Antennas

Antennas
What's the difference between 0db (unity), 3db, and 5db gain?
0-dB gain antennas radiate more energy higher in the vertical plane to reach radio communication sites that are located in higher places. Therefore, they are more useful in mountainous and metropolitan areas with tall buildings. A 2dB or 3dB gain antenna is the compromise in suburban and general settings. A 5dB gain antenna radiates more energy toward the horizon (compared to the 0, 2, and 3dB antennas) to reach radio communication sites that are further apart and less obstructed. Therefore, they are best used in deserts, flatlands, and open farm areas.
What does Omni directional mean?
This simply means that if the antenna is vertical, the signal will be transmitted equally in all directions along the horizon.
What is dB gain?
Gain is defined as the compressing of the vertical component of the antenna pattern, in effect causing the radiation pattern of the antenna to reach out further toward the horizon. It is not the creation of power, but rather a simple refocusing of energy from all directions to a specific direction. Gain is measured in decibels (dB). Vertical antennas are in fact quite directional, except in the horizontal or azimuth plane.
What is the difference between dBd & dBi?
Gain can be expressed in many different ways. The two most common are dBd and dBi. Gain expressed as dBd is a measure referenced to a half wave dipole. The dBi measure is referenced to a theoretical dimensionless point source, with a completely spherical radiation pattern. Since it has no directivity, any real antenna without excessive loss will provide some amount of gain when compared to the isotropic.
What does dual band mean?
Many networks operate on a dual band system, e.g. (800Mhz & 1900Mhz in the USA) & (900Mhz & 1800Mhz in Europe). Depending on how the network is configured will determine which frequency your phone might be operating on at any given time. Some networks seamlessly switch between both frequency bands unknown to the user. Due to the fact that so far the 800Mhz cellular band provides a stronger and more stable signal, the some networks switch to this frequency band when faced with obstructions between the cell phone and the cell site to keep the signal or when you have left a metro area. Other networks may setup their voice communications on the lower frequency band and data communications on the upper band. This is why a dual band booster is always the better option.
What antenna options do I have?
On-Glass. These antennas are easy to install and do not diminish a vehicle's value by drilling a hole. Care must be taken during installation to ensure that the antenna is mounted high up on the glass and not over defogger wires or on reflective window tint and this could impede performance.
Magnetic-mount. This type of antenna allows the easy placement and removal of your antenna on the rooftop of your vehicle. However, you will need to route the cable from outside through the door rubber to inside the vehicle. Because the coax of the antenna is so thin, this is usually very easy to do. Magnetic mount antennas are very useful for multiple vehicle applications or applications where you need to set up. Magnetic antennas also perform especially better in weak reception areas over glass mount antennas.

Window Clip. This type of antenna ideal for customers who prefer not to have route coax from outside their vehicle to inside, but would still like the superior performance of a direct connect antenna.

On Glass Patch Antenna. This antenna is the most discreet antenna you can get for your vehicle. It sticks to the inside of your windscreen so you can hide the cord for an ultra neat install. Please note there is a small percentage loss in performance by using this type of antenna.
Where should I place my antenna?
In applying all the information provided for the maximum benefit of the radiating pattern of your antenna, it would be wise to position the whip as vertically and as high as possible. If the antenna is tilted, some of the signal will be wasted because it will be directed up to the sky or into the ground. You will also want to place it on a metal surface. The metal base provides the antenna a ground plane that helps capture the signal a lot better.
Can I use a Vehicle Magnetic Mount antenna anywhere else?
Yes! Although most magnetic mount cellular antennas are manufactured for use on vehicles, these antennas work great indoors, once they are placed on a metal surface such as a filing cabinet or metal desk. If this is not available a small piece of metal about 8 inches x 8 inches can work. (Example a cookie sheet) Placing it near a window will help as well.