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I have an unlocked Tmobile MDA using a Cingular SIM. I recently purchased an aluminum case (boxwave, PDair, I think they are all the same) to replace the free case. I love the aluminum case in every way except 1. The cell phone reception is MUCH worse with the phone in the case. I have read others get a 1 bar decrease, but in mildly weak areas (2 bars or less), the aluminum case kills the signal. I have actually missed calls. Even when the signal is OK, the case appears to degrade the sound quality over my Moto HS810 headset.
My question is, is their anything I can do about it (and keep the case)? Specifically, can I install an antenna that I can attach to the phone and have it glued to the outside of the case? Or, if I were to cut away part of the aluminum, where should I cut to maximize my reception while minimizing my modification? Has anyone else experienced this problem, and if they have what did they do to resolve it.
I love the case and would hate to part with it. I use it with my BT GPSr and the plexiglass allows me to see the screen without opening the case. My only problem is I forget to open the case sometimes and tap on the plexiglass .
Any help would be appreciated.
I don't have a wizard, but most phone will have an option for an external antenna. Look at the back of your phone, and see if there is a round rubber thing that is around 1cm in diameter. That's most probably a connector for an external antenna. I guess you have a connector out from there and take it out of your case or possibly use your case as an antenna. BUT, I'm not sure how dangerous will it be consider the radiation having direct contact with your body.
There are some threads here that mentioned external antenna, whom a user used to get reception for his room/office that is underground.
Are you sure?
I am using a similar case for my phone too, they are very useful and practical. But I did not face any problems of signal drop. Are you sure its not something else? Unfortunately this case does not have an opening for the external antena point of the phone. You might have to drill one.
I'm getting terrible reception in that case, too. The signal improves when I take the phone out of my pocket- so maybe it is the height or other obstructions?
Hmm. I might have to try a different case.
I too have the PDAir alu case. Definitely makes BT reception worse.
With my previous Himalaya I used to have a clearcase. No probs with that.
Would like that again for the Wizard, but afaik its not available.
Case Logic?
Hi there. I also have one of these aluminum cases. Your problems never occured to me. I've just fixed other problems thanks to this web site and the ROM developers.
For some reason reception for me on Cingular's network has never really been a problem before. I will keep my eyes open for this new development you all discovered.
Thanks for the heads up.
Case Logic?
Hi there. This is going to seem odd. My HTC Wizard worked great when I got it. I got an aluminum case for it and it seems that's around when my phone lockup problems seems to have started. Between that and installing the wrong version of Good. Long story short, I took the phone out of the aluminum case last night and as of now (about 12 hours) the phone hasn't frozen at all. I just completed installing latest Good on it and it's still working.
Is it really possible that all my phone freezing lockup problems are tied to the aluminum case? I've heard others complain about BT and dropped calls because of this case, but really. Anyone else heard of anything this bazaar?
Definately a problem with aluminum cases and the HTC G2 / Magic phone
OMG! I couldn't believe it but it is true, it appears that really is signal attenuation occurring with aluminum cases. I purchased this case: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350252703148&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
In case the link no longer works, it is the "HTC G2 Monaco Black Aluminum Case" from ba66s. It is similar to the high quality aluminum case that I purchased for my HTC Touch phone. While the HTC Touch phone did not suffer from signal loss, my HTC Dream (same as G2) definately suffers from signal loss. There is quite a noticable difference between in the case and out of the aluminum case. So far, I have noticed that it primarily means the difference between having a data connection and not having one. I am wondering if it is the 3G network is is mostly affected?
I should point out that the problem is less severe in an area of very strong signal coverage (3 - 4 bars). But the estimated 20% signal loss is significant where there is already a marginal signal (1 - 3 bars max).
Again, my HTC Touch did not seem affected by the aluminum case.... is it b/c of a different signal frequency, or the placement of the antenna that is causing an issue with the Android phone?
Can a section of the aluminum case be cut out?
I really like my aluminum case.... and before I ask for an RMA, I am wondering if the case can be modified by cutting a section out. Can anyone tell me where the antenna is located on the HTC Magic / G2?
Hello everyone,
I don't have an aluminium case, but I'll share the little I know with you, maybe we can help each other.
I think that your alum case is, sometimes, acting as a Faraday cage, shielding the device from outside signals, as BT, radio, etc. The eletronic signals arrive on the case and disperse themselves there.
As I've readed, some people seem to have good signal after getting the phone off the alum case, that can point to an evidence of this effect.
I'm basing this on guitar shielding. I've done it several times and de concept is the same: shield the eletronic cavity with metalic material so outside interference doesn't introduce any noises to the sound.
