improving the signal for my laptop ....

What shape dongle have you got - mine is Telstra - sort of shaped like rusk - at the top end (opposite to the plug in usb bit) there is a little thing that opens, revealing a plug hole - plug patch cable into this. Partner also has Telstra dongle, but more square in shape - at the opposie end to the usb plug in bit, there are two small removable covers - the patch cable plugs in there -
can't see how just wrapping around would work -

Sorry my explanation isn't very technical - but hope this helps.

If it doesn't work - go to your local Telstra shop, or where you bought the antenna from - get them to help you.

Hi Joe etc.

As you have discovered the "passive patch lead" that work on induction are a complete waste of $ and useless............like you appear to be we rely totally on wireless broadband with Telstra.

All we have is wireless Next G and I made a small Yagi to improve our reception and it is now very stable...quite suitable for on the roof or a pole on the side of the 'van

There are also some excellent omni directional antannae that RFI make (from 6db , 7.5 db abd 9 db)..we have then all for travelling as the terrain decides which one to use

If your dongle takes a patch lead it will be a microscopic socket well hidden behind a tiny little slide or weak looking little plastic tab that takes a bit of prizing open

If I am correct in looking at yours it might be an earler one that did not have the patch lead capability

Check this Telstra website to identify the dongles that have the socket

https://bigpond.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/14224/related/1/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xMjg4ODIyMTM3L3NpZC9OdGp2dThlaw%3D%3D

cheers

Graeme

Any phone accessory shop should be able to give you advice. You don't need a Telstra one. Keep going around the local shops until you get some satisfaction.

Hi Joe & Mel,
unfortunately, the modem you have does NOT support an external antenna. I have the same unit. Works fine with direct line of sight to telstra tower, but not too good outside of that. I use a long USB cable to get height; but be warned, make the cable too long and it won't work well anyway (due to voltage drop - which is (volts that is..) already very low.
regards

Hey Joe,

AS someone stated above the model you have may not have that capability.
I have just recently purchased a 4G one- its grey stripe where yours is blue.
ON the side there are 2 tiny plastic flaps where an external antenae can be plugged in.
Our van has a Next G antenae on the roof as part of the TV entenae.
The problem was finding a patch lead to go from Next G plug inside van to Telstra USB. I spent weeks trying all places (Telstra shops, Dick Smith, Jaycar etc etc) without success. I eventually got one made up by a small communications business I found in an industrial estate.
I am still astounded as to why it was all so hard to get to work. These things should be just plug and play with all the right leads and connections...but they are not.
BUt all is good now....can get internet to work in some remote free camps using the Next G antenae to bbost reception.
Cheers

I am sure it is as I suspected your USB does not have the socket for a patch lead....If you really need to get a good reception when away from normal signal strength you may have to consider updating your USB dongle..

We use the Ultimate here at home and the Elite.... also use both for travelling and have achieved excellent results a long way from a tower.............its all about the suitable antannae connected to the dedicated patch lead

Trouble is trying to talk patch leads and antannae with Telstra or most outlets is a waste of time simply becuase they all think we live in little red brick houses in cities and based on my experiences most of them haven't a clue what your talking about!

Have a look at the mob below for the current Telstra USB dongles..naviagate around the site for patch leads.......they are a very helpful firm

http://www.mobileextras.com.au/ProductList/tabid/64/CategoryID/32/Default.aspx

No affliation etc with this mob but I have dealt with them remotely and always had satisifaction simply because they specialise in those of us outside the cities in rural and remote locations

Thanks heaps all for the replys and advice, i have to buy a new set-up, that is fine......
So what is the BEST i can buy, that is a complete package from USB thingy to plug to lead to antennea .......
If someone could give me partnumbers would be excellent .... NEEDS to be 3G as 3G works where ever mobile signal is, 4G is better but not available here ....
Oh and must be Telstra ....... (Sadly)
If you are a shop on this site and can provide the complete package i will buy it :-)
Many thanks all
Cheers
Joe