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Thread ID: 74705 2006-12-02 06:32:00 Aerial Technology Questions chainey (9225) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
503761 2006-12-02 06:32:00 I have a Vodafone Mobile Connect (VMC) card, which I use with a laptop. It has a separate aerial with a plug at one end to fit into the card, a paddle-like aerial at the other end, and a short wire between them. The paddle part clips onto the top edge of the laptop screen.

I find that my reception at home is far inferior to what I get at work. At home I'm in a bit of a geographical "dip", but if I were to stand on the roof I would be able to see the skytower. So I'd like to elevate the aerial. I asked Vodafone if they had any longer leads or more powerful aerials, but no joy there.

So, some questions:

What if I cut the wire in the middle and joined up the two parts with a long length of wire? Would I need special wire? How could I find out?

Would I be able to fit the Vodafone connector to the end of a TV aerial? Or are they completely incompatible?


Chainey.
chainey (9225)
503762 2006-12-02 06:49:00 You would indeed need special "wire". We are talking microwave frequencies here, not too much related to common aerials. A TV aerial made of wood would not be any worse than the common ones. Any lead is going to involve prohibitive losses in lengths over a few hundred mm. Maybe a reflector up on the roof, but at these frequencies accuracy of the elements and avoiding movement get a bit exotic. Maybe somebody has solved this one, but DON'T cut your connecting lead unless you have a replacement in hand already. R2x1 (4628)
503763 2006-12-02 07:04:00 So a timber aerial wooden work?

I do have a microwave, so maybe I can hook them up.
chainey (9225)
503764 2006-12-02 07:59:00 I hope your oven has got a digital display, pinging them with a clockwork timed oven could give unpredictable results. R2x1 (4628)
503765 2006-12-02 20:34:00 Try this link (http://www.wpsantennas.com/) mikebartnz (21)
503766 2006-12-03 05:02:00 Unfortunately, the system in mikebartnz link is for dual-band services. Vodafone is using a tri-band system in NZ (Or so they tell me, at least for the Vodem anyway). A tri-band repeater might solve your problems (at a price). It would help your cellphone too.
It is unlikely that you would get your signals from the Skytower, there are lots of cell sites around, and it favours the strongest available one near you.
R2x1 (4628)
503767 2006-12-03 05:50:00 Thanks, I'll read that site with interest. Mine is the 3G VMC card, not the Vodem, so it may be dual band.

Cheers

Chainey.
chainey (9225)
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