[Q] Antenna problem - Vibrant Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey,
So I have some problems with service range, after I checked my SIM with other cellphones and checked my cellphone with other Sim-Cards I found that I have some problem with my antenna, the question is what should I replace?
the Antenna or the antenna connector cable?

What leads you to that conclusion? Merely checking your sim card in other phones and other sim cards in your phone has no/little connection with your antenna or antenna cable! There are easily a dozen or more hardware problems that could cause service range problems, not to speak of software problems! One of the first things I would check is what modem you have. Different modems act differently depending on your location. As a last resort, instead of mucking with your hardware, contact T-mobile customer service. You may be able to send it in for repair/replacement.

Hey, I bought the cellphone in the states but I'm using it in Europe so I cannot send it to T-mobile...
Anyway - I tried to switch modem version, back to stock, change roms but all are the same "****y" range..
I'm pretty sure that this is an hardware problem (while I'm holding the phone in the bottom the range is gettin really low...) the question is what I should replace

any suggests?

Related

Help: Your SIM does not allow a connection to this network,

Hi there.
I need help with my Hero.
Two weeks ago it got water damaged. I dried it out, and got it all working again (this surprised me), but then on Thursday it stopped connecting to my network (T-Mob UK), giving a Your SIM does not allow connections to this network error.
Now, the radio works as far as I can tell - I can connect to Wi-Fi fine, and when I go to chose your network section it shows me T-Mob, Orange, O2 and Vodafone, so I think the GSM etc. radios are working.
I've tried putting it in my old SE handset, but that has a ****ed Radio, so not got anything conclusive. But it has received messages, so I'm not sure if it is the sim directly at fault.
I've also tried to use an O2 sim in the hero (unlocked) to no luck.
So I would guess its something wrong with the connection between the sim slot, and the sim, or between the slot and the main-board.
But is there anything I can do to test this? Any recommendations for repairs?
Thanks
[phew that was a long post]
Branwen said:
Hi there.
I need help with my Hero.
Two weeks ago it got water damaged. I dried it out, and got it all working again (this surprised me), but then on Thursday it stopped connecting to my network (T-Mob UK), giving a Your SIM does not allow connections to this network error.
Now, the radio works as far as I can tell - I can connect to Wi-Fi fine, and when I go to chose your network section it shows me T-Mob, Orange, O2 and Vodafone, so I think the GSM etc. radios are working.
I've tried putting it in my old SE handset, but that has a ****ed Radio, so not got anything conclusive. But it has received messages, so I'm not sure if it is the sim directly at fault.
I've also tried to use an O2 sim in the hero (unlocked) to no luck.
So I would guess its something wrong with the connection between the sim slot, and the sim, or between the slot and the main-board.
But is there anything I can do to test this? Any recommendations for repairs?
Thanks
[phew that was a long post]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is definitely the phone and not the Sim, you would be best off getting it professionally acid bathed or what ever a phone shop suggests, the back street unlocking ones would normally do it for £15 and that should sort any oxidized solder joints out that could be causing the issue.
If you want to do it your self then take all the screen and bits off your self, lay the main board in ethanol for 12 hours then let it drip dry, give it a gentle buff with a cotton bud and re try! This is just a suggestion so don't go blaming me when you phone explodes!!

