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BorderCoyote
New Member

Canada
8 Posts

Posted - 06/16/2003 :  10:29:42  Show Profile  Send BorderCoyote an ICQ Message  Send BorderCoyote a Yahoo! Message Send BorderCoyote a Private Message
OK, So I see these little stickers being advertised that say they will help you get better cell phone reception. Sounds like bullshit to me. I've never heard anything about how these things claim to work or anything to show what a crock they are. Anyone have any information out there? It's reminiscent of those platinum tubes people were buying for their intake manifolds...

Dr. Mabuse
Septic Fiend

Sweden
9688 Posts

Posted - 06/16/2003 :  15:30:45   [Permalink]  Show Profile  Send Dr. Mabuse an ICQ Message Send Dr. Mabuse a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by BorderCoyote

OK, So I see these little stickers being advertised that say they will help you get better cell phone reception. Sounds like bullshit to me. I've never heard anything about how these things claim to work or anything to show what a crock they are. Anyone have any information out there? It's reminiscent of those platinum tubes people were buying for their intake manifolds...

Could you please elaborate on those stickers stuff? What exactly is supposed to give better reception?

Dr. Mabuse - "When the going gets tough, the tough get Duct-tape..."
Dr. Mabuse whisper.mp3

"Equivocation is not just a job, for a creationist it's a way of life..." Dr. Mabuse

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Snake
SFN Addict

USA
2511 Posts

Posted - 06/16/2003 :  21:16:50   [Permalink]  Show Profile  Visit Snake's Homepage  Send Snake an ICQ Message  Send Snake a Yahoo! Message Send Snake a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by BorderCoyote

OK, So I see these little stickers being advertised that say they will help you get better cell phone reception. Sounds like bullshit to me. I've never heard anything about how these things claim to work or anything to show what a crock they are. Anyone have any information out there? It's reminiscent of those platinum tubes people were buying for their intake manifolds...


I hope everyone in the world who owns a car phone buys one. Those people are annoying, holding up traffic while talking or yelling loud in the market bothering others with their nonsense conversations.
Let them get ripped off, they deserve it.
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@tomic
Administrator

USA
4607 Posts

Posted - 09/04/2003 :  21:08:02   [Permalink]  Show Profile  Visit @tomic's Homepage Send @tomic a Private Message
From what I have heard, from people in the cell phone biz, they are an utter waste of money. What will get you better reception is a cell phone tower put up by one or several companies together.

@tomic

Gravity, not just a good idea...it's the law!

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tw101356
Skeptic Friend

USA
333 Posts

Posted - 09/05/2003 :  09:07:02   [Permalink]  Show Profile Send tw101356 a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Dr. Mabuse

quote:
Originally posted by BorderCoyote

OK, So I see these little stickers being advertised that say they will help you get better cell phone reception. Sounds like bullshit to me. I've never heard anything about how these things claim to work or anything to show what a crock they are. Anyone have any information out there? It's reminiscent of those platinum tubes people were buying for their intake manifolds...

Could you please elaborate on those stickers stuff? What exactly is supposed to give better reception?



It's a piece of mylar or similar film with a metal foil pattern layered upon it and sometimes an adhesive layer. You are supposed to stick it to the back plate of your cell phone underneath the battery. The metal foil allegedly assists the phone's antenna.

As far as I can determine it's only physical effect is that it leaches bucks from your wallet.

-- Henry

- TW
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Dr. Mabuse
Septic Fiend

Sweden
9688 Posts

Posted - 09/05/2003 :  13:01:32   [Permalink]  Show Profile  Send Dr. Mabuse an ICQ Message Send Dr. Mabuse a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by tw101356
[
It's a piece of mylar or similar film with a metal foil pattern layered upon it and sometimes an adhesive layer. You are supposed to stick it to the back plate of your cell phone underneath the battery. The metal foil allegedly assists the phone's antenna.

As far as I can determine it's only physical effect is that it leaches bucks from your wallet.

-- Henry

The antenna of a cell-phone does not have optimal length.
usually it's only half or a quarter of the length (and folded to minimize length), and impedance adjusted to obtain standing wave.

