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First post after long reading here, very nice source of information about HTC PDA phones.
I just bought one TyTN II from a HK eBay seller - fast FedEx shipping so should arrive next Thursday.
In the mean time, I am looking for a good case and found many made of aluminum at the web and eBay. Click to see eBay link.
My question is, that aluminum will not act as a RF shield for both input/output cell signals? And that probable shield will not increase the battery drain forcing more current (giving more power output) at the internal cell transmitter?
More power output mean less battery charge life.
Moreover, it will not reduce also the GPS signal reception?
Someone already did a test (cell/GPS signal strength with and without that aluminum case)?
Thanks,
Sergio
I got one of those cases I havent notised any signal drops and im using Wifi and GPS and EDGE all the time
My monaco is great, no problems
Looking around, found this message of member cornellfOo in [URL="http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=352605&page=9]Seidio's Super slim rubberized case[/URL]:
"Wow. Glad to hear these types of cases finally came out.
Anyone know if these cases will hinder reception? I bought one of the aluminum hard cases and that definitely affected reception. I'm assuming that it's the aluminum and not cases in general that cause this.
I am in low service areas often so it can be the difference between making calls and not."
Usually any metal enclosures do shield RF signals and normally metal shield are used exactly to avoid RF leaking from devices. So, that is my point and would be great if more members could do this test and report here.
No problems with my aluminum case
I don't have a real scientific test, but I used my aluminum case for a solid week when recently on vacation and had no problems at all. (I switch to different cases depending on the situation and wanted the extra protection for it while it was in my pocket all day.) I used GPS, made phone calls and checked email and web pages with no problems whatsoever. (I saw no decrease in signal strength bars either.)
I also didn't notice any increased battery drain. In fact I even had an external charger with me just in case but only used it once all week and even that time I didn't really HAVE to use it (I just liked topping it off.)
That's just my experience.
The metal case costs you around 10 - 15db!!
Yes.. thats a lot.
You can check it with the tool Fieldtest.
thommic said:
The metal case costs you around 10 - 15db!!
Yes.. thats a lot.
You can check it with the tool Fieldtest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I am still waiting for my device to be delivered, scheduled tomorrow by FedEx so, I can't yet make any measurements myself but, if you think that every 3 db down step is exactly the half in power measurements, that metal shield will eat too much signal.
I have one of these aluminum cases and I have found that I get better reception:
With the case open/screen tilted vs closed up
With the case off vs case on
I figured it would function as a RF shield and in all honesty it's not a huge deal to me. It's not hard to remove the device from the case if you need those extra bars, and I'll be installing a cellular repeater in my vehicle since we have mediocre (at best) cellular coverage up here.
Same here -- I just received my Monaco case, and have not noticed any interference in reception. I like it: my Kaiser feels protected now.
rgds, Manny
So, we have probably all noticed that even compared to other phones the xperia line (and the Play in specific) seem to suffer from lower reception capability.
Putting them side by side, my Motorola Droid (A855, OG Droid 1) gets a better signal both in DB measurement and in bars. Same thing for WiFi signal. I'm guessing there is an issue with design of the antenna array in the device that causes for lower reception/broadcast quality.
I don't wish to shell out $300 for a cell repeater or $300 + monthly for a femtocell that will eat my internet bandwidth (which is pathetically limited). With that in mind, I went and started looking over the device, its teardowns, and its schematics. I was looking for something as a diversity jack for an external antenna. Now I noticed, next to the battery connector, there is a small semi-covered coax input. It appears that if you pulled off the rest of the sticker, or even if you just pushed a coax prong into there you could potentially be an antenna. However, it is not specifically labeled as such on the system board or the chassis, and the schematics were largely electrical diagrams and not system board schematics. Is there any answer for this? On pretty much every smartphone I have ever owned, there is an auxillary or "diversity" coax jack for adding an external antenna or doing signal injection.
Does anybody have any input on this? I would love to be able to boost my phone's reception quality, even if only in the car or at home (even if it means a custom modded case for ease of connect/disconnect).
Cant help you with your specific question but i can throw a tip.
