TOP 10 QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE BEST UNIT FOR MY SETUP?
The Cel-fi Go is divided into two main categories: stationary and mobile. Depending on your specific requirements, we can help narrow down the best option for you.
The R41 ROAM model is tailored for mobile applications, making it ideal for caravans, cars, and boats. In contrast, the G41 and G51 models are intended for stationary settings. The R41 ROAM supports 3G, 4G and 5GNR Low Band.
If your focus is on stationary use, it’s essential to determine the size of the area you need to cover. The G41 is designed for smaller dwellings like a house, while the G51 is better suited for larger areas such as an apartment block or office building. The G41 supports 3G, 4G and 5GNR Low Band. The G51 supports 3G, 4G and 5GNR Mid Band.
But remember a base level of signal is required in your location for the Cel-fi GO to boost
Link to our Cel-Fi Go page below.
UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT ANTENNA'S AND DBI
Antenna dBi shows how focused its signal is. Low dBi means a shorter, wider range, while high dBi means a longer, narrower range. For car antennas, higher dBi is best for flat areas, and mid-range dBi (5-6 dBi) works better in hilly areas. The antenna height usually correlates with the dbi, for example the higher the dbi then the taller the antenna
Think of it like a doughnut: with the same amount of dough (signal), you can make it tall and thin (long and narrow range) or flat and wide (short and broad range).
HOW DO I FIND MY LOCAL CELL TOWERS?
Good news! If you're unsure of where your local cell towers are, simply click on this link https://ausphonetowers.com.au/ enter your address, and the site will automatically retrieve the relevant information for you. With just this simple step, you’ll be one step closer to improving your reception.
ERROR CODES AND BLINKING
Use the info bellow to help fill out our warranty form
No light | Device is powered OFF |
Solid Orange | Device is powered ON |
Slow Blinking Green | Device is band scanning to acquire network signals |
Solid Green | Device is operating normally and providing coverage |
Solid Red | Hardware Error (Error 6) – Disconnect & Reconnect |
Flash RED 1 time & OFF for 4 seconds | Device is not receiving signal from the cellular network (Error 1) |
Flash RED 2 times & OFF for 4 seconds | Donor input signal is too strong for the device (Error 8) |
Flash RED 3 times & OFF for 4 seconds | Device’s server antenna is too close to donor antenna (Too Close) |
Flash RED 4 times & OFF for 4 seconds | Device is disabled by the operator (Error 7) |
Flash RED 5 times & OFF for 4 seconds | Device location lock pending (Error 9) |
Flash RED 6 times & OFF for 4 seconds | Device registration pending (Error 5) |
Flash RED 7 times & OFF for 4 seconds | Device Self-Test Failed (Error 12) |
Flash RED 8 times & OFF for 4 seconds | Device is overheating (Error 4) |
HOW DOES 5GNR LOW BAND WORK?
5G operates on three types of frequency bands: low (below 1GHz), mid (1GHz–6GHz), and high (24GHz–40GHz). Each has its strengths:
- Low band: Offers wide coverage but slower speeds.
- Mid band: Balances coverage and speed.
- High band: Provides the fastest speeds but covers a smaller area.
5G can use multiple frequencies across these bands simultaneously for optimal performance, making it more flexible and reliable than previous networks.
A frequency band is a range of radio frequencies used to transmit signals over a network. These bands are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and are defined by their lower and upper frequency limits.
WHY AM I NOT GETTING 5G BOOSTED?
It’s possible that your area may not have 5G coverage, or the nearest 5G tower could be experiencing congestion due to high traffic. In such cases, the Cel-Fi GO unit intelligently adapts by switching to an alternative tower with less load, ensuring optimal performance.
The unit is designed to dynamically select the best available signal, whether from 4G or 3G networks, to provide consistent and reliable coverage even in areas where 5G connectivity is limited or unavailable.
By utilising this adaptive technology, the Cel-Fi GO ensures seamless signal enhancement across various conditions.
MY DEVICE WON'T REGISTER, ITS CONSTANTLY LOADING
In order to initially register your device you will need to be in a location with sufficient reception. This is so that the app can successfully register your details and connect to the device. Please know this is only for registering.
if the device is constantly loading this could be due to being in a location with insufficient reception. Since the Cel-Fi GO is a signal booster rather than a standalone signal source, it requires a minimum base level of reception to function effectively.
If your device is not performing as expected, despite having this base level of signal, the issue is likely related to the firmware. In such cases, there's no need for concern. Simply contact our support team, and they will guide you through conducting a FieldWave test to diagnose and resolve the problem efficiently.
This diagnostic process ensures the booster is optimised to work correctly within your coverage environment.