I suppose the sticker would work like a full length antenna with a transformer, then "through air" coupled to the ordinary antenna.
The sticker will have to be applied from the top of the antenna down on the backside of the phone. Theoretically it could boost the signal 3dB, but the beneficial effect would hardly be noticed.

The only good way to boost the signal is to use a pre-amp (way too complicated and expensive) or exchange the original antenna (not just getting a sticker) for a full length antenna. That would be a 33cm antenna for a 900MHz cell phone. Half that length for phone using 1800MHz only.
And the antenna needs to be tuned specifically to match and compensate for each phones internal impedance adjutment on the PCB.

Edit: It just occurred that the sticker might be designed to provide better ground for the antenna. The "ground" of the phone itself might be less than optimal, which would result that the existing antenna might not work optimally. Applying it would result in a better working antenna, but it would possible change the antenna's impedance, making it slightly mismatched to the internal PCB. I doubt it would have a beneficial effect in the end.
Besides, some cell-phones, like Ericsson R520 and T28 has a metal frame which work as a ground for the antenna anyway.

Dr. Mabuse - "When the going gets tough, the tough get Duct-tape..."
Dr. Mabuse whisper.mp3

"Equivocation is not just a job, for a creationist it's a way of life..." Dr. Mabuse

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Edited by - Dr. Mabuse on 09/05/2003 13:11:25
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tw101356
Skeptic Friend

USA
333 Posts

Posted - 09/05/2003 :  21:00:53   [Permalink]  Show Profile Send tw101356 a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Dr. Mabuse

quote:
Originally posted by tw101356
[
It's a piece of mylar or similar film with a metal foil pattern layered upon it and sometimes an adhesive layer. You are supposed to stick it to the back plate of your cell phone underneath the battery. The metal foil allegedly assists the phone's antenna.

As far as I can determine it's only physical effect is that it leaches bucks from your wallet.

-- Henry

The antenna of a cell-phone does not have optimal length.
usually it's only half or a quarter of the length (and folded to minimize length), and impedance adjusted to obtain standing wave.

I suppose the sticker would work like a full length antenna with a transformer, then "through air" coupled to the ordinary antenna.
The sticker will have to be applied from the top of the antenna down on the backside of the phone. Theoretically it could boost the signal 3dB, but the beneficial effect would hardly be noticed.

The only good way to boost the signal is to use a pre-amp (way too complicated and expensive) or exchange the original antenna (not just getting a sticker) for a full length antenna. That would be a 33cm antenna for a 900MHz cell phone. Half that length for phone using 1800MHz only.
And the antenna needs to be tuned specifically to match and compensate for each phones internal impedance adjutment on the PCB.

Edit: It just occurred that the sticker might be designed to provide better ground for the antenna. The "ground" of the phone itself might be less than optimal, which would result that the existing antenna might not work optimally. Applying it would result in a better working antenna, but it would possible change the antenna's impedance, making it slightly mismatched to the internal PCB. I doubt it would have a beneficial effect in the end.
Besides, some cell-phones, like Ericsson R520 and T28 has a metal frame which work as a ground for the antenna anyway.



- TW
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tw101356
Skeptic Friend

USA
333 Posts

Posted - 09/06/2003 :  17:15:57   [Permalink]  Show Profile Send tw101356 a Private Message
Hmmm. My response to Dr. Mabuse got truncated down to the initial quote. The gist of it was some links to sites advertising questionable cell phone boosters. One claimed that the booster focused 'stray static electricity', which is quite a hoot. Then a link to a site that tested the 'strip of plastic with gold paint' and found it made no difference. Finally a link to a site that sold genuine cell phone antenna boosters that connect to or replace the antenna.

All of which was found within the first 2 pages of a google search on 'cell phone antenna booster'.

So, will this post work?

Henry

- TW
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Snake
SFN Addict

USA
2511 Posts

Posted - 09/07/2003 :  00:48:39   [Permalink]  Show Profile  Visit Snake's Homepage  Send Snake an ICQ Message  Send Snake a Yahoo! Message Send Snake a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by tw101356

So, will this post work?

Henry


Henry, I don't know. Did it?

All I want to say is:
People who use those phones are morons.