Unlocked i717 contantly losing Data/Network

Hey all, I apologize in advance if this is posted somewhere already, I did search for a couple hours and haven't found anything that come close to my situation.
I bought 2 Samsung Galaxy Notes (i717) a couple months ago. With the news of running them on our T-mobile network, I was sold. Both devices were brand new, in the box and cealed from the factory. I unlocked both through the same Cellunlocker.net site for $25.00 each. I rooted both phones and installed CWM. After insalling Saurom RC7 and the Vkl1 Tmo Radio, everything was fine for about a month. All of a sudden, on my phone, I start losing Network/Data, needing a restart to get it back. Over the past month, I am up to an average of 20-30 restarts a day and sometimes it only works 50% of the time, the other 50% I get nothing, at all.
My 2nd phone (wifes) has no issues at all. We both have the same OS/Radio's on them, nothing is different, except for the IMEI number. We both have them in the same area for use and mine will crap out all day long. Nothing I do fixes it. I have replaced the SIM 4 times, reinstalled the same or a new OS many times, Ive heard, oh its your radio, need to reflash it, corrupt file, the list goes on. If its something that you can suggest, I have probably already tried it, software wise. . T-mobile cc says its cause its unlocked, well my wifes is unlocked and doesnt have an issue....soooo.
The only thing I can come up with is there is a difference in Hardware, between our phones. Not intentional, but maybe my Network/Data, antenna is lose or broken and hers isn't. Thats the only thing I can come up with, other than the unlock code is bad, but if thats it, then why did it work solid for a month?
I am at my wits end, I went back to my sad pos Vibrant, that works. I took my note to a local repair place to run diag tomorrow. Hopefully its something they can find and fix and not bend me over in the process. If anyone has any info on this issue, or has had the same problem, please feel free to fill me in.
Thx all in advance
V
Vouda said:
Hey all, I apologize in advance if this is posted somewhere already, I did search for a couple hours and haven't found anything that come close to my situation.
I bought 2 Samsung Galaxy Notes (i717) a couple months ago. With the news of running them on our T-mobile network, I was sold. Both devices were brand new, in the box and cealed from the factory. I unlocked both through the same Cellunlocker.net site for $25.00 each. I rooted both phones and installed CWM. After insalling Saurom RC7 and the Vkl1 Tmo Radio, everything was fine for about a month. All of a sudden, on my phone, I start losing Network/Data, needing a restart to get it back. Over the past month, I am up to an average of 20-30 restarts a day and sometimes it only works 50% of the time, the other 50% I get nothing, at all.
My 2nd phone (wifes) has no issues at all. We both have the same OS/Radio's on them, nothing is different, except for the IMEI number. We both have them in the same area for use and mine will crap out all day long. Nothing I do fixes it. I have replaced the SIM 4 times, reinstalled the same or a new OS many times, Ive heard, oh its your radio, need to reflash it, corrupt file, the list goes on. If its something that you can suggest, I have probably already tried it, software wise. . T-mobile cc says its cause its unlocked, well my wifes is unlocked and doesnt have an issue....soooo.
The only thing I can come up with is there is a difference in Hardware, between our phones. Not intentional, but maybe my Network/Data, antenna is lose or broken and hers isn't. Thats the only thing I can come up with, other than the unlock code is bad, but if thats it, then why did it work solid for a month?
I am at my wits end, I went back to my sad pos Vibrant, that works. I took my note to a local repair place to run diag tomorrow. Hopefully its something they can find and fix and not bend me over in the process. If anyone has any info on this issue, or has had the same problem, please feel free to fill me in.
Thx all in advance
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on the fact that you are running two identical devices ,with identical software etc.
And based on the timeline of trouble that yours is having ...I'm leaning toward a material defect in the device.
The evidence is simply too strong to ignore ...IMHO
A warranty return is my suggestion ....
And I'm very sorry to hear that news ....g
Just an update....I picked it up from the cell repair store. They told me, my antenna needed to be reseated. Once done, I havent lost signal yet in over 6 hours. Good news is, they didnt even charge me.
If it happens again, I will keep this thread updated, otherwise it looks like it was a hardware problem after all.
Yep...
As expected ....
And great news on the free repair ...g
How did they reset the antenna was it software or did they open IP the device
Sent from my SGH-T879 using xda premium
open the device and push the antenna connecter into its seat.