- Switch your phone to GSM only. It will strengthen the signal. The downside is you are stuck with G/E data speeds (slower than H).
dsswoosh said:
Cant help you with your specific question but i can throw a tip.
- Switch your phone to GSM only. It will strengthen the signal. The downside is you are stuck with G/E data speeds (slower than H).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly, with the US-CDMA variant and its firmware, I believe that is not an option. I'm specifically using the R800x. However, the board layouts are essentially identical.
I don't see the problem if you arnt getting any dropped calls. Wrap your phone in tin foil lmao
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.
Deoxlar said:
I don't see the problem if you arnt getting any dropped calls. Wrap your phone in tin foil lmao
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that is sort of the problem. I live in an area that its hills are filled with lead and other heavy minerals. Dead zones and limited signal zones are rampant, especially while driving. I _DO_ get dropped calls, and more importantly dropped data. Heck I even get dropped data from the router in the house through only one wall just a room away.
Basically if I can find out where exactly the aux/diversity port is for antennas, then I could design and fabricate a better back cover to either allow for external antennas, or to integrate better antennas into the cover (like the Thunderbolt sort of does).
Side note: Wrapping it in Tin/Aluminum Foil would make it worse, I believe (yes I have limited sense of humour).
you can easely remove the rubber in front of the coax port (atleast it definitly looks like a coax port). Would like to see a back case with better antenna in it (also being able to harbor an extra fat battery).
svenk919 said:
you can easely remove the rubber in front of the coax port (atleast it definitly looks like a coax port). Would like to see a back case with better antenna in it (also being able to harbor an extra fat battery).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that there are several coax ports. The one near the battery connector is the most obvious, but there are some more that are under the secondary cover or behind more stickers. Trying to find out which one is which or what they do is not easy. I have some basic electronics schematics, some teardown pics/video, and a really really sparse parts replacement guide, but not much else to go on.
Plug in an antenna and see if it improves?
svenk919 said:
Plug in an antenna and see if it improves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*laughs* I suppose that would be the easy/simple way to find out, wouldn't it?
I'll see if I can find a matching pigtail adapter and see if I can plug a big fat antenna into and see if the DBM improves for either Cell or WiFi. I wanted to see if anybody could confirm before I attempted to mod this thing.
I am not the originator of this... it was Hogwarts, all credit goes to him. I am simply bringing this back to the forefront as I want to make the signal in my phon stronger and wanted to also bring this to everyones attention so that they have photos to go off of. All thanks go to HogWart.......thank you Hogwarts...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=24791423&postcount=52
He got the first photo correct: that's the MAIN FPC ANTENNA that gathers CDMA/GSM signals to make calling/texting/3G browsing possible
He got the second photo wrong: that's the GPS ANTENNA, self-explanatory
He got the third photo partially correct: that's the BLUETOOTH/WLAN ANTENNA, and that's explanatory again..
SOURCE: R800i Full Disassembly.pdf
jgregoryj1 said:
I am not the originator of this... it was Hogwarts, all credit goes to him. I am simply bringing this back to the forefront as I want to make the signal in my phon stronger and wanted to also bring this to everyones attention so that they have photos to go off of. All thanks go to HogWart.......thank you Hogwarts...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=24791423&postcount=52
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now to make it stronger for better signal..
narflynn619 said:
He got the first photo correct: that's the MAIN FPC ANTENNA that gathers CDMA/GSM signals to make calling/texting/3G browsing possible
He got the second photo wrong: that's the GPS ANTENNA, self-explanatory
He got the third photo partially correct: that's the BLUETOOTH/WLAN ANTENNA, and that's explanatory again..
SOURCE: R800i Full Disassembly.pdf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HE stated that its possible to use tin foil to increase the strength of the wifi antenna,,, is this true? Even after I reflashed a FTF back to 233 I still occasionally have a hiccup. Would adding tin foil, even a small piece, to that antenna make any difference and or improvement? I am tempted to do it as I want to try to make the most of my wifi experience.... thoughts?
