Cel-Fi GO X Smart Signal Booster System Installation Guide

Cel-Fi GO X Smart Signal Booster System

CEL-FI GO X Product Information

The CEL-FI GO X is a cell signal booster that provides an industry-leading 100 dB of gain for a single carrier. The booster is composed of three core components: the amplifier, the outside (or donor) antenna, and an inside antenna. It requires existing signal to function and works with AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular, and all other US carriers and MVNOs. The booster’s default kit configuration includes at least one variety of outdoor and indoor antennas.

What’s in the Box?

• CEL-FI GO X + 1 Dome Antenna
• CEL-FI GO X + 2 Dome Antennas
• CEL-FI GO X + 1 Panel Antenna
• CEL-FI GO X + 2 Panel Antennas
• Cel-Fi GO X Kit
• Outdoor Antenna (1 or 2)
• Indoor Dome Antenna (1 or 2)
• Indoor Panel Antenna (1 or 2)
• 30 Ft Cable (1 or 2)
• 2 Ft Jumper Cable
• Surge Protector (1 or 2)
• Connectors (SMA-M to N-F)
• 2 Way Splitter

What You Should Know Before Installation
The Cel-Fi GO X requires proper placement of antennas and existing signal to function. Antenna locations and signal quality matter more than anything. The booster works with a single carrier and requires carrier selection via the Cel-Fi WAVE app. The carrier can be changed at any time.

Antenna Types
There are four major types of antennas used by the Cel-Fi GO X:

• Yagi (Directional) – Gathers signal from the direction you point. Requires aiming, but provides more power to a system.
• The Arrow (LDPA) – A versatile high-gain antenna with a 30-degree beam and effective range of over 10 miles.
• The Long Ranger (Ultra-High Gain) – The most powerful outdoor antenna option with a 10-degree directional beam and up to +28 dBi of gain.
• Indoor Dome Antenna – Provides multi-directional coverage in a single room.
• Indoor Panel Antenna – Provides directional coverage in a single room.

Isolation and Necessary Separation
Isolation is a measure of separation between the indoor and outdoor antennas. The Cel-Fi GO X automatically throttles its gain (amplification) up or down to avoid oscillation. Oscillation is a type of feedback that occurs if the gain of the system is higher than the isolation.

CEL-FI GO X Product Usage Instructions

Follow these instructions for proper installation and usage of the Cel-Fi GO X:

1. Review the Antenna Position Test in the Cel-Fi WAVE app for best results.

2. Determine the best location to mount the outdoor antenna based on signal strength and type, and use either a Yagi, Arrow, or Long
   Ranger antenna as appropriate.

3. Determine the best location to mount the indoor antenna based on signal strength and type, and use either a Dome or Panel antenna as appropriate.

4. Ensure that there is at least 20 feet of vertical separation between the indoor and outdoor antennas, and use a 2-way splitter if necessary.

5. Connect the outdoor antenna to the Cel-Fi GO X using the appropriate cable and connectors.

6. Connect the indoor antenna to the Cel-Fi GO X using the appropriate cable and connectors.

7. Connect the Cel-Fi GO X to power using the included surge protector.

8. Select the carrier to amplify via the Cel-Fi WAVE app.

Note: If you cannot make a call or get reception of any kind on your property, the Cel-Fi GO X will not work for you. The booster requires existing signal to function. Without that, it won’t function. Please call us at 1-800-470-6777 for a return.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INSTALLATION

The GO X provides an industry-leading 100 dB of gain for a single carrier. Proper installation ensures you receive the most significant boost to your cell signal possible.

The GO X is composed of three core components: the amplifier, the outside (or donor) antenna, and an inside antenna. There are two main issues people have when installing the Cel-Fi GO X: proper placement of their antennas, and finding usable signal to boost.

We might as well get the biggest problem out of the way now: if you go all over your property and cannot make a call or get reception of any kind, the Cel-Fi GO X will not work for you. The booster requires existing signal to function. Without that, it won’t function. Please call us at 1-800-470-6777 for a return.