Easy to say, difficult to do. I don't have a link, but if you go to youtube and search "galaxy note disassembly" you can see it and decide if its something you can do.
rangercaptain said:
open the device and push the antenna connecter into its seat.
Easy to say, difficult to do. I don't have a link, but if you go to youtube and search "galaxy note disassembly" you can see it and decide if its something you can do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not this guy ....
My shakey old fingers, and poor eyes don't wanna play.
So you might get a pm one day ranger ....with me begging for help on the other end ...LOL ....g
Ok so....my paper weight, still doesn't work. I guess I spoke too soon when I replied all was well. Im not sure what the cell repair store did other than reseating my antenna, but it worked great for a solid day, then started acting up again.
Today I switched my wifes SIM for mine, to try and determin if I just had gotten really unlucky with bad SIM cards. Nope. My SIM worked great in her phone, got signal right away. Her SIM in mine? Didn't get squat on mine, meaning its most deff my hardware (SGH i717).
Long story short, don't purchase online....so you have the ability to take it back to the dealer and throw it through his/her window. I love the Gnote...hands down, coolest phone I have ever had....just wish I didn't get a dud. After all this time, I still haven't heard of anyone having the same issues. I can't be the only 1.
Edit: Just spoke to Samsung and they said it's an issue that happens with the Reciever/Antenna and needs to be repaired. They looked up my IMEI number and said its still under warranty, even though, I took it to a cell repair store and its unlocked with mulitple flashes. As long as it has no water/physical damage, its covered. So I guess I will find out in a couple weeks.
Bad news /good news I guess ...
I'm glad it's getting fixed .....by samsung.
And no ....
You are not the only one ...
There have been 4 others I know of ....
But at this point it's looking like a software issue, with your device being the exception having a hardware failure....g
Same boat
Hi, I purchased a Rogers i717r used. It came with a custom ICS ROM installed based on AT&TI717UCLE2. It seems to have a similar issue most likely hardware related. Although it would show some signal level it didn't regularly connect to the network. It wouldn't let me make calls or use data. I wanted to make sure all the band were turned on so I followed the guide I've used for other Galaxy devices (see below). It was set correctly to automatic. To further troubleshoot the issue I tried turning on only the GSM frequencies 850/1900 (which is what Rogers uses). I connected immediately to the 2G network and got excellent signal strength. I could make calls and use 2G data. Trying to use only the 3G CDMA bands did not work nor did the COMBI BANDS.
I believe this phone has a antenna wire running from the USB charging/dock board to the mainboard. I wonder if this wire or connector has been compromised. I think the previous owner said the USB connector went bad and it was replaced at some point. I may have to open the phone at check the connectors.
Before I start investigating the hardware, I will try to get it back to stock.
There must at least 3 antennas in this phone maybe more. WiFi, GPS, GSM, 3G, 4G, (possibly multiple for different bands). I'd like to know which one is which.
Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this is appreciated.
Open the Phone Screen and Type the following code:
* # * # 1 9 7 3 2 8 6 4 0 # * # *
The phone will automatically take you to a screen called:
SERVICE MODE
AND YOU WILL SEE THESE OPTIONS:
----------------------
[1] DEBUG SCREEN
[2] VERSION INFO
[3] UMTS RF NV
[4] GSM RF NV
[5] AUDIO
[6] COMMON
----------------------
all these options are written very very small so you will have to touch the screen very accurately to get the right one... so select them in the following order:
[1] Debug Screen
+
[8] Phone Control
+
[7] Network Control
+
[2] Band Selection
Once you Tap on "Band Selection" you will have a screen stating these 4 Options:
-------------------------
= BAND SELECTION =
[1] Automatic [*]
[2] WCDMA Band []
[3] GSM Band []
[4] Combi Bands []
-------------------------
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 12:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:05 AM ----------
Someone was nice enough to make a Nandroid backup of the stock ROM. It didn't solve the issue though. It still isn't completely stock as the superuser app is still install along with recovery. I guess I need a copy of the unrooted kernel just to be sure it's not software. While in stock GB 2.3.6 I tried the software update feature to upgrade to stock ICS. It reported there was no update available. My guess is it can tell it's been rooted.
tweebs said:
