New Build and need HELP!

Misc Mini PCI-E and M.2 Modem Card and USB Dongle Topics
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jhardin80
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New Build and need HELP!

Post by jhardin80 »

I'm building a "cheaper" setup for my father. He lives west of Trinidad, Co. I used cellmapper to see what all he has down there. At their property they get about 1-2 bars of Verizon and AT&T.

I am trying to figure out the best options for around $100-$150. I already bought an antenna Poynting XPOL-2-5G Antenna (A-XPOL-0002-V3-01)

I was looking at the WE1026-5G (when they come back in stock, hopefully) but I need input on what LTE modem to get. The bands down there for Verizon, AT&T and T-mobile are 2, 4, 12, 13, 30, 66, 71.

What would you recommend I use? I chose the WE1026-5G as it has ac wifi and they don't currently have a wireless router so this would be an easy kind of "all-in-one" solution. If there is a different router that is cheaper of same setup then I'm open to that as well.

I'm still learning a lot but have the basics down, I just don't know all the different modems and to find one that will do all those bands as well as CA.

Please help!

TY,
Jason
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Didneywhorl
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Re: New Build and need HELP!

Post by Didneywhorl »

Those may be the bands those carriers use, but are they available? That is important if you want to save money and want optimal band usage.

That said, good modems that cover most of those bands are the cat 12 modems. IE: Quectel EM12, Sierra ME7656 or ME7511. There are others, though Im not as familiar. I think one brand is Fibocom, Telit may have one in that range. The widest band lists are the latest modems, not counting the 5G capable ones. The Telit LM960, Quectel EM20, and some others out there. These, though, will usually run you between $250 and $300.

Knowing your specific band needs are most important when on a budget.
jhardin80
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Re: New Build and need HELP!

Post by jhardin80 »

What is an easy way to find out what bands are being used there then? I can't get down there to do it so keep in mind my father is 69 years young and isn't all that tech savvy. Is there something pretty simple I can have him do to try to see what bands are out there?
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Didneywhorl
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Re: New Build and need HELP!

Post by Didneywhorl »

I believe Jim Helms offers a cell site survey....

https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/tower-survey/ce ... y-reports/

As well as some people on the Facebook group
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