ANTENNA LOCATIONS AND SIGNAL QUALITY MATTER MORE THAN ANYTHING.

Review the “Isolation and Necessary Separation” and “Antenna and Amplifier Placement” sections carefully. Getting these two things right is the key to getting great coverage. Use the “Antenna Position Test” in the Wave app for best results.

COMPATIBILITY
The Cel-Fi GO X works with:

AT&T
Verizon
T-Mobile
Sprint
US Cellular
And all other US carriers and MVNOs

As a reminder, you will need to set which carrier to amplify via the Cel-Fi WAVE app. The carrier can be changed at any time.

ANTENNA TYPES

There are four major types of antennas used by the Cel-Fi GO X. Your default kit configuration will have at least one variety of these outdoor and inside:

OUTDOOR:
Omnidirectional – Gathers signal in a 360 degree radius. Easy to install, but provides less power than a Yagi antenna. Works best in areas with strong outdoor signal.

Yagi (Directional)
Gathers signal from the direction you point. Requires aiming, but provides more power to a system. The Yagi bundled with your GO X has a 45-degree directional beam and up to +11 dBi of gain.

The Arrow (LDPA)|
A versatile high-gain antenna, The Arrow has a 30-degree beam and effective range of over 10 miles. Great for rural and suburban areas which need that extra bit of power.

The Long Ranger (Ultra-High Gain)
Our most powerful outdoor antenna option. With a 10-degree directional beam, this provides up to a staggering +28 dBi of gain. For the most rural, weak signal areas.

INDOOR:

Dome – Projects boosted signal in a 360 degree radius. Provides less power than a panel antenna, but covers more area. Best for wide open spaces and drop-tile ceiling, but can be used anywhere to good effect.

Low-Profile Dome
A high-gain, inconspicuous dome antenna with similar functionality.

Panel
Projects boosted signal in a 45 degree radius. Provides more power than a dome antenna, but can be trickier to implement effectively. Best for hallways and places where projecting signal.

ISOLATION AND NECESSARY SEPARATION
ISOLATION IS A MEASURE OF SEPARATION BETWEEN THE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ANTENNAS.

The Cel-Fi GO X automatically throttles its gain (amplification) up or down to avoid “oscillation.” Oscillation is a type of feedback that occurs if the gain of the system is higher than the isolation.

The more isolation between the outside and indoor antenna you have, the more the GO X will be able to amplify your signal, and the better your signal will be inside the building. As a general rule, you should strive to have either 50 feet of horizontal distance or 20 feet of vertical distance between the outdoor and inside antennas.

EXAMPLE OF POOR ISOLATION BLOCK

Not enough vertical separation between outdoor and indoor antenna.
Not enough horizontal separation between outdoor and indoor antenna.
Not enough building materials between indoor and outdoor antenna.

EXAMPLE O F GOOD ISO LATION BLOCK Good vertical separation.
Outdoor antenna pointing away from indoor antenna.
Multiple layers of building materials between antennas.

Antenna placement is one of the major considerations for avoiding isolation issues during installation.

ANTENNA AND AMPLIFIER PLACEMENT

OUTDOOR ANTENNA PLACEMENT
Finding the best location possible for the Outdoor Antenna is critical. There are two things you need to consider:

1. Isolation from the Indoor Antenna(s)
2. Signal quality

If you end up with a situation where you have to prioritize avoiding oscillation over somewhat higher quality signal, prioritize avoiding oscillation. However, remember –if you’ve only got good quality signal in one area, that’s where the outdoor antenna should be placed, no matter what.

HOW TO MEASURE SIGNAL QUALITY
For some buildings, the location with the best signal may be on top of the roof. In others, the best location is the side of the building. The best way to find out is to test.

There are three ways you can measure signal quality

1. Look at the number of bars (easiest, but least reliable method)
2. Download the OpenSignal app for iPhone or the Network Cell Info Lite app for Android (best method)
3. Measure SINR (signal-to-noise ratio) with the Cel-Fi WAVE app

To find the best Outdoor Antenna location: walk around the perimeter of your building with your phone, and if you can, get up on the roof. You’re looking for a location with good SINR (ideally above 5 dB) and good isolation from the indoor antenna locations.