Hi, I purchased a Rogers i717r used. It came with a custom ICS ROM installed based on AT&TI717UCLE2. It seems to have a similar issue most likely hardware related. Although it would show some signal level it didn't regularly connect to the network. It wouldn't let me make calls or use data. I wanted to make sure all the band were turned on so I followed the guide I've used for other Galaxy devices (see below). It was set correctly to automatic. To further troubleshoot the issue I tried turning on only the GSM frequencies 850/1900 (which is what Rogers uses). I connected immediately to the 2G network and got excellent signal strength. I could make calls and use 2G data. Trying to use only the 3G CDMA bands did not work nor did the COMBI BANDS.
I believe this phone has a antenna wire running from the USB charging/dock board to the mainboard. I wonder if this wire or connector has been compromised. I think the previous owner said the USB connector went bad and it was replaced at some point. I may have to open the phone at check the connectors.
Before I start investigating the hardware, I will try to get it back to stock.
There must at least 3 antennas in this phone maybe more. WiFi, GPS, GSM, 3G, 4G, (possibly multiple for different bands). I'd like to know which one is which.
Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2nd Update
Mail from Samsung is as follows
Ship Company: UPS
Tracking Number: N/A
Serial number: N/A
Please view additional information below for more details.
Original Problem:
TECHNICAL INQUIRY - CALL QUALITY (RX/TX) - POOR SIGNAL
Problem found:
NO PCS SERVICE - WILL NOT CHARGE
Solution:
REPLACED COMPONENT
If you have any additional questions, please call us at 1-888-987-4357 and reference Ticket Number: N/A
Thank you.
Samsung Electronics America
I have called and talked to atleast 10 people today, trying to find out what the problem was. What component was replaced, what exactly was the issue. I can't complain, I wasn't charged and the communication thus far, has been top notch.
Does anyone know what PCS Service is?
Here are the messages I recieved, I am assuming QC is Quality Control.
*09/17/2012//21:30:44////Web Chat//ASC*
9/17/2012 8:30 PM-Aldo Ortegon: The unit is shipped.
*09/17/2012//21:30:36////Web Chat//ASC*
9/17/2012 8:30 PM-Aldo Ortegon: No hold amount
*09/17/2012//21:15:14////Web Chat//ASC*
9/17/2012 8:15 PM-Irma: QC Pass.
*09/17/2012//21:14:59////Web Chat//ASC*
9/17/2012 8:15 PM-Irma: QC Pass.
*09/17/2012//13:43:48////Web Chat//ASC*
9/17/2012 12:43 PM-Edmond: The unit has left the technician. SOLUTION: Replaced Component
*09/13/2012//12:45:49////Web Chat//ASC*
9/13/2012 11:45 AM-Khatie Rodrigez: The unit has been received. Pack Condition: Fair Packaging (Box & Cushion)
See wikipedia:
At the most basic level*Personal Communications Service*or*PCS*describes a set of*wireless*communications capabilities that allows some combination of terminal mobility,*personal mobility, and service profile management.[1]*More specifically, PCS refers to any of several types of wireless voice and/or wireless data communications systems, typically incorporating digital technology, providing services similar to advanced*cellular*mobile or*paging*services. In addition, PCS can also be used to provide other wireless communications services, including services that allow people to place and receive communications while away from their home or office, as well as wireless communications to homes, office buildings and other*fixedlocations.[2]*Described in more commercial terms, PCS is a generation of wireless-phone technology that combines a range of features and services surpassing those available in analog- and digital-cellular phone systems, providing a user with an all-in-one wireless phone, paging, messaging, and data service.
I figured that's what that meant. I would still like to know what component was replaced. Part# or Sku would be nice, but they are very vague lol. Should have it by Thur/Fri so I will update then if it's still not working and what the overall outcome is, also info on what "component" was replaced, with any luck.
I had the exact same problem after unlocking my i717 through your same online unlock code shop. Signal would drop all the time. I flashed every radio version I could find and that didn't help. Only other thing I could do was flash different roms and see if it somehow fixes.
Haven't used it for a while, but was just re-flashing it so I could gift the device to family and found the Padawan JB v2 and the stock deoxide roms from jedi roms brought back the signal lost. I flashed the latest AoCP 5.8 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1773229) and no signal lost in the last 12 hours. I'm also on radio version I717UCLF6. Hope this helps anyone else that stumbles on to this tread.
OP, did you figure out which part had to be replaced? I'm having the same problem. I wish Samsung would release this information, such a headache
dicecuber said:
OP, did you figure out which part had to be replaced? I'm having the same problem. I wish Samsung would release this information, such a headache
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has any one figuired out which part of this phone needs to be replaced to fix loss of signal.