Those are my photos
216Monster said:
Those are my photos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes those are yours man..... thank you for that.... really really helps...
skimming through the thread, i didn't see any post of him making a tutorial of doing such.. in another thread maybe? IDK...
but i read in most articles on increasing GSM and WiFi signal, adding a tin foil actually increases reception, though I haven't tried it myself.. most articles i've read involve sticking wires through exposed parts of the antenna, which, i can't find in our play's antennas.. (some even talk about sticking wires on external antenna ports of phones, which is way too obsolete these days ) either way, if someone knows a hack, without doing extensive damage to the Play's electrical integrity, i'd be happy to try it and post results.. until then, i think i love my play too much to be doing hardware hacks at the moment.. after all, i'm getting good signals atm, but i'd still love a little boost..
narflynn619 said:
skimming through the thread, i didn't see any post of him making a tutorial of doing such.. in another thread maybe? IDK...
but i read in most articles on increasing GSM and WiFi signal, adding a tin foil actually increases reception, though I haven't tried it myself.. most articles i've read involve sticking wires through exposed parts of the antenna, which, i can't find in our play's antennas.. (some even talk about sticking wires on external antenna ports of phones, which is way too obsolete these days ) either way, if someone knows a hack, without doing extensive damage to the Play's electrical integrity, i'd be happy to try it and post results.. until then, i think i love my play too much to be doing hardware hacks at the moment.. after all, i'm getting good signals atm, but i'd still love a little boost..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HE stated in the link above that he would make another thread and or add to that thread photos of adding tin foil to his wifi antenna to increase the strength, I do remember reading someone else about it from him too I think, but never found the photos.... I think the reason for that I am guessing is because his phone broke.... come to think of it I think he has moved on after his phone broke.
If anyone should attempt to use tin foil in their PLAYs to hopefully increase the wifi strength can you please post your results here... I am considering doing that myself but probably wont have a chance to do it until this weekend or sometime this month.
So I broke down and took the back off my PLAY. Gently peeled back the wifi antenna sticker from picture #3. and as R800x users do not have a GSM card but the slot is there I wrapped through the GSM slot and underneath the wifi/bluetooth antenna from #3.
I ran some speedtest tests and was getting around 24-25mbps (wish it were that fast in real life) speeds. I have not attempted to see how far I can get..... true test will be when I am at work on Monday (its saturday now) as where my office is I only have about 2 bars of wifi..... It would be cool if the tin foil would boost the antenna's range a little.
Also, I also wrapped over the tin foil with ta precise cut of thick packaging tape, so no tin foil is exposed... complete covered. I will post my results of my signal strength at work on Monday. If its improved I will let you all know, if not or its the same I will also let you all know.
Here is to crossing my fingers for a better range of wifi.. distnace wise
Edit: I am able to get about 30-40 more feet further from my router then previously.
Hey
I'd like to fix my crappy GPS antenna, can anyone here help me with that - I don't know how it looks like and don't know how to take the phone apart safely besides being careful not to yank the mic
Will only copper wire work?
Has anyone ever done this?
This device is notorious for it's bad GPS reception but there's not info on how to fix it and I'd sure appreciate any help.
Thanks in advance!
Software?
Hey, did you try some software changes, before you unassembly phone? I have an iOcean X7 Elite (same MTK chipset) and Uncletools with updated EPO was helpfull for me. Fix GPS max. 20 seconds. With serial antenna. Check XDA forum or google about GPS fix MTK chipset or tell me, I can write a fast manual how to do that...
i managed to make a new GPS antenna. i took a copper adhesive and made a copy of the original one.
now i get a fix but SNR is around 35.
then i closed the back cover and got 30 SNR.
so i put another 2 slice of copper (9cm long) on the cover (one is touching the GPS antenna) and now i got 35 SNR.
but it is not enough. we need around 40-42 snr with 1-2 satellites in order to navigate in the city.
can anyone post a new GPS antenna mod that we can use with a copper adhesive?
You are probably best off finding a microstrip "patch" antenna optimized for
one of the two main GPS frequencies 1.57542 GHz (L1) and 1.2276 GHz (L2).
You could also attempt to build one, like you did, but with optimized
dimensions. These could be very small, on the size of a penny.
