Hey, antenna experts

[MrNoodly]

I got the WeBoost Drive RV omnidirectional antenna to attach to my cellular booster.

https://www.weboost.com/products/drive-x-rv-outside-antenna

I was wondering if it would still work properly if mounted horizontally.

 

[tx2sturgis]

I looked at the spec sheet, and that antenna is an omnidirectional, vertical polarity, 'gain' type antenna (1.4db to 3.5db depending on band) so that means if you lay it over, you lose all the gain you are paying for. 

It would probably still work for towers that are within a few miles, but with that loss of gain, you would likely see a reduction in range and performance.

 

[MrNoodly]

Thanks. That's what I guessed.

I think I'll rig the mount so I can lay it down when not in use.

 

[theBest]

Thanks. That's what I guessed.

I think I'll rig the mount so I can lay it down when not in use.

Is it a full wave antennae? 1/2 wave? 1/4 wave? 1/8 wave antennae?
I would suggest a full wave fractal antennae. They are the best.
Or a combination of a fractal antennae and a parabola. They have one in Puerto Rico that captures signals from the other side of the universe.

 

[tx2sturgis]

 They have one in Puerto Rico that captures signals from the other side of the universe.

They cant capture anything now...it broke.

 

[RvNaut]

If you just stuck a big wire up in the air tuned to the right signal, the radio signal would look like a big ball, radiating out in all directions ( this isn't exactly true, but for explanations sake just go with me) So an omni directional antenna takes the energy that is being radiated up and down and flattens/reflects/directs that signal energy out as if you were say squishing a balloon between two plates. Having this antenna in vertical orientation will help it operate better.

Of note... if you are substantially higher in elevation than the closest tower it is possible that you could shoot over the top of that tower's window, especially if you are close in. If possible, know where the closest tower is in realation to where you are or will be, this way you can try to avoid having a hill or other obstacle between you and the tower blocking signal.

Along those lines, think about having your cell phone to your head, and tower being on the other side of your head. If you were to turn half way around, you would get a better signal and the phone would ramp down the power of the signal it is putting our in order to stay connected. .. of course this means knowing where that damn tower is.

(no connection to this compaay, but his page is at least a clean look at the issue and what you can do about it...)

https://www.weboost.com/blog/how-to-find-cell-towers-near-you

 

[MrNoodly]

I ended up mounting the antenna with a pivot so I can lay it horizontal when driving or otherwise not using it

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

MrNoodly:  what is your concern with leaving it up during driving?

 

[dixonge]

If you just stuck a big wire up in the air tuned to the right signal, the radio signal would look like a big ball, radiating out in all directions ( this isn't exactly true, but for explanations sake just go with me)  So an omni directional antenna takes the energy that is being radiated up and down and flattens/reflects/directs that signal energy out as if you were say squishing a balloon between two plates.  Having this antenna in vertical orientation will help it operate better.

I know this is technically a 'torus' shape, but I always just picture it as if the antenna was the axis of a large donut. I've always used multiple antennas (when available) to create a separate sideways torus, just to more fully cover an area. Probably doesn't do much, but I can't help it...

 

[RvNaut]

I have used it when the area was choked with 802.11 signals.. using directional antenna we turned each one 90° and Bob was indeed my uncle... 

 

[MrNoodly]

MrNoodly:  what is your concern with leaving it up during driving?

Overheard clearance and ordinances about maximum antenna height.