Honestly, I would recommend clear cases, or rubber cases. The only option I can see now is to drill a hole and put an external antenna, or to cut the back-upper part of the case, thats where the antenna is located.
Cheers
Now we know that the full metal back plate is the sole reason of weak WiFi and bad GPS performance.
ASUS admited it, and we can read as well explanation from AnandTech:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5285/asus-eee-pad-transformer-prime-gps-issue-explained
So, what's the chance of ASUS redesigned the back plate?
Probably just patching the antenna area with plastic, that should be enough.
That would be awesome!
People used to laugh at Samsung because they always put plastic back cover. Now, suddenly we all need plastic one!
imho we still know nothing at all about the effects of the backplate.
Asus may well just be saying that because they got sick of the spam.
Until someone picks it apart and actually tries GPS without the backplate,
its all just merely a bunch of speculations.
It's amazing how dumb the engineers were know this one..... Not only the aluminum backplate but the placement and execution of the speaker is horrible not big enough holes to let the sound out well. Also just realized with Bluetooth on my speedtests are basically cut in half. Hopefully they fired the entire engineering department and are designing a 2nd Gen Prime right now.
Sokonomi said:
imho we still know nothing at all about the effects of the backplate.
Asus may well just be saying that because they got sick of the spam.
Until someone picks it apart and actually tries GPS without the backplate,
its all just merely a bunch of speculations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly.
Sokonomi said:
imho we still know nothing at all about the effects of the backplate.
Asus may well just be saying that because they got sick of the spam.
Until someone picks it apart and actually tries GPS without the backplate,
its all just merely a bunch of speculations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah we do know the effects of the back plate. There's a reason why smart engineers do not shield GPS with aluminium. I am fairly certain that some Asus people got in trouble for such a mistake.
Can we get an aftermarket plastic backplate? I'd buy one in a second. This device would go from zero to hero in my book.
EDIT: Trouble? Dude there are a bunch of former ASUS engineers LFW.
Those of you who call it speculation. Make a pouch out of some aluminum foil, press speedtest and put the tablet into the pouch and close it. Voila, NO WIFI/GPS/BT. It's like magic.
Very slim to none at least in the near future. Not only do they have to redesign the backplate, but they need to re-position the GPS, Bluetooth, and Wifi. Once they have that set, Asus needs to rework their production line (which isn't cheap) to be configured to the new changes.
Once everything is figured out.. it'll be re-branded/tagged as TF 201A or something to that degree.
Just wish there was a way to make a round window in the backing like apple has around the asus logo and put plastic plug in.....
This could have been a ground breaking product. In my opinion they have ruined their reputation with this fiasco. I have a feeling within the next three months we'll be seeing primes coming out with some type of plastic window. Which of course it will be too late for us to return ours. When you put out a wifi only version the wifi better work flawlessly.
Isn't there some typ of spray coating they could have used on the inside of the backing or on the outside to help in radio reception?
Well, if there is aftermarket plastic back plate, question is how to replace it? I don't think that is an easy task. I expect there is no screw or something easy that we can crack open using common tool (screw driver).
To be honest, if I were ASUS, I will stop current production and change the back plate design. Several options:
1. Put rounded "window" patch from plastic large enough in the antenna area. Or something like the 3G model of Apple iPad with that black bar patch.
2. Put some kind of (speaker) grill there for aesthetic design and hide the plastic patch underneath it.
Not the whole back plate though.
Probably this will cost a lot of money to "change" their current order of (millions) back plate, but I think changing this is much better for their future product image/ reputation, rather than selling as it is now.
Granted, not all people do care with crap GPS (I don't care! I wont use it as car navigation), but for example with WiFi. Current situation, put people in "doubt". Even though many tests proved WiFi is OK, not great, but sufficient enough. However, the doubt feeling is there ... "Will the WiFi good enough at my house?" ... knowing the device is NOT designed perfectly ...
That Anandtech article is great. I like how he points out the the ipad 2 wifi model doesn't support GPS either.
That's what I've got my phone for.
gogol said:
Now we know that the full metal back plate is the sole reason of weak WiFi and bad GPS performance.
ASUS admited it, and we can read as well explanation from AnandTech:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5285/asus-eee-pad-transformer-prime-gps-issue-explained
So, what's the chance of ASUS redesigned the back plate?
Probably just patching the antenna area with plastic, that should be enough.
That would be awesome!
