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Is there any APP to Boost signal
MY T-Mobile HD2 drops signal on 1700 AWS WIND Network in Canada
is there and mod or tweak I can try
is there any ROM which is known better for bentter network reception..
please reply
jbilling said:
Is there any APP to Boost signal
MY T-Mobile HD2 drops signal on 1700 AWS WIND Network in Canada
is there and mod or tweak I can try
is there any ROM which is known better for bentter network reception..
please reply
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have WM6.5 or do you have android installed on your HD2? You should have posted this in one of the general forums (HD2 WM6.5 or Android general) so I would know and could provide the app to do this.
I have NAND Android and I am currently running on HyperDroid-GBX-v12.
Please advise if there is any way to get better signal or any ROM which is known for better signal strength
Try a few different radios. You flash them just like a Windows Mobile ROM. Flashing a new radio will not erase your Android ROM or CWM or anytthing else, just replaces the radio.
I have a sticker like this just over the antenna, it gave me 1 bar more in a place where I had only 1-2 i reached 2-3 bars in Android.
http://forums.radioreference.com/at...-phone-antenna-boosters-fake-real-booster.jpg
I want to think it works, it was less than $1usd, so it won't hurt and it is not visible.
jbilling said:
I have NAND Android and I am currently running on HyperDroid-GBX-v12.
Please advise if there is any way to get better signal or any ROM which is known for better signal strength
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try the attached file. Hope it helps.
You will keep running into problems. Switch from WIND to a better network. If you don't need Data. Chat-r is brilliant. I Just did the same a week ago. Life is much easier.
robrob777 said:
I have a sticker like this just over the antenna, it gave me 1 bar more in a place where I had only 1-2 i reached 2-3 bars in Android.
http://forums.radioreference.com/at...-phone-antenna-boosters-fake-real-booster.jpg
I want to think it works, it was less than $1usd, so it won't hurt and it is not visible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, those stickers don't do anything amigo. Ask yourself "how does a piece of gold painted plastic boost my phone's ability to receive or transmit a signal?"
Placebo effect at best.
apallohadas said:
Lol, those stickers don't do anything amigo. Ask yourself "how does a piece of gold painted plastic boost my phone's ability to receive or transmit a signal?"
Placebo effect at best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Elgx7lp7YMc
The signal levels in this video are my exactly experience.
It is cooper I think help to "concentrate" more signal to the antenna (in/out).
Probably just works with the GSM(2G) signal -which I always use-
I have been using it for +7 years now (total cost < $3usd).
edit: If anyone plan to buy it.. don't spend more than $1. there are some crazy prices out there.
robrob777 said:
I have a sticker like this just over the antenna, it gave me 1 bar more in a place where I had only 1-2 i reached 2-3 bars in Android.
http://forums.radioreference.com/at...-phone-antenna-boosters-fake-real-booster.jpg
I want to think it works, it was less than $1usd, so it won't hurt and it is not visible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK did a 5 min test w/o and W the sticker on my HD2 running on 2G t-mobile USA in the exactly same place.
W/o the sticker:
-77dbm 18asu
With the sticker:
-73dbm 20asu
Again only 2G (3G might get worst) and don't pay more than $1
the technical idea behind those stickers is real. the sticker itself is a thin copper foil. When hit by EM radiation it will provide a greater surface contact and will radiate the EM energy on it's own. It's a bit complicated, i cannot explain it in english.
However think of it like when you have a piece of metal placed near a magnet. Even if the piece of metal is not magnetic by itself it can become magnetized and will attract other pieces of metal by its own even if the original magnet was removed.
facdemol said:
the technical idea behind those stickers is real. the sticker itself is a thin copper foil. When hit by EM radiation it will provide a greater surface contact and will radiate the EM energy on it's own. It's a bit complicated, i cannot explain it in english.
However think of it like when you have a piece of metal placed near a magnet. Even if the piece of metal is not magnetic by itself it can become magnetized and will attract other pieces of metal by its own even if the original magnet was removed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear that I'm not living a lie having those stickers. I knew that that weird design , which looks like aliens did it, has some engineering on it.
