Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 125

I know this has been mentioned before in previous threads but I was so pleased with the results I figured I'd post it anyways.

Previously, I had a problem with low CDPD signal strength using the Minstrel S resulting in a very finnicky/spotty signal. I would literally move the visor/modem combo 3 or 4 inches and go from a having decent signal strength to almost none at all. I knew it was the stub antenna on the Minstrel S becasue a Minstrel V side by side was able to pull in a much stronger signal with its retractable antenna. I subsequently read that the antenna from the Samsung SCH-3500 (offered by SprintPCS) would fit the Minstrel S. I stopped by my local SprintPCS store, got the antenna for free (didn't say what I was going to use it for), and installed it. Now, I get signal strength that is consistently 25% - 33% higher than with the stub antenna resulting in a much more usable wireless internet experience. The only drawback is that the antenna cannot be detracted into the Minstrel S so when you are done using it, you have to unscrew it and put the stub antenna back. Its a bit of a hassle with the uscrewing/screwing and carrying around the Samsung antenna but, for free, I really can't ask for more.

Marty

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 308

quote:

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Originally posted by mmendo1
I know this has been mentioned before in previous threads but I was so pleased with the results I figured I'd post it anyways.

Previously, I had a problem with low CDPD signal strength using the Minstrel S resulting in a very finnicky/spotty signal. I would literally move the visor/modem combo 3 or 4 inches and go from a having decent signal strength to almost none at all. I knew it was the stub antenna on the Minstrel S becasue a Minstrel V side by side was able to pull in a much stronger signal with its retractable antenna. I subsequently read that the antenna from the Samsung SCH-3500 (offered by SprintPCS) would fit the Minstrel S. I stopped by my local SprintPCS store, got the antenna for free (didn't say what I was going to use it for), and installed it. Now, I get signal strength that is consistently 25% - 33% higher than with the stub antenna resulting in a much more usable wireless internet experience. The only drawback is that the antenna cannot be detracted into the Minstrel S so when you are done using it, you have to unscrew it and put the stub antenna back. Its a bit of a hassle with the uscrewing/screwing and carrying around the Samsung antenna but, for free, I really can't ask for more.

Marty

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Sam Kleinman

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"Everybody don't like something and we all don't like you." -- Richard Thompson, Hard Luck Stories

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 41

I went and got the same antenna. It works like a charm. I really wish that Novatel would have added an antenna like the one for the Palm V. I am using Blazer and my new antenna. I am surfing faster than my 56k home connection and almost as fast as my DSL at work.

I am liking my Omnisky a lot more now than went I got it in December.

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WayNorth
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Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Northern New Jersey
Posts: 55

But wouldn't we al like it better if we had waited until now and gotten it for free? The price we pay for being early adoptors (adaptors?).
And thanks for the antenna tip, mmendo1!

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: NH
Posts: 25

After reading the articles I purchased the antena (around 6 bucks on sale over the web) and it works like a great. I used to loose the singal constantly but now I can roam around my house and office and stay connected. Great idea.

I bought this case for my IIIc called the PalmVelope XL but never used it. It has a clear front (like a screen protector) that you can see the pda and actually write on it, and two slots one on each side. Its made of that soft padded stuff (can't think of what it is called right now) and is top loaded with a flap to close it. Well I cut the top open so I could get my Visor in it with the Omnisky and GPS moded attached. Works great although the glare sometime can make it hard to read. I store the extra antena in one slot and a stylus in the other one.

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DoMore

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Posts: 47

Did you get the SCH-3500 antenna for $6? Where?

MS

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The Woodlands, TX

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 142

Antenna ...

I'd like to know, too. If you purchased over the web, please provide the URL. Thanks.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: NH
Posts: 25

Re: Antenna ...

quote:

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Originally posted by SpeakerCoach
I'd like to know, too. If you purchased over the web, please provide the URL. Thanks.

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DoMore

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 142

SCH-3500 antenna

I walked into a Sprint PCS store over noon today, asked for an antenna replacement and they gave it to me for free.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: NH
Posts: 25

Re: SCH-3500 antenna

quote:

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Originally posted by SpeakerCoach
I walked into a Sprint PCS store over noon today, asked for an antenna replacement and they gave it to me for free.

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DoMore

Registered: May 2001
Location:
Posts: 16

sch 3500

Got my SCH 3500 antenna yesterday from SprintPCS for free, all I mentioned was I need to purchase a replacement antenna for my phone, they gave it to me free of charge. By the way, I own a StarTac not a Samsung, of course don't let them know that. As for that antenna strip, I tried that in my minstrel S, no change to signal strenght was observed. Let me know if anyone has a different experience with it.

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 604

Sprint PCS

I had the same experience. I even offered to pay for it, they declined.