People used to laugh at Samsung because they always put plastic back cover. Now, suddenly we all need plastic one!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the link to that article. it was a good read. as far as the redisign goes, I'd side with what the Anandtech guy said and that it would be highly unlikely. too many units have been pushed out already. plus its main comoetitior, the wifi only ipad2 doesn't even have a GPS chip in it. only the 3g one. also the ipad2 having less wifi range than original Ipad based on placement of wifi antenna near speaker grill was a new one. if there is a redesign, it'll be down the road. too many units are being sold at a fast rate to stop production and redesign. despite the GPS flaw, this device is still selling like hotcakes. everywhere sells out instantly once available online. there are tons of people on backorder still. I still feel lucky to be able to own one so early. I'd do it all over again if I could.
now what would be cool is if Asus send us a voucher or something for a free 32gb memory card or major discount on a dock or something. I'd gladly take that instead.
Falhawk said:
That Anandtech article is great. I like how he points out the the ipad 2 wifi model doesn't support GPS either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because it doesn't have a GPS receiver...not a valid comparison, he only stated this for "popularity" not functionality...
markimar said:
Just wish there was a way to make a round window in the backing like apple has around the asus logo and put plastic plug in.....
This could have been a ground breaking product. In my opinion they have ruined their reputation with this fiasco. I have a feeling within the next three months we'll be seeing primes coming out with some type of plastic window. Which of course it will be too late for us to return ours. When you put out a wifi only version the wifi better work flawlessly.
Isn't there some typ of spray coating they could have used on the inside of the backing or on the outside to help in radio reception?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you meant return it to the store you purchased it from, but the Prime has a 1 year warranty from Asus.
gogol said:
Well, if there is aftermarket plastic back plate, question is how to replace it? I don't think that is an easy task. I expect there is no screw or something easy that we can crack open using common tool (screw driver).
To be honest, if I were ASUS, I will stop current production and change the back plate design. Several options:
1. Put rounded "window" patch from plastic large enough in the antenna area. Or something like the 3G model of Apple iPad with that black bar patch.
2. Put some kind of (speaker) grill there for aesthetic design and hide the plastic patch underneath it.
Not the whole back plate though.
Probably this will cost a lot of money to "change" their current order of (millions) back plate, but I think changing this is much better for their future product image/ reputation, rather than selling as it is now.
Granted, not all people do care with crap GPS (I don't care! I wont use it as car navigation), but for example with WiFi. Current situation, put people in "doubt". Even though many tests proved WiFi is OK, not great, but sufficient enough. However, the doubt feeling is there ... "Will the WiFi good enough at my house?" ... knowing the device is NOT designed perfectly ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's really not simple in business perspective. Asus really needs to be creative with their design because:
1. Prime got a lot of publicity for Aluminum backplate (they can't just replace the whole thing with plastic cover)
2. Apple patents.. Simply attaching RF window & Asus plastic cover to the likes of iPad 2 simply screams of lawsuit from Apple.
markimar said:
Just wish there was a way to make a round window in the backing like apple has around the asus logo and put plastic plug in.....
This could have been a ground breaking product. In my opinion they have ruined their reputation with this fiasco. I have a feeling within the next three months we'll be seeing primes coming out with some type of plastic window. Which of course it will be too late for us to return ours. When you put out a wifi only version the wifi better work flawlessly.
Isn't there some typ of spray coating they could have used on the inside of the backing or on the outside to help in radio reception?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asus reputation not ruined. The Prime is still the most desired and hard to find tablet out now. Despite GPS flaw, its still ground breaking technology. the GPS doesn't hold any weight when it comes to that title. at least we have a Gps chip period. ipad2 wifi version doesn't even have one. The Prime will still be known as the worlds first next generation Quad/5 core tablet that had alot of firsts. Best display out of any tablet out being another one.
as far as wifi goes,my unit doesn't have any issues or gripes in that regard. haven't noticed anything different than with my Ipad as far as connectivity and speed goes. once developers unlock bootloader and adjust the kernel values n such, we might end up having the best wifi of any tablet due to dual antennaes. plus we haven't even seen the positive impacts ICS will have on wireless performance with its updated drivers and better coding. only a few more days to go
shinzz said:
It's really not simple in business perspective. Asus really needs to be creative with their design because:
1. Prime got a lot of publicity for Aluminum backplate (they can't just replace the whole thing with plastic cover)
2. Apple patents.. Simply attaching RF window & Asus plastic cover to the likes of iPad 2 simply screams of lawsuit from Apple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found an article about the patent:
http://www.patentlyapple.com/patent...s-new-kind-of-logo-antenna-for-portables.html
So, as long as it is not a "logo", ASUS should be safe, no?
setite said:
Those of you who call it speculation. Make a pouch out of some aluminum foil, press speedtest and put the tablet into the pouch and close it. Voila, NO WIFI/GPS/BT. It's like magic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. except the prime isn't a closed envelope, furthermore the GPS antenna isn't even facing towards the back.
