zBoost YX545-PCS-CEL2 Cellular Signal Booster User Manual

zBoost, LLC Cellular Signal Booster Users Manual

Users Manual

zBoost YX545 SOHO
User Guide
30 day money back guarantee when you buy directly from Wi-Ex®. If product is purchased
from a reseller or third party, you must use their return policy.
1 Year Manufacturer Warranty. Register your zBoost® product at www.Wi-Ex.com
v.042512
zBOOST® YX545 SOHO USER GUIDE zBOOST® YX545 SOHO USER GUIDE
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About zBoost® from Wi-Ex®
Wi-Ex, the leader in cell phone signal boosters manufactures zBoost, the award-winning line
of cell phone signal boosters that enhance the performance of your cell phone, smartphone
and wireless data card.
Compatibility – Dual Band zBoosts are compatible with 800MHz and 1900MHz regardless of
technology- including CDMA and GSM.
Patented technologies protect the carrier network.
1-year manufacturer warranty – register your product at www.Wi-Ex.com.
zBoost products have more awards, more sales and more locations than all other signal
boosters…COMBINED.
FCC Information
FCC ID: SO4YX545-PCS-CEL2
Warning: Changes or modications to this device not expressly approved by Wi-Ex® could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If the equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter. In accordance with FCC requirements of human exposure to radiofrequency
elds, the radiating element (antenna) shall be installed such that a minimum separation distance of
20cm (8in) is maintained from all persons.
Industry Canada Regulations
IC ID: 5544A-YX545PCSCL2
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing
Equipment Regulations. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
The term “IC:” before the radio certication number only signies that Industry Canada technical
specications were met.
RF Exposure: The manufacturer’s rated output power of this equipment is for single carrier
operation. For situations when multiple carrier signals are present, the rating would have to be
reduced by 3.5 dB, especially where the output is re-radiated and can cause interference to
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Package Contents: zBoost YX545 SOHO
Before you begin, make sure all of the following parts came with your zBoost YX545.
Literature Contents:
Set-up overview for zBoost® YX545 SOHO
(User Guide online only)
Product Contents:
zBoost Base Unit
Base Unit Antenna
Power Supply
RG-59 (mini) Coax Cable 50 ft.
Signal Antenna
Signal Antenna Mounting Hardware
adjacent band users. This power reduction is to be by means of input power or gain reduction and
not by an attenuator at the output of the device.
Cet appareillage numérique de la classe [B] répond à toutes les exigences de l’interférence
canadienne causant des règlements d’équipement. L’opération est sujette aux deux conditions
suivantes: (1) ce dispositif peut ne pas causer l’interférence nocive, et (2) ce dispositif doit accepter
n’importe quelle interférence reçue, y compris l’interférence qui peut causer l’opération peu désirée.
Le fabricant nominale de la puissance de sortie de ce matériel est simple transporteur. Pour les
situations lorsque plusieurs signauxporteurs sont présents, l’évaluation devrait être réduite de
3.5 dB, en particulier lorsque le signal de sortie est ré-émise et peut provoquer des interférences
adjacentes à la bande utilisateurs. Ce pouvoir est de la réduction par le biais de la sortie
d’alimentation ou la réduction de gain et non par un atténuateur à la sortie du dispositif.
Please note: This unit has been approved for use in Canada under RSS 131, however, consent
for the use of this device to improve cellular or PCS coverage, must be obtained through your
cellular or PCS provider, prior to placing the unit in operation. Please refer to the Industry Canada
document CPC 2-1-05, Section 6.1 available or viewable at:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/smt-gst.nsf/en/sf08942e.html
Copyright Notice
This manual is copyrighted. All rights reserved. This manual, whole or in part, may not be copied,
photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable
form for distribution. This manual whole or in part, may not be modied without prior consent, in
writing, from Wireless Extenders.
Copyright © 2012 by Wireless Extenders, Inc.
Trademarks
Wireless Extenders, Wi-Ex, the Wi-Ex logo, zBoost, the zBoost logo and Extending Cell Zones are
registered trademarks of Wireless Extenders, Inc.