Morons

, I tell you.
Line them up and shoot them.
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Dr. Mabuse
Septic Fiend

Sweden
9688 Posts

Posted - 09/07/2003 :  04:00:28   [Permalink]  Show Profile  Send Dr. Mabuse an ICQ Message Send Dr. Mabuse a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Snake

quote:
Originally posted by tw101356

So, will this post work?

Henry


Henry, I don't know. Did it?

All I want to say is:
People who use those phones are morons.

Morons

, I tell you.
Line them up and shoot them.

No! Please DON'T!

I make a living providing the morons their phones. At least I used to. I now work with base stations...
But I can claim intimate knowledge of many Ericsson phones manufactured between -95 and -01.

Dr. Mabuse - "When the going gets tough, the tough get Duct-tape..."
Dr. Mabuse whisper.mp3

"Equivocation is not just a job, for a creationist it's a way of life..." Dr. Mabuse

Support American Troops in Iraq:
Send them unarmed civilians for target practice..
Collateralmurder.
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Snake
SFN Addict

USA
2511 Posts

Posted - 09/07/2003 :  18:17:06   [Permalink]  Show Profile  Visit Snake's Homepage  Send Snake an ICQ Message  Send Snake a Yahoo! Message Send Snake a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Dr. Mabuse


No! Please DON'T!

I make a living providing the morons their phones. At least I used to. I now work with base stations...
[/quote]
Ok. Thinking about it, you are right. It's too much fun playing with the morons.
Example: The other day this idiot woman was in back of me in a store check out line having a conversation that the whole store could hear. Usually I follow them around listening to what they are saying. But standing in line I was trying to have my own thoughts and her voice kept invading my 'space'. I turned around and gave her a stare that said 'KILL'. She moved to another line. Heh, he. It was great. Score one for Snake. I almost wish she hadn't walked away, I was ready to do more.
Honking at the ones in cars holding up traffic or driving dangerously is also a way to get out my aggresion, so I guess you are right. Keep them talking, some might even win the Darwin award.
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tw101356
Skeptic Friend

USA
333 Posts

Posted - 09/07/2003 :  20:33:07   [Permalink]  Show Profile Send tw101356 a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Snake
Ok. Thinking about it, you are right. It's too much fun playing with the morons.
Example: The other day this idiot woman was in back of me in a store check out line having a conversation that the whole store could hear.



Snake: Yes, the post worked. Thanks for asking.

Taking out a pencil and paper and making like you're taking notes of their conversation can be an effective tactic. Joining in the conversation as if they were addressing you rather than the phone is even better, although some people really get ticked off, so it's best done in crowds.

Then there's cell phone jammers:

http://starportuk.com/21.htm

Unfortunately they're a bit pricey and need to be redesigned to account for the evolving technology in the US.

Henry



- TW
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Snake
SFN Addict

USA
2511 Posts

Posted - 09/07/2003 :  23:32:21   [Permalink]  Show Profile  Visit Snake's Homepage  Send Snake an ICQ Message  Send Snake a Yahoo! Message Send Snake a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by tw101356
Snake: Yes, the post worked. Thanks for asking.

quote:


Taking out a pencil and paper and making like you're taking notes of their conversation can be an effective tactic. Joining in the conversation as if they were addressing you rather than the phone is even better, although some people really get ticked off, so it's best done in crowds.

ROFLOL.
I definatly am going to try that sometime. I've thought of standing near by and blurt out singing loudly the Ode to Joy from Bethoveens' 9th...in German, but haven't gotten around to it yet. Glad I waited, very much want to try your idea and it might be less likely someone would have me hauled off to a pysch ward than if I sing.
Also, thanks for setting off my brain to think of other things to do.
Maybe print up 'tickets' to hand to the ofending party saying they're going to be arrested for disturbing the peace.



quote:

Then there's cell phone jammers:

http://starportuk.com/21.htm

Unfortunately they're a bit pricey and need to be redesigned to account for the evolving technology in the US.

Henry




Yes, they are expensive but if my financial situation hadn't changed recently I might consider it.....certainly worth the money.
Almost too good to be true.
"What will they think of next?"
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Dr. Mabuse
Septic Fiend

Sweden
9688 Posts

Posted - 09/08/2003 :  03:31:15   [Permalink]  Show Profile  Send Dr. Mabuse an ICQ Message Send Dr. Mabuse a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by tw101356

quote:
Originally posted by Snake
Ok. Thinking about it, you are right. It's too much fun playing with the morons.
Example: The other day this idiot woman was in back of me in a store check out line having a conversation that the whole store could hear.



