SUNFORD SF004 Cell Phone Booster Installation Guide

June 4, 2024
SUNFORD

SUNFORD SF004 Cell Phone Booster Installation Guide
SUNFORD SF004 Cell Phone Booster

Package  Contents

Booster Loft 3H

Inside Antenna

Outside Antenna

2*30 ft of 3D-FB Cables

Power Supply

Roof/Pole Mount Bracket

Wall Mount Bracket
Package  Contents

Preparation

You Will Need (tools not included)

Make sure the following materials are prepared and ready for your installation.

1 to 2 hours

2 people (a person to help with antenna calibration)

  • Ladder
  • Drill (if routing cable through wall)
  • 1”-3” diameter existing pole for mountingOutdoor Antenna (Pole Mount can be purchasedseparately if needed)
  • Recommended: Power Strip with surge protection

NOTE: These instructions will walk you through a “soft” install process to find the optimal locations for the inside and outside antennas, then through the process of the permanent installation.

Step 1: Inside Antenna Placement

Place the Inside Antenna where you need the greatest signal boost and place Booster in your desired location.

NOTE: Do not connect booster to power until the system is fully installed.

Choose right position for the indoor antenna

  • 1 feet away from any other metallic objects.
  • 3 feet away from any windows.

Inside Antenna Placement

Booster Placement

Mount the booster

  • Choose a ventilated and dry place
  • Keep away from heat
  • Don’t cover booster

Booster will about 30 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the ambient temperature, which is a normal phenomenon. Booster will about 30 degrees

Step 2: Mount &Point Outside Antenna Toward Nearest Cell Tower

Pole mounting and wall mounting options are included. The pole mounting option is preferred because it will be easier to adjust to the direction of the cell tower.

Attach the Mount to the Outside Antenna and use the Bracket Clamps to attach the Antenna to a pole or exhaust pipe
Mounting

Make sure that the outside unit is mounted at least 3 feet away from any windows. Outdoor antenna must be installed over the roof line.

NOTE: Mounting on existing roof exhaust pipe would be a good time-saver option. Watch out for power lines.

Point the Outside Antenna toward the nearest cell phone tower. To find the nearest tower, use an app such as ‘Open Signal’. This is the most critical step of the installation process because it will determine the overall performance of the booster system.
Outside Antenna

Keep enough distance between outside and inside antenna.

Distance

NOTE:
The Outside Antenna must be at least 40 feet (12 meters) Straight line distance or 30 feet (9 meters) horizontal
20 feet (6 meters) vertical from the Inside Antenna for best performance.

The greater the separation between the Inside and Outside Antennas, the better performance you will get from the booster.

Select the optimal mounting location for the outside antenna

Mounting location

After identifying the area of strongest signal, choose the surface where you will mount your outside antenna.

  1. The location should allow for sufficient separation between the out side antenna and inside antenna.
  2. In order to better receive external signals, the outside antenna is best installed in a higher position on the house, but please pay attention to lightning protection.

Antenna mutual position

The outside antenna should be oriented in away that it does not “face” the inside antenna.
Antenna mutual position

Caution: Do not aim an outside antenna towards inside antenna.
Antenna mutual position

Caution: The inside antenna cannot face the outside antenna.
Antenna mutual position

Step 3: Route & Connect Outside Antenna To Booster

Connect the white 3D-FB Cable to Outside Antenna and route cable into the home, secure the cable near the antenna. All connections should be finger tightened only.
SUNFORD SF004 Cell Phone Booster Installation Guide Route & Connect Outside
Antenna To Booster

Route cable to the Booster and connect to the port labeled ‘OUTSIDE’.

Step 3: Route & Connect Inside Antenna To Booster

Connect the Inside Antenna to the ‘INSIDE’ port on the booster.
Route & Connect Inside Antenna To Booster

Wall Mounting Option

Fasten bracket to back of Inside Antenna
Wall Mounting Option

Step 4: Power Up The Booster & Optimize The System

Plug in the Power Supply and connect it to the nearest power outlet.

NOTE: We strongly recommend using a power strip with surge protection.
Power Up The Booster

Measuring Booster Performance

How To Get Signal Strength As A Number

iPhone®

Dial 3001#12345# then press Call.

  1. Hold down power button until you see ‘Slide to Power Off’.
  2. Then release the power button.
  3. Hold the Home button until your main screen appears.

If you want to check 3G/1x but your iPhone is picking up 4G/LTE signal, go to Settings>Cellular>Cellular Data
Options>En_x0002_able .LTE>Select Off.
After you system is set up, you can go back to the dots signal by once again dialing 3001#12345# then pressing call.
When the menu comes back up, tap “phone” in the top left corner of your phone.

iPhone®
iOS 11 – current 

iOS 11 and later no longer displays the decibel (dBm) reading in ‘Field Test Mode’. Tip: Using the dot signal strength indicator on your cell phone can assist you in finding the strongest signal direction as well as placing calls in different locations.

Android™

Settings > About Phone > Status or Network > Signal
Strength or Network Type and Strength (exact options/wording depends on phone model).
Android: download third part APP-LTE Discovery

iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

How To Confirm That Your Installation Is Correct And Effective?