THIS is the basics of Microstrip (Patch) Antennas. You should definitely
try that design first! However, I don't know the impedance (the length of W
in the figure below) needed for your device, so you'll have to do some
trial-and-error...
Within THIS rather technical document, there are several simple designs that
you may try to make with your copper-tape-strips.
Finally try Google "homemade DIY gps patch antenna".
Let us know how it goes!
Here are some ideas:
Or perhaps this one?
E:V:A said:
You are probably best off finding a microstrip "patch" antenna optimized for
one of the two main GPS frequencies 1.57542 GHz (L1) and 1.2276 GHz (L2).
You could also attempt to build one, like you did, but with optimized
dimensions. These could be very small, on the size of a penny.
THIS is the basics of Microstrip (Patch) Antennas. You should definitely
try that design first! However, I don't know the impedance (the length of W
in the figure below) needed for your device, so you'll have to do some
trial-and-error...
Within THIS rather technical document, there are several simple designs that
you may try to make with your copper-tape-strips.
Finally try Google "homemade DIY gps patch antenna".
Let us know how it goes!
Here are some ideas:
Or perhaps this one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I added 10/15 points just with this
i hope to be helpful to you
i already tried the microstrip gps antenna. it gives great results but when you close the cover... poor results!
chenrp said:
i already tried the microstrip gps antenna. it gives great results but when you close the cover... poor results!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that is the case, you're probably doing something right!
The cover itself changes the properties of the antenna, usually they compensate this with a velocity factor. What happens, is that the antenna seem larger than it should be, when the cover is closed. Try to compensate by reducing your micro-strip dimensions by multiplying them with ~0.97. Microstrip and patch antennas have a very narrow band-width... (You'll have to be accurate to the mm.) Also make sure the antenna is not touching anything inside, when the cover is closed, as that would again change the properties.
GPS antennas...
E:V:A said:
If that is the case, you're probably doing something right!
The cover itself changes the properties of the antenna, usually they compensate this with a velocity factor. What happens, is that the antenna seem larger than it should be, when the cover is closed. Try to compensate by reducing your micro-strip dimensions by multiplying them with ~0.97. Microstrip and patch antennas have a very narrow band-width... (You'll have to be accurate to the mm.) Also make sure the antenna is not touching anything inside, when the cover is closed, as that would again change the properties.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have three, two are active devices, with the receiver attached beneath, and require +3 VDC supply and RS-232 for data.
One is a ceramic patch from O.E.M Garmin, as supplied in their hand held units,
The third, is a patch used by old Garmin Flight navigator unit I used in my B-55 Baron. Its dimensions are 2-3/8" on a side, soI doubt you could fit this inside without difficulty, let alone altering the dielectric constant of the board.
But if you have a sizable space between the cover and the main board, you may be able to fit a small ceramic patch antenna that should work nicely, IF the feed impedances are similar.
he enclosed pics should give you a starting point though..
i managed to get 43 SNR! inside my house near the window.(with one stripe connected directly to the antenna contacts)
but i cant fit it inside the phone and still get above 35 SNR.
befano71 said:
I added 10/15 points just with this
i hope to be helpful to you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chenrp said:
i managed to get 43 SNR! inside my house near the window.(with one stripe connected directly to the antenna contacts)
but i cant fit it inside the phone and still get above 35 SNR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pointless to tell us what you get without also telling us what you did or have!
Please post the exact measurements.
E:V:A said:
It's pointless to tell us what you get without also telling us what you did or have!
Please post the exact measurements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"but i cant fit it inside the phone and still get above 35 SNR."!
pointless to write how i did it if i cant put the antenna inside the phone!
I posted a picture.
Try doing as I did.
2mm aluminium tape 7cm long attached inside the cover like showed in the photo.
no need to dissassemble or cut or disconnect.
It seems wierd bit it worked for me and other w8s owners
connection to the antenna:
i disconnected the original antenna. taped an adhesive copper film to the antenna contact(in the board).
the film is very short, just enough to touch the back cover.
antenna:
on the back cover, i added adhesive copper antenna.
that way, we have a long antenna (should be ~9cm long) and is far enough from the phone so get better SNR.
see picture.
