So, I just noticed something that I havrnt read about at all on these forums. If you hold your NOOK from the top right corner(i mean top right corner when in portrait) it can affect your wireless signal strength. It drops me from 2/3 bars to 1/3 bars of wireless signal when located at a distance to my router.
Just thought Id bring it up.
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium
Mine does the same thing, if held in a particular way. Outside of the leather case I have, it is easy to replicate. Inside the case, it's a bit harder...
Cloudsnightmare said:
So, I just noticed something that I havrnt read about at all on these forums. If you hold your NOOK from the top right corner(i mean top right corner when in portrait) it can affect your wireless signal strength. It drops me from 2/3 bars to 1/3 bars of wireless signal when located at a distance to my router.
Just thought Id bring it up.
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing its something to do with the orientation of the internal antennae.
That's because the Wifi chip/antenna is located near the top right end of the nook. Hence, if you cover it up, the signal weakens.
Cloudsnightmare said:
So, I just noticed something that I havrnt read about at all on these forums. If you hold your NOOK from the top right corner(i mean top right corner when in portrait) it can affect your wireless signal strength. It drops me from 2/3 bars to 1/3 bars of wireless signal when located at a distance to my router.
Just thought Id bring it up.
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait what? So you are saying, the nook is actually better for left handed people? About time corporate america started paying attention to this very important demographic imho.
Did you get yours at the Leftorium?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using xda premium
Related
I am sure most people on here would have noticed that the WiFi signal on the htc amaze is drastically affected by the use of a phone case...
This was a dreaded problem for me up until now...I found a way to boost my WiFi signal without sacrificing protection....
All I did was cut a little piece of aluminium foil and attach it to WiFi antenna located on the inner back panel of the phone.....The antenna is located next to the camera lens....
Once the foil is attached to the antenna, replace the back cover and you should have improved WiFi signal that instant.....Fill free to put on any phone case while surfing the internet at blazing fast speeds using WiFi....
Questions are welcomed if the procedure is not fully understood..
I noticed this when I put a d3o dual case on mine.. can u post pics of what you did?
Sent from my T-Mobile G1 using xda premium.. haha the amaze is at HTC getting a new screen..
I have attached a pic of the foil and its location on the back panel of the phone...
Wifi Signal and Cases
Anyone else try this?
Now that sucks, I bought this phone because of the luxurious look and feel (high class build quality). This is like putting rabbit ears on my 65 inch plasma (Ghetto). Just when I thought I was out they pull me back in (into the projects lol).
Don't forget that no one else knows the foil is there except you... A rabbits ear on a 65inches tv can't be hidden..
darll said:
Don't forget that no one else knows the foil is there except you... A rabbits ear on a 65inches tv can't be hidden..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha so true!
that is pretty ghetto but its hidden so if it works i guess you could consider it hardware hacking
Yeah mine is about 5mbs difference
Sent from my HTC Amaze 4G using xda premium
I have the d30 case and I never had a problem with wifi signal... have you ever thought that it was your internet provider or maybe your router?
iGoOsE76 said:
I have the d30 case and I never had a problem with wifi signal... have you ever thought that it was your internet provider or maybe your router?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps your router is not far from your phone that why... If there are few walls between your phone and router you will notice the problem..
This has nothing to do with internet provider or router..
Try covering the top of your phone when the d30 case is removed and see if your wifi signal drops... If it dosen't then you are too close to your router to notice the problem...
All the fol does is boost your wifi signal .. I have been using it for while and I have consistently got full wifi signal even when there are few walls between my device and the router,,,
Makes a difference, thank you
Bluetooth
I've also notice the same problem with the bluetooth radio. With a gummy cover on (silcone I believe) my moto bluetooth headset SD9-HD doesn't work worth a F*&k but without the cover it's all good.
Which is the BT antenne?
How about cell signal???
This trick reminded me of the old product called cell phone signal booster sticker. Here's a YouTube video http://youtu.be/Elgx7lp7YMc if you are not sure what I'm talking about.