By the way, i have not try to improve my signal via software bc in my simple mind to do something that works you need to fool the phone to think it has always low signal, therefore forcing it to "radiate" more and improve my reception.
I have the phone in my pocket.. and I don't want a free vasectomy.
apallohadas said:
Lol, those stickers don't do anything amigo. Ask yourself "how does a piece of gold painted plastic boost my phone's ability to receive or transmit a signal?"
Placebo effect at best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
facdemol said:
the technical idea behind those stickers is real. the sticker itself is a thin copper foil. When hit by EM radiation it will provide a greater surface contact and will radiate the EM energy on it's own. It's a bit complicated, i cannot explain it in english.
However think of it like when you have a piece of metal placed near a magnet. Even if the piece of metal is not magnetic by itself it can become magnetized and will attract other pieces of metal by its own even if the original magnet was removed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The functionality is "induced electromagenticity". The radio signal crosses the thin copper on sticker and induces current. This current reproduces voltage which beams signal again. Something like a relay functionality. ...for poor man
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relay_transmitter
robrob777 said:
I have a sticker like this just over the antenna, it gave me 1 bar more in a place where I had only 1-2 i reached 2-3 bars in Android.
http://forums.radioreference.com/at...-phone-antenna-boosters-fake-real-booster.jpg
I want to think it works, it was less than $1usd, so it won't hurt and it is not visible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where exactly do you stick it? Under the battery?
JMG01 said:
Where exactly do you stick it? Under the battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it has to be close to the antenna so I placed in the plastic area where the "void" screw is and the sticker will cover a little of the sim, the hd2 antenna is around there. I didn't want to stick it(bc it interferes with the sim, etc) so I carefully placed and put some tape in the edges of the sticker so it wont move.
All this is under the metal battery door.
attached sketch.
Many thanks, it's worth a try!
Theonew said:
You could try the attached file. Hope it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did anyone test this? Please provide feedback.
ORiZorrie said:
Did anyone test this? Please provide feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People who used it already posted their feedback, check posts please.
They says it works and i believe that it will have a little to moderate benefit.
crush said:
People who used it already posted their feedback, check posts please.
They says it works and i believe that it will have a little to moderate benefit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see only comments about the sticker thing. Not about the flash. I really doubt the signal will be any better with the *.apk provided in above post. RIL tweaks seem to be the better choice because it depends very much on where you live (at least so it seems from other posts).
Theonew said:
You could try the attached file. Hope it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi there! my avast detects your attachment as a virus. does it contains any virus? i want to try it coz my network signal is very poor
Hi initial photo review of this case. Will write a full review later tonight.
In a nutshell it is well made and light. Fits very well in trouser pocket. Does not feel bulky.
Price about £10.
You will find them on ebay in various colours.
If these photos help you decide. Feel free to hit the old Thanks button.
Glad to be of service.
That case looks great. I love how it protects the edged of the phone, unlike the official Samsung flip case. Does the flap stay closed using magnets?
zpiders said:
That case looks great. I love how it protects the edged of the phone, unlike the official Samsung flip case. Does the flap stay closed using magnets?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does. I will write a detailed review sometime today. Central heating pump failed and looking after a newborn has kept us busy. Lol
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the pics. A link or two to the ebay sellers would be nice, though...
Edit: Is this the same seller?
Also, does the magnet cause any issues with the s-pen?
Tried one out and found that I had to take the back cover off to fit the phone snugly.
Since the cover doesn't have an NFC chip, you will lose that functionality. The case doesn't fit on the phone with the back cover on unless the one I saw was a duplicate. Moreover the magnetic closure is flimsy too.
Just my 2 cents.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
fawaad said:
Tried one out and found that I had to take the back cover off to fit the phone snugly.
Since the cover doesn't have an NFC chip, you will lose that functionality. The case doesn't fit on the phone with the back cover on unless the one I saw was a duplicate. Moreover the magnetic closure is flimsy too.
Just my 2 cents.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The case has nothing to do with NFC... what do you mean?
mdt73 said:
The case has nothing to do with NFC... what do you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The NFC antenna is embedded in the Note 2's back cover.
