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Aluminum case and signal issues?

Hey guys, I was just about to purchase this case but then started wondering if it would adversely affect my signal strength so I thought I would jump on here and see if any of you have used an aluminum case and what the results were...
Thanks for any info, you guys rock!

It has a very good possibility of affecting the signal since the antenna will have a clunk of metal around it. But I dont have any first hand knowledge. Why not just get a plastic case. They effect it less.

I really want a case that has a door with a window on it..do you know of any plastic one?
Anyone else have any experience with aluminum cases?

Perhaps I am a pioneer in the area of aluminum cases and the HTC Mogul...or perhaps no one is paying attention to this thread because it's posted in the wrong area. I don't suppose an admin could move this over to the accessories sub forum could they.
Aside from this, where is the antenna located in the mogul? I'm thinking that if I do end up with signal issues I will cut slits the length of the antenna in the case.
Any info on this would be greatly appreciated!

conradcliff said:
Perhaps I am a pioneer in the area of aluminum cases and the HTC Mogul...or perhaps no one is paying attention to this thread because it's posted in the wrong area. I don't suppose an admin could move this over to the accessories sub forum could they.
Aside from this, where is the antenna located in the mogul? I'm thinking that if I do end up with signal issues I will cut slits the length of the antenna in the case.
Any info on this would be greatly appreciated!
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Sounds pretty cool, can you link us to the particular case mentioned? Other than that I have no experience with metal (aluminum is considered a metal for the banterers) cases either. Personally I would stick to plastic, but sounds neat.

There's a link to it in the first post, but here it is again.
I've been walking around with an ipaq 2215 for the last 5 years with an aluminum case and that thing has saved my life on many occasions.
The plastic would be ok too I think, but only if I could find one that had a door that closed over the screen..
Who do you think I should talk to to get this moved over into accessories? I didn't even realize there was an accessories category when I posted this..

conradcliff said:
There's a link to it in the first post, but here it is again.
I've been walking around with an ipaq 2215 for the last 5 years with an aluminum case and that thing has saved my life on many occasions.
The plastic would be ok too I think, but only if I could find one that had a door that closed over the screen..
Who do you think I should talk to to get this moved over into accessories? I didn't even realize there was an accessories category when I posted this..
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That case is awesome. I really like it. Interested to see if it ruins the signal quality, or possibly enhance it lol I dont know.. It looks properly designed, I am sure the manufacturer took the antenna location into consideration. I would go for it. Let me know how it works out, hopefully by then one is still available. I can grab one myself.
I will have this moved for you.

Thanks for getting this moved for me Ryan..yeah, I think I'm going to purchase the case within the next few days unless someone pipes in with a negative review.
In the meantime, does anyone know where the antenna is located in the 6800?
Thanks for any help!

So, I came in here to bump the thread up one more time before I bought the case, but it was still at the top...doesn't seem like people are too concerned about Titan accessories any longer
I guess 150 views is enough though, I think I'm just going to bite the bullet and buy.
Will update once I've tested in the low signal areas that I frequent.

I had the exact same case for my xv6700 and never had any signal issues. The case worked well and kept my 6700 looking brand new!
I really liked the lexan screen cover.
I tried the seidio rubberized case for my titan. it worked awesome for about 10 months until the little tiny tabs that held it on broke off. Only a 90 day warrenty so SOL. Now I use a cudora pouch.
So let me know how the aircraft aluminum one fits!!

That's great to hear! I'm going to order it tonight and maybe upload some pics when I get it..

hi conradcliff
dont forget test review the case (how about the look, size etc) and upload the pict, i want to buy also, but it seems need 2 week to deliver it to my country

Oh I most certainly will..I'll also post the coupon code they gave me for 10% off, hopefully it will work for anyone.