INDOOR ANTENNA PLACEMENT
The signal from your booster is strongest where it is broadcast. For best results, place the indoor antenna(s) near where you’re most likely to use your cellular devices.

FINE TUNING YOUR ANTENNAS
The Antenna Position Test feature of the Cel-Fi WAVE app can help you test and compare multiple Outdoor Antenna locations, and will help you aim the antenna at the source of the best signal.

AMPLIFIER PLACEMENT
Your Cel-Fi GO X should be placed in a cool, dry area with access to a power source. For best results, use an uninterruptible power supply and surge protector to allow for its continued function during blackouts.

BOOSTER ASSEMBLY

GETTING THE PARTS SET UP
REFER TO THE DIAGRAM ON THE NEXT PAGE AS NEEDED

1. Connect the two SMA Pigtail cable adapters to the Cel-Fi GO X amplifier.
2. Note the two icons by the Cel-Fi unit’s two SMA connectors:
3. This port should be plugged into the inside antenna(s).
4. This port should be connected to the outdoor antenna.
5. Connect the RS400 cables to the SMA pigtail adapters and hand-tighten them.
6. Connect the splitters (if any), and Indoor Antenna(s) (panel or dome) to the indoor end of the Cel-Fi GO X and hand-tighten the connector(s).
7. Connect the Outdoor Antenna to the 5 ft RS200 cable, Lightning Surge Protector, and RS400 cable. The Surge Protector should be installed outdoors, just before the cable enters the building, and should be connected to the building ground using the included grounding cable. Make sure you connect the outdoor “donor” antenna feed to the side of the amplifier that has a small icon of a cell tower).
8. Connect the Cel-Fi GO X power supply and plug into the booster.

Disclaimer: We highly recommend using a ground wire and spike when installing a signal booster.

SYNCH THE CEL-FI GO X TO YOUR CARRIER WITH THE CEL-FI WAVE APP

The Cel-Fi WAVE App allows for carrier setup and switching, remote monitoring, real-time status updates, and more. In order to get the most out of your Cel- Fi GO X (and get the boost for your carrier of choice), you’ll need to follow these steps.

• Download the “Cel-Fi Wave” app to your phone or tablet from cel-fi.com/software or directly from the iOS App Store or Google Play.
• Ideally you’ll need Internet connectivity when setting up the GO X, though it will also work offline.
• Open the app while keeping your phone within 4 feet of the GO X to start pairing. This may take a few minutes, the app will say “searching,” “syncing data,” and finally “gathering data.”
• Register your device when prompted to do so. This is required by law.
• Check that your carrier is shown in the bottom left of the “Dashboard” screen.

( Note: the carrier that the amplifier is currently boosting will not be listed in the “Carrier” dropdown. For example if your GO X is boosting Verizon it will list AT&T and T-Mobile as options).
Update the software for the GO X if necessary (this may take 10 to 20 minutes and requires a data connection).

CHANGING CARRIER BEING BOOSTED
To change the carrier, go to “Settings” and then “Carrier” to change it. Changing carriers takes a few minutes, so don’t turn off your booster or move your phone away during the process. This is necessary for your booster to function properly.

( Note: the carrier that the amplifier is currently boosting will not be listed in the “Carrier” dropdown. For example if your GO X is boosting Verizon it will list AT&T and T-Mobile as options).

**FEATURES OF THE WAVE APP

**

THE ANTENNA POSITION TEST
The Wave app comes with an Antenna Position Test that can help you achieve the ideal balance between isolation and signal quality.

1. Place your indoor antenna(s) approximately where they will be installed.
2. In the Wave app, go to the “Settings” tab, and under the “Antenna Settings” tab select the “Antenna Position Test” option.
3. The app will guide you through taking multiple measurements. Try both different antenna locations and directions. Consider isolation and signal quality when choosing antenna locations.
4. The higher the number, the better your signal will be.
5. Once you’re done, the Wave app will calculate the best location for your outdoor antenna.