For the record. The handset clicked into case. Nothing had to be removed. Grips it fine. Must be a different case if you have to remove covers.
So far only really annoying thing is using it one handed. The folding cover is in the way of fingers.
There is a similar case that has a rotating cover. That would resolve this issue. Also enables a portrait stand.
Also as suspected. The home button is being pressed by the cover due to no recess (think thats the correct word) in the cover. This is activating the voice assistant. Disabled it as it is rubbish. But will mod cover at later date.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Another little update, these stand cases are really good for watching iplayer etc. But I think I am going to buy a leather sleeve/pouch type case. Ive always used them with htc handsets, due to most usage is one handed. And save the stand case for movie time.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
I bought the Original Samsung Note 2 flip case instead. Although it was expensive £30 .... but I think it looks really nice and still have NFC function.
zero.fx said:
I bought the Original Samsung Note 2 flip case instead. Although it was expensive £30 .... but I think it looks really nice and still have NFC function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The biggest flaw with the original Note 2 flip case is that the corners/edges are completely unprotected. If you drop the Note 2 and it lands on the corner it might shatter the whole screen.
Not enough protection for my taste...
I bought this case yesterday in a shop and was massively disappointed. If you fold the cover behind the phone to use it the phone is hard to handle and doesn't sit ergonomically in your hand.
BUT BIGGEST FLAW: The little magnet on the right side interferes with the wacom digitizer. Try pulling out the S Pen and draw a straight line along the right edge, and the line curves outward around the magnet.
I was about to return the phone when I realized the error was next to the magnet. Pulled it out of the case and problem gone. I could reproduce this problem anywhere on the screen by holding the magnet part next to it.
There are tons of reports if you google "wacom magnet s pen" about interference, so I would avoid using this case. There is apparently even a note about this in the manual somewhere.
sz1a said:
I bought this case yesterday in a shop and was massively disappointed. If you fold the cover behind the phone to use it the phone is hard to handle and doesn't sit ergonomically in your hand.
BUT BIGGEST FLAW: The little magnet on the right side interferes with the wacom digitizer. Try pulling out the S Pen and draw a straight line along the right edge, and the line curves outward around the magnet.
I was about to return the phone when I realized the error was next to the magnet. Pulled it out of the case and problem gone. I could reproduce this problem anywhere on the screen by holding the magnet part next to it.
There are tons of reports if you google "wacom magnet s pen" about interference, so I would avoid using this case. There is apparently even a note about this in the manual somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happens because wacom digitizers use magnets to work (partially, there's more to it) - the pen is a magnet. Crash course: A magnet creates a magnetic field around it. Whenever you're moving the pen, you're moving this field - any given point in space near the magnet experiences a change in this magnetic field (this creates an electric potential and a potential difference between points affected by the field). A really cool thing about moving magnets near wires is we create what's called an induced EMF - the change in magnetic fields causes electrons to move because of changes in relative potential difference between nearby points.
A static magnet (in relation to a point) will have a static field, but a field none the less - the magnet on the casing. When you bring two magnetic fields together, they interact to form a resultant field at any point in time.
The pen is still working as intended, but the other magnet has changed the potential you produce near that magnet via movements of the pen - thus, different and incorrect readings. It's relative to the position of the case magnet, so you get a different effect at different distances from the magnetic source.
The result is that the same motions of the pen near that magnet are causing different currents to be read than the wacom digitizer expects for that motion.
While it's great to hear through some empirical data that physics still works, I was already actively avoiding this case for this reason.
In contrast, previous smartphone cases with phones that use capacitive touch don't have as much an issue because it's basically a field of current that your touch (finger, capacitive stylus, etc) redirects some of that flow across. While a magnet could indeed affect this field, the magnet isn't moving so it's not as much an issue (it's still an issue because, depending on field strength, orientation, and relative locations, the electrons are still moving with respect to the magnet, and are repelled/attracted by the field in this manner to different degrees. However, the difference is constant and like is accounted for because digitizer system can't guarantee constant currents necessarily, so there is variation allowed for. With the Wacom pen magnet, it's weak enough to be noticeable.
