Some of you may not know that there is a hidden external antenna port on the GT540. It it located under the rear cover, near the microphone of the device. It is covered by a tiny grey sticker which you can just peel off. The connector appears to be a Hirose U.FL connector (a common surface-mount RF connector.) To use this, you can build or buy an antenna tuned to your favorite GSM band (e.g. 1.9 GHz) and plug it in to get better reception and improved directionality. If you know exactly where the cellular base station tower is, you can just point a yagi antenna at it to get an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. You can also attach a bidirectional amplifier to your phone to boost the power output, but only if the laws in your country allow you to use an amplifier.
Most phones have an external RF connector for some reason. I don't know why the manufacturers even bother populating the connector on the PCB, because most consumers won't even use it, and the connectors must cost them something. But whatever, at least this benefits everyone here at XDA.
What I want to know is: Does the Bluetooth/WiFi radio connect to this antenna port as well as the GSM radio, or is it just the GSM radio?
I currently do not have the connectors to test this, but if the internal antenna is multiplexed between the GSM and WiFi radios, I suspect that the external antenna port will be multiplexed as well. This would mean that you could use the external antenna port to snipe WiFi access points.
I just need to get an RP-SMA Male to U.FL Male adapter so I can test the phone with a yagi antenna cut for WiFi.
So, does anybody already use the external port on their GT540?
I've always wanted to know what one of those was seen it on loads of phones, cool info, but i cant help you
Differentiation?
Can the availibility of the port differ from country to country or market to market?
oakwhiz said:
Some of you may not know that there is a hidden external antenna port on the GT540. It it located under the rear cover, near the microphone of the device. It is covered by a tiny grey sticker which you can just peel off. The connector appears to be a Hirose U.FL connector (a common surface-mount RF connector.) To use this, you can build or buy an antenna tuned to your favorite GSM band (e.g. 1.9 GHz) and plug it in to get better reception and improved directionality. If you know exactly where the cellular base station tower is, you can just point a yagi antenna at it to get an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. You can also attach a bidirectional amplifier to your phone to boost the power output, but only if the laws in your country allow you to use an amplifier.
Most phones have an external RF connector for some reason. I don't know why the manufacturers even bother populating the connector on the PCB, because most consumers won't even use it, and the connectors must cost them something. But whatever, at least this benefits everyone here at XDA.
What I want to know is: Does the Bluetooth/WiFi radio connect to this antenna port as well as the GSM radio, or is it just the GSM radio?
I currently do not have the connectors to test this, but if the internal antenna is multiplexed between the GSM and WiFi radios, I suspect that the external antenna port will be multiplexed as well. This would mean that you could use the external antenna port to snipe WiFi access points.
I just need to get an RP-SMA Male to U.FL Male adapter so I can test the phone with a yagi antenna cut for WiFi.
So, does anybody already use the external port on their GT540?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please could you exactly post links what I will need to buy.
I can't see it on mine
Sent from my GT540 using Tapatalk
jhonnyx1000 said:
Can the availibility of the port differ from country to country or market to market?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bought mine off vodafone NZ as well. A black sticker is hiding it instead.
*not sure whether it differs country by country
I might have a go at modifying the phone cradle in my car so I can use the external antenna that a previous owner had fitted. It even has the right connector on the end inside the car.
I know you wanted links on what you need will try to find out but....
This is very interesting im off to do a bit of research ( I have one on my lg )
oakwhiz said:
Some of you may not know that there is a hidden external antenna port on the GT540. It it located under the rear cover, near the microphone of the device. It is covered by a tiny grey sticker which you can just peel off. The connector appears to be a Hirose U.FL connector (a common surface-mount RF connector.) To use this, you can build or buy an antenna tuned to your favorite GSM band (e.g. 1.9 GHz) and plug it in to get better reception and improved directionality. If you know exactly where the cellular base station tower is, you can just point a yagi antenna at it to get an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. You can also attach a bidirectional amplifier to your phone to boost the power output, but only if the laws in your country allow you to use an amplifier.