Initial Review: Monaco Aluminum Case for Mogul/6800
Short answer: A well designed, sturdy case well worth the ~ $20 price. I'll add some photos soon. Sorry if I stepped on anyone's toes who intended to write one of these up, but hey, two opinions are better than one!
I've had three of these cases for three separate Sprint 6800's. Two black, one silver. For those familiar with Monaco Aluminum Cases (they made/make these for other phones, such as the 6700), this embodiment is just as good.
Pros:
Very solid design - this case can easily outlast the life of your phone. Aside from slight exterior discoloration, dings, and scratches, this case should easily withstand all normal, day-to-day use.
Inner liner - this case includes an inner liner made of neoprene that protects the phone from minor scratch/abrasion marks; that provides a very snug fit for the phone; and provides *minimal* fall protection. Two-story drops and projectile usage by angry girlfriends are not protected.
Access - the case provides access to all buttons, dials, interfaces (except for touch screen & slide-out KB). Luckily, almost all functionality of this phone can be effectuated without the touch screen (not the TP, grrrr), so you will not have to open the case too often, which is very nice. When you do open the case, the keyboard slides over the open top of the case nicely.
Vents (Air/Signal) - there are vents on the top, back, and right side of the case for air and/or signal paths. I've experienced no signal difference, or even heat difference, with this case. I'm sure it does insulate the phone to some degree, but it's minimal.
Belt Clip - the case comes with a belt clip and swivel that are relatively secure and convenient. I've had one belt clip split (the plunger portion), but it is still very usable. You don't have to use them, but I do. The round swivel that screws into the back of the case provides a nicer grip of the phone, IMHO. If you don't like either, you don't have to use them.
Cons:
Weight - it does add weight to your phone. It's not extreme, but holding the phone for extended periods of time may prove annoying by some with this extra weight. I don't mind it at all, and I have a headset and use speakerphone anyhow.
User Adjustment Required - Out of the box, this case is NOT ready to use! You absolutely must gauge how well the metal clip engages the main body of the case. Every case I've received required me to slightly bend the clip inwards to provide a stronger hold. If the hold is too weak, brushing against the side of the case (by your arm when walking with the case attached to your waist side, or by anything you may brush against) can result in your phone falling out to the ground. So, adjust the clip right away, and ALWAYS, periodically check it, as repeated opening may loosen the hold over time. Also, when wearing this case attached to the side of your hip, attach it to your left side so the metal clip and catch of the case are facing behind you. This way, brushing against something while you're walking will not accidentally open your case allowing your phone to drop out.
Plastic Cover - this cover can scratch. I tried placing a screen protectors over it, but they would never stay. The oil from your face/hands/etc, along with the lack of a frame protecting the edges of a protector from friction are mostly to blame. However I've learned that with a little care, the plastic screen can survive everyday use quite nicely.
So, I highly recommend this case!!
10% off coupon code -> EIWQC1257830
"Simply insert the coupon code during our checkout process and instantly save 10% off the merchandise.
You can use the coupon up to 5 times. This code will expire after 60 days [from 10/7/09]."

There's more to know though so don't buy until you get my review..hopefully tomorrow.

Extended battery cover signals

Anybody found an extended battery with an extended battery cover that has decent gps and mobile antennas in it ? Bought 2 off eBay, neither gave me any gps signal, and mobile signal was poorer than with stock cover. (BTW I find the mobile signal lower than my other phones even with stock cover, extended cover is even worse)

im also got the problem...i bought 2 extended battery (3500 mah) with ext door cover but seems the signal wireless very bad @ not detect at all !!!!
anybody know the concept/source to solve the cover signal pracktically ? TQ

how much for the extended batt?

what covers did you buy on ebay? I am interested in increasing my HSPA+ reception. I get 1 or no bars at home.

sdxda said:
what covers did you buy on ebay? I am interested in increasing my HSPA+ reception. I get 1 or no bars at home.
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Well you won't get a better signal from one of these extended covers, in fact you will be lucky to get a signal at all, they are crap. The two I tried were the 3500mA ones on eBay UK for about £12. The battery is ok but useless with a cover that effectively has no antennas other than a bit of metalised spray paint that does not work.

Aftermarket aerial

Hi xda.
where i live i get pretty bad reception on any phone/network due to the mountainous region of NSW Australia.
I noticed my incredible s had 3 aerial holes in the back cover so a dock/aftermarket aerial can be plugged in.
Which docks/aerial's would be compatible? Or would i need to make my own?
Thanks.