TL;DR - Anyone with a course in EMF and an understanding of induction would be able to tell you this right off once they found out the pen uses a magnet. Incidentally, the magnet is also why you can do the hovering stuff so accurately. Other forms of non-touch gestures have many ways they could work too, but one way is your body affecting a field around the digitizer enough (whole hand swipe across without touching) that is is measurable.
It's also how inductive chargers (ones where you don't plug in the device) work. Changes in current flowing through wires creates a magnetic filed which, by orientating the wires, using loop/solenoid type configurations, this field changes (an AC signal). When your device is in the field, a similar configuration in the device is subjected to this changing field, and, more simply put, energy is exchanged via magnetic fields.
This is really cool because you've taken a changing current, which creates an electromagnetic field across other wires, which causes a flow of current.
Anyways, yeah avoid having magnets near devices depending upon EMF induction to work
In response. Regarding the case and holding it. I agree, does my head in sometimes. Hence why i may get a sleeve instead for when at work and use it one handedly most of the time. Regarding nfc, i aint convinced it would be affected until i get to test it. Regarding magnet, never noticed it until tested. Only effects 5mm of right side of screen and 15mm vertically, not the end of the world.
Just tested a piece of tin foil placed between handset and case at the point of the magnet. Didn't make any difference. Shame it cant be shielded.
Gotta say. The mobli is very well protected and the white case and mobile has yet to look dirty. Day job, hands get mucky.
Anyone got the case that the stand rotates? Does it make holding it less annoying?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
So, can the magnet cause any permanent damage to the gyroscope, compass and wacom bundle? I did notice that the compass is off by 10 degrees with the case on versus off.
I've used the phone for a few days without the case and it gets greasy too fast. So its back into the case again. It is pretty sturdy, just wonder if its possible to extract the magnet somehow! Maybe lodge a knife in there or something.
Anything that works by sensing the Earth's magnetic field, such as a compass, will be screwed up by a magnet in a case. It's really not worth buying a case that has a magnetic clasp...
I lodged a kitchen knife in between the magnet and the case and jerked around. It broke up into several pieces and came out attached to the knife. Since its either in my pocket or on a table the flap stays closed and no more magnetic issues.
...
FloatingFatMan said:
The NFC antenna is embedded in the Note 2's back cover.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isnt the NFC chip in the battery??
yusssi said:
isnt the NFC chip in the battery??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... Why would they put the NFC chip in the battery?
On the SIII, the NFC -ANTENNA- is in the battery... The chip is on the phone motherboard. In the Note II, the antenna is in the back cover. Are you blind? Have you never taken your back cover off?
don't be so harsh.
some of us ex galaxy nexus owners had NFC built-in batteries..
FloatingFatMan said:
... Why would they put the NFC chip in the battery?
On the SIII, the NFC -ANTENNA- is in the battery... The chip is on the phone motherboard. In the Note II, the antenna is in the back cover. Are you blind? Have you never taken your back cover off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Everyone.
Well this is not a Software development thread.
Just a thread for understanding the Cellular antenna location on the Motorola Moto G (2014) or the XT1068.
I have serious issues of signal reception at home and I've tried every phone from a Nokia 2610 to a Nexus 5 and now a Moto G XT1068. On all phones I have faced network issues.
Now, I've had enough and I was just trying to research on how to increase the reception of a mobile signal.
Of course level of maturity : Beginner (I can't really tear down the phone and create circuitry for better reception)
So here are a few pics and I just wanted to know which exactly is the antenna and it's location on the phone for cellular network reception. Reason for this is I want to place a Aluminium foil or some Copper wires (not solder!) just to increase the density of the signal or increase the path of the signal.
I might be wrong here, in understanding this. Do educate me or direct me to something that might.
Please help me with this and also do please, give some tips of how to increase the reception. And no I do not want to buy a signal repeater or a femtocell.
The first reads UMTS CDMA 1101 and is at the Bottom Left.
The second is UMTS 0918 on the Right at the Side / Edge
And the last GPS 0296 at the Top right corner.
Which indicates the Cellular antenna for mobile signal reception?
Thank You in advance.
and Happy New Year.
