Wilson 801201 40dB Dual-Band Booster Review |
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This product review of the Wilson 801201
dual-band wireless mobile amplifier. This wireless
cellular amplifier has been around since around
2004 and has become the Cadillac and best
performing mobile amplifier on the market. The
Wilson 801201 is the choice for individuals in
remote areas such as oil and gas field service. At
Powerful Signal we say that if the Wilson 801201
can not get a signal, then nothing will. This usually
holds true.
Packaging
The 801201 box shown to the right contains the
blue metal cellular amplifier along with a vehicle
power supply and inside broadcast antenna. The
power supply and inside antenna packed in the box
under the back flap. Also included is a instruction
book for installation and specifications.
dual-band wireless mobile amplifier. This wireless
cellular amplifier has been around since around
2004 and has become the Cadillac and best
performing mobile amplifier on the market. The
Wilson 801201 is the choice for individuals in
remote areas such as oil and gas field service. At
Powerful Signal we say that if the Wilson 801201
can not get a signal, then nothing will. This usually
holds true.
Packaging
The 801201 box shown to the right contains the
blue metal cellular amplifier along with a vehicle
power supply and inside broadcast antenna. The
power supply and inside antenna packed in the box
under the back flap. Also included is a instruction
book for installation and specifications.
| Wilson 801201 Box |
| Box opened |
| Low profile antenna and power supply together in pouch |
| Low-profile antenna, power supply and instruction booklet |
| Older Wilson 801201 |
| Newer Wilson 801201 |
The older version of the Wilson 801201 is thicker and more square. The new revision is a bit longer and
thinner. The old version had two circuit boards stacked in the case which made the amp a bit more
complicated to assemble. The new revision has a single circuit board to simplify the assembly process.
thinner. The old version had two circuit boards stacked in the case which made the amp a bit more
complicated to assemble. The new revision has a single circuit board to simplify the assembly process.
| The new Wilson 801201 also has a different serial number which can be a little confusing. Wilson serial number usually start with the model of the product. Old serial numbers started with 801201, the new serial number starts with 803201, but the box and product name is still Wilson 801201. I am not sure if the specs have changed, but I believe that there might be a bit more punch in this new revision. |
Old and New Version
Since 2004, the amplifier has gone through several revisions. The last revision was both cosmetic and
internal. The case size was changed to match the Wilson 811210 amplifier. The new metal case size
is becoming the standard for 3 watt Wilson mobile amplifiers which makes sense from a manufacturing
point of view. There use to be three different metal case sizes for Wilson's 3 watt mobile amplifiers, now
there is one. NOTE: Powerful Signal stocks the newest revision of Wilson products.
Since 2004, the amplifier has gone through several revisions. The last revision was both cosmetic and
internal. The case size was changed to match the Wilson 811210 amplifier. The new metal case size
is becoming the standard for 3 watt Wilson mobile amplifiers which makes sense from a manufacturing
point of view. There use to be three different metal case sizes for Wilson's 3 watt mobile amplifiers, now
there is one. NOTE: Powerful Signal stocks the newest revision of Wilson products.
The Case
The Wilson 801201 is built tough. This 3 watt amplifier has a good solid metal case with good solid FME
male connectors screwed to the sides. On the top of the case are three indicator lights, the power light, the
800MHz light and the 1900MHz light. When at full power, the 800 and 1900 lights are green. Each side of
the amplifier has a FME-male connector, one is to connect the outside antenna to, the other is to connect
the inside low profile antenna.
The Wilson 801201 is built tough. This 3 watt amplifier has a good solid metal case with good solid FME
male connectors screwed to the sides. On the top of the case are three indicator lights, the power light, the
800MHz light and the 1900MHz light. When at full power, the 800 and 1900 lights are green. Each side of
the amplifier has a FME-male connector, one is to connect the outside antenna to, the other is to connect
the inside low profile antenna.
| Top of the amp with three indicator lights |
| Side of the amp with FME-male connector |
| Back of the amp is securely attached |
| Side of the amp with FME-male connector |
The case has 4 metal tabs that allow you to mount the amplifier, but I find that it does just fine under the
front seat. Overall the durability of the case and amplifier is great.
front seat. Overall the durability of the case and amplifier is great.