If you’re having issues finding the best antenna location, don’t hesitate to contact our support team. We’ll gladly walk you through finding the best location for best results.

THE ADVANCED TAB
One of the best features of the GO X is that it actively listens and decodes the cellular signals before amplifying. You can find out more about the donor signal and the booster’s performance under the “Super Channels” sections of the “Advanced” tab.

• The “Super Channels” section lists the two bands being amplified.
• Select a band to expand the details (as shown).
• The “Donor RSSI” value shows the signal strength being received from the outdoor antenna.
• The “Donor SINR” is a measure of signal quality. Ideally, you want a number higher than 3 dB here. The higher the SINR, the more bars you’ll see. If your SINR is under 0 dB, try moving the Outdoor antenna to different a different location, or changing the direction it is pointing.
• The “Downlink TX Power” shows how much signal is being rebroadcast. The higher this number, the greater the coverage area. Ideally you want 0 dBm or higher here.
• The Uplink and Downlink System Gain show the current uplink and downlink amplification of the system. Uplink may sometimes show 0 dB when phones aren’t in use. That’s normal.
• The “Echo Gain” numbers show how much isolation you have between the outdoor and indoor antennas. If either number is at or near 10 dB, you need more isolation between the outdoor and indoor antennas.

BOOSTER MODE
Under the “Booster Settings” section of the “Settings” tab of the Wave app, there is an option to change the booster mode from “Stationary” to “Mobile.”
The Mobile setting should only be used if you are using the booster on the go in a vehicle or RV. It reduces the gain of the unit from 100 dB to 65 dB. This mode requires a different antenna setup optimized for vehicles.

BANDS
The “Bands” settings under the “Booster Settings” section allows you to control which bands are scanned and amplified by the GO X. In some cases, the carrier networks will try to hand you off to the highest band automatically, even if it isn’t the best quality signal. Lower frequency bands also propagate further. In such cases, it can help to lock the Cel-Fi to just the 700 MHz frequency band (12, 13 or 17).

Here are how the band numbers show match up to different frequencies:

• Band 12/13/17 = 700 MHz;
• Band 2 = 1900 MHz;
• Band 4 = 2100 MHz;
• Band 5 = 850 MHz.

This is fairly advanced, however, and in general simply switching the amplifier to your carrier should be enough to see a significant improvement in your signal quality.

TIPS AND FAQS

INSTALLATION TIPS
If you unplug the cable from the outdoor antenna, make sure to reset the GO X. The GO X will start scanning as soon as you unplug the cable to the outdoor antenna. To make sure it scans all the frequencies, restart the unit after you reconnect the cable.

If you can, cut and crimp any longer lengths of extra cable.
If you can’t do that, make sure to keep any cable loops as large as possible to minimize negative side-effects (4 ft or wider loops are best). Coiling it tightly.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do I know if I have enough isolation between outdoor and indoor antennas?
   Under the “Advanced” tab of the Wave app, look at the “Downlink TX Power” and “Downlink Echo Gain” under each Super Channel. If the Downlink TX Power is less than 5 dBm and the Downlink Echo Gain is between 5 to 10 dB, you need more isolation between your indoor and outdoor antennas for
   best performance.

2. What can I do to improve the number of bars my phone is showing or increase my upload and download speeds?
   The most important thing you can do improve performance is to improve the signal quality at your outside antenna. Look at the “Donor SINR” measurement for each Super Channel under the “Advanced” tab of the Wave app. Your Donor SINR should be at least 0 dB. If you can get to 3 dB or higher, that’s great – the higher the better (the maximum is 30 dB).
   To improve SINR, try moving the outdoor antenna to new locations, and pointing it in different directions. You can also upgrade your outdoor antenna to a Cel-Fi LPDA Antenna (available at SignalBoosters.com).

