Cell tower dB signal strength app

[Matlock]

I've been playing with a new JetPack Hotspot using Speedtest as one measurement check of my DIY parabolic signal reflectors success/failure rate.
I need/ would like, a real-time option to measure dB signal strength. Anyone use or recommend a program/app for Droid or Win 10?

Free would be good too.

 

[tx2sturgis]

I need/ would like, a real-time option to measure dB signal strength. Anyone use or recommend a program/app for Droid or Win 10?

Most smartphones have a way to access the dbm readout...just go into settings.

 

[jimindenver]

I use network cell info lite which is a free app. Once loaded it will give you the signal meter. It also has a map feature that shows you what tower you are connected to and how far away. I use it to pin point what direction to point my directional antenna on my booster.

There are other apps that I have played with but your phone or hotspot should be able to tell you the db without them. Since hotspots do not use apps I bring up their meter and rotate the antenna until I find the strongest signal.

 

[Matlock]

Most smartphones have a way to access the dbm readout...just go into settings.

Yes, and they work fine but I have to refresh to see any change once I reposition the antenna. Was hoping to find a program that is connected to the cell tower transmitter via WiFi and the program would react instantly as changes are made to the antenna position.

 

[Matlock]

I use network cell info lite which is a free app. Once loaded it will give you the signal meter. It also has a map feature that shows you what tower you are connected to and how far away. I use it to pin point what direction to point my directional antenna on my booster.

I'll take a look at that app.
The tower locations are the easy part, it's building (design) a mobile antenna that will pull-in a higher dB.
I'm camped in a semi-rural area, not to mountainous with mostly trees obstructing line of sight. About 35 miles from two Towers. With a -105 dB using no external antenna. I've read your offering on the $200 boost Jim and may go that direction. But first I need to go through the process of a really cheap DIY antenna.

 

[tx2sturgis]

But first I need to go through the process of a really cheap DIY antenna.

Can you post pictures of your work so far?

 

[tx2sturgis]

Yes, and they work fine but I have to refresh to see any change once I reposition the antenna.

If you pause and wait, the reading will update...give it several seconds...

 

[Matlock]

Brian, nothing to show yet, still trying to determine if a 2' dish, or wire mesh parabolic will outperform a yagi.
The math is still confusing and then there is the issue of leaf-busting to  get a signal through the trees.

OK, just noticed your last post. I try being patient and see how long the update takes.
If signal strength changes are as quick as a satellite dish, we'll I'll need to be patient and add a micro adjuster. Worth a look.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Brian, nothing to show yet, still trying to determine if a 2' dish, or wire mesh parabolic will outperform a yagi.
The math is still confusing and then there is the issue of leaf-busting to  get a signal through the trees.

OK, just noticed your last post. I try being patient and see how long the update takes.
If signal strength changes are as quick as a satellite dish, we'll I'll need to be patient and add a micro adjuster.  Worth a look.

Hmmm....yes, in Ham Radio we call that 'green leaf attentuation' and its very real. It affects many of our frequencies, primarily UHF and above, but also TV signals, wifi and cellular frequencies, radar, and obviously visible light. (duh!) Its much more noticeable when the trees are green, and when they are dormant in winter, the signals get thru the same area with no problem. Of course, with evergreens, its the same level of attenuation year round.

As far as the db reading, I believe the numbers are actually derived from the amount of data received in a certain number of seconds...I dont know if every phone is like that but many are.

In the cellular data world, data throughput is a better gauge of signal quality than pure carrier strength, which might be strong or not, but since no data or voice is transmitted on a pure carrier wave on cellular, it makes more sense. But it takes the software a few seconds to average out the values and display a result.

 

[jimindenver]

I'll take a look at that app.
The tower locations are the easy part, it's  building (design) a mobile antenna that will pull-in a higher dB.
I'm camped in a semi-rural area, not to mountainous with mostly trees obstructing line of sight. About 35 miles from two Towers. With a -105 dB using no external antenna. I've read your offering on the $200 boost Jim and may go that direction. But first I need to go through the process of a really cheap DIY antenna.