If we can boost cell signal using your method, it would save battery as well (without spending too much money on this sticker). Any thought, guys?
Might be a contact issue, not a "this piece of aluminum foil is a better antenna." I'd posit that the two gold colored contacts are not making a solid electrical connection to the rear cover's antenna contacts and that the aluminum is helping by acting as a shim. But I could be wrong. For those of you with Wi-Fi issues, ever so carefully bend the little gold colored metal contacts on your phone upward to ensure solid contact with the rear of the case.
verkion
verkion said:
Might be a contact issue, not a "this piece of aluminum foil is a better antenna." I'd posit that the two gold colored contacts are not making a solid electrical connection to the rear cover's antenna contacts and that the aluminum is helping by acting as a shim. But I could be wrong. For those of you with Wi-Fi issues, ever so carefully bend the little gold colored metal contacts on your phone upward to ensure solid contact with the rear of the case.
verkion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the foil also helps the wifi signal retain its strength... Try covering the back of your phone using your hand and you will see that you loose all wireless signal unless you are close to the router..
Try the same procedure with the foil on and you will see that the wireless signal remains strong regardless of position
Wow, this little piece of aluminum actually works. However, it doesn't work 100% for me. My WiFi signal strength fluctuates quite a bit. But at least I can actually stay connected to my WiFi now.
Thanks. This is a great tip
Edit: this also fixed the problem my amaze had when connecting to my router at work. It would always say connected but data would never be exchanged.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
I thought you were punking us. I was hesitant to even try, because I just KNEW this was a joke. But... it really does work!
I have had nothing buy buyers remorse since buying two of these Amaze phones (full retail price at a TMO store) - on a prepaid plan. They give you about 3 nanoseconds to return - and even then charge a $50/phone restocking fee.
Service is very poor in my home - which I knew before I bought. But, I assumed the Wifi calling would circumvent that problem. I was so disappointed with the jitter, stutter, lost packets, and overall piss-poor wifi call quality, that I upgraded my router, and installed a corporate-rated access point. There was some improvement, but nothing that rivaled a good cell call.
Best DL speeds were around 8-9mbps, and very erratic. With the foil, consistently 20mbps! I am completely dumbfounded.
If such poor wifi performance could be remedied by such a simple fix, why on earth does HTC not do this from the get go? It just doesn't make sense.
So, what have you guys done to keep the foil from shifting, or falling out when changing the battery?
OP, I luv you...
hooutoo said:
I've also notice the same problem with the bluetooth radio. With a gummy cover on (silcone I believe) my moto bluetooth headset SD9-HD doesn't work worth a F*&k but without the cover it's all good.
Which is the BT antenne?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my issue too. Maybe it'll work if we know which antenna it is.
This last weekend I was fustrated while vacationing when my Prime could not hold onto the hotel WiFi connection because of the distance to the router, yet my HD2 phone had no problems. This was the first time poor Wifi affected me. That got me thinking....
Looking at the fix made to the T700 to improve Wifi signal (and GPS), why couldn't a similar DIY mod be done to an existing Prime's back? I dont think cutting a slice off the top of the aluminum back is a doable option, but what about just cutting or drilling a large hole over the antennas, and filling in the hole with plastic or epoxy. This could look similar to the black oval plastic "wifi window" on the 3rd generation iPod Touch.
I'm thinking of trying this but wanted some input from others before trying. I looked at the other hardware mod thread here, but that concentrated on adding external antennas. According to that thread, once you removed the back, Wifi improved dramatically.
I think this was discussed before..but if you are feeling brave enough, let us know how it turns out man
This idea has been talked about in great length, but general consensus was that it would be too difficult to add a plastic window to the back of the Prime, because all of the hardware physically attaches to the aluminum back plate of the Prime.
You you be voiding your warranty by taking the device apart. And there is a very good chance you would render the device 100% non-working while doing the mod.
If the WiFi really doesn't meet your needs, return the tablet.