See our product support form here, to connect to one of our team
MY DEVICE WAS WORKING AND HAS NOW STOPPED
The first step in diagnosing the issue is to observe when the signal interruption began. Consider whether you were travelling on familiar routes where the device previously worked or if this occurred in a new area.
Next, inspect the unit for any flashing lights, noting the pattern and frequency of the flashes, as this can provide valuable diagnostic information (please refer above to error codes and blinking).
The next step to try is a system reboot, please see below.
Unplug the power supply and plug it back in after 5-10 minutes
Uninstall and reinstall the Wave app on your phone
Make sure that your phone is not connected to any other Bluetooth devices (For example, smartwatch, car Bluetooth, headphones)
Resync the Wave app and see how it goes
If the same issue persists, then please use another phone and see if it works
Additionally, ensure that all relevant applications and software have been updated to the latest versions.
If you have tried all of the above and you are still unable to see results, then please contact us via the support form. Please include the above information as this will assist our support team in conducting a more thorough investigation and effectively troubleshooting the issue.
HOW DO I USE THE WAVE APPS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
The Cel-Fi system operates using two primary apps: one for monitoring and configuration, and the other for connecting your phone to the device.
1. Wave App: This app acts as the communication interface between the user and the Cel-Fi unit. It enables you to manage and monitor the device with various critical features, including:
- Operator Switching: Selects the network operator.
- Mode Switching: Adjusts the operating mode (e.g., 3G, 4G).
- Booster Settings: Configures signal boosting preferences.
- Registration: Registers the unit for network access.
- Antenna Position Test: Helps find the optimal antenna placement for maximum signal strength.
2. MyWave App: This app is responsible for connecting your phone as the primary device or "host." It ensures the Cel-Fi unit follows the settings configured for your phone. Unlike the Wave app, the MyWave app requires a constant connection to maintain communication with the Cel-Fi unit and ensure seamless device pairing. Please note this app must remain open at all times.
Both apps work in tandem, with the Wave App providing control and configuration, while the MyWave App ensures that the unit stays paired with your mobile device based on your selected settings.
MY DEVICE SAYS ITS WORKING BUT I HAVE NO ADDITIONAL BARS.
Every mobile device has different algorithms for selecting signal bars. One thing that you can do to test this is to perform a field test on your mobile device. This field test will allow you to view the raw signal strength in your current location.
Below are updated instructions for the most popular mobile brands.
1. With the Cel-Fi plugged in, use your phone's Field Test Mode Code to check the signal strength and note the number.
2. Unplug the Cel-Fi and wait a few minutes for the signal strength to update. Compare the new number to the previous one.
Apple iOS 10.3.1 and newer
Dial 3001#12345# 2. Select “LTE” 3. Select “Serving Cell Meas” signal strength will be displayed as “RSRP0”
Most Android Devices
Go to Apps 2.Settings 3.General 4.About Device Status 5. You will find Signal Strength on this screen
UMTS
Dial 3001#12345# 2. Select “UMTS” 3. Select “Serving Cell Meas” signal strength will be displayed as “RSCP0”
Samsung
1. Dial #0011# 2.The Signal Indicator will be displayed as RI or RSRP.
iOS versions OLDER than 10.3.1
Dial 3001#12345#* 2.Hold the Power/Lock button until you see “Slide to power off”. Do not power off, but release the power button. 3. Hold the Home button until the phone goes back to your home screen. At this time you should now see your raw signal strength instead of bars on the top left of your handset. 4. to go back to bars, dial 3001#12345# and tap the home button to Exit Field Test Mode.
Remember, a smaller negative number means a stronger signal. For example, if your signal goes from -111 to -100, it is 10 times stronger with the CEL-FI. Even a 3-point difference (e.g., -110 to -107) means the signal is twice as strong. Signal strength ranges from -120 (weak) to -60 (very strong). Even small improvements can make a big difference!
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND INFO
ANTENNA SEPERATION
Antenna separation measures how much one antenna picks up the signal from another. Better separation allows the system (like CEL-FI) to work at a higher gain, improving service and coverage.
There are two ways to increase antenna separation:
1. Distance: More space between antennas, especially vertical separation, gives better isolation.
2. Physical Barriers: Use structures (like walls or metal parts) to block signals between antennas.
For the R41 ROAM In vehicles, creating distance between antennas isn't always possible. Instead, use the car's structure as a barrier. A good setup is to place the external antenna on a bull bar or front of the car and the internal antenna under the dash by the driver's knees. Alternatively, mount the external antenna on the roof to use the metal as a barrier.
The Wave app, will show you how optimal your separation is.