If you want to do a REAL comparison, find a metal surface and put your phone ontop of it. See how the GPS reacts.
MAYBE it ll diminish just a little, but it will never be completely dead in the water like some if not most primes are.
gogol said:
Found an article about the patent:
http://www.patentlyapple.com/patent...s-new-kind-of-logo-antenna-for-portables.html
So, as long as it is not a "logo", ASUS should be safe, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll never know with Apple. Heck, they filed a lawsuit against Samsung for creating rectangular tablet (that and bezel and few other ridiculous reason).
setite said:
Can we get an aftermarket plastic backplate? I'd buy one in a second. This device would go from zero to hero in my book.
EDIT: Trouble? Dude there are a bunch of former ASUS engineers LFW.
Those of you who call it speculation. Make a pouch out of some aluminum foil, press speedtest and put the tablet into the pouch and close it. Voila, NO WIFI/GPS/BT. It's like magic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know why everyone likes to point to a full metal enclosure as proof of the poor engineering design. Its not analogous to the prime at all.
I have actually made an aluminum foil backing for my phone out of curiosity and it had zero effect on my speedtest results (didn't check gps).
Basically everything is pointing to the metal backing is the cause of the problems, although I too would love to actually see the results with a unit sans backplate.
cry me a river.
gogol said:
Well, if there is aftermarket plastic back plate, question is how to replace it? I don't think that is an easy task. I expect there is no screw or something easy that we can crack open using common tool (screw driver).
To be honest, if I were ASUS, I will stop current production and change the back plate design. Several options:
1. Put rounded "window" patch from plastic large enough in the antenna area. Or something like the 3G model of Apple iPad with that black bar patch.
2. Put some kind of (speaker) grill there for aesthetic design and hide the plastic patch underneath it.
Not the whole back plate though.
Probably this will cost a lot of money to "change" their current order of (millions) back plate, but I think changing this is much better for their future product image/ reputation, rather than selling as it is now.
Granted, not all people do care with crap GPS (I don't care! I wont use it as car navigation), but for example with WiFi. Current situation, put people in "doubt". Even though many tests proved WiFi is OK, not great, but sufficient enough. However, the doubt feeling is there ... "Will the WiFi good enough at my house?" ... knowing the device is NOT designed perfectly ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so you're just going to repeat everything you heard Anand say?
None of that is going to happen, get over it.
I know there had been one person who was thinking about offering custom back plates to people, but it ended up being too expensive.
I just got my Prime yesterday and my Prime cannot even lock onto a satellite even when it is outdoors so I understand the pain everyone feels from this problem. It bothers me that the solution to this problem is quite simple, and yet very risky because no one wants to take apart their brand new Prime.
I would like to develop an affordable method to fix the antenna problems. But before I decide to take apart my Prime I want to make sure there would be enough interest because some people don't mind the GPS problems and others really want it to work like me.
If there is enough interest I will probably keep my Transformer Prime and start working on a solution. If not, I will probably return my Prime.
If you are interested simply submit your response in the poll. Also, I want to gauge what sort of money you guys would be willing to spend to have your back plates modified.
No...................
What would be awesome is a back cover that allowed larger batteries but not sure if they make the same batteries but larger mah's.
Look at it this way, in a couple of months there will be a solution that delivers great GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth performance for $100 without voiding your warranty. It's called the TF700. You get an HD display included for that extra $100 also.
BarryH_GEG said:
Look at it this way, in a couple of months there will be a solution that delivers great GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth performance for $100 without voiding your warranty. It's called the TF700. You get an HD display included for that extra $100 also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no guarantee or official tests done yet to say T-700 will have superior wireless performance. Remember the backplate is still all metal only with thin strip up top being plastic. so its still prone to interference from backplate. Any assumptions on wireless performance is clearly just speculation until hard facts come out. you should know this Barry..lol
Being realistic here:
If it was something I had to dremel myself, I wouldn't buy it. I would guess I'm like a decent portion of XDA here when I say I'm not exactly the most precise when it comes to DIY projects.
If it was something I had to send my prime in to do, I'd hesitate quite a bit. No offense or anything, but I'm not comfortable sending my electronics to someone I don't know and have never met. I'd wait a long while for reputation to build up. If it eventually did, I'd pay $20 + shipping, preferably with some kind of deposit.