I'm glad I sent mine in to get it fixed, I am getting mine back tomorrow and that will make 10 days. I figured they would be pretty quick at fixing the wifi by now
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
almightywhacko said:
If the WiFi really doesn't meet your needs, return the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but this is not an option for a second hand Prime with an unlocked bootloader.
I'll have to take another look at the tear down pictures and video to get a feel of the space between the electronics connected to the back and the back itself. I have no fear of eventually opening up my Prime as I have opened up many phones in the past.
I had the same problem while on vacation in Mexico, my HTC Eco 3d picked up the hotels wifi no problem but my Asus didn't. I'm so happy I picked up a Asus WL-330N3G portable wifi router based on someone suggestion here, I wouldn't been able to work without.
Basically placed the portable router where I had the strongest signal in the room, and was able to use my prime anywhere in the room. An on top of it the router is very small, and can be powered by a USB port as well. As a bonus I use it as a gaming adapter for my ps3 when I'm home.
I think getting a portable router is a lot easier option then modding the back of the Prime.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2
Axe-08 said:
I'm glad I sent mine in to get it fixed, I am getting mine back tomorrow and that will make 10 days. I figured they would be pretty quick at fixing the wifi by now
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Make a thread tomorrow when you get it back. And tell US if it improved.
Seriously .
ive said this before but could another idea be wait for the 700 to come out and then wait for some inner photos to be taken. If they look similar to the prime then could we not just try and buy a 700 backplate and try and fix it to the prime?
mardukeme said:
I. I'm so happy I picked up a Asus WL-330N3G portable wifi router based on someone suggestion here, I wouldn't been able to work without.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get it from? My wifi signal in my bedroom is terrible and moving the router doesn't seem to be an option
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
What about drilling small holes in the area where the wifi antenna is, creating a sort of a mesh? Could be very easily done with a drill with a small enough head by very carefully and slowly drilling into the aluminum.
I don't know if that would improve the wifi signal, but it is doable.
Might want to consider one thing though- People have been getting different wifi and GPS readings on unmodded primes, meaning that the problem is not necessarily the aluminum cover, but rather the quality of construction, components, etc.
Eliad Kimhy said:
What about drilling small holes in the area where the wifi antenna is, creating a sort of a mesh? Could be very easily done with a drill with a small enough head by very carefully and slowly drilling into the aluminum.
I don't know if that would improve the wifi signal, but it is doable.
Might want to consider one thing though- People have been getting different wifi and GPS readings on unmodded primes, meaning that the problem is not necessarily the aluminum cover, but rather the quality of construction, components, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry, Faradays law says this will not work, for RF, mesh or solid is the same.
The contact area of the pingions on the motherboard to the antenna are realy tiny,I think replacing the pingions on the mainboard for small coax will improve, The wifi chip is at the other end of the tablet, the signals have to cross the entire device. I even saw they route the wifi signal trough a series of PCB trace and cables to the place where they connect to the antenna. I think replacing these connections by new a cable with at one end an MMCX and the other end solderd to the antenna, will improve the reception.
otispowell said:
Where did you get it from? My wifi signal in my bedroom is terrible and moving the router doesn't seem to be an option
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it on eBay for $50 dollars here's a link to it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASUS-WL-330...345650?pt=COMP_EN_Routers&hash=item1c21fd7f72
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2
The other thread linked in the original post has all information regarding this topic.