Power Supply
The vehicle power supply is provided with the
amplifier. It has an on/off switch located on
the back of the unit that plugs into the
receptacle so that you can conveniently turn
the amplifier on and off. There is a nice red
light indicates if the power is on.
The Wilson 801201 is a 6v amplifier. The
vehicle power supply converts the 12v to 6v so
you can run the amplifier using any 12v DC
plug. An optional wall plug power supply
(Wilson 859912) is available for in-building
use.
The vehicle power supply is provided with the
amplifier. It has an on/off switch located on
the back of the unit that plugs into the
receptacle so that you can conveniently turn
the amplifier on and off. There is a nice red
light indicates if the power is on.
The Wilson 801201 is a 6v amplifier. The
vehicle power supply converts the 12v to 6v so
you can run the amplifier using any 12v DC
plug. An optional wall plug power supply
(Wilson 859912) is available for in-building
use.
Inside Antenna
The Wilson 301127 Low Profile antenna is
provided with the Wilson 801201 amplifier. It
has about 10 feet of RG174 coax attached so
you can easily place it in your vehicle. This
antenna needs to be mounted in a vertical
position similar to what you see in the image
to the right. Do not lay it down or mount it on
the roof of your vehicle. You do not want to
mount it on any type of metal surface.
Included with the antenna is a piece of
Velcro. This allows you to remove the
antenna.
Keep the inside antenna within a couple of
feet from where you talk with your phone or
where you use your aircard.
The Wilson 301127 Low Profile antenna is
provided with the Wilson 801201 amplifier. It
has about 10 feet of RG174 coax attached so
you can easily place it in your vehicle. This
antenna needs to be mounted in a vertical
position similar to what you see in the image
to the right. Do not lay it down or mount it on
the roof of your vehicle. You do not want to
mount it on any type of metal surface.
Included with the antenna is a piece of
Velcro. This allows you to remove the
antenna.
Keep the inside antenna within a couple of
feet from where you talk with your phone or
where you use your aircard.
Outside Antenna (Not Included)
The Wilson 801201 cell phone booster does
not come with an outside antenna. There are
many different antennas that can be used
with this product. Powerful Signal has the
Wireless Traveler Kit that includes the
amplifier and outside antenna.
To the right are a few of the more popular
vehicle antennas that are used with the
Wilson 801201 cellular amplifier. Click here
to view other vehicle antennas that can be
used.
The Wilson 801201 cell phone booster does
not come with an outside antenna. There are
many different antennas that can be used
with this product. Powerful Signal has the
Wireless Traveler Kit that includes the
amplifier and outside antenna.
To the right are a few of the more popular
vehicle antennas that are used with the
Wilson 801201 cellular amplifier. Click here
to view other vehicle antennas that can be
used.
| Trucker |
| RV |
| Mag Mount |
| Wilson 301127 Low Profile Antenna |
Summary
In my opinion, this is one of the best built and best performing mobile cellular amplifiers available on the
market. I would recommend this equipment to anyone that is in a remote or very low signal area or if your
communications is mission critical. There are other good options available if you are just running around
town and need a boost on your signal strength, but if your cell signal is critical for your business or safety,
then the Wilson 801201 should be considered for your vehicle.
In my opinion, this is one of the best built and best performing mobile cellular amplifiers available on the
market. I would recommend this equipment to anyone that is in a remote or very low signal area or if your
communications is mission critical. There are other good options available if you are just running around
town and need a boost on your signal strength, but if your cell signal is critical for your business or safety,
then the Wilson 801201 should be considered for your vehicle.
| Written January 19th, 2010 by Kevin Taylor |
| Toll Free 866-912-3444 Direct 435-628-5984 |