We all know about those bogus ads for that little decal of a circuit, which you put under your cell phone battery, and all you do is waste your money. However, what I am looking for is something which you can REALLY improve your signal, not just some hype. I have a Nokia 3585i Cell phone, on Sprint'* network. I have poor signal inside my house, and in a few other towns near me, and when I have a poor signal, my battery enjoys killing itself [like fully charged battery to dead, just in 8 hours of 10% signal]. I could switch my service elsewhere, but that'* just too much hassle, and I like Sprint'* plan. Now, here is what I want to do, I want a small circuit which I can tie into the antenna somewhere, so it will boost the signal, sufficiant enough so I can use it in area'* I couldn't, and not kill my battery. Any suggestions?

-justin

well go through a better company for better reception or build a huge antenna

That'* the thing, there is no better company. I live in a rural area, and the providers that are available, don't really care about us. So basically I have two choices, Sprint, or Centenial, and I sprint is a million times better. So there is no alternative. Anyone know if a 5watt audio amp would work to increase the signal? I know 5 watt, 10 watt, 15 watt, and 30watt, but that'* it.

-justin

Might I suggest two cups and a string??

In Nokia'* 3500 series handsets there really is no provisions for an external antenna or connections to an amplifier. Nokia does sell a car kit for that series that has an inductive RF pick-up in the cradle that connects to an antenna.

So, basically you are saying, i'm stuck with the POS phone as is, right? And there is absolutly no way to "boost/amplify" the signal?


-justin

3500 isn't good for recieving signal. A new handset would work best, something with atleast a "nub" antenna.

When it comes to electronics, anything is possible. But you would have to design, protype and build it all yourself. So the real answer to your question is no.

I do have to dissagree with BonneMeMN on the 3500'* ability to receive a signal. At least with the GSM format that is. Your phone operates on the CDMA platform and I don't have any experience with those.

Mine has an antenna, its a retractable however, not a "nub." I am going to keep doing some research, and see if anyone at my school knows anything more than the alphabet, maybe I can get together with him/her and create one, because i'm only as good as the schematics in front of me .


-justin

I had a 3360, i guess the 3500 is a lil different... I was thinking of something else. GSM seems to be better on my new phone then CDMA on my old one.

I think putting 5 watts into it would a LOT though.

I also have to disagree with BonneMeMN. Nokia has several different grades of antennas, whether or not it is a nub, internall, or retractable really makes no difference. I originally had a Nokia 1260, and Nokia makes that phone with the cheapest components possible, yes even the antenna is crap. So I bought the new Nokia 3560 since it was the top of the line model my provider offered at the time. I also ended up paying $180 for it. I have rarely even come down to half strength signal even when I'm out in the rural areas where my friend'* cell phone (same provider) is dead. Another side note, if you have a custom face plate or some kind of cell phone protector such as a leather or neoprene case, take it off. The original face plate was designed to work best with your phone and many custom face plate will hurt signal strength. Also be sure you're not holding your hand over or near the antenna, and touch the actual internal antenna system as little as possible. Most Nokia antennas are made so that they are non-user serviceable to prevent damage.
I would also go to a Sprint retailer and see if you can try a phone for a while. Most companies will give you just the phone with a half charge and a dummy number so you can see what kind of signal strength its getting. (It also helps if you walk in carrying a couple flyers from a rival cell provider.)

Hope this novel helps a little.