want to build a cell phone amplifier?

Thread Starter

warrior_joe

Joined Feb 27, 2010
2
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.
 

Papabravo

Joined Feb 24, 2006
21,158
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.
 

Externet

Joined Nov 29, 2005
2,201
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 ! :D

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.
 

Audioguru

Joined Dec 20, 2007
11,248
Cell phones operate at many frequencies today, not just at 800MHz like 15 years ago. Some use Spread-Spectrum-Frequencies that keep changing.

Some buildings and underground parking lots have the send and receive amplifiers.
 
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