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:
Related
Is there any way to boost the Signal Strength on these phones, I am sitting here with the Siemens ver of this phone in one hand, a Nokia in the other. The Nokia is 100% where as the Siemens is 10%
Thanks in advance.
You may find that the accuracy of the signal level indicator is not very good. If you have a good connection when calling or talking I would use that as a gauge rather than the very suspect indicator on the pda. Having said that, there is a very cheap device that you stick to your phone and is supposed to boost the signal significantly. Heres a link, they are sold in lots of places and are only pennies on ebay.
This ebay link is selling 3 for 99cents in usa.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=48491&item=5719616810&rd=1
You may need to remove the back of the xda to install this device, its worth a try though if you want a better signal. To remove the back you will need a small flat blade screwdriver and a No 6 Torx screwdriver.
Those stick-ons have been shown to have either no effect at all or to actually make the signal worse. Been proven over and over. Save your money.
I heard that too but at 99cents for 3 it might be wirth a try. A piece of string will probably give a better signal but its all about trying different ideas.
Just to let you know, this is a fake product. The only function this device has is to make your wallet a bit lighter. Dont spend your money on this.
If you want better signal on your phone, then you have to extend the build-in antenna via the antenna connector on the back, which normally are for carkits.
Try to place a bit of wire (4 - 16cm) in the hole. Keep your phone in the same spot and see if the signal gets better if you shorten the wire.
This is just an idea so dont blame me if the signal does'nt improve.
Your provider is most likely the problem.
BobBob said:
Try to place a bit of wire (4 - 16cm) in the hole. Keep your phone in the same spot and see if the signal gets better if you shorten the wire.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
!!!!!
That strikes my interest
!!!
Could you be a little more specific. Which hole are you talking a bout ?
cant remember if xda1's have that option
There is no hole. Maybe a 7 element Yagi motorised directional beam mounted on a head cradle would work. Might give you a stiff neck though.
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
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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.
I'm using an Element Recon Carbon Fiber case and while I really like it, the carbon fiber seems to weaken nfc. I had a couple tags in my car and room that I can't seem to use anymore. Do things like these external antennas (http://www.amazon.com/ipartstore-Ant.../dp/B00DE76XNY) or similar ones work at all? Its not really a dealbreaker since I still like the case, but I was just looking around if there was a cheap fix available.
pinoysw1mmer said:
carbon fiber seems to weaken nfc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carbon fiber is a lossy conductor, so it will reduce your NFC range. Thick cases are also problematical. You should consider using a thin plastic or rubber case. Or no case if NFC is important to you. Also orientation is also important, so the position that you hold the phone can help achieve a successful read.
The maximum coupling and therefore range is when the two antennas are parallel. So if you have trouble with a transponder (reader), hold your phone in direct contact with the NFC pad. Level, with the center of the battery door oriented over the pad and hold it stationary for a few seconds if necessary.
I can't think of anything plausible that you could do in software. Phones already use an efficient spiral loop antenna. About the only other thing that you can do is use an external antenna as you alluded to. This could be a solution for you provided that you are willing to not use your battery door and therefore lose your water resistance. If you have a good mechanical aptitude you could possible route the leads through the battery door to an external antenna with a water tight seal. But that would be outside the capabilities of most end users.
The easiest way to increase range is from the POS end, which isn't in your control. Each new generation of transponders are more efficient and tend to increase range. And thieves have been known to hack transponders with much higher, illegal power levels that can capture your NFC information from several meters.
.
Skip to *** to bypass forward/story. I tend to write stories Also pics of in question mb and circled sma's (the whole point of this) included. Look at last pic.
Here is the deal to cut off any and all why questions. I have a Deeper Bluetooth fishfinder which is not modifiable, but it is awesome, and I have a big fishing trip to Canada in one month.
I've used it a bit, but my range, while different depending on the device I use of course, is always in the 30-50 foot range max. People have modified their bluetooth antennas for a while to greatly increase the range which is a good thing for a cast out fishfinder, I want 100 feet of range sitting in a boat in slightly choppy water, it is doable with an antenna hack, especially a directional one that I will use for this.
I have replaced many screens and digitizers on androids, including my x style xt1575 just last week, besides that glued on back it was super easy, even figuring out how to save my colored speaker bezels was easy ( a small sharp screwdriver underneath the center of them pops them out then just pop them into the new phone once all back together, and all the stuff behind those custom speaker covers can transfer to the new screen/frame folks, its easy you just lightly pull n the stuff on the back of the frame you are tossing anyway.
So I've used rp-sma adapters to add external antennas to routers before. Made a giant difference. I'm sure an external bluetooth would be the same, but I noticed something. All the sma plugs on the xt MB look like they already have a plug on them which goes a couple millimeters then looks like the wire goes through to the back of the motherboard, where I see from the i FIxit video they only are using coper layerings on the back of the motherboard as imprinted antennas, but I forgot to look closely when I had it apart last and I did a very good job of gluing. I don't want to break out the heat gun again until I'm sure which sma or coper secion it is, I could use either place but I'd rather use the sma though I may be able to fold up a wire antenna behind the motherboard soldered to the copper crap antenna... don't know if there is room POINT: I've been building computers for 20 years and know what I'm doing, but I dont know which sma is correct considering how many antennas these things have now for every service in the US, (anyone have a link to the motherboard layout diagram that would be the ultimate answer)
*** So with all that forward, does anyone know exactly which rp-sma (standard internal antenna connection on everything these days) on the MB of the xt 1575/1572 is for the bluetooth antenna? From the iFixit videos I have a guess it is the one near and partially under the top speaker, and I know I'm going to be stuck with dongle hanging out of my phone when I'm done but I don't care. On the back of the motherboard there appear to only be copper sections acting as antennas opposite all the rp-sma connections on the front (watch full ifixit teardown and you can see there are no antennas on the xt1572/1575 besides copper squares painted on back of MB. I imagine that each close grouping o three is 2 5ghz and 1 2.4ghz wifi antennas (so it can do 300mbN and Mimo 2x2 AC. The two at the bottom near the power jack I'm not sure one of the cellular I imagine and the two right next to each other near the center a different band of cellular I imagine, 11 antenna connections total on this MB each with a connector already on it but going to a crap antenna on the back, but that one slightly underneath the rear camera by itself looks like it could be the winner. Pointed out in 3rd Picture.
This fishing trip to Plaisteds Camp in Saskatchewan cost 6k. (watch the Will Farrel movie coming out soon about this guy, Ralph Plaisted was the first man to reach the north pole -proven fact verified by US military at the time, previous explorers were hundreds of miles off)
Last time I went I didn't have the deeper just a bunch of androids mapping the surface and taking fishing and bear videos (plus a new feature of the deeper is it will make a full map of an entire lake bottom so I can identify rock formations and, **** is amazing) This is one of the best Pike spots in Canada, I averaged about 30 30+ to my max of 42 inch pike a day, and all the walley I could eat. IMPORTANT lol.
Any knowledge on the right SMA or a diagram of the MB or any other proof of the right antenna to jack off of will be much appreciated.
PS anyone know how to make a cheap ass gieger counter? Fishing camp happens to be only a few 5-10 miles from the gigantic uranium mines in northern Canada. Like the Core samples are laying all over the area lol and I've been curious how radioactive those discarded old samples are.
Cool, thanks. No advice though, sorry. I split off the antenna for my laptop too for a small wifi directional dish for the camper