If I were to send my back panel to someone and have them customize it, I'd be a little hesitant, but more willing than above. If it worked, and really fit perfectly it'd probably be the best of both worlds: my own shiny ASUS metal backing with a plastic strip along the top. I'd pay $35~50 for it.
If it was a full back panel that was plastic instead of aluminum - and fit perfectly with the case, which I would imagine is the hard part since lower tolerances = higher cost - I'd pay $25~40 for it.
Thinking about it, if it were to use the same metal backing for the outside, but simply cut a window out for the antennas (leaving frame in tact to preserve back cover seal), that'd be the ultimate solution.
I'm up for this as long the cover fits properly and looks like a tablet still. Maybe just drilling speaker holes near/around the antenna is enough to let the signal go out.
Shouldn't Asus be doing this themselves? If they are smart enough, they can offer people option to replace the back cover when they get sent back thru RMA. Better yet, they can make some money out of it by designing colored backplates that works and fits properly and sell them for $20-$40.
This way, people have a choice, go aluminum and get bad signal issues or go plastic to get better signals and choose the color to match your style.
Lol, talk about covering your [email protected] and turning a bug into a feature. Haha.
Going to be a Debbie downer..This is going to go no where. It will cost to much. No one - or very few - will want to attempt changing it. Voids warranty. Just not feasible. It will be a lot of hypothetical talk - like the last thread like this - then Peter out. Sorry.
demandarin said:
no guarantee or official tests done yet to say T-700 will have superior wireless performance. Remember the backplate is still all metal only with thin strip up top being plastic. so its still prone to interference from backplate. Any assumptions on wireless performance is clearly just speculation until hard facts come out. you should know this Barry..lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, in order to defend the Prime, you're willing to say Asus is totally incompetent and incapable of developing a tablet with GPS, Wi-Fi, and BT that don't require 100's of pages of forum debate? If they were so pleased with the Prime’s design, why wouldn’t they have just slapped an HD display on it and called it good? They’ve said that adding the plastic border was specifically to improve wireless performance. For Asus' sake, I hope they do get wireless right in the TF700.
I too would pass on this unless offered by ASUS. They extended the warranty 6 months longer for. All of their screw ups. With all the issues we are having out of the box, imagine if we come to find out that the lifetime of the tablets hardware last only 1 year? You could cry all about it and say you want yours fixed or replaced, but you wouldn't get it.
As with a lot of other things, they tend to break right after the warranty. Asus already had set 1 year for the warranty period. So if the above logic and phenomena takes place, then the fact that Asus extended your warranty for 6 months would all be for nothing.
Why would you want to sacrifice that? You can root and revert to stock. Technically you have voided your warranty, but what they don't know won't hurt. You can't revert to a stock backing... Not easily at least. And probably not without showing signs of tampering.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
BarryH_GEG said:
Look at it this way, in a couple of months there will be a solution that delivers great GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth performance for $100 without voiding your warranty. It's called the TF700. You get an HD display included for that extra $100 also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the solution that will make me happy, Asus has already designed the new backplate on the 700 plus the HD screen makes it worth waiting for. It's actually more in line with the tabs announced by the competition so the confidence level is high that Asus will minimize the faults. Past the holidays, they now have plenty of time to correct their mistakes.
I say go for it! Like the guy who fabricated the dock, I wouldn't do it or buy it. But you'll get props and be the first person, I know, to do it!
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
PurpleSh4rk said:
I know there had been one person who was thinking about offering custom back plates to people, but it ended up being too expensive.
I just got my Prime yesterday and my Prime cannot even lock onto a satellite even when it is outdoors so I understand the pain everyone feels from this problem. It bothers me that the solution to this problem is quite simple, and yet very risky because no one wants to take apart their brand new Prime.
I would like to develop an affordable method to fix the antenna problems. But before I decide to take apart my Prime I want to make sure there would be enough interest because some people don't mind the GPS problems and others really want it to work like me.
If there is enough interest I will probably keep my Transformer Prime and start working on a solution. If not, I will probably return my Prime.
If you are interested simply submit your response in the poll. Also, I want to gauge what sort of money you guys would be willing to spend to have your back plates modified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, if you just copy the TF700T back cover your assuming the antennas havent been redesigned, which I believe they have done with the TF700T so the antennas lie directly behind the plastic strip.
junrider said:
Of course, if you just copy the TF700T back cover your assuming the antennas havent been redesigned, which I believe they have done with the TF700T so the antennas lie directly behind the plastic strip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes they have because the volume and headphones micro sd slot are all in different locations the only same part us the dock connectors
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
If it was easy to do, well documented, and improved my battery life without damaging my tablet, I would be willing to spend maybe <= $30 on a backplate kit.