Cellular / LTE
Smart Signal Booster™

MODEL NUMBERS:
G32-2/4/5/12/13X G32-1/3/5/7/8/20X

Cel‐Fi GO X uses Nextivity’s award-winning, network-safe Cel-Fi Smart Signal Booster technology to dramatically improve voice and data coverage in up to two (2) bands for 3G, 4G, and LTE. It is designed to improve indoor and outdoor cellular coverage when one bar is available outdoors, by allowing an antenna to be used to improve indoor cellular performance. Cel-Fi GO X is cost efficient and easy-to-deploy by an installer, and can be easily optimized and monitored by the Cel-Fi WAVE platform.

Cel‐Fi GO X uses Nativity’s award-winning, network-safe Cel-Fi Smart Signal Booster technology to dramatically improve voice and data coverage in up to two (2) bands for 3G, 4G, and LTE. It is designed to improve indoor and outdoor cellular coverage when one bar is available outdoors, by allowing an antenna to be used to improve indoor cellular performance. Cel-Fi GO X is cost efficient and easy-to-deploy by an installer, and can be easily optimized and monitored by the Cel-Fi WAVE platform.

Benefits:

• Superior Performance: 100dB Max Gain
• NEMA 4 Rated
• Multi-carrier Support with Carrier Switching app
• Carrier Approved for 3G/4G/LTE for Voice and Data
• Unconditionally Network Safe
• SMA Antenna Connectors
• Cel-Fi WAVE Management Platform

• Wireless Features
  3G/4G/LTE support (WCDMA / HSPA+ / LTE)
  Supports two (2) bands simultaneously from a single operator
  FDD
  Up to 100dB system gain, per band
  Peaceful coexistence with adjacent Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), femtocells, and cellular devices
  Advanced digital echo-cancellation (>30dB) and channel select filtering algorithms
  Automatic Gain Control (AGC) based on fast real-time echo-cancellation
  Linear RF front end
  Adaptive signal equalization
  Uses Nextivity’s 3rd-generation “ARES” chipset

• System Features
  SMA connectors for Donor and Server antennas
  NEMA 4 rated enclosure and connectors
  Support for BIAS-TEE power through Server port
  Glanceable LED User Interface (UI)
  Supporting smart phone application (Cel-Fi WAVE)
  Convection cooled cast aluminum chassis
  Easy mounting capability
  Mounting screws and anchors included

• Mobile Network and Network Protection Features

• Global band combinations available
  Systems are pre-configured for a single carrier (network operator)
  Supports multiple channels with bandwidths of 5/10/15/20 MHz per channel
  Works with any user equipment (UE) on the configured network (no whitelist/blacklist)
  Up to 40 MHz system relay bandwidth
  Support for 3GPP Release 10 features
  Provider-specific system: Cel-Fi distributes and boosts service only for the Operator PLMNIDs for which the device is authorized and configured
  Secure and ciphered provisioning
  System intelligence accurately establishes proper safe uplink power in real time
  Uplink Muting Mode automatically shuts down uplink cellular transmissions when no active user equipment is detected
  System shuts down upon Operator’s network command or failure detection

• Wireless Benefits
  Clear and reliable cellular connections within coverage area up to 15,000 ft2 (1,400 m2) per system
  Highest gain (100dB) provides best coverage footprint
  Advanced Echo-Cancelation allows Cel-Fi to transmit more power without feedback interference
  Subscriber devices (UE) require less transmit power for improved battery life
  Linearity eliminates IMD desense issues
  Dynamic gain control ensures maximum gain — best coverage — at all times in ever changing RF environments, without
  user intervention
  Nextivity purpose-built, high-performance, six core ASIC processor, provides best performance at lowest cost

• System Benefits Distribute and boost cellular coverage 3G and 4G support, Voice and Data, network safe LED cues provide visual feedback for ease of setup and status Works with any subscriber device from the configured Operator

• Mobile Network Benefits Flexibly deploy on LTE, VoLTE, LTE-Advanced, and WCDMA networks, with multiple cellular bands, simultaneously Automatically adjusts channel bandwidths between 5 MHz and 20 MHz UE control is transparent and remains centralized in the network core (no gateways or third-party software)

• Compliance
  (check individual product version for specific regional compliance)
  3GPP TS 25.143 Rel.10
  3GPP TS 36.143 Rel.10
  FCC Part 15, 20, 22, 24, 27
  ISED (Industre Canada)
  Bluetooth BQB
  CE