Its probably above the camera on the right but I doubt an aluminum foil or copper plate will work because of the gap between the antenna on the board and the plastic body but you could try what's the worst that can happen ...
couldn't that be GPS antenna?
m666p said:
Its probably above the camera on the right but I doubt an aluminum foil or copper plate will work because of the gap between the antenna on the board and the plastic body but you could try what's the worst that can happen ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The location like you said above the camera to the right , reads GPS 0296. I reckon it could be a GPS antenna. Can you clarify?
I also have not put an image of the Top Left side that reads, BT/WIFI 1101. This should be the Bluetooth and Wifi antenna right?
I generally dissect my phones before I buy a new one and through my experience, generally that pattern on the plastic means a Major antenna is behind it could be WiFi/gps/modem what I would tell you is cover the inside of the removable back with aluminum foil see if it works and don't bother with copper cause it may stain or cause overheating and even if the foil works it will probably increase the sr rating but its worth a shot good luck and happy new year
amolpravar said:
I have serious issues of signal reception at home and I've tried every phone from a Nokia 2610 to a Nexus 5 and now a Moto G XT1068. On all phones I have faced network issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think by this quote you really answer it your self, you WILL need a cell phone signal booster , which is normally a outside antenna, a booster and a internal antenna, these normal cost as much as a phone (and more) .......
TBH you can't really apply a 'FIX' to phone when that is not the problem.
You need to have a signal into home in 1st place, solving this cant be done cheaply
does anybody have the s6 edge Luphie case? and willing to do a review on it
would like to know how it is
and if it does anything to signal or gps or anything
thanks
I have the Luphie aluminum bumper with glass back. It looks and feels amazing but there is some signal loss. Sometimes in my house it will drop to 3g when I normally get about 2 bars of 4g.
lilmikey201 said:
does anybody have the s6 edge Luphie case? and willing to do a review on it
would like to know how it is
and if it does anything to signal or gps or anything
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So its not s significant loss of signsl just a little
Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
Yeah it's just a small loss. GPS works fine so far
Mayze23 said:
Yeah it's just a small loss. GPS works fine so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks just ordered the black and silver one
Uhh you talking about just the bumper? or the one with the bumper + the glass back?
can we see a link to the case?
Its the bumper with glass back
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=251938919020&alt=web
Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
look at this link
fotis12 said:
look at this link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya i got mine off aliexpress
Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
lilmikey201 said:
does anybody have the s6 edge Luphie case? and willing to do a review on it
would like to know how it is
and if it does anything to signal or gps or anything
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the White/Gold version and got it today. I have about 10 cases and I would say this is the best looking one. My signal does seem to decrease but my LTE speeds are the same with or without it. GPS also connects in seconds and the heart sensor works even with the glass. The only thing I see wrong with it is that there's no cut out for the IR sensor so if you use the phone as your remote it won't work with the case on. I took some pics but not the best quality as I only had my tablet at my disposal.
Sent from my SM-G925T using XDA Free mobile app
jmerlos said:
I bought the White/Gold version and got it today. I have about 10 cases and I would say this is the best looking one. My signal does seem to decrease but my LTE speeds are the same with or without it. GPS also connects in seconds and the heart sensor works even with the glass. The only thing I see wrong with it is that there's no cut out for the IR sensor so if you use the phone as your remote it won't work with the case on. I took some pics but not the best quality as I only had my tablet at my disposal.
Sent from my SM-G925T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info cant wait,will post review on my youtube when i get it
i got the silver and black
sucks no ir blaster cutout
I take back what i said about minimal signal loss. I took it to work today with the case on and could not get 4G signal at all. I normally get 2-3 bars of 4G but it would never switch over from 3G. I wished there wasn't such a loss in cell signal cause this case is beautiful but I'm going to have to return it.
Anybody know where I can find a good plastic bumper? There are a plethora of aluminum bumpers but I can't even find a cheap plastic one.
Lol yea anything that has a metal bumper degrades the signal. I also bought this case. With it on, I would no longer get LTE indoors, it would drop to 4g. Also, it decreases my signal by 2-3 bars, no matter where I am.