WiFi/GPS performance are more than powerful enough for my needs and I'm working in a pretty crappy area to get WiFi. But, I feel that the battery life might be better if I could tune down the TX power and have a more penetrable backplate.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
I have never seen it proven that even removing the backplate increases gps results. Anyone have a link where it is proven other than a statement by ASUS? Like maybe a Prime with the back off that is navigating a vehicle without wifi on?
Evo_Shift said:
Anyone have a link where it is proven other than a statement by ASUS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The fact that rather than adding a HD display to the Prime they've gone to the trouble and expense of redesigning the TF700 sort of confirms in action what Asus has said all along. If by repositioning the antennas and adding a plastic border the TF700 doesn't have wireless issues, that will be your proof. From the tear down, all the Prime's wireless components are of high quality so there would be no reason to change them in the TF700.
Evo_Shift said:
I have never seen it proven that even removing the backplate increases gps results. Anyone have a link where it is proven other than a statement by ASUS? Like maybe a Prime with the back off that is navigating a vehicle without wifi on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not gonna happen. It won't function with the back off based on the tear down pictures.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
The Antenna Location issue
junrider said:
Of course, if you just copy the TF700T back cover your assuming the antennas havent been redesigned, which I believe they have done with the TF700T so the antennas lie directly behind the plastic strip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone who is not sure where the Antennas are located IN THE PRIME, has either forgotten, or never saw probably the best write up on the subject. This explaination by AnandTech was quoted (and misquoted) widely, but few used the diagrams. Further evidence is in his (seperate) article with a full teardown of a Prime:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5285/asus-eee-pad-transformer-prime-gps-issue-explained
See attached diagram. I sure Hope that Asus Has NOT moved the antennas. Have you all looked at the diagrams of the diversity WiFi and (single)GPS antennas in the Prime? They are ALREADY under where the plastic strip appears in the TF700T. That was what pissed me off the most, and the fact that it was 3 weeks into the Primes release. Had to take a LITTLE time to conceive, create and fit a new cover, from concept to working
model... say a few weeks? Ittseemed so obvious that it was a direct
response to the GPS issues, and AnandTechs discussion of plastic
covers over antennas, ala Apple.
On the redesigned back panel thing. While this may be a good way for Asus to recover a lot of lost faith and good will, this is no simple thing, and it is not as the OP envisions it. As good as his intentions might be, that back cover is super difficult to remove/replace as the gasket is pretty much all that holds the internals into the metal section. It is part of the Tablets structure, and it is the MAIN part that provides strength, structure, and integrity to the entire package. The other part, the Corning Gorilla Glass that covers the LCD is the other, but contributes substantially less. If you were to create a plastic section, or worse still an all plastic or polycarbonate, the unit would likely be a creaker and a squeaker. Plus, I think just disassembling these breaks the integrity of the unit, and I am not convinced that they can reassemble them as well as the manufacturing line can when they are built. A lot of reports came out of screens moving or being partially detached. Check the threads and see, but I suspect these were units disassembled for Wifi fixes perhaps. All I know is, cosmetically, mine is perfect, and I would be very concerned if it went in for service. Kind of like giving your Aston Martin to the tire guys at Walmart. You know they can do the work, but worry about what respect the hardware will get (usually it's none)
SmartAs$Phone said:
Anyone who is not sure where the Antennas are located IN THE PRIME, has either forgotten, or never saw probably the best write up on the subject. This explaination by AnandTech was quoted (and misquoted) widely, but few used the diagrams. Further evidence is in his (seperate) article with a full teardown of a Prime:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5285/asus-eee-pad-transformer-prime-gps-issue-explained
See attached diagram. I sure Hope that Asus Has NOT moved the antennas. Have you all looked at the diagrams of the diversity WiFi and (single)GPS antennas in the Prime? They are ALREADY under where the plastic strip appears in the TF700T. That was what pissed me off the most, and the fact that it was 3 weeks into the Primes release. Had to take a LITTLE time to conceive, create and fit a new cover, from concept to working
model... say a few weeks? Ittseemed so obvious that it was a direct
response to the GPS issues, and AnandTechs discussion of plastic
covers over antennas, ala Apple.