Safety Guidelines
In accordance with FCC requirements of human exposure to radiofrequency elds, the radiating
element (antenna) shall be positioned such that a minimum separation distance of 8 inches (20cm)
is maintained between the radiating element and the user and/or general population.
Limited Liability
In no event shall Wireless Extenders be liable for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, incidental,
exemplary or consequential damages, or any damages, whether in an action under contract,
negligence, or any other theory, arising out of or in connection with the set up of, use of, inability
to use, or performance of the information, services, products, and materials available from this
manual. These limitations shall apply notwithstanding any failure of essential purpose of any
limited remedy. Because some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on how long an implied
warranty last, or the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the
above limitations may not apply to you.
For full warranty guidelines, see page 11.
Safety and Product Warranty Information
Note
Changes or modications not expressly approved by
Wi-Ex® could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment and/or void the product warranty.
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Optional zBoost® Accessories Table of Contents
About zBoost® from Wi-Ex® .........................................................................................................................i
FCC Information .................................................................................................................................... i
Industry Canada Regulations .................................................................................................................. i
Safety and Product Warranty Information ..................................................................................................ii
Copyright Notice ................................................................................................................................... ii
Trademarks ............................................................................................................................................ ii
Safety Guidelines ................................................................................................................................... ii
Limited Liability .................................................................................................................................... ii
Package Contents: zBoost® YX545-PCS-CEL............................................................................................ iii
Optional zBoost® Accessories .....................................................................................................................iv
Table of Content .........................................................................................................................................1
Overview .....................................................................................................................................................2
Why Indoor Signals Can Be Weak ......................................................................................................... 2
Preparing to Set Up Your zBoost® Product ..................................................................................................3
Tools Needed ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Check for Signal Strength ...................................................................................................................... 3
Determine the Needed Coverage Area .................................................................................................... 4
Determine the Location of Signal Antenna and Base Unit Antenna ....................................................... 4
Additional Cable Requirements ............................................................................................................. 5
Securing Cable with a Drip Loop ........................................................................................................... 5
Power Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 5
Setting Up Your zBoost® Signal Booster ......................................................................................................6
Placement of the Signal Antenna ............................................................................................................ 6
Easiest Set-Up ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Better Performance................................................................................................................................. 7
Best Performance ................................................................................................................................... 8
Positioning the Base Unit ..................................................................................................................... 10
Conrm at Your zBoost® is Working Properly .................................................................................. 10
Improving Your Coverage Area .................................................................................................................11
zBoost® Base Unit Light Indicators ...........................................................................................................12
YX545-SOHO Technical Specications ....................................................................................................13
Frequently Asked Questions .....................................................................................................................14
zBoost® Warranty Information ...........................................................................................................15&16
The following accessories are available to improve signal reception and provide increased coverage
in your home or ofce. Please see our website for complete selection.
To order, call 1-800-871-1612 or visit, www.Wi-Ex.com
YX545-Dual Band
Part # Description
Most Popular Accessory for YX545 SOHO:
X YX039-PCS-CEL Bi-Directional receiving Signal Antenna upgrade
(13 dBi PCS / 8 dBi CEL)
Other Accessories:
X YX012 Outside Grounding Kit
X YX027-PCS-CEL Directional transmitting Base Unit Antenna upgrade
(9 dBi PCS / 6 dBi CEL)
X YX028-PCS-CEL Directional transmitting window-mount Base Unit Antenna
upgrade (9 dBi PCS / 6 dBi CEL)
X YX030-15W 15 ft. Signal Antenna coax extension, low-loss RG-6
X YX030-35W 35 ft. Signal Antenna coax extension cable, low-loss RG-6
X YX031-10W 10 ft. Base Unit Antenna coax extension cable
X YX030-08W 8” at window entry cable
X YX050-PCS-CEL Omni-Directional transmitting ceiling-mount Base Unit
Antenna (2 dBi PCS / 1 dBi CEL)
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Preparing to Set Up Your zBoost ProductOverview
Thank you for choosing zBoost. You will now be able to use your cell phone INSIDE your home or
ofce. Gone are the days when you had to go to the window upstairs or walk outside to use your
cell phone. Like a skylight that brings sunlight into your home, zBoost® transports and amplies the
outdoor cellular signals into your home or ofce.
