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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
I've posted a review of metal/armor case for HTC Herald/P4350/C800
Here is the link
Link to the Review
oh, my god
ValdikSS said:
oh, my god
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OMG for what?
It appears to be a WM 5.0 phone, Can it be upgraded to WM6??
puja399 said:
It appears to be a WM 5.0 phone, Can it be upgraded to WM6??
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It is running WM6 in those pics
i heard when using the case it will kill a battery due do the metel making the phone need to wkr harder for signal.. any noticible differance for it?
i was lookin at this, ended up geting the clear plastic shell case but still looking at others
How did u upgrade to WM6?? Does it void the warranty? Can any PPC with WM5 be upgraded?? Can it be upgraded to the forthcoming WM6.1?
(Sorry to sound like a supper-n00b)
nyitalian718 said:
i heard when using the case it will kill a battery due do the metel making the phone need to wkr harder for signal.. any noticible differance for it?
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Click to collapse
No. It doesnt result in poor battery. Also, there is no difference for the device in catching the signals. I always got full signals with/without the case.
puja399 said:
Does it void the warranty? Can any PPC with WM5 be upgraded?? Can it be upgraded to the forthcoming WM6.1?
(Sorry to sound like a supper-n00b)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Upgrading does voids the warrenty if your device is other than HTC HERALD. This is because official WM6 upgrades were never out for the non-heralds. Yes, it can be upgraded to WM6.1
puja, I hope u've read the PM, I'd sent to u. please reply me via PM
nyitalian718 said:
i heard when using the case it will kill a battery due do the metel making the phone need to wkr harder for signal.. any noticible differance for it?
i was lookin at this, ended up geting the clear plastic shell case but still looking at others
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are probably thinking of the Faraday's cage type effect (the reason cell phones don't work in elevators), since the case is pretty much wide open on the front it doesn't cause any issues.
For the clear plastic does it cover the screen? That's the achilles heal of this unit for sure; one bad bump and it's cracked
yea well i had heard from some one it did kill signal, but could be bad phone or what not bad location...
the clear armor case doesnt coverthe screen..
i like it but eh i will prob order the armor case this weekend from daydeal...
That case is ugly, what the hell r u doing that you need a metal phone...lol
FYI My armor case almose lost the pins holding the hinges together the other day...I've only had it for a month or two, get the cheaper one for sure, it's all junk!
bugsy714 said:
FYI My armor case almose lost the pins holding the hinges together the other day...I've only had it for a month or two, get the cheaper one for sure, it's all junk!
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Click to collapse
I'm also using the boxwave one. Its all sturdy so far brotha
residentEvil said:
That case is ugly, what the hell r u doing that you need a metal phone...lol
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1. it feels safer when it is pocket.
2. No need to worry about the screen getting the smashes when it is in the pocket
3. it looks GEEKIER
kdskamal said:
1. it feels safer when it is pocket.
2. No need to worry about the screen getting the smashes when it is in the pocket
3. it looks GEEKIER
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Click to collapse
I agree.
I use a Metal Case since my second display. The first one was completely crushed in a brand leather case....
Metal cases...
Can't disagree that the boxwave metal case really protects the device, and preserved the features, buttons, etc. Unfortunately it also protects it from receiving radio signals!
I scrapped mine after discovering that the Bluetooth range went from about 30 feet to about 5 feet, and lost an average of about 1 bar of GSM signal strength just about everywhere I went. I also noticed that travelling in some more fringe areas, the phone would be MUCH more likely to drop signal completely. Along with this drawback came increased battery usage because the GSM and Bluetooth radios had to draw more juice to stay hooked up.
A nearly solid metal case covering a RF tranceiver device with no external antenna, the end result is pretty obvious.
If you spend most of your time in a good signal strength area and always keep the phone and Bluetooth headset near each other, then you may never witness the effects. For my part, as soon as I ditched the metal case, problem went away with no other changes.
I have to agree on the case. Yes it's great Armour for the phone..but it kills your reception. If i'm on a call via BT with my phone clipped on, all I get is fuzz in the background..same if I went further then 5 feet. I lost both pins..thankfully I bought the cheaper one.
So I just had a thought about using some lead tape I use to boost weight of my tennis racquets to boost weight of the vibrant. I hate how the vibrant feels kinda cheap and hope adding some weight to it would make it feel a lil better. Would using the lead tape interfere with reception either cellular or gps?
Okay I am not trying to flame or be rude, but how does the vibrant feel cheap ?
