Batboard

we have an issue with a toughbook and wireless card in one of our squads. We have a Toughbook 28 with a verizon wireless card with a pigtail connected to a Maxrad PCS antenna on the roof. Problem is that we constantly lose the signal and thus lose both our CAD and our internet based logging system. In addition, the FM radio reception is very poor when the wireless card is running. I took the pigtail off the wireless card and the FM reception dramatically improved and the computer seemed to hold a signal longer. Question.....is the external antenna the problem and if so is it as simple as relacing the mount and lead? thanks

based on the information that you gave us, it would seem to be the issue, as the problem resolved itself somewhat when you disconnected it.

i've used those verizon cards in about 50 installs and they work great even without the external antennae, under bridges, inside buildings, inside rigs, and in cruisers. i'd start by putting a meter on the antennae cable and see if it's grounding out. that card should be totally out of the 90-105 range of the fm radio and should not interfere with it at all. just for giggles and if you have enuf slack in the antennae cable run it to the back seat and plug it in there with the laptop running on it's battery and see if it's not just because the card is mounted too close to the radio itself.