By following the easy instructions in this user guide, you will be Extending Cell Zones™ into your
home or ofce.
Why Indoor Signals Can Be Weak
There are several obstacles that can contribute to the poor reception you receive in your home or
ofce:
1. Location of the Cell Phone Tower in Relation to Your Home/Ofce
While cell phone providers have tried to place cell phone towers to provide the best overall
coverage, local ordinances and terrain features can impose restrictions on where these
towers can be placed, thus, limiting the signal strength available at your location.
2. Obstructions Caused by Buildings, Terrain and Trees
Cell phone signals can be completely blocked or reected by buildings, walls, trees, hills
and other terrain features resulting in low signal strength.
3. Energy Efcient Windows
These new windows can also affect signal penetration into the house
Tools Needed
The following tools are needed to set up zBoost:
#2 Phillips screwdriver
Cellular phone operating in the band supported by your zBoost® unit
Drill (may be required for outdoor or attic antenna placement)
Check for Signal Strength
Before placing a zBoost in your home, make sure that you can place calls on the outside of your
home, in the attic, at roof level or wherever you plan to place the signal antenna. zBoost® can
only bring signal into your home when signal reaches the Signal Antenna. If there is no signal, the
zBoost will not work for you.
Using your cell phone, place a call from an outdoor location to conrm that enough signal is present
to complete the call. If a weak signal is available at ground level, check the signal strength in your
attic or at roof level location where the signal will likely be stronger and where the Signal Antenna
can be placed for best performance.
If you can reliably make and receive calls outside your home, then zBoost can bring the signal into
your home.
If only one signal bar is displayed on your cell phone outside, indoor coverage will be
limited to one small room. We recommend placing the Signal Antenna outside and/or purchasing
a Wi-Ex upgrade Signal Antenna for increased coverage (see page iv).
Note
Cell phone signal bars are approximate and vary from
phone to phone. The number of bars can uctuate
widely, depending on the location of the phone, the
position or angle of the phone, weather, etc. Most cell
phone signal meters update every 6 to 10 seconds. An
increase of only one bar typically indicates a 4x to 10x
signal increase.
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Pole Bracket
Saddle
U-Bolt
Determine the Needed Coverage Area
Identify the location in your home/ofce where you need signal coverage the most. The zBoost®
YX545 SOHO can cover up to 3000 square feet (coverage varies based on outdoor signal level,
building construction, and placement of antennas). Walls, ceilings or oors will reduce the coverage
area.
Determine the Location of Signal Antenna and Base Unit Antenna
It is recommended that the Signal Antenna and Base Unit Antenna have at least 15 feet of
vertical separation.
If the antennas are too close together, the light on the Base Unit will ash red, indicating a problem
see the Light Indicators section (Page 12). To capture the best signal, place the Signal Antenna as
high as possible and position it vertically, keeping it at it at least 2 feet away from any metal.
The location of the Signal Antenna should be at least 15 feet higher than the Base Unit Antenna. If
this is not possible, maximizing the horizontal separation between the 2 antennas is advised.
See page 6, Setting Up Your zBoost® Product, for additional information.
Note
Avoid placing the Signal Antenna near metal such as
wiring, A/C ducts, metal siding, truss plates, etc.
When connecting the cable to the antenna, run the
cable straight down from the antenna. Avoid draping
the coax near the antenna.
Additional Cable Requirements
If the distance between the Signal Antenna and the Base Unit exceeds 50 feet, extension cables
are available on our website or at many home improvement and electronic stores. The included
cable is RG59-mini. For better performance, you may replace it with RG-6 cable for satellite TV.
The total cable length should not exceed 70 feet unless you also purchase an upgraded signal
antenna (see page iv). A longer cable is helpful only if it allows you to place the Signal Antenna in a
location where you measure stronger signal.
