SUNFORD SF003 Cell Phone Booster Installation Guide
- June 4, 2024
- SUNFORD
Table of Contents
- Package Contents
- Preparation
- Step 1: Inside Antenna Placement
- Step 2: Mount & Point Outside Antenna Toward Nearest Cell Tower
- Antenna mutual position
- 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
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
A cell booster specially created for the young
SF003
Cell phone booster
Installation Guide
NEED HELP ?
sunford_after-sales@outlook.com
3-year manufacturer‘s warranty
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 mounting Outdoor Antenna (Pole Mount can be purchased separately 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 permanent installation process.
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 the booster to power until the system is fully
installed. Choose a proper position for the indoor antenna
- 1 feet away from any other metallic objects
- 3 feet away from any windows
(STEP 1 cont.)
Booster Placement
Mount the booster
- Choose a ventilated and dry place
- Keep away from heat
- Don’t cover booster
**** Booster will be about 30 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the ambient temperature, which is a normal phenomenon.
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.
An outdoor antenna must be installed over the roof line.
NOTE: Mounting on the 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 the strongest signal, choose the surface where you will mount your outside antenna.
- The location should allow for sufficient separation between the outside 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 a way 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 the 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.
(STEP 3‐A cont.)
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.
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 a 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# and 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 the indoor antenna
Note here: dBm
Signal strength at 6 feet from the 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 your system 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 shut off. 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 the 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 to 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 the power supply. Check and install the whole
system again.
How to solve the problem of oscillation:
- Keep enough distance between the inside and outside antenna, Minimum Required Separation Distance Between Inside and Outside 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 antennae face away from each other.
- You may need to undo and redo the connection completely. Unplug and replug in the power supply.
FIXING ANY BAND INDICATOR LIGHTS SOLID ORANGE ISSUES
Band Indicator lights Solid Orange
That means the corresponding band has shut off due to interference from other
band signals.
Outside antenna needs to be adjusted.
Pole Mount Option: Rotate the outside antenna away from the strongest cellular
signal in small increments(45°). Then power it on again to see if the band
indicator light is solid green.
Mounting on side of the roof option: Change mount location or increase
the distance between the outside and inside antenna. Move the outside antenna
to the location of the home/building. Then power it on again 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 a replacement.
Safety Guidelines
To uphold compliance with network protection standards, all active cellular
devices must maintain at least six feet of separation distance from the inside
unit antenna and outside unit antenna and at least four feet of separation
distance from the 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
This is a CONSUMER device
BEFORE USE, you MUST REGISTER THIS DEVICE with your wireless provider and have
your provider’s consent. Most wireless providers 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 requirements set out in ISED
CPC-2-1-05.
You MUST operate this device with an 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](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 | SF003 |
---|---|
Connectors | F‐Female on the Inside Antenna / F‐Female on the Outside Antenna |
Noise figure | 5 dB nominal |
Antenna lmpedance | 75 Ohms / 75 Ohms |
Weight | 0.35Kg |
Frequency | 698‐716MHz, 776‐787MHz, 824‐849MHz 728‐746MHz, 746‐757MHz, |
869‐894MHz
Power output for single cell phone (Uplink)dBm| 700A‐MHz Band12 60| 700MHz
Band13 60| 800MHz Band5 62
Power output for single cell phone (Downlink)dBm| 700A‐MHz Band12 62| 700MHz
Band13 62| 800MHz Band5 65
EIRP| 1W Max
Operating temperature| 5℉ to 140℉ (‐15℃~60 ℃)
lsolation| >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
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.
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 2 Y2 YEAR WARRANTY WARRANTY 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 that
can be attained by contacting Sanford.
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 results 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.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided by SunFord is believed to be
complete and accurate, to the best of our knowledge. However, no
responsibility is assumed by SunFord for any business or personal losses
arising from the use of the information herein contained, or for any
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from
its use.
Antenna Kitting Information
Component| Prod No.
Description| Gain/Loss| Notes
---|---|---|---
LTE-A/LTE-V 700MHz| 800MHz
Outdoor Antenna| A-SF001| 8dBi| 8dBi| Log Periodic Antenna (Default)
A-SF002| 3dBi| 3dBi| Omni Directional Antenna
Outdoor Cable| RG660Feet| 4dB| 4.3dB| 60 feet
Outdoor Cable| 3D-FB60Feet| 4.5dB| 5.4dB| 60 feet (Default)
Outdoor Cable| 3D-FB30Feet| 2.1dB| 2.5dB| 30 Feet
Indoor Cable| 3D-FB30Feet| 2.1dB| 2.5dB| 30 Feet
Indoor Cable| RG630Feet| 1.8dB| 1.9dB| 30 feet
Indoor Antenna| A-SF003| 8dBi| 8dBi| Panel Antenna
A-SF004| 2dBi| 2dBi| Whip Antenna
(Default)
*All equivalent antennas and cables are suitable for use with the xxx
Notes
sunford_after-sales@outlook.com
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>