Anyone know of...

Rik · Jul 10, 2009, 13:24:33

A signal strength detector for mobile broadband? One of the problems I found was that I had to fire up the Sammy and wait for the boot to finish before I knew whether there was a signal, and I thought it would be handy to have a standalone device to save the hassle... I know they exist for WiFi, just wonder if they do for mobile?

Steve · Jul 10, 2009, 13:50:11

Only thing I can think of is a mobile phone.

john · Jul 10, 2009, 14:05:15

Here's a couple :

Staples

Maplins

Not very expensive but there may be better/cheaper ones available as well.

Rik · Jul 10, 2009, 16:33:02

Thanks, John, but they are both WiFi, whereas I'm looking for 3G.

john · Jul 10, 2009, 16:47:38

Sorry Rik, serves me right for not reading the post properly

Rik · Jul 10, 2009, 16:56:49

NP, John, thanks for your efforts. There's all sorts, including a T shirt, for wifi, but the 3G equivalent is proving elusive.

Sebby · Jul 10, 2009, 17:52:50

I don't know of any, Rik.

Rik · Jul 10, 2009, 17:55:04

Annoying, isn't it.

Steve · Jul 11, 2009, 13:22:08

Better ask Prince Philip

Rik · Jul 11, 2009, 13:24:14

somanyholes · Jul 23, 2009, 10:34:21

remembered this thread rik. This what you are looking for? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mobile-Broadband-USB-Dongle-Signal-Boosting-YAGI-Aerial_W0QQitemZ350229713910QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_LaptopAccessories_PCMCIACards?hash=item518b5153f6&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1|66%3A2|39%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

eek got it wrong it was a signal detector you wanted. ohh well

Rik · Jul 23, 2009, 11:10:36

Thanks, anyway, So.

Glenn · Jul 23, 2009, 17:23:32

I think it would be something that the mobile phone manufacturers use, but is very hard to get in the public domain

Rik · Jul 23, 2009, 17:27:27

Shame, it seems such an obviously useful gizmo.

Glenn · Jul 23, 2009, 17:41:13

Maybe you have found a hole in the market that you could fill?

Rik · Jul 23, 2009, 17:45:05

If I'm filling it, it needs to be a big hole.

talos · Jul 24, 2009, 09:24:25

Field strength meter

These might do it Rik, but I think its a bit over the top. A mobile phone would be better, but even that wont tell if its a reliable data link.

Gary · Jul 24, 2009, 09:30:47

If your phone has good 3G coverage for the network and you can get online using 3.5g (should say my signal strength) you should be ok with your Dongle thingy. That's where an unlocked phone comes in handy just bung in a pay and go sim for from your mobile broadband supplier and see what you get, in fact you can get twin sim holders so you can swap between one and the other.

Rik · Jul 24, 2009, 10:11:32

Quote from: talos on Jul 24, 2009, 09:24:25
Field strength meter

These might do it Rik, but I think its a bit over the top. A mobile phone would be better, but even that wont tell if its a reliable data link.

A tad more than I wanted to pay, Bob.

I just wondered if anyone made an equivalent to the devices for detecting wifi hotspots.

talos · Jul 24, 2009, 12:34:34

I think the 3G provider would have to market one tuned to their system to differentiate which one you were detecting, they are more likely to say plug in your dongle, that's a good detector.

Rik · Jul 24, 2009, 12:35:31

I think you're right, Bob.