Grounding the Signal Antenna
If you decide to place the Signal Antenna outdoors, it must be properly grounded. (See page iv for a
recommended grounding kit).
The set up must be in accordance with Article 810 of the National Electric Code (NEC). A listed
antenna discharge unit must be provided for the lead-in coaxial cable per NEC article 8.10.20 or the
shield of the coaxial cable must be permanently and effectively grounded in accordance with NEC
article 8.10.21. Please consult a professional installer or electrician for more information. (See page
iv).
Securing Cable with a Drip Loop
If you place the Signal Antenna outdoors, create a drip loop with
the coaxial cable at the point where the cable enters the building
through an outside wall. This can be done by twisting and
securing the cable into a loop (no less than 4” across) near the
entry point. This will help prevent moisture from gathering at entry
point and leaking into the building. Consult a professional installer
if you need more information.
Power Requirements
The Base Unit can be plugged into a standard 2 or 3 prong 110 VAC receptacle using the Included
power supply. The power supply consumes less than 10W (less than 0.2A).
Note
The zBoost® YX545 SOHO base unit MUST only be
used with the provided power adaptor. Use of other
power adaptors will void the warranty and may damage
the unit. Use of other equipment is not FCC approved.
Antenna Bracket Assembly
IMPORTANT: Incorrectly mounting the Signal Antenna to the
mounting bracket (see gure A) will impede performance.
Ensure that the Signal Antenna is properly positioned in the
mounting bracket as pictured below.
To mount antenna to a pole: Attach bottom of antenna to pole
bracket as pictured. Use U-Bolt to secure bracket to pole and
fasten.
To mount antenna to a at surface: Attach bottom of antenna to
pole bracket as pictured. Secure bracket to desired surface using
provided screws. Use of the Saddle and U-Bolt are not necessary
for this option.
Figure A
Coax Cable
Exterior Wall
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Setting Up Your zBoost® Signal Booster
Placement of the Signal Antenna
Choosing the best location for the Signal Antenna provides the best performance and the largest
area of improved signal. Determine the location that provides the strongest signal using the signal
strength indicator on your cell phone. Find the location that provides the most bars of signal
strength and place the Signal Antenna at or near that location. Assemble the Signal Antenna
mounting bracket as shown on page 4. Avoid placing the Signal Antenna near metal such as wiring,
A/C ducts, metal siding, truss plates, etc. When connecting the cable to the antenna, run the cable
straight down from the antenna. Avoid draping the coax near the antenna.
Choose 1 of the following 3 options for setting up your zBoost®
system:
EASIEST: Inside, by a window
Locate a window where you get service.
1. Mount the Signal Antenna above the window. The
coverage your zBoost® provides is largely determined by
the quality of signal received by the Signal Antenna.
2. Assemble the Base Unit Antenna. Place the Base Unit in
desired location – where you want to create a Cell Zone™
(15 feet of vertical separation between the Base Unit and
Signal Antenna is recommended). Connect the Base Unit
Antenna to the Base Unit and place it where you need
signal.
3. Attach the coaxial cable to the Signal Antenna.
4. Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the Base Unit.
5. Attach the Base Unit Antenna to the Base Unit and position it
vertically.
6. Connect the Power Supply to the Base Unit and plug into a power outlet.
NOTE: The zBoost YX545 SOHO requires at least 15 feet of vertical separation between the Base
Unit and the Signal Antenna. Generally, increasing this distance (up to 40 feet) will increase the
performance and decreasing the distance will limit zBoost performance. Keep the Base Unit off
the oor and at least 2 feet away from other cords, metal objects or other wireless devices such
as wireless routers or wireless access points. The zBoost SOHO performs best when there are no
obstructions between the zBoost Base Unit and your mobile device.
Upon initial power up, a solid GREEN light should appear indicating normal conditions. If a RED
light appears, adjustments may be needed to optimize performance. If you nd the increased signal
coverage is acceptable, however, no additional adjustments are needed. See Light Indicator section
(Page 12) for more information.
