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During our GO testing, we tested several different antenna types to see the effect this had on the boost and the final signal strength on the phone.
In order to get the maximum ‘boost’ applied to the incoming signal, we had to get the best isolation between the indoor and outdoor antennas.
Default signal strength in the cabin with the GO turned off was -94dB. The test was conducted in a mountainous area in a valley with poor signal.
Below is the result of our test.
Interior Antenna Positions
Bull Bar/ Trucker Antenna
Trucker Antenna was mounted on the bull bar at the front of the vehicle on the passenger side.
| BOOST (System Gain) 0-9 | RSSI on Phone (at driver headrest) db | |
| Input Signal: -89dB | ||
| Dashboard Middle | 6-7 | -71 to -78 |
| Front Window – Driver | 3 | -85 to -86 |
| Front Window – Passenger | 2 | -89 to -90 |
| Sunvisor – Driver | 3 | -83 to -85 |
| Sunvisor – Passenger | 3-4 | -80 to -81 |
| Centre Console (Facing Up) | 6 | -74 to -76 |
| Dash – Under Steering Wheel | 5 | -80 to -83 |
Magnetic Roof mount
Magnetic Base Antenna was mounted on the centre rear roof of the vehicle.
| BOOST (System Gain) 0-9 | RSSI on Phone (at driver headrest) db | |
| Input Signal: -80dB | ||
| Dashboard Middle | 5-6 | -68 to -72 |
| Front Window – Driver | 3 | -87 to -89 |
| Front Window – Passenger | 4 | -73 to -75 |
| Sunvisor – Driver | 6 | -72 to -74 |
| Sunvisor – Passenger | 7-8 | -60 to -63 |
| Centre Console (Facing Up) | 9 | -63 to -67 |
| Dash – Under Steering Wheel | 6 | -76 to -78 |
| Under Passenger Seat | 9 | -89 to -91 |
On Glass External Antenna
Antenna was mounted on the top of the rear window.
| ON GLASS EXTERNAL (rear window) | BOOST (System Gain) 0-9 | RSSI on Phone (at driver headrest) db |
| Input Signal: -90dB | ||
| Dashboard Middle | 1 | -89 to -92 |
| Front Window – Driver | 5 | -83 to -85 |
| Front Window – Passenger | 5-6 | -88 to -89 |
| Sunvisor – Driver | 1 | -89 to -92 |
| Sunvisor – Passenger | 4 | -81 to -83 |
| Centre Console (Facing Up) | 5 | -83 to -85 |
| Dash – Under Steering Wheel | 4 | -90 to -93 |
Bonnet Gutter Mount
Omni directional antenna mounted on the passenger side bonnet gutter.
| BONNET GUTTER MOUNT | BOOST (System Gain) 0-9 | RSSI on Phone (at driver headrest) db |
| Input Signal: -86dB | ||
| Dashboard Middle | 7 | -81 to -84 |
| Front Window – Driver | 2 | -88 to -91 |
| Front Window – Passenger | 1-2 | -91 to -93 |
| Sunvisor – Driver | 4 | -82 to -84 |
| Sunvisor – Passenger | 2 | -83 to -84 |
| Centre Console (Facing Up) | 3 | -80 to -83 |
| Dash – Under Steering Wheel | 5 | -80 to -82 |
On Glass Internal Antenna
We tested an internal on-glass antenna and found there was not enough antenna isolation to warrant a report.
Conclusion
The purpose of this test was to find out how the different antennas affected the boost of the GO. The antennas with the best isolation performed best.
Magnetic Roof Antenna
The stand out performer was the magnetic roof mount antenna, due to the roof acting as a separator between the indoor and outdoors antennas. Being high up on the vehicle and having a good ground plane meant the input signal was also better than the rest. Note the test location was done in a valley so the lower gain of the antenna offered a wider reception bubble than the higher gain of the bull bar antenna.
Bull Bar Antenna
This antenna was the second-best performer due to the isolation using the front of the car and firewall. The distance between antennas was also a contributing factor. If this test was conducted in a flat terrain area then this antenna could have been the better performer as far as a signal on the phone.
Bonnet Gutter Mount
The third best performer due to the isolation of the firewall and input signal strength. However, the distance between antennas let this one down.
On Glass Antennas
The on-glass antennas were very average when it comes to antenna isolation, with a lower boost. Signal strength input was poor and therefore the signal readings on the phone poor. We do not recommend on-glass antennas unless you can find one that offers a good input signal. The external on glass provided some boost, however, the internal on glass antenna offered close to no difference than with the GO turned off.
We tried to trick the GO by putting the internal antenna under a seat to get the best possible isolation. Even though the input signal was ok and the boost was 9, the phone had a very poor signal reading. With the indoor antenna being under the seat, the signal was barely able to reach the phone.
Taking into account the best performing antennas, the ideal location for positioning the indoor antenna is in the centre of the dashboard facing all passengers. If you mainly want signal for the front two passengers, the centre console facing up was another good position.
If you can get a boost of 7 or better you are on your way to getting a great mobile signal.
Powertec provides full network design
services.
Contact our team to begin your automation journey today on 1300 769 378 or solutions@powertec.com.au
