External Antenna for SMT5600/C500

[windmiller]

I am trying to find out what type of connection the SMT5600 will take for its external antenna connector.

Its either a TNC male or a FME male, anyone know?

I have a long commute and there are 2 "dead zones" where I drop calls and I need something to get me through those areas.

[Mike Temporale]

I bought an external antenna from these guys. (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9100) So far, it does nothing for my C500. In fact, I find I get less signal when I have it attached. You can actually watch the signal level drop after you plug it in. I'm wondering if this is a difference between the C500 and the SMT5600. I am planning on testing it on the 5600 later today.

[windmiller]

Interesting, I have never used a external antenna with a phone before so I wasnt sure what to expect. My neighbor and two developers from work ahve the SMT5600 and they have reported great results with an Antenna. I will find out where they dot them at.

I have a feeling that there are probably some shady sellers out there that are selling antennas that werent really built for our phone and require an adapter. I want one that plugs right into the SMT5600.

Does yours have to use an adapter?

[Mike Temporale]

No adapter required. It plugs in and it looks like a good fit. I'm wondering if the problems I'm having are related to the different frequencies between the 5600 and the C500 - the 900mhz stuff.

[windmiller]

I'm wondering if the problems I'm having are related to the different frequencies between the 5600 and the C500 - the 900mhz stuff

Good point, I hadnt thought of that.

[windmiller]

We got a sample antenna for the SMT5600 from a source in Chinaand I begin doing some small testing and the results are incredible. I am getting a 300% increase in my signal. Most of the places I tested it at I have one to 2 bars, 90% of the time I gained an increase of 2-3 bars.

I am going to do alot more testing with pocket PC Phone (XDA) and the SMT5600 and will post more detailed results.


If I had known that a cellphonbe anetenna could have results like these I would have looked into them sooner.

My guess si that many of the sellers of antennas on Ebay and other websites dont educate the customer very well on exactly what type of antenna they need which causes poor results.

[HalM]

We got a sample antenna for the SMT5600 from a source in China and I begin doing some small testing and the results are incredible. I am getting a 300% increase in my signal. Most of the places I tested it at I have one to 2 bars, 90% of the time I gained an increase of 2-3 bars.

More info, please. Any idea who may sell it in the USA?

[windmiller]

The site will have them for sale within the next 2 days. Ill post once they are available.

[windmiller]

The antennas are available and they are a straight connection to the SMT5600 external connector so no adapters needed. They were tested on a SMT5600.
http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=61034#61034[/url]