WaveForm Cel-Fi GO X - User Manual

from
The GO X is manufactured by Cel-Fi, but supported by Waveform
and our team of Signal Specialists.
We’ve helped over 20,000 customers boost their signal since our
company was founded in 2007. We’ve installed and congured
thousands of devices in buildings across the country, and we’re
here to help. If you have any issues at all, please don’t hesitate to
reach out.
52 Maxwell,
Irvine, CA 92618
+1 (800) 761-3041
www.waveform.com
help@waveform.com
About Waveform
Please note: Your Cel-Fi GO X will come pre-programmed to boost Verizon signal.
You will need to change the carrier using the Wave app if you are using a different provider.
We know, reading manuals isn’t fun. But we promise it’s worth it.
We’ve helped hundreds of customers install the Cel-Fi GO X and
boost their signal. We’ve compiled everything we’ve learned in
this manual.
Give it a read before you start: it’ll save you time and help you
get the best performance out of your GO X.
Please Read This First

Summary

Please Read This First

About Waveform

Whats In The Box

Cel-Fi GO X Amplifier and Antennas

Lists the main Cel-Fi GO X amplifier and the outdoor directional antenna included in the kit.

Indoor Antennas, Cables, and Splitters

Details the types of indoor antennas, cables, and signal splitters provided depending on the kit purchased.

Other Parts

Identifies miscellaneous components such as SMA pigtails, AC power adapter, and surge protector.

Before You Start

Usable Signal Definition

Defines what constitutes a 'usable' signal for the GO X installation, emphasizing call and data reliability.

Cellular Signal Compatibility

Outlines the compatible cellular carriers, signal types (3G/LTE), and frequency bands for the GO X.

Install Process Overview

Cellular Signal Basics

Understanding Signal Bars

Explains how signal bars are displayed and why they are not the sole indicator of cellular performance.

Signal Quality (SINR)

Details Signal to Interference Plus Noise Ratio (SINR) and its impact on download speeds and system performance.

Signal Strength (RSRP)

Explains Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and its significance for signal strength and coverage area.

Cellular Frequency Bands

Describes frequency bands used by cell carriers, their bandwidth, and how they affect data rates and penetration.

Wave App and Carrier Selection

Wave App Pairing Troubleshooting

Offers solutions for common issues when pairing the Wave app with the GO X via Bluetooth.

How the GO X Works

Activity Light Indicators

Explains the meaning of the solid and blinking light patterns on the GO X unit indicating its status.

Boot-up Sequence

Details the sequence of activity light changes during the GO X device's startup process.

Outdoor Antenna Positioning and Aiming

Using GO X as a Signal Meter

Instructions for setting up the GO X unit to function as a signal meter for antenna placement.

Antenna Position Test

Guidance on utilizing the Wave app's 'Antenna Position Test' feature for optimal location finding.

Positioning and Aiming Guidelines

Provides recommendations for the best location and direction to aim the outdoor antenna for maximum signal.

Temporary Install Setup

Indoor Antennas: Types & Placement

Panel Antennas

Information on panel antennas, their directional broadcast pattern, and recommended placement within a building.

Dome Antennas

Details on dome antennas, their omnidirectional broadcast pattern, and installation requirements for coverage.

Indoor Antennas: Separation

Separation Guidelines and Examples

Explains the importance of separation between indoor and outdoor antennas to prevent oscillation and improve gain.

Checking Separation with Wave App

Instructions on how to use the Wave app to monitor and ensure adequate antenna separation percentage.

Assembling Your Kit

J-Mount and Antenna Assembly

Step-by-step guide on how to assemble the J-mount and securely attach the outdoor antenna to it.

Test and Permanent Installation

Surge Protection and Grounding

Guidance on installing the lightning surge protector and proper grounding techniques for safety.

Weatherproofing Outdoor Connections

Recommendations for protecting outdoor cable connections using weather-resistant tape to prevent issues.

Optional: Test Band Combinations

Disabling and Enabling Bands

How to manage and test different cellular bands in the Wave app to optimize data rates.

The Advanced Tab

Final Tips and Recommendations

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Cel-Fi GO X from Waveform is a powerful cellular signal booster designed to significantly improve signal strength and quality for various carriers, primarily focusing on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile LTE and 3G bands. Unlike other boosters, the GO X doesn't blindly amplify every frequency; instead, it intelligently scans for and amplifies the best available signal for your chosen carrier, offering an industry-leading 100 dB of gain. This high level of amplification allows for a larger coverage area and stronger signal indoors.

Function Description

The core function of the Cel-Fi GO X is to take a weak or low-quality cellular signal from outdoors, amplify it, and then rebroadcast a strong, high-quality signal indoors. This process helps users achieve better data rates, more reliable connections, and improved call quality within their buildings. The system works by utilizing an outdoor antenna to capture the existing cellular signal, a booster unit (the GO X amplifier) to process and amplify that signal, and one or more indoor antennas to distribute the boosted signal throughout the desired coverage area.

The GO X is designed to boost up to two frequency bands simultaneously. It actively listens and decodes cellular signals, ensuring that it amplifies the most optimal signal for your carrier. This intelligent scanning and amplification process is a key differentiator, as it helps to mitigate issues like "intra-cell interference" where multiple cell towers can interfere with each other, leading to poor signal quality. By carefully positioning and aiming the directional outdoor antenna, users can "shield" it from interfering towers, allowing the GO X to amplify a cleaner, higher-quality signal.