Is it because it doesn't weigh that much ? The vibrant in my opinion does not feel cheap and most people prefer a lighter phone. Why would you want to add weight to something that is slim lined on purpose ? Do you really want to carry around a brick in your pocket ? Yes to answer your question, the tape would probably interfere with at least your cell signal, I don't know about the gps signal though. I personally think that this is a terrible idea. To each their own I guess though.
So not only will it feel cheap but hey now your really gonna make it look cheap lol
I agree with 1 part about the OP though.
The phone DOES look like it was made out of fully plastic... and thats why it looks.. cheap!
I mean look at ATT's Galaxy S ( was it the captivate? )
It has a hard matte cover, and it feels good to carry around...
Also HOW would it interfear with signal? If that were true, wouldn't it do the same with other bulky cases?
Then it would have bad signal, but with my case nothing like that happens... so idk
I'm pretty sure lead tape would kill your signal. After all, dentists and doctors give you lead filled aprons when you take x-rays, for the purpose of blocking the radiation.
xriderx66 said:
Also HOW would it interfear with signal? If that were true, wouldn't it do the same with other bulky cases?
Then it would have bad signal, but with my case nothing like that happens... so idk
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:facepalm:
Is your case made out of lead? It's got nothing to do with the bulkiness, it's the material.
thegreatcity said:
:facepalm:
Is your case made out of lead? It's got nothing to do with the bulkiness, it's the material.
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Sorry sorry sorry!
Missed the lead part read right through it!
I suppose this would also give your phone added protection against superman.
Anyways, the lead tape would be likely to give you signal trouble, but play around with the placement and you should be able to find a way to make it do-able.
This is a pretty neat Idea, I might give it a shot myself, just for fun.
Ok so personally I think it's too light. I prefer some weight to my phones. Lets be honest here..people want a metal backed or mix of metal/plastic back. There was a thread about someone making them here. Also as was mentioned look at the captivate that feels so much more solid. As for the lead tape have you seen them before? Its relatively thin and I would be sticking them on the inside of the battery cover not on the outside. I have some cheapo battery covers from ebay I'll try it on. I'll report back if people are interested.
It'll ruin your signal, but your phone will survive significant levels of radiation!
There are some aftermarket back covers made of metal that make the phone feel more rigid and so if that's is a concern then go buy one of those.
As far as weight, the phone is engineered so well and to be this light is a real accomplishment. Nice to have a phone that is 50% lighter than my last, don;t need a boat anchor in my pocket.
As far as the lead goes unless it is actually covering up the antenna, lead will not hurt reception. People get confused about the difference between x-rays waves and radio waves.............
http://www.casefanatic.com/samsung-2/galaxy-note-3/galaxy-note-3-love-mei-metal-bumper/
This looks great and its thin at .7mm.
I remember on the Note 2, I bought the hunterF iphone case and signal quality was horrible because of the back plate.
Do aluminum bumpers degrade signal quality? This was the best case I could find for maintaining the handfeel of the phone. I really enjoy the back texture and general slimness so I dont even want to use anything like a TPU case.
I had problems with this type of bumper on an iphone 4, but they had the antenna along the side so for the n3 this likely won't be a problem. One thing I noticed, at least in the renders, this case doesn't have a hole on the lower right side for (what many people say is) the temperature / humidity sensor.
seoulbrova said:
http://www.casefanatic.com/samsung-2/galaxy-note-3/galaxy-note-3-love-mei-metal-bumper/
This looks great and its thin at .7mm.
I remember on the Note 2, I bought the hunterF iphone case and signal quality was horrible because of the back plate.
Do aluminum bumpers degrade signal quality? This was the best case I could find for maintaining the handfeel of the phone. I really enjoy the back texture and general slimness so I dont even want to use anything like a TPU case.
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Not ure, but I can tell you this, I received my note III aluminum back cover replacement today (ebay), and it absolutely destroys signal, data is slow, dropped calls, remove it and immediately signal is back.
This is the one I bought
Samzebian said:
Not ure, but I can tell you this, I received my note III aluminum back cover replacement today (ebay), and it absolutely destroys signal, data is slow, dropped calls, remove it ..
is the one I bought
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Curious to know how the fitment is for your back cover. . Could you post pictures?
Aluminium bumper is a waste
There is a scientific reason how metal can block or boost signal.
In our case, aluminium bumper is blocking network antena in the phone.
On my iphone, it was not a problem, payne because the antena was not affected.
But now in my Note 4, it clearly blocks the network antena(as I saw the antena position on the note 4) and my signal gets lost.
I dont think that u'll have a problem, as the note 3 has the antenna on the back!
Wrong dude. It will block ur signal for sure. I bought 1 and checked. You will lost around 1-2 bars on ur signal.
