In situations where a Galcon GSI controller is experiencing cellular connectivity issues, we can try boosting the signal by installing an external cellular antenna.
Galcon controllers come with a built-in cellular antenna, but this antenna can be upgraded by you or your Galcon dealer for projects requiring better cellular reception. The antenna solutions mentioned in this guide are not sold by Galcon / Sentek USA and as such are not covered under our warranty. We do not endorse any vendor, we are merely using these products as an example.
On a GSI controller, either option 1 or 2 below will require the use of an U.FL to SMA-Female Adapter Cable (U.FL to SMA-female, 10-inch, RG174 cable, 14.5mm SMA female, SKU: Sf10iUFLL174) to reach from the cellular modem to the bottom of the GSI box, where you will need to drill a 1/4" hole for the female bulkhead connector.
U.FL to SMA-Female Adapter Cable
GSI External Antenna Options
Option 1 - Quick and easy. This unit has a magnetic mount, requires a metal base for the antenna to sit on, but is limited to 10ft of cable. In cellular reception, height is everything, you can try adding an SMA extension cable to make it. This solution is good for situations where your controller is installed inside a metal building and you just need to get through a wall or ceiling.
Antenna LTE 4G 8dBi Omni-Directional Magnetic Mount
Option 2 - Go big or go home. This LTE Antenna requires an extension cable (use LMR 200 cable), and if you're going higher than 10ft I highly recommend a lightning arrestor (SMA & 0-3GHZ)! This solution is good in areas where the modem is constantly disconnecting, or the signal strength is too low to make a connection. The higher the antenna is installed, the better.
LTE Antenna 9dBi Dual Band Rugged Fiberglass w/ Mount
SMA-Male to N-Male Extension Cable