MARINE ANTENNAS
Marine antennas are typically high-gain omnidirectional antennas (6-9dBi), to allow maximum offshore range no matter which direction your vessel faces.
Selecting an appropriate antenna depends on the type of vessel you have, and how far offshore you plan on going.
As a simple rule of thumb: the higher the antenna gain, the further offshore you can go. 8 or 9dBi marine antennas can easily extend your range past 120km off the coast. However, because higher gain antennas have a smaller angle in which they can receive signal, smaller vessels that sway side-to-side, may be better with a slightly lower gain, (such as a 7.5dBi) antenna, to compensate for the motion.
In practice, this is generally not an issue for most vessels as the receiving angle is a 'half power' measure, which means that if your boat was to swing past the quoted angle, the received gain would be 3dB less (half the power in Watts) - the same as a lower gain antenna.
SIGNAL STRENGTH VS SIGNAL QUALITY
Signal Quality measures how "clean" a signal is. A mobile phone picks up signals not just from its connected tower but also from other nearby towers. These unwanted signals cause interference, lowering signal quality. Poor signal quality can result in slower download speeds, bad voice calls, and dropped calls.
Signal Strength shows how much signal a device gets from a mobile tower, measured in decibels (dB). This, along with other factors, determines the number of bars displayed on your phone. Different phone brands use different formulas, so the signal bars can vary between phones in the same location.
dBm (decibel milliwatts) measures the power of a signal or how strong a signal is at a location. It indicates the power output of an antenna or amplifier.
UNDERSTANDING CELL PHONE SIGNAL BARS
After Installing Your CEL-FI System
If you’ve just installed your CEL-FI system, followed the instructions, and maybe even done some basic online troubleshooting, but you don’t see more bars on your mobile device, don’t worry. The lack of additional bars doesn’t necessarily mean your CEL-FI Booster isn’t working.
Here’s why:
- Bars vs. Signal Quality: The number of bars on your handset doesn’t always reflect the actual signal improvement. Mobile devices use different algorithms to calculate signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and channel loading, so bars might not change even if the signal improves.
- Confirming Improvement: Focus on your initial problem. If you had no coverage before and now you have some, or if you experienced dropped calls and now you can hold calls without issues, then your CEL-FI Smart Signal Booster is working effectively.
In short, don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a change in bars. The real measure of improvement is whether you have better coverage and call quality.
AUSTRALIAN CARRIER FREQUENCIES
Telstra
- Next-G™: Operates on 850MHz, covering 99% of Australia for voice, text, and 3G internet.
- 4G: Mainly on 1800MHz (B3), with some areas on 900MHz and 2100MHz.
- 4GX: Uses 700MHz (B28) for rural areas and 2600MHz (B7) for dense metro areas.
- Resellers (MVNOs): Boost Mobile uses the full Next-G network. Kogan Mobile uses part of it with limited speeds and 97% coverage.
Optus
- 3G: Uses 900MHz for rural areas and 2100MHz for metro areas.
- 4G: Runs on a mix of 700, 1800, 2100, 2300 (TDD), and 2600MHz bands.
- Resellers (MVNOs): Includes Amaysim, iiNet, Virgin Mobile, Woolworths Mobile, and more.
Vodafone
- 3G: Operates on 900MHz and 2100MHz.
- 4G: Mainly on 1800MHz (B3) and 850MHz ('4G+').
- Resellers (MVNOs): Includes Lebara Mobile, Crazy Johns, and more.
Each carrier uses different frequencies for different areas, and their resellers may have varied coverage and speed.
MVNO LIST
TELSTRA MVNOS
ALDI Mobile
Belong
Boost Mobile
Everyday Mobile
Exetel
Lycamobile
MATE
More
numobile
Superloop
Tangerine Telecom
OPTUS MVNOS
AGL
amaysim
Aussie Broadband
Catch Connect
Circles.Life
Coles Mobile
Dodo
iPrimus
Moose Mobile
Southern Phone
SpinTel
Yomojo
VODAFONE MVNOS
CMobile Red
Felix Mobile
Kogan Mobile
iiNet
Internode
Lebara Mobile
TPG
MVNOS that offer 5G
ALDI Mobile
amasyim
Aussie Broadband
Belong
Boost Mobile
Exetel
Lebara
MATE
More
numobile
Southern Phone
Superloop
Tangerine
Everyday Mobile
MVNOs that don't offer 5G (yet)
Catch Mobile
Circles.Life
Coles Mobile
Dodo
felix
iiNet (Free trial)
iPrimus
Kogan (Free trial)
Lycamobile
Moose Mobile
SpinTel
TPG (Free trial)
Yomojo