Same as the metal back cover.
Actually i want to convert my note 3 to metal, so i bought 1 metal frame, 1 metal back cover. They make my signal weaker, 2-4 bars depend on ur location.
In my experience, dont waste ur money. I pay 30 bucks for both of them.
Ps: also block wifi signal too.
I have never purchased anything from Ebay before, so I was hoping to get the opinion of those who are more experienced about case purchases from their. I was searching for a nice high quality bumper case, and I found quite a few on Ebay but one of them stood out the most, just seemed a lot more premium than the others (from the pictures) and way more thought out, has all the mic holes unlike some of the others where the one on the bottom corner is covered, even the rubber padding on the inside is engraved with the manufacturer logo (G.LIDER), and comes with a nice little screw cap screwdriver key chain. Hope to get your thoughts on it.
I included some images and here's the link/links:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anmboo-Meta...Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&var=&hash=item19e3f95a0c
Edit: after i posted i noticed they put the corner mic cutout on the wrong side lol
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Alumi...t=US_Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&hash=item4acb6c3fe1
Mars196 said:
I have never purchased anything from Ebay before, so I was hoping to get the opinion of those who are more experienced about case purchases from their. I was searching for a nice high quality bumper case, and I found quite a few on Ebay but one of them stood out the most, just seemed a lot more premium than the others (from the pictures) and way more thought out, has all the mic holes unlike some of the others where the one on the bottom corner is covered, even the rubber padding on the inside is engraved with the manufacturer logo (G.LIDER), and comes with a nice little screw cap screwdriver key chain. Hope to get your thoughts on it.
I included some images and here's the link/links:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anmboo-Meta...Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&var=&hash=item19e3f95a0c
Edit: after i posted i noticed they put the corner mic cutout on the wrong side lol
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Alumi...t=US_Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&hash=item4acb6c3fe1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even I thought about buying one of these, but most likely your signal will get destroyed. I would try to find someone who bought one and get a review on it.
Pikezer1337 said:
Even I thought about buying one of these, but most likely your signal will get destroyed. I would try to find someone who bought one and get a review on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea that was one of my main concerns about it but cant find a review on one of these or similar, there's quite a few reviews on those full body aluminum cases which I hear drop signal tremendously.
Pikezer1337 said:
Even I thought about buying one of these, but most likely your signal will get destroyed. I would try to find someone who bought one and get a review on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found a review on the Galaxy Note 2 forum where someone reviews 2 aluminum bumpers, he seems to lose a bar with the bumper on. Might greatly effect my data signal since i only get like 1-2 bars from Verizon at any given place in the Tampa Bay area but not my wifi.
Link to post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2019435
I had a similar metal bumper on my Note 2. The signal definitely decreased and my GPS kept having issues with attaining a lock/maintaining the lock
So actually, I just got mine, not sure if it's the same one, but I see no decrease in signal.
I tried speedtest.net app, but didn't see decrease in speed (at least significant enough).
I mean there was a slight decrease in speed, but that was like around 1~2 Mbps, and I'm still getting around 23 Mbps.
I learned a valuable lesson using metal bumper case, it scratch the trim and cause the paint to peel off. Also, many reported signal drop a bar or two.
I had an aluminum bumper on my iPhone 5 and had horrible signal. I personally would not recommend and aluminum bumper even though they look really nice on the phones
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
As far as I know the Note 3 doesn't have the phone antenna located in any corner, it is located from the top to the bottom, so there will be no issue in phone signal
Different thing is GPS antenna...
chhappy7 said:
So actually, I just got mine, not sure if it's the same one, but I see no decrease in signal.
I tried speedtest.net app, but didn't see decrease in speed (at least significant enough).
I mean there was a slight decrease in speed, but that was like around 1~2 Mbps, and I'm still getting around 23 Mbps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you post some pics of it? Yea i don't think its a huge loss in signal, im usually on wifi so it doesn't matter much since i get full bars in all my classes, home and work, might be a problem on 4g since I only get like 1 bar. Does it in any way scratch the device, especially that chrome painted rim around the phone?