If you live in a bad area where coverage is no good, there's not really a solution
Try upgrading your radio to the latest, that helped for me
If you're on optus you can buy this thing called 'home zone' which basically improves your signal in your house
I have not seen any covers which boost reception. Adding metal like foil to the back cover does not really help, I tried it. I think the cover has the antenna built into it, its not just the small strips on the inside
Here is the link to the optus home zone I found:
http://www.optus.com.au/home/home-zone/

bumpers

I love the look of a naked Note 2! Anyone know of any good bumpers out there?

bigdade said:
I love the look of a naked Note 2! Anyone know of any good bumpers out there?
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I ordered one of these this week.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300842291...eName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Very speedy delivery. Got my item next day. Is a good fit on the note and makes it seem like it's part of the device. This combined with a screen protector and rear protector skin is great!

Why do they have to be made out of aluminum

IamPro said:
Why do they have to be made out of aluminum
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This is why I don't own one. I wish they weren't aluminum! I don't live in a 4G area and 3G isn't that strong so last time I had an aluminum bumper reception was horrible!

IamPro said:
Why do they have to be made out of aluminum
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There's these bumpers?
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Samsung-Gala...ies&hash=item3ccdbeefd7&_uhb=1#ht_2567wt_1163
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/WHITE-TPU-Si...ies&hash=item2ec4456ea7&_uhb=1#ht_1377wt_1163

McLaren__F1 said:
There's these bumpers?
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Samsung-Gala...ies&hash=item3ccdbeefd7&_uhb=1#ht_2567wt_1163
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/WHITE-TPU-Si...ies&hash=item2ec4456ea7&_uhb=1#ht_1377wt_1163
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The problem with those is that they are 2 pieces glued together so after some time they start to seperate, I had the GNex bumper (like in 2nd link) and thats exactly what happened; it was nice while it lasted for the month or so
1 piece with a raised lip and it would be perfect imo

Just bought this one today
ZuGadgets Orange Quality Aluminum Metal Bumper Case Cover for GALAXY Note 2 N7100 (4445-3)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZFNW1Y/ref=cm_sw_r_an_am_ap_am_us?ie=UTF8
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

The aluminium bumpers neudof and myself linked shouldn't affect reception at all as they don't hide any of the back cover. It's the ones that hide the back cover are the ones you should worry about. I work in the basement floor in my office and I still have full reception.

I have an aluminium bumper on my s2, it does not effect the signal at all.
I wish they make the bumber out of titanium .

Icywat3r said:
I have an aluminium bumper on my s2, it does not effect the signal at all.
I wish they make the bumber out of titanium .
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Titanium would be expensive :thumbdown:
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Thanks for the input guys. I was a little hesitant about getting an aluminum bumper but im gonna try it out and report back on signal degradation and overall performance

bigdade said:
Thanks for the input guys. I was a little hesitant about getting an aluminum bumper but im gonna try it out and report back on signal degradation and overall performance
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Ill do the same when I get mine
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

Great, I'll subscribe to this thread and wait for the results.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

My bumper will come in on Wednesday so i will test it then. I have 3 areas where i get varying reception. So i will be able to test it in places where i get excellent signal, medium signal, and weak signal. I'm hoping it turns out to be fairly accurate portrayal of real world conditions. I will provide speed test results of course as well as comment on performance. Thanks for everyone contributing to this thread.