• System Management (Software)
  Supported by Cel-Fi WAVE cloud portal
  Cel-Fi WAVE Portal capability:
  Status (List and Map) Settings
  Commissioning Reporting
  Diagnostics Alarms & Notifications
  Software Updates

• Antenna Ports
  (Donor and Server)
  Model: G32-1/3/5/7/8/20: 791–2690 MHz
  Model: G32-2/4/5/12/13: 699–2180 MHz
  Impedance: 50 Ohm Return Loss: 8 dB Output Protection

• Environmental
  Operating temperature: 0° to 65° C
  Convection Cooling
  Relative humidity: 0% to 95%, noncondensing
  RoHS 2 (European and China compliant)
  WEEE
  NEMA 4
  Surface Temp at any point (30° ambient): 53° C

• Dimensions
  Height| Width| Length| Weight
  ---|---|---|---
  43.5 mm| 96.5 mm| 272.5 mm| 850 g

• Power
  9.6 – 16.5V
  2A current draw
  16W nominal power consumption

• Installation
  Mounting hardware included

• DC Power Plug and Jack
  NEMA 4 rated power plugs and jack

• Radio Performance
  The Cel-Fi GO system can boost up to two (2) bands concurrently. Either profile can be selected: A) One (1) High band boost and one (1) low band boost or B) Two (2) high bands boost

• Band Variations:
  (check product version for specific band support)Model Number| G32-2/4/5/12/13X| G32-1/3/5/7/8/20X
  ---|---|---
  Bands Supported| 2, 4, 5, 12, 13| 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20
  Band                            Downlink                Uplink MHz
  1| 2110-2170 MHz| 1920-1980 MHz| Up to 20 MHz contiguous boost, HSPA or LTE
  2| 1930-1990 MHz| 1850-1910 MHz| Up to 20 MHz contiguous boost, HSPA or LTE
  3| 1805-1880 MHz| 1710-1785 MHz| Up to 20 MHz contiguous boost, HSPA or LTE
  4| 2110-2155 MHz| 1710-1755 MHz| Up to 20 MHz contiguous boost, HSPA or LTE
  5| 869-894 MHz| 824-849 MHz| Up to 15 MHz contiguous boost, HSPA or LTE
  7| 2620-2690 MHz| 2500-2570 MHz| Up to 20 MHz contiguous boost, LTE
  8| 925-960 MHz| 880-915 MHz| Up to 15 MHz contiguous boost
  12| 729-746 MHz| 699-716 MHz| Up to 10 MHz contiguous boost, LTE
  13| 746-756 MHz| 777-787 MHz| Up to 10 MHz contiguous boost, LTE
  20| 791-821 MHz| 832-862 MHz| Up to 20 MHz contiguous boost, LTE

Maximum DL in-band donor level -40dBm
Maximum UL power 22dBm bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8
Maximum UL power 20dBm bands 5, 12, 13, 20
Maximum DL power 10dBm per 5 MHz bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8
Maximum DL power 10dBm per 5 MHz bands 5, 12, 13, 20
LTE 5/10/15/20 MHz and WCDMA 5 MHz bandwidths

NEED HELP? WE’RE READY AND WAITING.
Signal boosters aren’t always easy to install. In fact, getting everything up and running can sometimes be a pain. But the end result is worth it.

SignalBoosters provides lifetime technical support on every system we sell. We’ve installed hundreds of these devices ourselves, and can walk you through troubleshooting and fine-tuning your installation for best results.

Simply give us a call, start a live chat on our website, or send us an email. We love helping solve tricky install problems.

Address: 5010 Wright Road, Suite 110 Stafford, TX, 77477
Tel: 1-800-470-6777
Website: www.signalboosters.com
Email:  sales@signalboosters.com

References

• GO G32 - Nextivity
• WAVE - Nextivity
• SignalBoosters.com - Better Signal for Home, Vehicle, & Office
• SignalBoosters.com - Better Signal for Home, Vehicle, & Office

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