On the redesigned back panel thing. While this may be a good way for Asus to recover a lot of lost faith and good will, this is no simple thing, and it is not as the OP envisions it. As good as his intentions might be, that back cover is super difficult to remove/replace as the gasket is pretty much all that holds the internals into the metal section. It is part of the Tablets structure, and it is the MAIN part that provides strength, structure, and integrity to the entire package. The other part, the Corning Gorilla Glass that covers the LCD is the other, but contributes substantially less. If you were to create a plastic section, or worse still an all plastic or polycarbonate, the unit would likely be a creaker and a squeaker. Plus, I think just disassembling these breaks the integrity of the unit, and I am not convinced that they can reassemble them as well as the manufacturing line can when they are built. A lot of reports came out of screens moving or being partially detached. Check the threads and see, but I suspect these were units disassembled for Wifi fixes perhaps. All I know is, cosmetically, mine is perfect, and I would be very concerned if it went in for service. Kind of like giving your Aston Martin to the tire guys at Walmart. You know they can do the work, but worry about what respect the hardware will get (usually it's none)
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If the 201 backplate is anything similar to the 101, then removing it will be an easy task. And if the backplate can be modified in a shop by cutting a strip off the top, smoothing the rough edges and mating it with a strip of plastic, I think the cost will be affordable. Here's a video of the 101 backplate disassembly using a thin plastic release tool and a phillips screwdriver:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG9gEYRALtU
However, as pointed out, the fix must first be tested and proven to work on all Primes or at least those with no issues other than weakened rf signals.
I backed the Truesmart the day after it went live on Kickstarter and now after almost 3/4 of a year later I recieved the two devices i backed.
One was fine but the other had an assambly damage. The antenna cables for GPS and WIFI were broken.
To find the source of the connection problems I had to take of the back of the device and now I was told that I have voided the warranty because of that and will not get an exchange!
So I asked if I could buy the wrist band seperately as a spare part and was given a MAYBE in a few months when there is a service center near where I live.
I doubt that.
Repairing a broken micro coax cable is nearly impossible ( at least for me) so...
Now to my question:
Could anyone of you advise me where I could buy/get such a spare wrist band with the GPS and Wifi antenna inside?
Have already asked the seller of the Z8 device on aliexpress but he said thei are out of stock....
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Holy crap that was most definitely broken at the factory.
posted using my towelrooted Galaxy S5.
Yikes.... not good. Do you have any more pictures of this zoomed out a little? It would be interesting to see how the cables fit into the strap. Are you able to slide them in and out of the strap? I wonder how far they go into the strap? I wonder what shape they are as well (straight? curved? coil?), and what's hidden in the strap (components or antenna plates?)... if it's a simple length of straight wire, and it likely could be, then it would theoretically be possible to yank out and replace with something else.
Also what were the GPS/wifi issues exactly? Were both completely dead or was it an intermittent connection? Did it work better off your wrist rather than on?
I reckon this information will be helpful to other users in case they are suspicious of problems in their own units. For instance, my wifi seems a bit weak and I need to be relatively close to the router for it to work reliably (within 25 feet, I'd say), but I'm not sure if that's because the antenna is pressed against my arm and it's wirelessly noisy around here (it is) or because there is a possible fault.
On mine the antenna leads were glued in after insertion through the case and I am pretty sure the connectors were added, crimped on the ends, after insertion too.
Would be hard to remove and replace without destroying the ends.
I've already swapped bands three times so far. The ends are crimped before attaching the bands then soft sealant is injected into the case holes.
I was contacted about parting out the immersion test unit and found out that it would not have worked properly even if it had survived. Just like the OP the leads were damaged.
They drilled big enough holes in the case to push through the antenna leads with the connectors already on them, then sealed the holes around the wires with that white too ?
OK. I was wrong. Sounds like it would be easier to refit a replacement band than I had imagined. If you could get the band halves...
it's easy
It is quiet easy to change the band. The big holes and the sealant injected there after assembly is also the main cause for water getting into the device.
So that's the thing I would love to get my hands on a wrist band to be able to use the truesmart as intended.
Right now it is just sitting around because the companion app on the ostore really sucks and I still don't get the use of a smartwatch as companion to a phone.
Maybe this changes when I get to use a device with Google wear on it.
This would be good for the truesmart as well but needs an upgrade to at least 4.4 I think.
Until then its waiting again for me and asking around for spare parts at resellers or find someone with a broken truesmart who wants to make at least some money.
Hi there,
for Years i'm reading here silently and i never register myself.
I'm German and i hope that my english is well enough that you can understand my Questions.
I have a Question, not about Software for Samsung S8, so that's the Point for me to register here.
Hope that is the right Place in this Forum for my Question.
In the Future i plan to buy a S8 second hand. My Money is small so the most second hand S8 are in need of repair (Frontglas & Backcovers). Nothing what a Human with skills can handle. But i want to mod the S8 on the Side of Hardware.
