Uplink 2500 - Boosting signal - Antenna?

dw886

Member
I have an Uplink 2500EZ in an ELK-P983 (Enclosure and power supply). The Elk-P983 is mounted next to my 42" Leviton enclosure that holds my security panel. The ELK-P983 is mounted at a point where it's just above ground level, however the wall behind it is concrete as it's in the basement. I have knocked out one of the round knock-outs on top of the ELK-P983, and have the antenna coming through that knock-out so that the unit isn't in a metal enclosure searching for signal.

This apparently isn't enough. When the 2500 is mounted in the enclosure, it does not connect (shows a fast-blinking light on the right). As soon as I unscrew it from the enclosure, and set it on top of the enclosure, it goes to connected (shows a slow-blinking light on the right).

Here's the dilemma:
  • I don't want to relocate the ELK-P983 enclosure, but I want signal for the 2500 (it's my backup communication).
  • Does anyone have any recommendations for an antenna (or another idea to get better signal)? If I get about 24" higher (into the floor joists), I'll be above the concrete wall.


I'm located within the city. I was told that AT&T provides services for Uplink, and I was talking on my AT&T phone from the same room the entire time that I was troubleshooting this, so I know that there's signal (maybe just weak?).

Thanks!
 
Go check out 3Gstore.com - they have a reference guide to identify your antenna connector type. Then just go find an antenna that fits the bill - you should be able to get an external one with a 10' or so wire that you can put up where it gets a better signal.
 
If you are sure Uplink uses an AT&T signal, call AT&T, explain the situation, and ask about getting a MicroCell (also called an MCell). They gave me one for $150 (I think) but credited my account $50 a month for three months, so it paid for itself....
 
If you are sure Uplink uses an AT&T signal, call AT&T, explain the situation, and ask about getting a MicroCell (also called an MCell). They gave me one for $150 (I think) but credited my account $50 a month for three months, so it paid for itself....

I think it uses the AT&T network but you arent paying AT&T for service (i.e. you dont need an AT&T account or phone line or SIM card)
 
Usually, it's easier to remote the Uplink rather than dealing with the heavier cable and external antenna on a cell unit (also, even though the cable is generally low-loss, some attenuation is typical). In the case of an Uplink and related hardware, you only need an AC outlet in proximity and if really keeping the wiring light, a minimum of 4-6 (data bus dependant) conductors to install the XSP in the enclosure with the Uplink.

When considering the telco provided microcells or boosters as a solution, you need to think whether or not these units have the same sort of backup power redundancy as the alarm panel and cellular communicator...which fact of the matter is they traditionally do not.
 
The Microcell is a horrible solution - they rely on your home's internet connection - and in the case of the AT&T one, you have to go onto their web portal and configure which phones can use it - most likely only AT&T numbers. This adds layers that are completely unnecessary and are the most likely failure points when you need the system the most (power outage; someone cutting lines, etc) completely negating the benefits of the Uplink to begin with.

I know DEL has an aversion to external antennas, but if you just need to go 10-15' or even less, then it's a great solution and it keeps your equipment together. I've been using them for many years to boost 3G Data Card coverage and performance and the reality is they do work really well in a scenario like the OP described - where different placement would solve the issue - but there's no reason to move the whole uplink when an external antenna will work.

Even the cell carries keep their antennas up on towers and their equipment down below - it's better for serviceability!
 
I wouldn't say an adversion to external antennas, the key is understanding that they sometimes introduce problems of their own. An external antenna doesn't improve the signal, they only allow remote mounting the antenna where (hopefully) the signal is better or away from interference. The typical result, however is while gaining a better signal at the unit compared to where the antenna was prior, usually the thicker low-loss cable involved does tend to sap around 5dBM from my experience, which is a good loss.

The second item is when considering doing this, that thicker cable isn't as easy to run, fish and conceal as a standard cable, which typically adds to the frustration.

While centralized at the panel may be ideal for service, it's going to introduce new issues which may or may not be easily solvable. Site survey for signal first, then look at where the hardware can be mounted or if remote is going to be an option.
 
I'm pretty familiar to the losses associated with the cables - I spent most of last week upgrading a couple cell towers for Verizon replacing the radios and retuning them; sweeping the antennas and cables, tweaking the waveguide, etc (it was a variation from my usual work but they asked me to do this for them)... and I'm familiar with the larger gauge coax used in cellular repeaters and the like; that said the ones I'm talking about from the 3GStore will get you 10-15' with a wire really no thicker than a good headphone wire... and it can often make the difference. I've used them in lake tahoe to get the antenna near a window while I work at a table; or in a few Cradlepoint router installations with remote data collection terminals, etc. They don't fix every problem, but for what the OP described, it's <$30 usually that's well worth trying.
 
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