Having an accurate measurement of signal strength in decibels (dBm) is crucial when installing your system. Decibels accurately measure the signal strength you are receiving.

(MEASURING BOOSTER PERFORMANCE AFTER INSTALLATION cont.)

Signal strength at 6 feet from indoor antenna

Note here: dBm

Signal strength at 6 feet from outdoor antenna

Note here: dBm

Compare Results

If the signal strength in decibels (dBm)at 6 feet from the indoor antenna is 15-20dB higher than the signal strength at 6 feet from the outdoor antenna, then yoursystem has achieved the optimum results.
Note: Since it is a negative number, the smaller the number, the greater the signal strength.

DID YOU KNOW a signal increase of just 3dB is 2 times the power and signal amplification!

Light Patterns

Band Indicator Lights Solid Green:

  • Every time the power is powered on, all the band indicators will turn orange for about 1 second. This indicates your booster has passed the self-test and is in good condition. When the booster is functioning properly, all the band indicators will remain solid green during operation.

DC Power Indicator Correct Functioning:

  • Power Light should be solid green after powered on.

Band Indicator Lights Blinking Red:

  • Band has reduced gain. Which lights blinking indicate that the corresponding bands have reduced power due to a feedback loop condition called oscillation.
    This is a built in safety feature to prevent harmful interference with a nearby cell tower. If you are already experiencing the desired signal boost, then no further adjustments are necessary. If you are not experiencing the desired boost in coverage then refer to the Troubleshooting section.

Band Indicator Lights Solid Red:

  • Band has shutoff. This is due to a feedback loop condition called oscillation.
    This is a built in safety feature that causes a band to shut off to prevent harmful interference with a nearby cell tower. Refer to Troubleshooting section.

DC Power Indicator Off:

  • Please check your outlet, make sure it is normal.

Troubleshooting

IF YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THE COVERAGE, THESE LIGHT ISSUES DON’T HAVE TO BE RESOLVED. YOUR CARRIER’S BAND HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED.

FIXING ANY BAND INDICATOR LIGHTS BLINKING RED ISSUES

Band Indicator Lights Blinking Red

  1. Band Indicator Lights Blink 1 To 15 Times ( 1 cycle) Then Turn Green
    That means the gain lowered 1~15 dB. If your coverage is good and reception is good, you can ignore the blink; If you would like greater coverage and better reception, please increase the distance between the outside antenna and inside antenna to improve the gain.

  2. Band Indicator Lights Blink All The Time
    That means the gain lowered 16~25 dB. Please increase the distance (horizontally or vertically) between the outside and inside antenna to solve the oscillation problem. Check and install the whole system again.

FIXING ANY BAND INDICATOR LIGHTS SOLID RED ISSUES

Band Indicator Lights Solid Red

That means shut down. Please increase the distance (horizontally or vertically) between the outside and inside antenna to solve the oscillation problem. Unplug and re-plug in power supply. Check and install the whole system again.

How to solve the problem of oscillation:

  1. Keep enough distance between inside and outside antenna Minimum Required Separation Distance Between Inside and Ouside Antenna:
    Straight line distance over 40 feet(12 meters) or
    30 feet (9 meters) horizontal distance
    20 feet (6 meters) vertical distance (as far as possible).

  2. Verify outside and inside antenna face away from each other.

  3. You may need to undo and redo the connection completely. Un-plug and replug in power supply.

FIXING ANY BAND INDICATOR LIGHTS SOLID ORANGE ISSUES

Band Indicator lights Solid Orange

That means corresponding band has shutoff due to interference from other band signals.

Outside antenna need to be adjusted.

Pole Mount Option: Rotate the outside antenna away from the strongest cellular signal in small increments(45°). Then power on again and to see if the band indicator light is solid green.

Mounting on side of roof option: Change mount location or increase the distance between the outside and inside antenna. Move the outside antenna to location of the home/building. Then power on again and to see if the band indicator light is solid green. Then secure in place.

FIXING DC POWER INDICATOR OFF ISSUES

Please verify your power supply has power;
Please verify the power cord is tightened;
Contact with us by email or call for replacement.

Safety Guidelines

To uphold compliance with network protection standards, all active cellular devices must maintain at least six feet of separation distance from inside unit antenna and outside unit antenna and at least four feet of separation distance from inside unit.

Use only the power supply provided in this package. Use of a non-SunFord product may damage your equipment.

The Signal Booster unit is designed for use in an indoor, temperature- controlled environment (less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit). It is not intended for use in attics or similar locations subject to temperatures in excess of that range.

RF Safety Warning: Any antenna used with this device must be located at least 8 inches from all persons.