Here is my Question:
Is it possible to make a Backcover from Aluminium and to use it instead of Glascover?
My thinking is to get a Originalcover and then to rebuild one from Aluminium (Thin it must be). CNC, or Lasercut for the precision.
I've googled many hours in the Hope to find something like this, but nothing.
So i want to ask you.
I think a Backcover from Alu ist not so breakable as Glas, more stable, but is it to realize without elektrical Danger to Part of the Phone.
I don't like the Cases & Bumpers & so on. I want to make my Phone more personal.
Are my thoughts crazy, or not? What do you think?
Hope my thread here is ok and do not conflict with the Forumrules. Sorry if that happens, but otherwise i will be thankfull for an answer or discussion about this Topic.
Greets to all outhere...
Interesting idea! Personally I would go with a skin like dbrand or slikwrap even if the glass is broken. Personal look and you don't lose any wireless functionality
Make sure that you remove the wireless charging coil before this!
Aluminium Backcover-Possible or not
Hi there,
i'm living in a relativ small Town in Northern Germany, but i hope i can find some
Manufacturers that can realize my idea. Maybe i must give an Order to some Firma over Google, or so.
To j91hernandez:
Can you give me eventually some links to the products. In Germany there are unknown, i think. I want to take a look on it.
I ask myself: is a Alu-BC thick enough to protect the Phone like the Glas-BC?
Or must can i use a Metall-BC instead Alu? I don't know.
The other thing is: you must remove the Original-BC to apply the, maybe stronger, Mod-BC. But if the S8 has no Guarantee you can make it like you wish.
Glas-Cover looks great, but i've seen so much broken S8s to buy in Ebay-Second Hand Shop, so i wondering, why nobody change the BC of the Phone to avoid the use of Cases, etc.
With a well designed Metall / Alu-BC it must be better, i think. Maybe you can make it less slippery for your Hands, too.
But: is there Dangers for electrical Parts of the Phone, i mean short circuit between Parts? In wich Way it affects the NFC Functions, etc.?
Maybe try & error! I'm willing to do so if i have the Money to buy a S8. So i try to get any Infos about that Projectidea.
zoroarctic said:
Make sure that you remove the wireless charging coil before this!
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That's a Point! The Function of the Phone shall be at 100%, so i think i must look and read about Phones with Metall-BC AND Wireless Charging how they doing it.
There would be a chance the metal backing by witch one would have to possibly custom make curves and all. But may dampen WiFi bluetooth and wireless signals. Anything other than plastic glass or aluminum I would imagine would interfere with wireless charging as well. Absorbing or warping the magnetic field
But I would say if a man could bend the edges properly a hand held rotary tool would more than likely suffice to do all edging and cutouts for various sensors. I have had to make due with home made metal object before but precision be on this is a must. As water resistance is more than like gone with the wind on this mod.....
Which I support fully
HoosierDaddy said:
There would be a chance the metal backing by witch one would have to possibly custom make curves and all. But may dampen WiFi bluetooth and wireless signals. Anything other than plastic glass or aluminum I would imagine would interfere with wireless charging as well. Absorbing or warping the magnetic field
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I agree with this
A plastic back would make much more sense as it would bend easier than metal for the corners while allowing for wireless charging and not causing any kind of electrical shorting issues.
zoroarctic said:
I agree with this
A plastic back would make much more sense as it would bend easier than metal for the corners while allowing for wireless charging and not causing any kind of electrical shorting issues.
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Click to collapse
Hi there,
ok, Plastic-Cover is another idea to think about.
But it looks not so good as Alu, or Metall. Hm, maybe th use of a Skin can make the Optic cooler than. Another Sideeffekt is that the Plastik is covered then against big sctratches. No Danger for short circuits then and hopefully no problems with wireless charging and so on.
To Build such an BC is easier, right. Bending and cut out the Holes, that's all what we can make ourselves (if you are not Double-Lefthanded).
Thanks for the Input. Will think about that and trying it if i have my S8 in the Future.
A Fullbody-Cover protects the Phone completly (Front+Back), but on the other Side it is more thicker, unhandy. Often the Buttons are not good to press, and such things.
if you insist on aluminium/metal, then you are going to have to give up some functionalities. otherwise, plastics would be your only option. wood might be a viable option too, however durability would be an issue with the material.
imho though, you mentioned that you have limited money and if you're going to get an aluminium/metal/wood back cover machined by someone, it's going to cost more than you would think. replacement glass are way cheaper and as the other user suggested, you have vinyl wraps to get the look that you want