[Q] Samsung S3 I9300 Signal Issue. H/W or S/W Issue.

My girlfriend has had a Samsung S3 (I9300) for a couple of months and has had no issues with it however she dropped it and broke the LCD . I ordered a replacement screen (Front glass, LCD, and digitizer) from eBay and fitted this without any problems. I tested all functions on the phone and it seemed to be working okay. The same evening my girlfriend went and run the update and went from 4.0.4 (I think) to 4.1.2 since then she has complained about signal issues which I have now witnessed myself. I wished she had waited a bit longer to make sure the phone was working fine before doing any updates as now I am not sure if this is a software related problem or hardware. There is no way to revert back to the older version to confirm software. I know one option on the software side would be to root it and install a customer rom but I have never done this before and even though reading through the forums the process seems to be easy I am a bit reluctant to do this just now.
The signal indicator sometimes shows a circle with a line through it, sometimes it shows a grey triangle with no bars in it and other times it will show a bar or two and even a full signal. I have noticed even without a sim in it that it can show a couple of bars of signal. I have not got this confused with the Wi-Fi signal. When trying to send text messages or make a phone call the following errors come up “Not registered on network” and “No signal found for mobile network”
Below is what I have done/checked so far
I have restored the phone to factory settings but as explained before this will only restore to 4.1.2. This time the only apps on the phone are stock apps, no additional apps have been installed just encase a third party software may have caused issues.
Her sim will work in any other phone. I have an S2 and have ported my number over from a normal sim to a brand new micro sim to try in her phone. Both of these phones are on O2.
I have made sure the IMEI number is correct and matches what the phone came shipped with.
I have double checked the APN details and these match what my S2 has. Although I am pretty sure this is only for internet and MMS and would not affect SMS and phone calls.
After check over the settings and restoring to factory settings I have fitted a replacement antenna which I also got from eBay. I doubt I have damaged the mainboard as all other functions on the phone work fine. (Touchscreen, Cameras, Sound, Wi-Fi)
For some reason I can get the phone to work at my house on both GSM (2G) and WXCDA (3G) although it seems to be more stable when it is on GSM. As soon as I leave my house and go into town (approx. 2 mile away) or over to my girlfriends (approx. 20 miles away) it will stop working. I have gone onto the O2 website and entered both of our post codes on the O2 network coverage checker and this reports that there are no services down in our area and that we should have a good signal.
I have come on this forum for some advice and hopefully someone can recommend what I could do next. I have had a little browse on the forum already but is there something I have missed? Should I root the phone and install a customer rom? If it was caused by the official update is there an a hotfix of some sort coming soon? Or is this a genuine fault with the phone? If it is a fault with the phone and it has not be caused by me I could try sending it back to O2 (where the phone was purchased from) or Samsung seeing as I can’t see any warranty seals so think I would get away with this.
Thanks in advance for any responses I get to this and I am sorry if I have rambled on and provided info that is not essential.
Flash O2 stock rom via Odin .
If that does not fix it its a hardware repair job and you will be refused warranty as you have self repaired .
jje

