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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'm searching for a metal case for my new hermes. Anybody found one yet?
I tried it on ebay, but there are aluminium cases for wizard only.
signal killer
May I suggest that you don't buy a metal case for your Hermes. I am a long time Wizard owner (looking to buy a Hermes as soon as I can). I have had an aluminum case and always wondered what was killing my signal. If you do a search over in the Wizard forums you will see that those cases just kill your signal. Maybe the Hermes has some improvements, but I would be careful. Just thought I would save you from some frustration (and maybe some wasted money!) It's a shame, cause I love those cases as well.
Anyone found an aluminum case that would work yet? I have always hated leather cases never used an aluminum one, I just know I am gonna tear the screen up if I dont have something hard rotecting it while its in my pocket, basically I would be usin it in a manner like somebody would a sunglasses case, take it out when its in use, and put it back when its not..etc, and I'm not that important, if I miss a call due to bad signal, its no biggie.
Indeed. Aluminium does a good job of absorbing radiation. Sadly GSM is affected by it as well.
Well I haven't seen that at all with the Vario I get the same signal wether I have the case or not
Really? Vario was... a.... Wizard, was it?
Aye
You can find aluminium cases (silver or black) for the TyTN at www.pdair.com
i just received my PDAir aluminium case, it makes the device looks thicker. but at least u wont have to worry about cracking the LCD screen!
my previous ipaq pda and verizon vx6600 got LCD screen cracked due to sitting on it. i dont like to wear it on the belt, i like to put the pdaPhone in the pocket
I just received my aluminium case too. Here is a little information and some pictures I can provide.
http://www.wretch.cc/blog/doomer&article_id=4597663
I'd be very interested in any subjective assesments of the impact on signal strength, and battery life, as a result of using one of these cases.
I'd like one, but not if it significantly hampers the signal, or substantially drains the battery as a result of a need to run at higher transmission strength.
Until now ( exceed 12 hrs ), I didn't find any signal reduction. I have no problems calling out and accepting incoming calls while my hermes still wearing alumium case all the time.
I got mine PDAir case a couple of days ago. No reall problems really. nicely made, looks good (black one), and the belt clip is pretty good. Only one droped call, but I had one or two droped calls from home without the case, so I don't think it is the case. Overall I would recommend it.
If I get time over the weekend, I might post some hi rez photos of the black case with the Orange SPV 3100.
Ordered and received the black version from PDAir, I had ordered the invisible shield first, so my TyTN fit a bit too tight in the aluminum case cause of the shield..but it went in.
I am currently using this sucker so much that I really didn't like to have to flip the case open all the time to use it, I debated on removing the plastic window from the case, but just opted to throw it on the shelf within the first 15 minutes of opening the package.
I didt use it long enough to notice battery drain, but the signal strength was the same with or without the case, also the case hinges on the right hand side to allow it to remain in the case while using the keyboard..but it feels a bit weird, almost like its designed for a left handed person...hard to explain.
Well, I have had mine for about a week and I will say this,... THANK GOD! as I have dropped it since I've had the case and well,... IT WORKS!!!
I can get to all of the buttons AND even the antenna, it also ascut out for my lanyard that I use. Everything is accessable including the microSD card (why I don't know). It is a little difficult to get to some of the buttons with my big "sausage" fingers but it still serves the purpose that I need.
Unless I find a better case (which I haven't seen plans for) I sticking with this one.
PDAIR Great job!
I dropped my Tytn off the couch a few times after passin out while hangin out on IRC, the invisible shield worked very well...but I decided I would give the aluminum case another go..I removed the clear window and then thought the black case looked crappy around the silver phone, so I started to sand it down to polish it, I got all of the front cover sanded and part of the back, and went to see how it looked around the phone...I just held the phone and positioned the top cover over it, and then I noticed the screen flicker...I'm not sure if I missed this before I sanded it, because then I checked with different wallpapers and its not really noticeable with some and it only happens when the case is over it...kinda strange I thought, considering the phone has an aluminum bezel already around the screen from the factory, and I also did notice I would drop a bar on the signal if I wasn't in a strong area.
As many people making aftermarket stuff out of carbon fiber nowdays...I can't believe someone hasn't started making them for phone's/pda's
Its relatively cheap, and a lazy route of making them could be done by just vacuum forming one from an already made aluminum case.
What about Bluetooth? Does aluminium case shields it signal?
Got a black aluminium case from Boxwave. Looks and fits fine. Didn't notice any Bluetooth signal degradation so far.
BTW PDAir and Boxwave cases look identical - most likely both have the same OEM producer.
Got my aluminum case from dealone.com
Had my case since day two with my Cingy 8525. No problems noted, glad I have extra protection as I'm always bumping into things walking. Tables, chairs, etc. Mine is the monaco aluminum case in black. Absolutely love it!
http://www.amazon.com/Cingular-8525...s_sr_2/002-9456356-4411227?ie=UTF8&s=wireless
Just order 1 from there.
The title says it all really, just want to know what the fit is like etc. As far as I can make out we're a bit stuck for cases for the Orbit2.
Many thanks. Apologies if I've missed this if it's covered here somewhere.
OK, just to round this thread off, in case anyone else out there is thinking of buying a Krusell case for the Touch Cruise to use with their Orbit 2, I now have one and basically I am fairly happy with it.
On the negative side, the case adds a fair amount of bulk and it's not possible to have anything plugged in to the bottom connector (a real pain for headphone use) whilst the case is poppered up. The fit is not exactly right, many of the holes don't line up exactly as they would if the case was designed for the Orbit2. The popper you need to pop to open the case to take a call etc is a bit of a fiddle, would have been great if Krusell had designed in a tag to make that easier.