The device is compatible with AT&T 3G and LTE on Bands 2, 4, 5, 12, and 66; T-Mobile 3G and LTE on Bands 2, 4, 5, 12, and 66; and Verizon LTE on Bands 2, 4, 5, 13, and 66. While it does not support Verizon 2G/3G signal, this is generally not an issue for modern phones that support "HD Voice" or "Voice over LTE" (VoLTE). Cel-Fi has also indicated plans for a firmware update to enable 5G compatibility on the supported bands.

Usage Features

The installation and usage of the Cel-Fi GO X are guided by the Cel-Fi Wave app, which is a crucial tool for setup, monitoring, and optimization.

• Carrier Selection: The GO X comes pre-programmed for Verizon. If you're using a different carrier, the Wave app allows you to easily change the operator. This process takes a few minutes, during which the booster should not be turned off or moved. For AT&T customers, if 4G LTE signal is available outdoors, selecting "AT&T LTE Preferred" is recommended to maximize LTE band boosting.
• Antenna Position Test: The Wave app features a dedicated "Antenna Position Test" under the "Settings" tab. This test helps users find the best outdoor antenna location and direction by providing a score for each tested position. The goal is to achieve a score of 115 or higher, though lower scores may be acceptable depending on outdoor signal conditions. This feature is vital for optimizing signal quality and strength.
• Signal Monitoring: The Wave app's "Advanced" tab provides detailed diagnostic information about the system's status. It shows whether the GO X's two radios are "scanning" for signal or "boosting" on specific bands. For each boosting radio, it displays percentages for signal quality (SINR), signal strength (RSRP), and antenna separation. These metrics are crucial for understanding and optimizing the system's performance.
• Band Management: The Wave app allows users to disable and enable specific frequency bands under the "Booster Settings" dropdown. This feature is useful for advanced users who want to experiment with different band combinations to achieve the best possible data rates, especially in areas where multiple bands are available.
• Activity Lights: The GO X unit itself has a small activity light that indicates its current status:
  • Solid Green: The GO X has found the best band and is amplifying.
  • Blinking Green: The GO X is scanning for networks to boost.
  • Blinking Red: The unit is in an error condition, requiring a check of the app for more information.
  • Solid Red: Indicates a hardware issue, prompting a call for replacement.
• Boot-up Sequence: Upon being plugged in, the GO X activity light will go through a sequence of solid red, flashing red, then blinking green (scanning), and finally solid green (boosting).
• Indoor Antenna Types: The kit includes either dome or panel indoor antennas, each with specific placement recommendations. Panel antennas have a narrower "beamwidth" and direct signal in one direction, making them suitable for wall installation near the perimeter of the coverage area or at the end of a hallway. Dome antennas radiate signal more broadly and are best installed in the ceiling, centrally to the area to be covered, often requiring attic or crawl space access for cable routing.
• Antenna Separation: Achieving adequate separation between the indoor and outdoor antennas is critical to prevent "oscillation" (feedback) and ensure the GO X operates at its maximum gain. The Wave app provides a separation percentage score, ideally aiming for 80% or higher. Good separation involves sufficient vertical and/or horizontal distance, pointing the outdoor antenna away from the indoor antenna, and utilizing multiple layers of building materials between them.
• Temporary and Permanent Installation: The manual recommends a temporary installation first, running cables through windows or doors without drilling, to test coverage and data rates. Once satisfied with the performance, users can proceed with a permanent installation, including drilling holes and securely mounting antennas and the GO X unit.

Maintenance Features

While the Cel-Fi GO X is designed for reliable operation, certain practices and components are included to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.

• Lightning Surge Protection: The kit includes a lightning surge protector, which should ideally be installed outdoors, just before the coaxial cable enters the building. This component helps protect the GO X system from lightning strikes.
• Grounding: Both the surge protector and the outdoor antenna mast should be grounded. The kit includes a short length of 10 AWG grounding cable, but users may need to purchase additional cable from a hardware store. Connecting to an existing grounding rod or a satellite dish's grounding cable is recommended.
• Weatherproofing Outdoor Connections: To prevent water ingress and potential issues, it is strongly recommended to wrap all outdoor N-type connections with stretch-and-seal self-fusing silicone rubber tape. While N-type connectors are outdoor-rated, this extra step provides additional protection against the elements.
• Cable Management: If there is extra coaxial cable, it should not be coiled tightly. Instead, cable loops should be kept as large as possible (4 ft or wider) to minimize negative side-effects on signal transmission.
• Resetting the GO X: If the cable from the outdoor antenna is unplugged, it's important to restart the GO X after reconnecting the cable to ensure it rescans all frequencies and optimizes its boosting.
• Technical Support: Waveform offers lifetime technical support for every system sold. Their team of Signal Specialists is available to assist with troubleshooting, fine-tuning installations, and addressing any issues that may arise, emphasizing a commitment to customer satisfaction and optimal system performance.
• Firmware Updates: Cel-Fi has committed to pushing firmware updates, such as for 5G compatibility, which will ensure the device remains current and continues to offer enhanced features.

WaveForm Cel-Fi GO X Specifications

General

Model	Cel-Fi GO X
Type	Cellular Signal Booster
Category	Extender
Max Gain	100 dB
Installation	Indoor/Outdoor
Frequency Bands	700 MHz, 850 MHz, 1900 MHz
Coverage Area	Up to 15, 000 sq ft
Network Compatibility	4G LTE
Connector Type	N-Type
Compatibility	Carrier-specific models available
Regulatory	FCC