Snake: Yes, the post worked. Thanks for asking.

Taking out a pencil and paper and making like you're taking notes of their conversation can be an effective tactic. Joining in the conversation as if they were addressing you rather than the phone is even better, although some people really get ticked off, so it's best done in crowds.

Then there's cell phone jammers:

http://starportuk.com/21.htm

Unfortunately they're a bit pricey and need to be redesigned to account for the evolving technology in the US.



Quoted from the article:
...discreet enough to avoid RF intrusion into adjacent buildings and streets because it's output will not penetrate glass windows or normal brick or concrete walls.

In order to work, it has to transmit a broad band RF-signal at the same frequency as a cell-phone. Since the cell-phone RF can penetrate glass, so can the signal from the jammer. So the advertiser is plain lying anout its function, and calling it a wave-shield is dishonest and misleading since it doesn't shield any waves, it produces more of them.

The important factor is keeping the power of the jammer low enough to limit the effective radius of it.

There are also legal considerations about operating the jammer. It's a transmitter operating on reserved frequencies.


Dr. Mabuse - "When the going gets tough, the tough get Duct-tape..."
Dr. Mabuse whisper.mp3

"Equivocation is not just a job, for a creationist it's a way of life..." Dr. Mabuse

Support American Troops in Iraq:
Send them unarmed civilians for target practice..
Collateralmurder.
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Kil
Evil Skeptic

USA
13477 Posts

Posted - 09/08/2003 :  09:45:41   [Permalink]  Show Profile  Visit Kil's Homepage  Send Kil an AOL message  Send Kil a Yahoo! Message Send Kil a Private Message
There are times I just have to laugh at all the people I see on the phone in the course of a morning driving to work or when shopping or whatever. Surely, not all of those calls are necessary. There have been times when I thought the person shopping next to me in the market was psychotic because they were chatting up a storm using a hands free device and looked, at first glance, as though they were talking to themselves. There is simply no excuse to have a turned on cell phone in a movie theater or restaurant. There are times when any sane person should want to be in the moment and unreachable.

Having said that, I love my cell phone. It has freed me of my pager. A device from hell if ever there was one. Every time that thing went off I wanted to put it on the floor and stomp on it. Why? Because when it went off I had to go find a phone. It was hard to tell what pages needed immediate attention since all that was displayed was a number. Was it a vender I had been trying to reach? Was it an electrician who wasn't going to make it at the appointed time? Was it my wife calling to ask me to pick something up on the way home from work or was it an emergency?

While I understand that cell phones are way overused, when I need to make a call or receive a call, I do not have to look for a phone booth or place a long distance call on a clients phone. I have instant access to venders which makes my job faster, easier and more cost effective. If a vender is looking up the availability and a price for something I need, I have a phone that I can be reached at no matter where I am in my days journey. If I am buying something for a job and I can't find exactly what I want, I can bounce alternatives off my client without leaving the store. That saves me a trip back. No small thing.

I now have an emergency number that my sons school can call. Since I do not work in an office, a cell phone is the only way to accomplish that.

I have used it to place 911 calls which have certainly decreased response time. Again, I did not have to leave the scene of the accident, or in one case, a stabbing I witnessed and administerd first aid to the victim, immediately, without having to wait on that to look for a phone. (I do not have a 911 speed dial so my phone never calls emergency services accidentally.)

If I am going to be late for an important appointment, because of traffic, or whatever, I can call ahead. That reduces stress for me and the party I am going to see. They now do not have to wonder if I am just another flake in a business where we are often portrayed as being flaky. It can save a job.
It's also the polite thing to do.

Long distance calls are part of the service so I have virtually no long distance bill anymore which helps offset the cost of my cell phone.

There are many other ways my cell comes in handy. For those who don't need one, that's fine. A good thing really.

For me, it's another tool in my arsenal of tools. Being without it would make my job more difficult and therefor decrease the quality of my life. Been there, done that.

So, guess I am, according to Snake, one more moron with a cell phone...

Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous.

Why not question something for a change?

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