Mars196 said:
Can you post some pics of it? Yea i don't think its a huge loss in signal, im usually on wifi so it doesn't matter much since i get full bars in all my classes, home and work, might be a problem on 4g since I only get like 1 bar. Does it in any way scratch the device, especially that chrome painted rim around the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's quite a significant loss in signal. A bar or two. I only had mine on for about a day and I sold it for my N2. In areas where I'd normally get a slightly lower signal, the phone would drop reception altogether. Unusable.
ultwill said:
It's quite a significant loss in signal. A bar or two. I only had mine on for about a day and I sold it for my N2. In areas where I'd normally get a slightly lower signal, the phone would drop reception altogether. Unusable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't have too many options in good looking bumper cases otherwise i would just buy a plastic one, its either this or the Spigen Neo Hybrid and that flimsy plastic bumper isn't too assuring, a lot of people have gotten it damaged right out of the box and others who have used it previously on their galaxy S4 had it damaged within a couple months, I need something sturdy that will show off the squarish design of the Note 3
Would of been awesome if Belkin made a view case for any other device excluding the iPhone
I want something like this : http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-View-C...96559&sr=1-2&keywords=griffin+iphone+5+bumper
for the Note 3, been searching for a while and cant really find anything similar except for those aluminum bumpers, the closest I have found is the Luvvitt Clearview but its still rounded instead of square and the bumper part is made of TPU.
http://www.amazon.com/LUVVITT®-CLEA...3897349&sr=1-2&keywords=galaxy+note+3+luvvitt
Mars196 said:
I have never purchased anything from Ebay before, so I was hoping to get the opinion of those who are more experienced about case purchases from their. I was searching for a nice high quality bumper case, and I found quite a few on Ebay but one of them stood out the most, just seemed a lot more premium than the others (from the pictures) and way more thought out, has all the mic holes unlike some of the others where the one on the bottom corner is covered, even the rubber padding on the inside is engraved with the manufacturer logo (G.LIDER), and comes with a nice little screw cap screwdriver key chain. Hope to get your thoughts on it.
I included some images and here's the link/links:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anmboo-Meta...Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&var=&hash=item19e3f95a0c
Edit: after i posted i noticed they put the corner mic cutout on the wrong side lol
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Alumi...t=US_Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&hash=item4acb6c3fe1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I started a thread about the Love Mei aluminum bumper. There were members that said they had signal drops, but in my case, I cannot confirm this for my usage.
But the Love Mei is missing the hole on the lower right side of the phone, too. At least they just forgot instead of putting it in the wrong side :silly:
Mikegrmn said:
I started a thread about the Love Mei aluminum bumper. There were members that said they had signal drops, but in my case, I cannot confirm this for my usage.
But the Love Mei is missing the hole on the lower right side of the phone, too. At least they just forgot instead of putting it in the wrong side :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I checked that one out too, it was my first option before I came across this one.
Mars196 said:
Edit: after i posted i noticed they put the corner mic cutout on the wrong side lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's actually the temperature/humidity/etc. sensor. you can blow hot air into it and watch the temp rise with any sensor app. If you never use that stuff, I wouldn't think it'd be a big deal. But the reception loss could be a big bummer.
babyshanks said:
That's actually the temperature/humidity/etc. sensor. you can blow hot air into it and watch the temp rise with any sensor app. If you never use that stuff, I wouldn't think it'd be a big deal. But the reception loss could be a big bummer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I drilled a hole in my bumper just this morning. The outcome is unfortunately not so pretty as my newly drilled hole was offset at first, but I think I can live with that.
babyshanks said:
That's actually the temperature/humidity/etc. sensor. you can blow hot air into it and watch the temp rise with any sensor app. If you never use that stuff, I wouldn't think it'd be a big deal. But the reception loss could be a big bummer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird that they would include a cutout for the barometer but not the mic lol, i would think the mic is a bit more important (phone calls, video calls, videos in general)
Mars196 said:
Weird that they would include a cutout for the barometer but not the mic lol, i would think the mic is a bit more important (phone calls, video calls, videos in general)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry maybe I wasn't too clear on my explanation, I meant the corner mic is actually not a corner mic hehe, thats a hole for the sensors.
babyshanks said:
Sorry maybe I wasn't too clear on my explanation, I meant the corner mic is actually not a corner mic hehe, thats a hole for the sensors.
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Click to collapse
Oh ok lol, not all that important to me, I don't need my phone to tell me if its hot or cold when I step outside, im sure I can feel it.
Mars196 said:
Can you post some pics of it? Yea i don't think its a huge loss in signal, im usually on wifi so it doesn't matter much since i get full bars in all my classes, home and work, might be a problem on 4g since I only get like 1 bar. Does it in any way scratch the device, especially that chrome painted rim around the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out my post in this thread.
Someone asked me almost the same question.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48113076#post48113076
But basically, for me, I saw no signal loss, 4G or 3G or cell signal, or even GPS.
I do use Verizon, which tends to be very good where I live.
Also, it does have black sticker-like things inside so that sides are not scratched.