BETTER PERFORMANCE: Outside of a window
Locate a window where you get signal.
1. Mount the Signal Antenna outside of the window. The
coverage your zBoost provides is largely determined by
the quality of signal received by the Signal Antenna.
2. Assemble the Base Unit Antenna. Place the Base Unit
in desired location – where you want to create a Cell
Zone™ (15 feet of vertical separation between the Base
Unit and Signal Antenna is recommended).
3. Attach the coaxial cable to the Signal Antenna.
4. Run the coaxial cable from the Signal Antenna through
the window (an optional window entry kit is available:
see page iv) and to the Base Unit.
5. Attach the Base Unit Antenna to the Base Unit and position it
vertically.
6. Connect the Power Supply to the Base Unit and plug into a
power outlet.
NOTE: The zBoost SOHO requires at least 15 feet of vertical separation between the Base
Unit and the Signal Antenna. Generally, increasing this distance (up to 40 feet) will increase the
performance and decreasing the distance will limit zBoost performance. (If 15 feet of separation is
not possible, you may try our new METRO model, which was designed for lofts and urban dwellings
and requires no vertical separation.) Keep the Base Unit off the oor and at least 2 feet away from
other cords, metal objects or other wireless devices such as wireless routers or wireless access
points. The zBoost SOHO performs best when there are no obstructions between the zBoost Base
Unit and your mobile device.
Upon initial power up, a solid GREEN light should appear indicating normal conditions. If a RED
light appears, adjustments may be needed to optimize performance. If you nd the increased signal
coverage is acceptable, however, no additional adjustments are needed. See Light Indicator section
(Page 12) for more information.
*An 8 inch window entry cable may be needed for this option. It is available for purchase at www.
Wi-Ex.com (Part #: YX030-08W).
Easiest Set-up
Place Signal Antenna
inside, by a window
Better
Performance
Place Signal Antenna
outside of window*
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BEST PERFORMANCE: Attic/Outdoor placement
The following instructions are recommended for the
best reception:
1. Using your cell phone as a signal meter,
conrm that either your attic or your roof
will deliver optimal signal strength to the
Signal Antenna. Identify the best location for
attachment of the mounting bracket – such
as an attic cross or main beam. The coverage
your zBoost provides is largely determined
by the quality of signal received by the Signal
Antenna.
2. Secure the mounting bracket at the highest
possible point and at least 3 feet (1 meter)
away from metal objects such as pipes, metal
siding, A/C unit etc).
3. Position the mounting bracket such that the Signal
Antenna will be vertical and attach the Signal Antenna. See page 4 for more information.
4. Connect the supplied coaxial cable to the base of the Signal Antenna. Run the coaxial cable
along a descending pipe or through a wall that leads closest to the location of the Base
Unit. Use the provided 50 feet of RG-59(mini) coaxial cable to connect the Signal Antenna
and the Base Unit. Should you need additional cable length, 15 foot extensions (Part #:
YX30-15w) are available at www.Wi-Ex.com. Please note: Cable longer than 75 feet is not
recommended.
NOTE: Refrain from securing cable or drilling holes until the system has been tested.
5. From the other end, connect the coax cable it to the Base Unit. Assemble the Base Unit
Antenna. Connect the Base Unit Antenna to the Base Unit and place it where you need
signal. Place the zBoost Base Unit where you want to create a Cell Zone. For the widest
possible signal area, it is recommended that you position the Base Unit near the middle of
a room or mount it on an interior wall. This Base Unit uses an omni-directional antenna that
delivers signal in a circular pattern around the antenna.
6. Connect the zBoost Base Unit to the provided power supply and plug into a power outlet.
When your zBoost system is in place and fully connected, walk throughout your home or
ofce and verify that you are able to reliably place calls. If the signal strength has improved,
your zBoost is working. Remember, coverage varies based on outdoor signal level, building
construction, and antenna placement. Coverage in adjoining rooms (next to, above, or
below) will be reduced by walls and ceiling/oors.