my aluminium bumper just arrived today.
pros:
- is sleek and beautiful
- it is very light so you'll not notice the extra weight
- i didn't notice signal degradation, is at the same level as without bumper
- very easy to mount
cons:
- the cuts for usb and headphones are kinda small and you have to use original samsung cables or similar otherwise they will not fit
- the edges on he back are a little sharp, not enough to hurt, but they could be a little unconfortable
overall impression, i like it and happy with the purchase
the link is here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Metal-A...601920?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item416f34bec0
however, i bought the black one but i seems the blacks are out of stock now

noris08 said:
my aluminium bumper just arrived today.
pros:
- is sleek and beautiful
- it is very light so you'll not notice the extra weight
- i didn't notice signal degradation, is at the same level as without bumper
- very easy to mount
cons:
- the cuts for usb and headphones are kinda small and you have to use original samsung cables or similar otherwise they will not fit
- the edges on he back are a little sharp, not enough to hurt, but they could be a little unconfortable
overall impression, i like it and happy with the purchase
the link is here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Metal-A...601920?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item416f34bec0
however, i bought the black one but i seems the blacks are out of stock now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've got that one. depends on your signal degredation. with a tpu case, my signal strength gets up to around 17asu max, with an average of 13-14asu.
with the bumper in the link you've sent, my signal strength drops to 14asu max, with an average of 8-10asu. so for me, the drop in reception was annoying enough for me to just go back to my heavy duty tpu case.

for me the signal strenght oscillate between 10 to 16 asu, with 1-14 average, with or without bumper, so i can conclude that the signal is more or less the same.
what does looks worse is the gps signal which keeps droping inside the building. i still didn't check it outside the building though

noris08 said:
my aluminium bumper just arrived today.
pros:
- is sleek and beautiful
- it is very light so you'll not notice the extra weight
- i didn't notice signal degradation, is at the same level as without bumper
- very easy to mount
cons:
- the cuts for usb and headphones are kinda small and you have to use original samsung cables or similar otherwise they will not fit
- the edges on he back are a little sharp, not enough to hurt, but they could be a little unconfortable
overall impression, i like it and happy with the purchase
the link is here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Metal-A...601920?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item416f34bec0
however, i bought the black one but i seems the blacks are out of stock now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the same one but in silver so I assume I can expect the same results.

noris08 said:
for me the signal strenght oscillate between 10 to 16 asu, with 1-14 average, with or without bumper, so i can conclude that the signal is more or less the same.
what does looks worse is the gps signal which keeps droping inside the building. i still didn't check it outside the building though
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i never had much gps signal indoors so not much of a problem there.
but i did notice the signal strength drop was notable enough to increase battery drain as my device tried to use more power to boost the signal. normally my daily usage is quite consistent, to the point where i only use 20% of my battery after a 9 hour shift. with the aluminium bumper, i end up using 30% of my battery after a 9 hour shift.
im sure for people who get better signal strength, the loss in signal wont be noticeable at all. but for me, it was enough for me to go back to a tpu case.

I had a aluminum bumper and it killed my signal. I was in about a 3 bar 4G area and it would drop the signal down to 3G with 2 bars. My area has always been a solid 3G area. I took it off and on in numerous locations over and over and it was indeed the culprit. Now its sitting around collecting dust.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium

Aluminum Bumper and GPS

I bought a cheap wisdom aluminum bumper last week, been using it with no problem with wifi, data and cellular signal. Until I use waze and GPS, it would get a lock on then would loose it, then lock on again and loose it again. Thats until I remove the bumper.
I guess the aluminum somehow affects the GPS.

Yes I have one of these, and I measured also WiFi and it blocks it, at least at 2ghz band, GPS signal also weakens and compás enough to Make it unusable.
Sent From my Un-Rooted GT-N7100

Unfortunately my experience was the exact same....signal loss with the bumper on. Could be the placebo effect but I feel as though my battery life has also increased without the bumper on. My assumption is that it could be due to the phone searching for signal more.
Sucks because I really like my bumper case.
Sent from my NOTEworthy smartphone

emeraldayotte said:
Unfortunately my experience was the exact same....signal loss with the bumper on. Could be the placebo effect but I feel as though my battery life has also increased without the bumper on. My assumption is that it could be due to the phone searching for signal more.
Sucks because I really like my bumper case.
Sent from my NOTEworthy smartphone
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Mines been fine. What brand are you guys using?

DaBountyHunter said:
Mines been fine. What brand are you guys using?
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Cheap eBay aluminum bumper
Sent from my NOTEworthy smartphone

Bought one and didn't like it. It scratch the screen when removing n putting in.