amplifier installation, the LCD display and push button on the
lower panel of the Pro Series booster is used to verify the final gain that the booster
adjusted itself to produce after antennas have been placed. The display can also be
used (if necessary) to re-adjust antennas so the booster can produce maximum gain
and therefore, coverage. The LCD screen will show status for each band and inform
the installer if any bands may have had their gain reduced by the booster’s internal
programming. In addition, an indicator light on the booster”s upper panel will help
diagnose the overall status of the booster by glowing in different colors. This will be
covered in the following page.

Understanding the LCD Screen

1. Four bands can be individually selected:

The 700 MHz LTE Bands (B12/17 and B13)

The 800 MHz Band

– Cell Band

The 1900 MHz

– PCS Band

1700/2100 MHz

– AWS Band

A700

AOK

A800

AOK

APCS

AOK

AAWS

AOK

The single “BAND SELECT” button is used to scroll the display through the four
cellular bands in order to verify that each band is functioning properly. An asterisk
(located next to the band selected) will flash if one or more bands have been turned
down/off by the boosters control circuitry due to strong nearby cell site signal overload
(“OVL”) and/or oscillation detection (“OSC”) from antennas being too close. This is
no cause for concern if the power light remains green and you are satisfied with your
indoor coverage area.