A strong cell signal is not a guarantee. Just as your cell phone will not have great reception everywhere, the Verizon 2G and 3G Data networks that the AirVend connects through have multiple variables affecting signal strength. If your AirVend is having trouble getting or staying connected, there are a few steps you can take to help boost the connection strength.

If you have mounted your antenna inside of the vending machine, there's a good chance you can improve signal simply by getting the antenna on the outside of the machine.

Test this out by opening the machine door, placing the antenna on top of the machine.  Make sure to leave the door open. Let the AirVend sit for a few minutes and review the signal strength number to see if it has improved. See how to read the signal strength number here.  If the signal strength improves with the door open, consider drilling a small hole to feed the cable through in order to leave mounted on top of the machine.

Note: Closing the machine door on the antenna cord can damage or cut the cord.

When to try this:

If your signal strength is in the high 80's or low 90's, attempting this option should get you a gain of five to ten DB's. See the Verizon Signal Strength Guide.

This high-gain antenna is substantially better that the standard magnetic antenna because it actually leverages the entire top surface of the vending machine to improve signal. However, the installation does require the drilling of a hole on the top of the machine in order to securely mount the antenna.

To purchase or receive a quote on this antenna, contact sales@365smartshop.com and reference the "Low-profile, high gain antenna, part # 'AV-1003' "

Note: This antenna comes installed standard on all Naturals2go Seaga model machines.

When to try this:

If your signal strength is in the high 80's or low 90's, and placing the magnetic antenna outside the machine is not giving you enough improvement, this should get you a gain of 10-15 DB's. See the Verizon Signal Strength Guide.

In the case that a robust high gain antenna is still not enough to keep the AirVend connected, a signal booster can help dramatically increase the strength of the signal.  

A signal booster compatible with your AirVend unit can be purchased here from 365 Retail Markets by emailing sales@365smartshop.com and referencing "Signal Booster, part # 'AV1002' "

Note: This device is effective because it actually uses external power to boost the cell signal. Because of this, you will need to get the booster's power cord out of the machine and plugged into a standard wall outlet.

When to try this:

If your signal strength is in the high 90's or 100-115, attempting this option should get you a gain of 10-20 DB's. See the Verizon Signal Strength Guide.

The AirVend devices have built-in WiFi capability allowing you to connect to a local WiFi network. For instructions on connecting to a WiFi network, see Connecting an AirVend Device to WiFi.