This is a CONSUMER device

BEFORE USE, you MUST REGISTER THIS DEVICE with your wireless provider and have your provider’s consent .Most wireless provider consent to the use of signal boosters .Some providers may not consent to the use of this device on their network .If you are unsure ,contact your provider.
In Canada, BEFORE USE you must meet all requirement set out ISED CPC-2 1-05.
You MUST operate this device with approved antenna and cables as specified by the manufacturer .Antennas MUST be installed at least 20cm (8inches) from(i.e., MUST   NOT be installed within 20 cm of) any person.
You MUST cease operating this device immediately if requested by the FCC(or ISED in Canada) or a licensed wireless service provider.
WARNING. E911 location information may not be provided or may be inaccurate for calls served by using this device.
This device may be operated ONLY in a fixed location(i.e., may operate in a fixed location only) for in-building use.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON REGISTERING YOUR SIGNAL BOOSTER WITH YOUR WIRELESS PROVIDER, PLEASE SEE BELOW:

Sprint:
http://www.sprint.com/legal/fcc_boosters.html

T-Mobile/MetroPCS:
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-9827

Verizon Wireless:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/register-signal-booster.html

AT &T:
https://securec45.securewebsession.com/attsignalbooster.com/

U.S. Cellular:
http://www.uscellular.com/uscellular/support/fcc-booster-registration.jsp

Specifications

Model Number SF004
Connectors F-Female on the inside Antenna / F-Female on the Outside Antenna
Noise figure 5 dB nominal
Antenna Impedance 75 Ohms / 75 Ohms
Weight 0.35Kg
Frequency 824-849MHz,1850-1915MHz,1710-1755MHz

869-894MHz,1930-1995MHz,2110-2155MHz
Power output for single cell phone (Uplink) dBm| 800MHz| 1900MHz| 1700MHz
Band5| Band2| Band4
62| 65| 65
Power output for single cell phone (Downlink) dBm| 800MHz| 1900MHz| 2100MHz
Band5| Band2| Band4
65| 68| 68
EIRP| 1W Max
Operating temperature| 5℉ to 140℉ (-15℃~60 ℃)
Isolation| >110 dB
Power Requirements| AC / DC 12V,1.5A, w/1.35X3.5mm Jack

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to two conditions:

  1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
  2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by SunFord could void the authority to operate this equipment.

CPC-2-1-05 — Zone Enhancers – Spectrum management and telecommunications http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt- gst.nsf/eng/sf08942.html
Warning: Unauthorized antennas/cables and/or coupling devices are prohibited by FCC rules.
Please contact FCC for details: 1-888-CALL-FCC

NEED HELP ? sunford_after-sales@outlook.com

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

  1. this device may not cause interference, and
  2. this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Booster transmitting in 1710-1755 MHz should be install/operate in one of two ways:

  1. the antenna for the device must be installed to comply with the 10 meter above ground maximum antenna height limitation OR
  2. the antenna for the device has a 10 meter above ground maximum antenna height limitation when the device is used with a handset that covers the 1710-1755 MHz band

3 YEAR WARRANTY

The Booster is covered under a three-year product warranty for failures or defects that result from craftsmanship and/or materials. Dated proof of purchase should be retained for use in warranty cases. Contact the retailer/reseller directly with any warranty issues, or alternatively contact the manufacturer in cases where the reseller is no longer available to handle warranty claims. In cases where the reseller is unavailable, the product may be returned to the manufacturer at the consumer’s expense, with a dated proof of purchase and a return authorization letter which can be attained by contacting SunFord.

This warranty does not apply to any signal booster components determined by SunFord to have been subjected to misuse, abuse, neglect, tampering, or mishandling that result in damages to the physical or electronic properties of the product. Refurbished products that have been recertified to conform to product specifications may be used for product replacements.

NEED HELP ? ****sunford_after-sales@outlook.com

Antenna Kitting Information

Component Prod No. Description Gain/Loss Notes
LTE-A 800MH z 1900MH z 1700MHz\2100M Hz
Outdoor Antenna A-SF001 8dBi 8dBi

(Default)
A-SF002| 3dBi| 3dBi| 5dBi| 5dIEM5dBi| Omni Directional Antenna
Outdoor Cable| RG660Feet| 4dB| 4.3dB| 6.5dB| 6.5dB 17dB| 60 feet
Outdoor Cable| 3D- B60Feet| 4.5dB| 5.4dB| 8dB| 8dB 19dB| 60 feet (Default)
Outdoor Cable| 3D- B30Feet| 2.1dB| 2.5dB| 3.6dB| 3.6d1314.1dB| 30 Feet
Indoor Cable| 3D- B30Feet| 2.1dB| 2.5dB| 3.6dB| 3.6dB\ 4.1dB| 30 Feet
Indoor Cable| RG630Feet| 1.8dB| 1.9dB| 3.1dB| 3.1dB 13.2dB| 30 feet
Indoor Antenna| A-SF003| 8dB1| 8dBi| 10dBi| 10dBi110dBi| Panel Antenna
A-SF004| 2dBi| 2dBi| 3dBi| 3dBi13dBi| Whip Antenna (Default)
*All equivalent antennas and cables are suitable for use with the xxx

SUNFORD
A cell booster specially created for the young

NEED HELP ?
sunford_after-sales@outlook.com
3-year manufacturer‘s warranty

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References

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

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Download This Manual (PDF format)

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