Best Performance
Place Signal Antenna on roof
or in attic
NOTE: The zBoost YX545 SOHO requires at least 15 feet of vertical separation between the Base
Unit and the Signal Antenna. Generally, increasing this distance (up to 40 feet) will increase the
performance and decreasing the distance will limit zBoost performance. (If 15 feet of separation is
not possible, you may try our new METRO model, which was designed for lofts and urban dwellings
and requires no vertical separation.) Keep the Base Unit off the oor and at least 2 feet away from
other cords, metal objects or other wireless devices such as wireless routers or wireless access
points. The zBoost SOHO performs best when there are no obstructions between the zBoost®
Base Unit and your mobile device.
Upon initial power up, a solid GREEN light should appear indicating normal conditions. If a RED
light appears, adjustments may be needed to optimize performance. If you nd the increased signal
coverage is acceptable, however, no additional adjustments are needed. See Light Indicator section
(Page 12) for more information.
zBoost Base Unit
Power Supply
Base Unit Antenna
Coaxial Cable
Signal Antenna
Cell Tower
15 ft
separation
Pole Bracket
Saddle
U-Bolt
Figure A
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Improving Your Coverage Area
Positioning the Base Unit
For the widest possible signal area, it is recommended that you position the zBoost® YX545 SOHO
Base Unit near the middle of a room or mount it on an interior wall. This Base Unit uses an omni-
directional antenna that delivers signal in a circular pattern around the antenna.
If you decide to position the Base Unit on or near an outside wall, we recommend purchasing a
Directional Base Unit Antenna (Page iv) to focus the signal in the direction of your choice.
The Base Unit can be mounted either directly on a wall or placed on a at surface (e.g., a
bookshelf, desk, end table, etc.). The Base Unit performs best when located at least 4 feet above
the oor or approximately the height of a cell phone when it is typically in use (avoid placing the
Base Unit on the oor).
For best results, avoid placing the Base Unit antenna within 2 feet of other cords, metal objects or
other wireless devices such as wireless routers or wireless access points.
Conrm That Your zBoost is Working Properly
Perform the following steps to conrm that the unit is now working properly:
1. Unplug the Base Unit power cord.
2. Turn on your cell phone and check the signal meter.
3. Plug the power cord into the Base Unit.
4. Hold your cell phone about 5 feet from the Base Unit and then turn it on. Wait up to 1 minute
for the cell phone to register the signal coming from the Base Unit.
5. If the signal meter shows improvement, your zBoost® unit is working properly.
Note
Cell phone signal bars are approximate and vary from
phone to phone. The number of bars can uctuate
widely, depending on the location of the phone, the
position or angle of the phone, weather, etc. Most cell
phone signal meters update every 6 to 10 seconds. An
increase of only one bar typically indicates a 4x to 10x
signal increase.
THE BEST INDICATOR OF PRODUCT
PERFORMANCE IS THE ABILITY TO RELIABLY
PLACE AND RECEIVE CALLS WHERE YOU COULD
NOT BEFORE SETTING UP THE YX545 SOHO.
When your zBoost® system is in place and fully connected, you should walk throughout the room
and see that you are able to reliably place calls.
Remember, coverage varies based on outdoor signal level, building construction, and antenna
placement. Coverage in adjoining rooms (next to, above, or below) will be reduced due to walls or
ceiling/oors.
Should you desire to improve coverage, you may:
Relocate the Signal Antenna in order to capture a better signal –higher is usually better and
outside is better than inside.
Increase the distance between the Base Unit Antenna and the Signal Antenna.
Purchase an upgrade antenna available at www.Wi-Ex.com
NOTE: The zBoost YX545 SOHO requires at least 15 feet of vertical separation between the Base
Unit and the Signal Antenna. Generally, increasing this distance (up to 40 feet) will increase the
performance and decreasing the distance will limit zBoost performance. (If 15 feet of separation is
not possible, you may try our new METRO model, which was designed for lofts and urban dwellings
and requires no vertical separation.) Keep the Base Unit off the oor and at least 2 feet away from
other cords, metal objects or other wireless devices such as wireless routers or wireless access
points. The zBoost® SOHO performs best when there are no obstructions between the zBoost®
Base Unit and your mobile device.