Creating something like the 700 would be basically too complicated (though never impossible)
We won't know if the 700 back plate will match up until it is released (i doubt it is worth the work)
The external antenna works wonders, and can be made "removable"
A simple wire from the pogo pin that is isolated from the glass/aluminum will increase connectivity
Here is another link for good reading...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1479664
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
I've read through both of those threads, the one I posted and the second one posted above. Unfortunately they both went the route of replacing the existing antennas with wires or external connections. The closest one to my idea was this:
Originally Posted by Lock-N-Load
Really though, in the end, it seems if someone wanted to get really hardcore, they could dremel a slice out of the back that is tall yet narrow, go to home depot and get some plexiglass, sand it down to obscure the view into the device, and epoxy that in place and place the wire into that as a window. Totally possible IF you wanted to kick it up a few levels now that the hard work is done and shows an antenna wire can hep. Essentially steal Apples' idea but keep it simple and make it home grown.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, slicing off the top of the back and covering it with plexiglass is probably too much. I'm thinking more like just a hole, over the existing antennas, covering it with epoxy, and making a Wifi Window like that on an iPod Touch:
mardukeme said:
I got it on eBay for $50 dollars here's a link to it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASUS-WL-330...345650?pt=COMP_EN_Routers&hash=item1c21fd7f72
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks =]
are there any other items that work the same but are cheaper?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
nonpaq said:
This last weekend I was fustrated while vacationing when my Prime could not hold onto the hotel WiFi connection because of the distance to the router, yet my HD2 phone had no problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why didnt you just tether to your HD2?
i just had a great idea. Based off what the linked thread was earlier,
It would be a handle on both sides, makes your TFP like a briefcase and eliminate the ugly/bulky antennas. Of course it won't be as powerful, but this would let us put antennas in the handle and increase reception. of course, it would require holes to be drilled in the back, but we can easily stick that on (and it would be very strong). It can be easily created with fiberglass, a color could easily be created and the brush strokes could be done as well. and a little gloss could be added after we have painted/added the brush strokes and get pretty close
biggem001 said:
i just had a great idea. Based off what the linked thread was earlier,
It would be a handle on both sides, makes your TFP like a briefcase and eliminate the ugly/bulky antennas. Of course it won't be as powerful, but this would let us put antennas in the handle and increase reception. of course, it would require holes to be drilled in the back, but we can easily stick that on (and it would be very strong). It can be easily created with fiberglass, a color could easily be created and the brush strokes could be done as well. and a little gloss could be added after we have painted/added the brush strokes and get pretty close
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice design The handle is a great idea. All you need to do is run some wires through the handle. That is all my WIFI attached antenna are doing in my "Optimus Prime" mod. As long as you get the wires away and above the metal backplate your in business. You can check out my link in thread for the original mod. GL m8
Here is pic of two wires coming from WIFI pogo pins. Raised out and above
the metal backplate. All you would need to do is run wires through a nice handle and you will get amazing wifi or GPS.
willumpie82 said:
I'm sorry, Faradays law says this will not work, for RF, mesh or solid is the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read on this forum that some (or one) devices (not the TFP obviously) have their wifi antenna located behind the speaker grill in order to allow proper wifi reception.
I noticed that my phone was "soft" to the center left.. The right is firm and will not move at all wh n. Pressed with my finger... But the left side moves a little... It's soft if you will. Now it moves only a little but it does move... Also the top left corner is slightly higher then the right upper corner. Again it barely noticeable but it's there... Is anyone else having this issue???? There is nothing wrong with the screen as far as functionality...
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
No, I don't seem to have e thus issue. Things seem uniform throughout. I'd probably take it back, but I'm picky like that.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Mine does that too but its the right instead of the left. I don't want to take it back though...
Sent from my EVO using XDA
Judging by the teardown videos.. You should be able to just pop the top cover off, and the bottom cover on the back of the phone. And see if any of those screws just need to be tightened?
Because once you undo those the whole thing pops out as one piece from the aluminum body. If that doesnt work, then I'd say it's the screen itself and I'd swap it.
Hello everyone. Something that came to my attention today that I wanted to share with everyone was the issue of slow network speeds, including GPS. Since the antenna are attached to the back cover if the camera, if removed and not reattached properly, speeds will take a hit. Make sure the contact points are clean, and also make sure the cover is set properly in place. The slightest shift in the cover creates a bad connection. If this has already been addressed then great, otherwise, just something to consider if your speeds take a hit.
Thanks!