Most phones have an external RF connector for some reason. I don't know why the manufacturers even bother populating the connector on the PCB, because most consumers won't even use it, and the connectors must cost them something. But whatever, at least this benefits everyone here at XDA.
What I want to know is: Does the Bluetooth/WiFi radio connect to this antenna port as well as the GSM radio, or is it just the GSM radio?
I currently do not have the connectors to test this, but if the internal antenna is multiplexed between the GSM and WiFi radios, I suspect that the external antenna port will be multiplexed as well. This would mean that you could use the external antenna port to snipe WiFi access points.
I just need to get an RP-SMA Male to U.FL Male adapter so I can test the phone with a yagi antenna cut for WiFi.
So, does anybody already use the external port on their GT540?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found it! It was under a black sticker. I'm in UK - any annoying laws?
Where can I get the things?
Sent from my LG GT540 with mur4ik's swift Droid 2, RC5.
liamwilli said:
Found it! It was under a black sticker. I'm in UK - any annoying laws?
Where can I get the things?
Sent from my LG GT540 with mur4ik's swift Droid 2, RC5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've connected external antenna and there is no difference in WiFi signal. This port is only for GSM.
liamwilli said:
Found it! It was under a black sticker. I'm in UK - any annoying laws?
Where can I get the things?
Sent from my LG GT540 with mur4ik's swift Droid 2, RC5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd just like to point out that it's illegal to attach external antennas to consumer radio transmitters in most countries unless you have a license from your local government. This port is likely there for engineering and quality control purposes - perhaps the phone is powered up in test mode at the factory while the RF output is connected to a vector analyzer to see if the output meets RF emission standards. I've also heard that the port itself is not rated for more than a few hundred insertion cycles, and that it can get stuck in the disconnected position.
Related
Looks to be just what I'm looking for, Its not going to fit the Titan perfectly but it looks like it would work.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/FM-Transmitter-M...ryZ20336QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
If anyone has one on a Titan please give us a review.
Chris
well i just bought one so i'll review it when i get it.
I'm curious... let me know how this works... Very curious to see if it works good with the Slingbox. If I could run the audio of the TV through my car speakers... I'm buying it soon after!
THANKS!
Well I got the transmitter yesterday and was initially pleased with the size and appearance. My first disappointment was that it will not charge the device while playing music. That was the point of my purchase. I have sent a question to the seller about this. I may have got a faulty transmitter.
Also the sound has static in the lower range. If you play anything with crunch like metallica, it just sounds like distortion... on top of distortion... This can be reduced by turning down the system vol on the titan and jacking up the radio but you have to remember to reduce the vol on the radio after you finish using the transmitter. The cig. adapter and charging cable is small and discreet and works very well to charge the device but when the charging cable is attached to power the transmitter the device receives no power. Also, the design of the transmitter will not allow you to jury rig power with the solid Y adapter. This would not bother me on short drives but my work makes me drive prolonged distances so the phone would be dead by the time I arrived. Also in situations where GPS is needed you would have to disconnect the transmitter and connect the power adapter to keep it functional.
The mic built into the transmitter works on about the same level as the speaker phone mic.
Tested on:
VW/ 8 speaker Monsoon Radio with aftermarket antenna pre-amp. (2x better than stock antenna pre-amp)
just to add to this...never tired to specific one being discussed but i thought i would share the one i am using found here
The Motorola T505 it works great connects to phone using bluetooth and broadcasts any audio from it to an fm frequency. it pairs with my touch every time and so far no disappointment's...it's a little more expensive but i think it's worth it. Come with a card charger 2 and the battery last pretty good.
"The Motorola T505"
Looks good! Do you mind me asking how much $$ it was?
i got it for 99$ on sale at Future Shop it's regular 129.99.
2
do somebody can work it??
Yes it works. I'm still using it but not being able to charge the phone while playing music is its down fall. I'm still looking for the ultimate solution.