You can find you tubes on making the element for receiving signals including the measurements of where and how to bend the wire. After that it is just adding a reflector to make it a directional unit.

 

[Matlock]

Jim, "network cell info lite" app from the play store is just what I needed. There is about a 2 second delay as I walk around my camp with the app loaded on my Tablet. Same results when I connect the Tablet to the net through the Jetpack MiFi.

Now I'm off to find a cheap telescoping pole that will work for a directional antenna.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Now I'm off to find a cheap telescoping pole that will work for a directional antenna.

Lots of people use "painters poles" for that.  Should be able to get one at any Lowes or Home Depot.  Or the ubiquitous Amazon . . .

 

[tx2sturgis]

Now I'm off to find a cheap telescoping pole that will work for a directional antenna.

If you have an actual vertical side on your rig, like a box truck or RV, you can buy some cheap electrical conduit and what are called conduit clips, to mount that pole on the side of your rig, no stand needed.

You can remove the pole when you are mobile, and set it up in less than a minute when you stop.

You can buy these at any local electrical supply or big box home improvement store.

 

[Matlock]

Lots of people use "painters poles" for that. 

I do have 2 of these for my awning and I know they make longer versions. Good option.

If you have an actual vertical side on your rig, like a box truck or RV, you can buy some cheap electrical conduit and what are called conduit clips, to mount that pole on the side of your rig, no stand.

I have a 8' wall on my box truck. So, conduit may be a better option, mostly due to me wanting to get higher. I could use 2- 10' pcs. of 1" or better conduit and a coupling with some wall clips. Easy to transport on the roof........ humm... and I like fastening it to the side without a tripod for use.

The truck box moves up/down with any movement inside. I need to understand what antenna type has the largest cone shaped directional receiving capability. If that's a thing....

 

[tx2sturgis]

This is what I have and use on my trailer...I used self-drilling screws with flat fender washers and driven into the steel frame. You could buy extra clips for the roof to lay the conduit over and bolt it down. Be sure to use sealant under the washers.

You could use plastic conduit or really, any lightweight aluminum tubing that would fit in the clips.

This a cheap way to extend a pole up from the vehicle. Of course, dont forget about it when you drive off!

 

[tx2sturgis]

Here's a picture of the rig with the pole deployed for a vertical antenna.

Pirate flag is optional! 

 

[tx2sturgis]

Lots of people use "painters poles" for that.  Should be able to get one at any Lowes or Home Depot.  Or the ubiquitous Amazon . . .

Good idea...you could use a painters pole with the proper conduit clips and you would have an extendable pole that packs away when not being used.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Lots of people use "painters poles" for that.  Should be able to get one at any Lowes or Home Depot.  Or the ubiquitous Amazon . . .

Hah!

Yep it works!

I rode to the local hardware store, bought the 3 section "Long Arm", loaded it on my trusty Ural, and brought it home.

The diameter of the Long Arm is 1.25" but it fits just fine in these 1 inch conduit clips.

I extended it and its not as sturdy as the conduit, but it goes a LOT higher and will easily hold a small antenna.

I even found and ordered an adapter on ebay for the threaded end, to more easily attach a small antenna and guy lines.

Pretty cool!

Never know what yer gonna learn right here on the forum..

 

[jimindenver]

I use a three section window washer pole and the base is a flag pole holder that sits under one of the tires or can be clamped to the bumper/tongue. That way I can keep the antenna from shading my solar no matter what position I park in.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OWM2EQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[tx2sturgis]

I use a three section window washer pole and the base is a flag pole holder that sits under one of the tires or can be clamped to the bumper/tongue. That way I can keep the antenna from shading my solar no matter what position I park in.

Our local radio club used a few of those on Field Day to support small antenna masts, and I had a custom pole mount made for my van's rear receiver hitch. The only problem with that arrangement is that the trailer must be unhooked to use it.

But its very strong!