[Q] No phone or data service unless in AT&T hotspot

Weird issue, I get no phone or data service unless I am in an AT&T hotspot. Anybody know what the issue could be?
Samsung Galaxy S2 i777
I've had the phone about 2 years and have had no problems until last week when I changed out the micro usb port.
Any thoughts are welcome, particularly related to how access within a hotspot is different than outside of one.
Thanks!
Steve
I've come to understand that the micro-usb port for these phones is tied to the network radio antenna, and there are different versionsrevisions of the part available. Considering that the wifi system is not related, it makes sense that you are able to connect to "hot-spots". I've read mention of people finding success after switching to a different "version/revision" (printed on the port/radio) of the unit.
I have also read that users are cutting the board to separate the new USB charge port from the useable data radio antenna.
If I find a link to one of those posts, I'll link it here, but that's my guess.
-Cyril
Edit: Here is the same issue, so definitely related to charge-port replacement...
- This post says that genuine equipment matters
- Here is a post citing success by separating (cutting) the useable antenna from the damaged USB port.
- This page finds success via cutting the board, or using one particular ebay seller. good luck.
lukest said:
Weird issue, I get no phone or data service unless I am in an AT&T hotspot. Anybody know what the issue could be?
Samsung Galaxy S2 i777
I've had the phone about 2 years and have had no problems until last week when I changed out the micro usb port.
Any thoughts are welcome, particularly related to how access within a hotspot is different than outside of one.
Thanks!
Steve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you cyril!
A lot of useful info here cyril, thank you for the thorough reply!
-Steve
cyril279 said:
I've come to understand that the micro-usb port for these phones is tied to the network radio antenna, and there are different versionsrevisions of the part available. Considering that the wifi system is not related, it makes sense that you are able to connect to "hot-spots". I've read mention of people finding success after switching to a different "version/revision" (printed on the port/radio) of the unit.
I have also read that users are cutting the board to separate the new USB charge port from the useable data radio antenna.
If I find a link to one of those posts, I'll link it here, but that's my guess.
-Cyril
Edit: Here is the same issue, so definitely related to charge-port replacement...
- This post says that genuine equipment matters
- Here is a post citing success by separating (cutting) the useable antenna from the damaged USB port.
- This page finds success via cutting the board, or using one particular ebay seller. good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Replaced old usb and new antenna -- still no service
Update: I put the old usb port in and still no service (recall that i used to have service with old usb, just couldn't charge).
Also, put in new antenna, and still no service.
Now the question is why would I no longer have service with my old usb?
Are you sure that you plugged that antenna cord back onto the board? The original should certainly give you signal if it did before.
No firmware changes? no apn changes? Was there anything else that you changed recently?

[Q] reception connection issues on my S3 GT-i9300 and cant find any solutions

Hey XDA,
some month ago I damaged my phone after 3 great years with it.
I bought a new one via ebay and here is the problem. He said for sure its all fine with it. There should be no problem for sure.
First I had somehow reception issues. Sometimes the connection to my provider was off and sometimes it had 3 of 4 Bars. People told me its not a flashable modem issue, but a issue where i have to change some hardware.
so did I, changed the antenna and the receiver and still nothing changed.
I always want to find and fix the problem by myself, but now i'm at some point where i really dont know what else i could do instead giving it to a repair service.
what i did? changed all modems and stockroms which I could get from the internet and install them one after another and checked my connection via "Network Signal"
the biggest issue there was, at home the connection to my provider was good and at my girlfriends home it was totally broken.
maybe anyone could help me out there?
i just read http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1667326 maybe i should change the back plate where most of the stuff have connectors? like the GPS does? because if i dont have it on i wont be able to connect anywhere.
My Provider? Vodafone D2 and in other Cellphones the SIM-Card doenst have any problems with the connection/reception

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