Chris
Buy one of these socket splitters and use the dual adapter that you should have received with your phone. That should solve your problem. Note: buy extra fuses for the socket splitter. They tend to pop every now and then.
http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Splitter-Adapter-Cigarette-Replaceable/dp/B000O1EAXI
Motorola t505
Just wanted to pipe in that I'm using the T505 and love it. Have had it for almost 8-9 months (I believe I got it from Futureshop as well for about $89). I liked it so much that recommended it to my dad and he bought one. I think they're now much cheaper.
Now I know that not many people want to void their warranties completely by opening up their phone, but does anyone think it would be possible to add an external antenna from a wireless router? Would it even do anything for the phone? I know that it already has an sma connector inside, and I might be willing to try it if I can get my phone apart without ATT knowing I opened it...
The antenna connector that i think you are talking about is accessable by just removing the battery cover. And that connector is not sma. It looks more akin to the style that is used on internal laptop wireless cards. Im not sure what the designation is for that style, but its definately not sma. As far as the question of will it help, it would depend on the antenna type that is used. Your suggestion of a router antenna would not be ideal. Routers work on 2.4 or 5 GHz and their antennas would be cut for that wavelength, not ideal for a device that works around 800 to 1900 mhz. A proper cut wavelength matched antenna could improve reception if the connector on the back is actually a part of the cellular antenna system.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Its called a U.Fl connector, and is typically used on micro-PCI WiFi radio cards, using a pigtail cable to connect to the WiFi antenna.
I do not know if this connector under the battery cover goes to the WiFi radio, or the cellular radio, but I'd put my money on it going to the cellular radio. I should connect an antenna to it (I have a few of those pigtail cables) and see if my 'bars' go up.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirose_U.FL
Samsung Captivate, Galaxy S, SGH-I897 Cell Phone Antenna Adapter Cable
Sorry guys I was looking at some tear down pics that showed a cable with 2 sma connectors on each end for the internal antenna which is on the bottom of the phone...
Can anyone report on the performance of an external antenna?
Why would you even need one? I have good service all around. But i would like to check into this for some scanner mods
O i think the bag phone days are gone. Sucks i know. I know. But its all built into a small unit now. For pockets sake.
smokestack76 said:
Why would you even need one? I have good service all around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all of us are as fortunate as you are. My phone spends 90% of its time at 2 bars on Edge.
Hi All,
If this has been done before please ignore.
I have been doing a fair bit of research on the NEXUS 7 as a car head deck but no diagram to go off.
Can you please advise if the Diagram below is accurate or if i need to amend certain areas to make it work. The NEXUS 7 will be slide in slide out.
Subscribed to see what others have to say. I am hoping to skip the head unit and sub and go right from the N7 to the amp. My worry is getting clean audio out of the N7 while it gets power.
I have a ground issue somewhere currently where if I am charging a device and have it plugged into the aux port of my head unit, I get tons of static and noise.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Only comment I'd make is that if you're going to use the POGO pins to power it why not grab the audio from there also? Seems safer to use a non intrusive (without a plug going into the Nexus) method over sticking in the headphone jack.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
He probably didn't know he can do that. You can also use a USB dac and get audio that way. Probably much cleaner and it will also fix his ground loop issues.
I owned a Galaxy Tab before the N7 and it was MUCH WORSE at adding noise to the headphone output. The N7 is much much better at isolating that ground.
NRGZ28 said:
He probably didn't know he can do that. You can also use a USB dac and get audio that way. Probably much cleaner and it will also fix his ground loop issues.
I owned a Galaxy Tab before the N7 and it was MUCH WORSE at adding noise to the headphone output. The N7 is much much better at isolating that ground.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct i didn't even know what those 2 pins were for Audio or if they were for D+ & D- so thanks I have adjusted the picture accordingly. If you could check that out that would be great. After i get everything from Evil Bay this week i will do lots of pictures and full write up.
Thanks So excited to get started.
Wilkie2013 said:
Correct i didn't even know what those 2 pins were for Audio or if they were for D+ & D- so thanks I have adjusted the picture accordingly. If you could check that out that would be great. After i get everything from Evil Bay this week i will do lots of pictures and full write up.
