Hi , I want to build a 800mhz wireless cell phone amplifier. Wilson sells them, but they are very expensive! Why is the cost so high? Are they that difficult to build? Any input is appreciated.
Yes they are difficult to design and build without some background in RF engineering and high frequency design. They rely on modern surface mount manufacturing techniques to keep lead lengths short, control impedance, and avoid losses.
I would be greatly surprised if you could even find suitable components in "small" quantities at a price you would be willing to pay.
Hi.
Just imagine you built or bought that wonderful RF amplifier.
Now your cell phone sends the signal to a 20 mile ! away tower and gets there with plenty of signal strength. Great !
Nope. That tower has no power/range to reach your cell receiver, or your receiver has no sensitivity to hear the tower; or the cell phone duplexer circuit is deafened by the higher power amplifier you implemented, or all of the above.