Wilson Sleek with HTC EVO

A lot of people will knock this little device, but I believe it to be the best thing Wilson (and possibly the only good thing) has ever produced. I have one for my iphone and chased Western, OK a few weeks back with no break in data. Went into EDGE a couple times but never lost radar connectivity. It will also cradle a MiFi and works well with that device too. I got rid of my older model Cyfre amp because this cradle + mifi did a better job. I'd love to invest in a new wireless amp kit but will hold off til next chase season more than likely. For now the Sleek does the trick, and it does it well.
 
I just bought mine tonight off Amazon for about $90. I know a couple people who use it and have had great luck keeping at least 2-3 bars of 3G in most places, (somewhere around -75 I believe). I also bought a larger NMO mount antenna as I already had an extra NMO trunk lip mount.
 
Yeah I decided to go with an upgraded antenna because the small one it provides you with only gets 1-2dB gain compared to the 12" antenna that will get me 5-6dB gain. I love the sleek for the fact its so cheep and works really well with my evo for data purposes. Eventually I will upgrade to a better booster/aircard system but for right now the sleek is a perfect tool! I love being able to take all my gear out of my car for theft purposes I wasn't able to do that with my other booster.
 
Which model antenna will fit with the Sleek? I just got my sleek, and it does increase my signal, but I think it would be better with a longer antenna.
 
Thanks! I just ordered one from Amazon with 2-day shipping to get in time to chase this weekend/early next week. I'll let you all know how it works!
 
I've noticed another little trick or problem depending on how you look at it at least for the Evo's. I was curious if it made a difference on where it sat against the phone. When you look at the back of the phone, it appeard to me the antenna is from top to bottom so i really didn't think it would matter much. Apparently I was wrong because I turned the phone upside down and put it in the cradle to cover the top part of the phone and i consistently gain around 12db (-12db). Now i got to figure out a way to take advantage of it.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Well i turned the phone upside down and put it in the cradle to cover the top part of the phone and i consistently gain around 12db (-12db). .

Interesting! I never thought to do that but I am going to have to try it out next time I am driving around. This would explain it - Watch video >

EDIT: Seeing that the antenna is located at the top of the phone I will be modifying the sleek to hold my phone lower down closer to where the antenna is located.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I don't know why so many people dislike Wilson. I have two amps. One wireless wilson one I got three years ago and one of the competitors that is a direct connect to a wifi card (supposed to be better). I have two of the exact same air cards in my car. One goes in the wirelss wilson one and the other gets the direct connect amp. The wilson wirelss amp without a doubt works better. There is absolutely no question.
The wilson model I have has dropped a lot in price and is now only $300 or so. It is well worth the money IMO. It is extremely rare for me ever to drop internet coverage in the plains when I'm using it. It's tough to put a price tag on a dependable internet connection if you do much chasing.
 
I ended up cutting the bottom clips off and putting Allen wrenched on the back side. I was able to pull the bottom of the EVO out some and brace it with the kickstand but wanted something more permanent. For one example I went from -88db to -63 db. I'll find out next week how that translates in real world use. I'll be adding a 5db gain antenna next week also. I may be upset next week but at the moment I couldn't be happier.
 
I don't know why so many people dislike Wilson. I have two amps. One wireless wilson one I got three years ago and one of the competitors that is a direct connect to a wifi card (supposed to be better). I have two of the exact same air cards in my car. One goes in the wirelss wilson one and the other gets the direct connect amp. The wilson wirelss amp without a doubt works better. There is absolutely no question.
The wilson model I have has dropped a lot in price and is now only $300 or so. It is well worth the money IMO. It is extremely rare for me ever to drop internet coverage in the plains when I'm using it. It's tough to put a price tag on a dependable internet connection if you do much chasing.

I just find it strange you promoting the product that sponsors your website but then slam all others.. I have tested every cell amplifier I can get my hands on from wilson to the da4000 to the new Maximum Signal Wireless amp and the Maximum Signal Stuff blows away anything Wilson has ever made. Wilson does their own testing and fudges the numbers while Maximum Signals products are tested by someone other than themselves and the Maximum Signal products are the only ones carrier approved. I have owned a Wilson and it gets so hot its only good for a footwarmer in the winter and it said I had 4 bars of service but when we went to use we had no service. It produces a false sense that you have access to your cell phone when you don't. It also uses 8 times the wattage of the Maximum Signal wireless amp and for those purchasing them you may as well just flush your cash down the toilet cuz thats the kind of product it is. It also hogs resources from the carriers towers and then bumps others off. Maybe thats why people like them so they can be the only one on in an are streaming. The reason its harder to stream is all thanks to Wilson and their inferior product. I have tested the new Maximum Signal Wireless Amp has many other chasers and they have all given rave reviews on it in not only weak signal areas but areas with no service at all. I went straight to known dead spots and the Maximum Signal Wireles Amp has worked with 3 wireless cards and 11 cell phones and they were from 3 different carriers and we all not only had service but still had great sounding call clarity and the data cards didn't slow down at all as others starting using their phones and the other 2 data cards.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I just picked up a different kit. Wilson Electronics SIGNALBOOST model #811214. I received much better signal gain vs the Sleek. That kit has a 3w ampflier vs the Sleek 1.8w amp. I went to an area near me where I get -110db or worse RSSI. I powered it up and it shot up to between -52 to -72. For $180 it works well in areas I have never had 3g let alone 1xRTT.

To the EVO (and other Android) users, type into the phone dialer ##33284# and it will take you to the diagnostic RSSI to see your true signal (not bars).
 
Back
Top