On the plus side; the case is a big improvement for me over the case that came with the phone. The quality is great, ah the smell of new leather! The holes at the back for the camera and mirror and the speaker seem to line up fine. The fact that the holes at the front don't line up perfectly doesn't seem to make any difference to the quality of phone calls.
My plan is to get hold of a leather punch/sharp knife and do some customising, so that I can plug my headphones in whilst the case is closed and to enlarge some of the holes at the front so that it should all fit properly. Then if Krusell/someone else releases a custom made case for the Orbit 2, I wouldn't think I'd even want to change it.
If anyone else is interested and wants me to post any pics let me know and I will be more than happy to do so.
It would help if you had a link to the product.
I am interested in seeing your pictures too...because often times I have found the pictures on the manufacturers \ store websites are VERY misleading and small.
Thanks in advance.
Would it really help you? I see you are in the US, I am talking about the O2 (European) Orbit 2 which has differing dimensions from the rest of the Polaris', due to the O2 branding, which gives the whole phone a different shape and means various bits are in slightly different positions from the Polaris/Touch Cruise. If this still might help you I can fire up the camera and post some pics, no problem.
Just to let you know ppl - watch out for touch pro 2 full housings sold by several sellers on ebay. They all look very much the same, same photos everywhere, there are red and blue ones. Got me the red one, wasted over 50 quid and nearly wrecked my phone trying to fit it. THEY DON'T FIT REGULAR, UNBRANDED TOUCH PRO 2 despite the description.
- You literally need to cut large pieces of plastic off to fit the mainboard in
- you lose GPS (there is no antenna in the housing)
- it is difficult to get the Bluetooth working (I had to bend the metal connections on the mainboard),
- fitting the keyboard surround causes that phone doesn't recognize that keyboard is out anymore (no backlight, no landscape)
- hinges are horrible quailty, they never close fully, make weird noises
- the keyboard doesn't fit the rest of the set (cut-outs for caps and fn lights are in wrong places)
In short - the only fully usable thing is the back cover (nice one, i like it) and the bezel (nice looking but slightly different shape than original, some cases won't fit anymore).
Just lost two days of my life. I hope you won't.
Here's the very one I bought:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/for-HTC-Touch...ies_MobilePhoneFascias_JN?hash=item45f09fc5db
Thanks for letting us know
Sadly all these "cases" for the phone tends to be tough to put on. I had to put on a FULL body shield on the phone before I tried these casings.
It hurts me when I have to do it VERY HARD to snap it on. The end results are decent, but the shield pushes the case a bit out because the phone becomes a bit thicker.
Post #1 and title updated.
Just purchased an s - view cover of eBay and it says that it has an authentication chip in it so it will actually work like the original.
Just thought I would share this with everyone.
here's the link: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321261135549
Hope it works
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Note 3. checkout www.techenthu.com.
If you like my post hit thanks
I've bought one from ebay:
ebay.co.uk/itm/380780764369
And I don't like it to be honest.
First of all, the finish is bad. You can see bits of broken fabrics on the edge of S-view windows.
The ear piece was not properly cut. There were still bits of fabrics in the ear piece that I had to pull them out.
There were a few scratches (probably there when I received it) on the s-view window. Those scratches were behind the cover.
Perhaps worst of all, the S-view function is kind of buggy. Whenever I connect it to the charger, it has a 75% chance to knock the S-view out like the chip suddenly disappeared. Evens if I never connect to a charger, there's still a chance... say 1 - 5 % that the S-View function suddenly disappear.
I certainly hopes the one you get is better than mine. Anyway, I decided to go for the original S-view + wireless because:
1. I don't like the chip in the wireless receiver constantly press onto the battery. I can feel there's a slight square dent on the battery after a week of usage
2. I don't want to gamble on the quality any more.
P.S: The Note 3 Basesu Case can be pretty good. But I wanted wireless charging as well and I'm not in the mood to carry out such modification =P
vandals01 said:
I've bought one from ebay:
ebay.co.uk/itm/380780764369
And I don't like it to be honest.
First of all, the finish is bad. You can see bits of broken fabrics on the edge of S-view windows.
The ear piece was not properly cut. There were still bits of fabrics in the ear piece that I had to pull them out.
There were a few scratches (probably there when I received it) on the s-view window. Those scratches were behind the cover.
Perhaps worst of all, the S-view function is kind of buggy. Whenever I connect it to the charger, it has a 75% chance to knock the S-view out like the chip suddenly disappeared. Evens if I never connect to a charger, there's still a chance... say 1 - 5 % that the S-View function suddenly disappear.
I certainly hopes the one you get is better than mine. Anyway, I decided to go for the original S-view + wireless because:
1. I don't like the chip in the wireless receiver constantly press onto the battery. I can feel there's a slight square dent on the battery after a week of usage
2. I don't want to gamble on the quality any more.
P.S: The Note 3 Basesu Case can be pretty good. But I wanted wireless charging as well and I'm not in the mood to carry out such modification =P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a horrible case I'm really hoping I get a decent one. Thanks
I got one from ebay as well, but the seller isn't selling them anymore.
Thing is super buggy and somehow even messed with my bluetooth.
It would never remember setting the s-view background.
When flipped over to the back, it would activate s-view functions.
Bluetooth streaming would break up, hang, skip and pop.
I removed the case, and everything went back to normal.
Oh well
I read that scratched screen from him, is it true?