GPS foil antenna.
chenrp said:
connection to the antenna:
i disconnected the original antenna. taped an adhesive copper film to the antenna contact(in the board).
the film is very short, just enough to touch the back cover.
antenna:
on the back cover, i added adhesive copper antenna.
that way, we have a long antenna (should be ~9cm long) and is far enough from the phone so get better SNR.
see picture.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use stained glass copper foil, they make several different varieties, and most have an adhesive backing, as well as natural copper and black oxide, but the black foil does not solder well, so stay with the natural copper for best results.
Did you match the feed impedance to the receiver? You need a proper load to cause the antenna to operate properly, and at 'L' band and higher, this matters even more-so.
Skin effects vary with frequency, and the higher you go, the more effect this has on any RF path, and can kill a receiver's ability to 'hear'.
GPS signals are already weak, and since 99.99% of the nation are not on the high accuracy portion of the 'L band, we are relegated to 1575.42
If anybody would like to attempt this mod, I would be happy to supply the foil, as I use the same material for rebuilding circuits, and have several rolls. Just send appropriate postage and I will send you more than enough to apply this modification to your device.
I guess you can Email me directly, or through XDA.
AECRADIO said:
You can use stained glass copper foil, they make several different varieties, and most have an adhesive backing, as well as natural copper and black oxide, but the black foil does not solder well, so stay with the natural copper for best results.
Did you match the feed impedance to the receiver? You need a proper load to cause the antenna to operate properly, and at 'L' band and higher, this matters even more-so.
Skin effects vary with frequency, and the higher you go, the more effect this has on any RF path, and can kill a receiver's ability to 'hear'.
GPS signals are already weak, and since 99.99% of the nation are not on the high accuracy portion of the 'L band, we are relegated to 1575.42
If anybody would like to attempt this mod, I would be happy to supply the foil, as I use the same material for rebuilding circuits, and have several rolls. Just send appropriate postage and I will send you more than enough to apply this modification to your device.
I guess you can Email me directly, or through XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
theory and practice aside!
i calculated and learned about GPS L band and the results are not satisfying at all.
the only thing that really helped is the one i posted.
i put the iphone 4 antena and it work verry good
after few atempt to assembly my own antena without success i put the iphone 4 antena .
i get to 38 snr sometimes
this is what i have in a almost stormy day almost sea height with the help of the little alluminium strip.
just have to cut an adhesive aluminium tape, 2x70 mm and stick in in the back cover as shown in the picture.
put the cover back on and u'll see the sat levels growing 10-15% more than before.
maorhadad said:
after few atempt to assembly my own antena without success i put the iphone 4 antena .
i get to 38 snr sometimes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you connected the iphone's antenna to yours? is there any connection there?
chenrp said:
have you connected the iphone's antenna to yours? is there any connection there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not my brother.
Just peeled the metal band that in the back of the iPhone 4, and stuck it in the back of my bewond W8 as seen in the picture.
before i did it id do that guide :
thlmobilestore.com/news/gps-fix
It helps a little but not enough.
After I stuck the antenna of the iPhone 4 that comes a high precision level and not lose reception when I move for a second under a bridge or something like that ....
Custom GPS tAntenna
Used kitchen aluminium foil, as befano71 suggested ["2mm aluminium tape 7cm long attached inside the cover like showed in the photo"]. Built in a hurry, and might not be with perfect measures, but these are results on a foggy, cloudy evening (I was leaning through a window of a building, hence some satellites are zeroed). GPS fix in <10sec ...
Custom made aluminium foil GPS antenna for THL W8S:
Before mod:
After mod:
I have recently purchased a Note 3 (SM-N9005), currently running it rooted with the Polish NB3, unfortunately knox triggered, but never had a faulty phone before, so I hope that continues!
One thing that has been bugging me in an otherwise great phone, is the wifi signal, quite weak to say the least, my Sony Xperia Z is roughly 2 bars stronger in the same place, in fact, so is my Q10 and various mobiles I have collected over time (Xiaomi Mi2s, Pantech 840s), annoying to say the least, tried all the tweaks and settings mentioned here and elsewhere and while they may help some, for me the signal is still very poor.......
