I have one of the original Qs (Model: Q) w/ the dual external antenna connections on the back (behind the rectangular rubber cover). I live in a fringe area for everything (including internet) and I wanted to try and use the Q + USCellular as a backup ISP for when Hughesnet goes down. I had a simple high-gain antenna on it, which helped a little. Have had it for years w/ no issues plugging/unplugging and using the phone mobile.

Last night I connected a SmoothTalker 300 booster and was very happy w/ what I was seeing. Had the Ev icon, 3 bars (instead of MAYBE 1)..was using the internet on it w/ no problems.

I shut off the booster and disconnected the antenna...0 bars. Anywhere. Even in town. Its like the built-in antenna isn't there any more. Reconnected the booster....nothing. No signal.

I think I killed the antenna circuitry or the circuits controlling the radio. Did a master-reset to no avail. Tried looking for a software toggle for the built-in antenna...nothing.

I'm a bit of an amateur radio buff, and I know most radios have built-in protection (fuses, relacable resistors, etc) against transmitting into a bad load or no load...I don't suppose this phone has anything like that...does it?

I've also tried removing the battery and draining the rest of the current by jumping across the battery terminals on the phone. Still no luck.

So....did I outright kill my phone and is there a known issue w/ this booster (or boosters in general) breaking the Q?