SUNFORD SF004 Cell Phone Booster Installation Guide
- June 4, 2024
- SUNFORD
Table of Contents
- Package Contents
- Step 1: Inside Antenna Placement
- Step 2: Mount &Point Outside Antenna Toward Nearest Cell Tower
- Step 3: Route & Connect Outside Antenna To Booster
- Step 3: Route & Connect Inside Antenna To Booster
- Step 4: Power Up The Booster & Optimize The System
- Measuring Booster Performance
- Light Patterns
- Troubleshooting
- Safety Guidelines
- Specifications
- 3 YEAR WARRANTY
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
SUNFORD SF004 Cell Phone Booster Installation Guide
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
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.
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
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.
Keep enough distance between outside and inside antenna.
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
After identifying the area of strongest signal, choose the surface where you will mount your outside antenna.
- The location should allow for sufficient separation between the out side antenna and inside antenna.
- 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.
Caution: Do not aim an outside antenna towards inside antenna.
Caution: The inside antenna cannot face the outside antenna.
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.
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.
Wall Mounting Option
Fasten bracket to back of Inside Antenna
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.
Measuring Booster Performance
How To Get Signal Strength As A Number
iPhone®
Dial 3001#12345# then press Call.
- Hold down power button until you see ‘Slide to Power Off’.
- Then release the power button.
- 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
-
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. -
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:
-
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). -
Verify outside and inside antenna face away from each other.
-
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:
- This device may not cause harmful interference, and
- 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:
- this device may not cause interference, and
- 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:
- the antenna for the device must be installed to comply with the 10 meter above ground maximum antenna height limitation OR
- 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