Cellular Antenna

[AK_Buck]

Have been thinking about installing a cellular antenna on the boat for (hopefully) increased range in PWS. Has anyone done this and if so, how much of an impact on range/clarity did it have? Initial thought is that this could have a decent impact.

[captaindd]

The first thing you need is good service. ACS or Copper Valley. I have a Digital Anntenna with the cable adapter. I have receive calls at over 50 miles out in the Gulf and all over PWS. The main anntenna is located on Naked Island.

[Muskie]

They work good

I have one on my boat, just a $50 radio shack deal. Gives me bars where I have none without it, definetly worth it.

[spoiled one]

Have been thinking about installing a cellular antenna on the boat for (hopefully) increased range in PWS. Has anyone done this and if so, how much of an impact on range/clarity did it have? Initial thought is that this could have a decent impact.

I added a Wilson omnidirectional antenna this spring and I get signal where I normally do not. Captaindd is spot on. You need to have either ACS or Copper Valley to get signal off the Naked Island tower. If I am not mistaken, Captaindd is running an amplifier with his setup, too. I am just running the antenna, but will probably add the amplifier this season. I purchased mine at Frigid North off of Spenard, here in Anchorage. They carry the amps, too. Here is a thread talking about this very thing: http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/...ad.php?t=29295

[rambling raven]

I had a combo VHF / Cellular on mine and it worked great right up to the time I put the boat on the trailer and pulled under the cover at the gas pump with it still up - it didn't work so well after that.

[Soundfisher]

Rambling Raven

I thought I was the only one who did that???!!!! Thanks for sharing.

[spoiled one]

I had a combo VHF / Cellular on mine and it worked great right up to the time I put the boat on the trailer and pulled under the cover at the gas pump with it still up - it didn't work so well after that.

I went through the Whittier tunnel with my VHF antenna up. It reaches 22'+/-. I realized just as I entered the tunnel. Fortunately it cleared. I have not forgotten since.

[Myers]

I have my boat to help eliminate phone use. If it was bigger I would use it for an anchor.

[markopolo50]

Oops!

I thought I was the only one who did that???!!!! Thanks for sharing.

Is that anything like backing your, meaning my, boat into a tree? Felt like a dunce, not sure if getting older has anything to do with clutz or not???:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[dtol]

I did it too!!

I went through the tunnel with my VHF antenna up too. It was my second time through with my new boat. I remembered and the panic hit about 200 yards from the end. It didnt touch a thing. I have a plasticized check list now, both for launching and retrieving. Forgetting something as simple as raising the outdrive can be very expensive.

[steelguy]

Southeast?

Interesting thread, thanks for posting. After reading, but not understanding most of it, does anyone have an idea of how this might work in the Wrangell-Prince Of Wales area? Sure would be easier, and cheaper! than a satellite phone.

[Paul H]

You'll have to check with your service provider to see where they have cell sites.

I started with ACS just to have coverage in the sound. Even without an external antenna I'm suprised at the areas I've been able to make and recieve calls.

[Alaska Gray]

So it looks like I'm SOL with AT&T

Very good thread here. Allot of good info.

[BigBrown767]

sGCI is extending its coverage area and it looks as though they'll cover PWS by this fall as well.

[AK_Buck]

Many thanks for the information - much appreciated! I currently have service with ACS and reception (with no external antenna) has been spotty. I'll take up Spoiled One's advice and head over to Frigid North - they're a class A outfit. Appreciate the link to the other thread.