We recently started installing units in Farm Fields that have low cellular signal strength. When the signal strength is below 20% the data does not transfer. Is there a way to increase the strength or other options?
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There are two different considerations here:
You can add an external antenna to improve the performance in areas with marginal cellular signal. This is especially useful where the Particle device is inside a piece of equipment or a vehicle that is metal and will obstruct the cellular signal.
There are many off-the-shelf cellular antennas. One common style has a 4" whip with a magnetic base. You just need that an a SMA to U.FL adapter cable, also easily obtained.
However, using them is not legal! The Particle device is only FCC certified in the United States with the antenna that came with it. As a hobbyist, there is unlikely to be any repercussions from this, but still it is not legal.
If you are creating a product for sale, you definitely need to have a valid certification for your location with the pairing of antenna and device. Note that this intentional radiator testing with a changed antenna is expensive and time-consuming. It will likely cost more than $20,000.
For a small number of fixed devices with power available, an external cellular booster is an option. The booster is significantly more expensive than an antenna, but does not require recertification.