Was watching an excellent tear down video here:
When he mentioned making sure the little contacts for the antennas were sufficiently bent upwards to make a good contact, very interesting!
So I carefully popped off the back after taking out all the twelve little screws, and proceeded to gently bend upwards the two connectors for GPS and wifi, I also ever so slightly roughed the silver connector with a fine needle, all done in theory to aid signal.....
As for the results, well, with the same ROM, and no router reboot etc.... the wifi that used to hover at one signal pip, maybe two, now moves between two and three, it even went full bar briefly, which it had never done before from the spot I used! And there are a few more SSID's in the list too
I am now as you would expect, very happy, the wifi still isn't fantastic, but it's a damn sight better now!! :good:
Please don't try this and then blame me if you mess up your phone, I take no responsibility if you do, posted this just because I was quite surprised with the results!
No one the least interested, thought with all the threads about the poor wifi this find may have been of interest? Unless I'm late to the show and this is already been done and dusted
no one is interested because its a high risk low reward scenario.
Happy you had good results, but most people dont want to risk destroying their beloved note for a potential (minute) signal increase.
nakedtime said:
no one is interested because its a high risk low reward scenario.
Happy you had good results, but most people dont want to risk destroying their beloved note for a potential (minute) signal increase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't say minute, having SSID's that weren't there before and one to two bars better signal is the exact opposite of that!
As for how difficult it is, unscrewing 12 screws and lifting off the back cover is a piece of cake, in fact you don't even need to remove it, just lift one corner away, watch the first few mins of the video, it's petty simple....
My phone didn't have the warranty sticker over one of the screws either, and the phone was brand new and sealed from the provider, weird
I've never had issues with the signal on my Note 3.
The (admittedly many) times I do get a lousy signal, the fault lies with the provider, not my phone. (I know exactly where each tower is and what its range is. And I'm usually outside of it.)
As for WiFi, once I moved the Router out of the reinforced concrete cupboard, I always get a full signal...
to the OP , very useful thread dont be put off because theres been little responce, like the guy said few would dare to unscrew there beloved Note but still useful to know.
Yeah the 3G and 4G signal seems strong, just poor wifi when compared to multiple phones in the same spot, at least that was the case
I guess I trust my hands more than most, bad flashes are more of a concern for me than a few dozen screws lol
Thanks
I gave my phone for repairs once and the wifi reception has been below par since. Had tried what you have posted before but was not quite sure if I had the wifi pin right. Also I had only tinkered with the raised connector on the board and hadn't roughed up the connector on the back panel like you did.
Well your post gave me some courage and with the help of the video that you linked I tried it. Unfortunately, I broke the connector and that obviously made my problem much worse!
But then out of desperation I thought I would get some common copper wire to try and connect the board with the antenna and it actually worked Looks extremely ugly but my note 3 now connects to wifi routers even better than my note 1. I am attaching screenshots of the two phones with the wifi analyzer app. There is also a picture of the copper wire mesh that i put below the wifi antenna connector on the panel before I put it all back together.
Definitely do not recommend that anybody try what I did. It was an extremely foolish thing to do for someone as clumsy as me.
Thanks still OP. My Note 3 is in top form again thanks to you
I did that and it fixed my poor GPS signal and it worked really well. I'll do it again for wifi pin
I did that and it fixed my poor WIFI signal. Thanks man.
I had slight water damage to my old Note 3. Since then my GSM signal has been really poor. I replaced the USB flex cable, as the phone wasn't charging as well - replacing it obviously did the job, but GSM signal issue remained.
Cleaned the GSM connectors and lifted the pins - that didn't help. When using o2 SIM inside the building it connects to o2 network straight away (signal not very good btw). When using other (Virgin in this case) SIM it doesn't connect at all and displays "Emergency calls only" message.
I think it might be the MoBo fault now, isn't it?
O2 OK but no VM reads as no CSC or wrong CSC .
Phone firmware has no knowledge of VM settings .