~Siv
Sent from my EVO using XDA
I'm guessing the antennas on the cover are worthless. My signal is the same with the cover removed a with it on.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Is that an antenna or the NFC chip inside the black cover?
yamaford said:
I'm guessing the antennas on the cover are worthless. My signal is the same with the cover removed a with it on.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull up the debug screen and go to the EVdo data screen and pull the cover off. Watch the signal number.
Sent from my C64 w/Epyx FastLoad cartridge
The following link applies to the One X, but we have the same type of prong connectors. It's possible we have the same type of issue basically:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1688538
Ok I made a thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1710905
I'm pretty sure that's the NFC antenna only not anything for data.
Edit nevermind I was wrong.
Looks to me like all of the antennas are in the plastic back cover. I was playing with it today and could make my signal strength on 3g vary by over 12 db just by squeezing and tapping on the plastic cover. Not an optimum design, in my opinion.
wfrandy said:
Looks to me like all of the antennas are in the plastic back cover. I was playing with it today and could make my signal strength on 3g vary by over 12 db just by squeezing and tapping on the plastic cover. Not an optimum design, in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if it would be worthwhile to put drops of solder on contact points (there are something like four-five; you can clearly see them as scratch marks on copper). Maybe people with an unusually bad reception can fix it that way.
nabbed said:
I wonder if it would be worthwhile to put drops of solder on contact points (there are something like four-five; you can clearly see them as scratch marks on copper). Maybe people with an unusually bad reception can fix it that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They look to be gold plated contact points, so I suspect putting solder on them would actually worsen the problem.
for some reason i get better signal than my old evo.
I think you are on to something! I removed and reattached the back cover and all signal issues disappeared including the wifi drops.
Thanks!
Sent from my EVO LTE using XDA
rooterman said:
for some reason i get better signal than my old evo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay guys i have to say it. I have loved Sprint for years. Ever since my LG Rumor!!
But the **** i got going on now is ridiculous. My signal is horrible. complete garbage. I activated my og EVO the other day and its signals were PERFECT at home and at work. Today I re activated my EVO LTE and it just looses 3G connection and I can't send texts half the time.
I got my phone replaced and it still ****.. (pardon my language)
I love Sprint and their business model and what they are doing. I LOVE my HTC EVO LTE but I absolutely can't stand the service!
ideas?
Hey guys and gals, just something I have been curious about for a while. Are there certain materials, or even design/shapes to a building that impede signals? I know people say Wimax sucks indoors, but I'm talking regular data connection (1x/3g).
I can stand outside my office and pull over 1mbps on speedtest. I walk in, go to my desk 20 ft from the door, I'm lucky to pull over 500kbps. Sometimes I even drop to Roaming and get sub 100kbps at peak times. I walk back outside, boom... signal will double in strength.
I just thought it was weird and wondered if there is any particular reason. As an FYI the building does have those greenish colored reflective glass windows. I also work for local government, so I dunno if they have different requirements for the building?
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
I work at a school and my signal is crap inside. The large amounts of metal and concrete used in commercial buildings kill signal similar to a Faraday cage. The effect happens in residential buildings, but isn't as noticeable.
This also kills battery since the phone has to work hard to keep signal.
... with Tapatalk 2
I got my work to install a booster because the signal is so bad inside. The signal out side is okay, but great inside. It's a two story structure and the antenna is upstairs. It should easily do 1500sqft but it does not penetrate between floors well due to thier construction.
Yeah, my building is all concrete and glass mostly. My phone cannot last long and I have to keep a charger at work. With moderate use I'm happy to last until lunch. Maybe one day I'll get a corner office with windows. Lol that might boost my signal!
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
my signal and speeds are **** inside and outside.... effin sprint
raptoro07 said:
I got my work to install a booster because the signal is so bad inside. The signal out side is okay, but great inside. It's a two story structure and the antenna is upstairs. It should easily do 1500sqft but it does not penetrate between floors well due to thier construction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get the booster from?
You lose about 10-15 feet of coverage for every wall the signal has to pass through to get to you.
oohaylima said:
Where did you get the booster from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://powerfulsignal.com/
about $1000-1200 or so.