Thanks So excited to get started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so are you saying that the POGO pins are THAT simple? and here i was building a dock for my N7!
if this is true, you rock man!
Unless your drawing is just an example, your speaker wiring needs to be changed so you're not daisy chaining the signal. Run 'home runs' to each driver.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Also there's no need as in actually you can't do that have a DAC on the audio lines. They are analog L+ and R+ with the ground being common between power-, L- and R-. Look for the POGO thread over in the accessories subforum along with one on a homemade dock for more info. There is no USB on the POGO pins.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Wilkie2013 said:
Correct i didn't even know what those 2 pins were for Audio or if they were for D+ & D- so thanks I have adjusted the picture accordingly. If you could check that out that would be great. After i get everything from Evil Bay this week i will do lots of pictures and full write up.
Thanks So excited to get started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Close, but not there yet. The 2 middle POGO pins are Audio +/-, and won't connect to a DAC as it's already an analog output. You can connect the DAC via USB though, and get the highest quality audio possible out of the N7.
HOWEVER: if you want to charge AND use OTG (DAC and external storage will connect via OTG), then you'll need a kernel which will support that. Running power through the POGO pins also requires a special kernel. This is the only one I know of:
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/37755-timurs-kernel-usb-host-power-management-usb-audio/
The fixed installation is the best choice for car applications.
Alternatively you can use audio out and charge through the POGO, and use a kernel like faux123's kernel to charge and have USB OTG (but won't work with a USB DAC), though there are limitations to this setup.
EDIT: I've attached a diagram of my current car setup.
junooni said:
so are you saying that the POGO pins are THAT simple? and here i was building a dock for my N7!
if this is true, you rock man!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MetalMan2 said:
Close, but not there yet. The 2 middle POGO pins are Audio +/-, and won't connect to a DAC as it's already an analog output. You can connect the DAC via USB though, and get the highest quality audio possible out of the N7.
HOWEVER: if you want to charge AND use OTG (DAC and external storage will connect via OTG), then you'll need a kernel which will support that. Running power through the POGO pins also requires a special kernel. This is the only one I know of:
The fixed installation is the best choice for car applications.
Alternatively you can use audio out and charge through the POGO, and use a kernel like faux123's kernel to charge and have USB OTG (but won't work with a USB DAC), though there are limitations to this setup.
EDIT: I've attached a diagram of my current car setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your diagram you've definately got alot going on in your car Looks good.
This is what i have bought.
Nexus 7
FiiO E10 USB DAC
Clarion EQ746
3ft male to female USB connection
3.1A Dual USB Charger
Micro USB female
AUX to RCA ( Not sure what ill be using this for now )
Pogo Pins
Magnets ( Not sure if I'll use these yet )
Will the above work? I've read way to many forums on this subject and no one is actually clear.
If i cut up and strip back the rubber around a Male USB can i use this as my POGO pins connector to the USB DAC + Kernel suggested?
*phillip1953* It is just a quick drawing and i can assure you this won't happen when installing.
Everyones input is greatly appreciated Thank you.
I think I have a working diagram to go off. On a positive note my NEXUS 7 arrived today Wohoo.
Also when i get free time i will also create a Nexus 7 dock with built in speakers using the OEM POGO pins?
Wilkie2013 said:
I think I have a working diagram to go off. On a positive note my NEXUS 7 arrived today Wohoo.
Also when i get free time i will also create a Nexus 7 dock with built in speakers using the OEM POGO pins?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You really need to read the whole thread that MetalMan posted above. It will show you what you're doing wrong, and give you more to think about.
EDIT:
I really wouldn't charge off the pogo pins if I were you. Get a USB OTG + Charging Y Cable and just plug/unplug that as needed.
Hi guys,
I hope this thread is in the right place but I have a question.
My usb charge port got bent a little bit and I had trouble charging my phone so I ordered from eBay the part I needed which is this thingy
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/New-USB-Charger-Port-Flex-Cable-Replacement-For-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-N7000-i9220-/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/4msAAOxyMxpRpE~d/$(KGrHqMOKpYFGWfj3M)VBRpE+d(Spw~~60_12.JPG
and then when I got it I installed it according to an excellent guide I found on youtube.
