MoGo launches Cell Ranger: Portable cellular repeater
- March 31st, 2008
- 6 Comments
The first news is trickling out of CTIA and we’re actually quite impressed with this little bugger. It’s called the Cell Ranger and it’s a USB-powered cellular repeater that improves cell reception almost anywhere.
The Cell Ranger line includes two products: the Cell Ranger STIX is powered by a standard automotive 12 volt power supply; the Cell Ranger PORT is powered by a computer’s USB port and does not require software or drivers. Neither product requires physical connection or “pairing” with the phone. Users simply plug the Cell Ranger unit into the power source and properly place the magnetic antenna. Cell Ranger then automatically detects the closest handset. Cell Ranger can also be used by multiple handsets simultaneously for added convenience.
These little buggers should sell for about $149. We’ve done quite a few posts on cellular repeaters and I’ve found that they markedly improve most “dead zone” situations and even speed up EDGE in some cases.
dwalk51 (Who am I?)
6 months ago
Nice. What if you hooked up your BB as a modem, and then bought one of these to insure the best, top-quality coverage. You could post from anywhere!
Chelski (Who am I?)
6 months ago
The Cell Ranger product line does look to be an interesting innovation over current cellular repeaters. I understand that they are planning a Home/Small Office version for later this year, but in the meantime it would be interesting to see how they compare to similarly priced current units. Someone should put them head to head with the zBoost zP, which you covered in another one of your posts:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/11/23/zboost-yx300-zp-zpersonal-repeater-review/
The Cell Ranger seems to be comparable to the zP in terms of what it claims to do, also price. So which one is better?
Doug (Who am I?)
6 months ago
The Cell Ranger is great, just tried one out the other day at a friends house.
From what I’ve seen I’d say its got some advantages over that other zBoost you mentioned. It’s smaller, and allows for multiple users at the same time. Everyone in the house had improved signal stength!
I think the amplification is greater too, I was seeing at least 30 dB improvement, while that reviewer was seeing less than 10 dB improvement, but theres alot of stuff that could effect that I guess.
Definitely like the size and price of the cell ranger though!
Russell
5 months ago
I agree, just purchased one and reception in my vehicle improved greatly! Would highly recommend.
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JPE (Who am I?)
1 week ago
This product dis not work for me. Zero improvement in signal quality. Worse yet, I sent mine back for a refund 2 weeks ago and still have not yet received it. BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tony (Who am I?)
1 week ago
worked as advertised for me! set it up right and my signal went up. I even tried it out in my friends basement and was able to use my phone for the first time down there.