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Solid GREEN Normal condition at power up.
Slowly Alternating RED and GREEN zBoost is working, but at reduced
performance and coverage due to
“non-ideal” setup.
Solution: Increase the distance
between antenna and amplier to
achieve maximum performance and
coverage.
Fast Flashing RED Indicates insucient distance between
the antenna and the amplier. The
amplier is operating at signicantly
reduced coverage.
Solution: Increase space between
base unit and antenna.
Solid RED System is receiving signals from either
the mobile device or the base station
transceiver which are too strong for
proper operation.
Solutions: Move away from
receiving antenna with your cell
phone. Move antenna away from
other devices..
Fast Alternating RED and GREEN
followed by no light
The amplier is disabled.
Solution: Unplug and start over.
zBoost® Base Unit Light Indicators
At Initial Power Up Only
Solid GREEN Normal condition.
Solid RED System is receiving signals from either
the mobile device or the base station
transceiver which are too strong for
proper operation.
Solution: Please unplug your system.
Re-orient your Signal Antenna and/
or Base Unit to reduce the excessive
signal source. Plug your system
back in. If still solid red, call customer
support 1-800-871-1612.
After Initial Power Up
Technical Specications
Product Specications for zBoost® YX545 SOHO – Dual Band
PCS band
Frequency Uplink: 1850 to 1910 MHz
Downlink: 1930 to 1990 MHz
System Gain 60dB
PCS band supported A, D, B, E, F, C
Networks CDMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, EVDO, 1xRTT,
UMTS, HSPA, 3G
Cellular band
Frequency Uplink: 824 to 849 MHz
Downlink: 869 to 894 MHz
System Gain 60dB
CEL band supported A, B, A’, B’
Networks CDMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, EVDO, 1xRTT,
UMTS, HSPA, 3G
General
Power Consumption – Power Supply Current 3W standby; 7W max signal - 5.0VDC, 2.0A Max
Wall Supply Input ; Voltage 100-240VAC, 50-60 Hz
Output Power +20 in UL and +13 in DL
Input and Output Impedance TNC Connector: 50ohm; F Connector:75 ohm
System Certications FCC Parts 15 & 24 (PCS), Parts 15 & 22 (CEL),
Industry Canada
Base Unit Size and Weight 5” x 7” x 1.25” – 9 oz.
Operating Conditions Indoor Use Only (40° - 105° F)
This product uses patented technology to protect the carrier network
This product is covered by patent US 7,706,744. Other U.S. and
foreign patents pending.
zBOOST® YX545 SOHO USER GUIDE
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zBOOST® YX545 SOHO USER GUIDE
15
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect my cell phone signal range and strength to be inside my home or ofce?
The closer you are to the base, the stronger the signal. This will vary with dierent conditions. Some
of the conditions that will aect the improved coverage area are signal strength outdoors, the type
of building materials in the home, the placement of the unit and the antenna’s proximity to cellular
towers.
You can expect that your indoor coverage will be improved. You will be able to make calls where
you couldn’t before. The degree of improvement will depend upon many factors. The intent of
zBoost® products are to bring outside coverage inside. Just as the signal bars move up and down
when outside, the boosted signal will uctuate in a similar fashion.
Is a cellular phone signal booster the same as a wireless router; will it help my WiFi signal?
The Wi-Ex® unit will not help your WiFi service. This unit is designed to work with wireless PCS and
Cellular phones and devices. The WIFI in your home or oce operates on a dierent frequency.
Is your product available for international use?
Yes, we have products that work on European frequencies. Our zBoost YX520-I– Dual band works
on 900MHz and 1800Mhz.
We also sell zBoost® ONE YX400-U for UMTS/HSPA devices on the 2100MHz Frequency, a
frequency used for voice and data overseas.
Why isn’t my cell phone indicating more signal with more bars?