When I installed it,the USB charge port came back to life but the microphone (which I late found out was attached to the same flex part) was broken so I had to use my speaker for two weeks until the seller shipped the part again.
Today I installed the part again and now the USB charge port works fine,the microphone works fine,but to my supprise - the speaker doesn't!
My question is :
1.is the speaker also connected to this part and due to that I have this problem or is it possible that something else went wrong ?
Please only answer if you're sure of what you say.
2.Where can I get this part (OME) from a place that will surely send a working part ? (if it's not possible to write it down here, please PM me)
Thank to all you helpers out there!!!
beniferg said:
Hi guys,
I hope this thread is in the right place but I have a question.
My usb charge port got bent a little bit and I had trouble charging my phone so I ordered from eBay the part I needed which is this thingy
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/New-USB-Charger-Port-Flex-Cable-Replacement-For-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-N7000-i9220-/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/4msAAOxyMxpRpE~d/$(KGrHqMOKpYFGWfj3M)VBRpE+d(Spw~~60_12.JPG
and then when I got it I installed it according to an excellent guide I found on youtube.
When I installed it,the USB charge port came back to life but the microphone (which I late found out was attached to the same flex part) was broken so I had to use my speaker for two weeks until the seller shipped the part again.
Today I installed the part again and now the USB charge port works fine,the microphone works fine,but to my supprise - the speaker doesn't!
My question is :
1.is the speaker also connected to this part and due to that I have this problem or is it possible that something else went wrong ?
Please only answer if you're sure of what you say.
2.Where can I get this part (OME) from a place that will surely send a working part ? (if it's not possible to write it down here, please PM me)
Thank to all you helpers out there!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your speaker is fine its just the usb ports we have on ebay is plain Sh#t quality. The usb port has the mic and also the audio circuitry built-in. The speaker module goes on top of the usb port so it has connection to the usb port as well. The ebay n700 usb ports are all garbage and I have lost a lot of money on their crappy parts. make sure you have the same revision as your original part. mine was rev 1.0. You have to get the original part with the tape on the back of the usb port covering the antenna. the tape is dark brown. I have yet to find this part. I have ordered 6 usb ports from different sellers and only one worked and even then I had problems with signal. Seems to me it reduced the cell signal by 30%.
Good luck.
aftabbabar said:
your speaker is fine its just the usb ports we have on ebay is plain Sh#t quality. The usb port has the mic and also the audio circuitry built-in. The speaker module goes on top of the usb port so it has connection to the usb port as well. The ebay n700 usb ports are all garbage and I have lost a lot of money on their crappy parts. make sure you have the same revision as your original part. mine was rev 1.0. You have to get the original part with the tape on the back of the usb port covering the antenna. the tape is dark brown. I have yet to find this part. I have ordered 6 usb ports from different sellers and only one worked and even then I had problems with signal. Seems to me it reduced the cell signal by 30%.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help dude,
How can I figure out what revision do I need to order? where does it show?
It will be written on the module plate
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda premium
sorry if i'm asking something that is covered else where but I have been unable to find any documentation on the s4 active. is there a service manual that says what all the connectors on the back are for.
as there are a few connectors under the back plate i'm curious if these are used for charging or not
thanks
rich
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The two on the left are for qi wireless charging. The two on the right are for a nfc antenna (although it is already in the stock battery included). A qi receiver would block the nfc in the battery.
There is a receiver for both connectors coming. http://vivealive.net/WiQiQi-S4-Active-Wireless-Receiver-WQS4A.htm
The one near the battery is for a external phone antenna (never saw any accessory for this on any phones for years).
brotbuexe said:
The one near the battery is for a external phone antenna (never saw any accessory for this on any phones for years).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The secondary microUFL antenna connector on the device is not for the end user to make use of, it's there strictly for testing RF output by Samsung and the FCC as needed so, there's zero reason for anyone to ever even attempt to make use of that thing.