You may not always observe more bars that gain on your signal meter because of the signal
spreading out from the antenna. If your phone has a dB meter, 3dB is a signicant increase of 2x,
6dB is 4x, and 10dB is 10x. On a four bar phone, one "bar" equals about 10dB.
The increase in signal you will see depends upon:
The level of signal at the Signal antenna (outdoor)
The care of the antenna placement (two feet away from metal, adequate antenna
separation [15 feet recommended])
The signal already present inside (related to building losses)
The distance of your phone/device from the Base Unit (signal spreads or diminishes rapidly
with distance.)
There are usually several cell phones in use at one time in my home, will your product boost
all of our signals simultaneously?
The zBoost YX545 SOHO is designed to cover multiple signals simultaneously and will allow
multiple users to operate at the same time.
Does the zBoost® work if you have no bars?
No, if no signal is present outdoors zBoost products will not work for you. Also, keep in mind if your
best signal is 1 bar at the Signal Antenna, your coverage will be limited to a small room. You could
improve that with an upgraded antenna. (See page iv).
Limited 1 Year Warranty
Register your product at www.Wi-Ex.com
Wi-Ex® warrants every Wi-Ex® product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use for the warranty period of one year.
Who Is Covered?
You must have proof of purchase to receive warranty service. A sales receipt or other
documentation showing the product purchased and the purchase date is considered proof of
purchase. This limited warranty extends only to the original consumer purchaser or any person
receiving the product as a gift from the original consumer purchaser and to no other purchaser or
transferee. This warranty does NOT extend to commercial users.
What is Covered?
Warranty coverage begins the day you purchase the product. For one year from the original
date, the Wi-Ex® Cell Phone Signal Booster will be repaired or replaced with a new, repaired,
refurbished or comparable product (whichever is deemed necessary by Wi-Ex® ) if it becomes
defective or inoperative. The exchange will be made without charge to you for parts and labor. You
will be responsible for the cost of shipping to the location designated by Wi-Ex®.
All products, including replacement products, are covered only for the original warranty period.
When the warranty on the original product expires, the warranty on the replacement product also
expires.
What is Excluded?
Your warranty does NOT cover:
Labor charges for set up of the unit.
Product replacement because of misuse, accident, lightning damage, unauthorized repair or
other cause not within the control of Wi-Ex®.
Incidental or consequential damages resulting from the product. Some states do not allow
the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion may not apply
to you.
Any modications or other changes to the product, including but not limited to software or
hardware modications in any way other than as expressly authorized by Wi-Ex® will void
this limited warranty.
Product that has been modied or adapted to enable it to operate in any country other than
the country for which it was designed, manufactured, approved and/or authorized, or repair
of products damaged by these modications.
Warranty Information
zBOOST® YX545 SOHO USER GUIDE
16
Make sure you keep…
Please keep your sales receipt or other document showing proof of purchase. Attach it to this User
Guide and keep both nearby. Also, keep the original box and packing material in case you need to
return your product.
Before requesting repair service…
If red light is on, system is receiving signals from either the mobile device or the base station
transceiver which are too strong for proper operation. Please unplug your system. Re-orient your
Signal Antenna and/or Base Unit to reduce the excessive signal source. Plug your system back in.
If still solid red, call customer support 1-800-871-1612.
To get warranty service…
Warranty service will be provided by Wi-Ex®. If you believe you need service for your unit,
contact Wi-Ex® at 1-800-871-1612 or support@wi-ex.com. A representative will go through a
diagnostic checklist with you. If it is determined that the product needs to be returned for service or
exchanged, you will receive a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number. The representative
will give you complete shipping details. Do not return products to Wi-Ex® without a Return
Authorization Number (RMA).
To get out of warranty service…
To obtain out of warranty service, contact Wi-Ex® at 1-800-871-1612 or support@wi-ex.com for
information on the possibility of any costs for repair or replacement of out-of-warranty products.
Reminder
Record the model and serial number found on the product below:
Model #: __________________________________
Serial #: ___________________________________
Purchase Date: ____________________________

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