Furthermore, It has bad tolerances. I had to put pieces of paper to fill up some of the gaps and along the buttons, otherwise it would rattle. It does look decent, except for the badly written text on the back. It's unnecessary and ruins the minimalistic look.
I would skip this.
Oliv3 said:
Lol yea anything that has a metal bumper degrades the signal. I also bought this case. With it on, I would no longer get LTE indoors, it would drop to 4g. Also, it decreases my signal by 2-3 bars, no matter where I am.
Furthermore, It has bad tolerances. I had to put pieces of paper to fill up some of the gaps and along the buttons, otherwise it would rattle. It does look decent, except for the badly written text on the back. It's unnecessary and ruins the minimalistic look.
I would skip this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto is a pretty nice looking case but it definitely causes a big drop in signal. I took it to work and I was barely getting edge at a place where I always have LTE.
Sent from my SM-G925T using XDA Free mobile app
jmerlos said:
Ditto is a pretty nice looking case but it definitely causes a big drop in signal. I took it to work and I was barely getting edge at a place where I always have LTE.
Sent from my SM-G925T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doesnt seem to be messing with my signal at home
finds gps right away, has little slits/holes where the antennas are
My case arrived yesterday, has little holes as well, no messing with signal . only IR are not working and maybe little drop at wifi signal, nothing significant, looks really nice, i am very happy with it.
fotis12 said:
My case arrived yesterday, has little holes as well, no messing with signal . only IR are not working and maybe little drop at wifi signal, nothing significant, looks really nice, i am very happy with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i havent took mine out he house yet because i do construction and during the week i use a more rugged case but on weekends like now ill take it out and test it
and hey does the back of your case lock? sometimes mine doesnt i have to like force it a certain way
Luphie bumper case mostly are aluminum frame,impressive on their design and workmanship, if you're more attend to metallic and there is no more words on them if you don't care the signal loss,for luphie are focus on frame and which will reduce signal strength more or less as we know,I tried 2pcs one for S4 and one for S6 Edge,both of the same situation so comes a conclusion like this for reference.
More details you may check their online store:
http://goo.gl/sL8Abi
Its pretty good, looks cool but I bought a black one and U can tell the difference between the black glass on the back and the black sapphire on the res of the phone.
I'm thinking about a mate black skin to make the phone match the case.
Also the gold bumper is not bright gold, more like mate gold, but it really suits the phone. Plus it comes in a very nice box ahahah
Good luck.
So a few of you have seen me mention that my cell signal suddenly became awful after a few days of use, and at first I thought it might be related to flashing CSCs or a 950F ROM but ruled that out since Odining back to full stock didn't have any effect.
I became convinced that something must be loose with the internal antenna wires, and also observed that the signal seemed to be a little better on hot days and a little worse on cold days.
Well after watching a couple YouTube videos of how to pull the back off this thing I fired up the microwave oven with a rice-filled sock for heat and..... it didn't help. BUT! a hair dryer worked wonders, and very quickly. I only had to heat up a small section and use a little blue plastic prying tool in my ifixit kit to really easily get the back of the phone off.
Next, I pulled the plastic pieces off the circuit boards to get to the antenna connectors, fully expecting something to be loose. Sadly I was mistaken. both wires ends were securely snapped down, but I disconnected and reconnected "just in case". I decided to do a real battery pull discharge while I was in here since it couldn't hurt.
-------
Not to be foiled, I decided to fire the phone up naked and just fiddle with the connectors to see if somehow they were still involved.
I was right - sort of. If I apply pressure in certain angles on this connector, the LTE strength will go up to about -82 dBa from bouncing between -98 to -125 dBa - and as a reference point my Note 5 in the same position sits at -82 or -83 dBa
Now I just need to decide on the best way to fix it, I think it might just be bad solder joints on the socket on the circuit board since it appears to be temperature-dependent (on hot days everything expands to make slightly better connections, cold days the parts contract and the connection gap becomes worse). Any other 950N owners experienced this?
Also does anyone know if those antenna connector sockets are surface mount, or if they go through the board completely?
Kalm_Traveler said:
So a few of you have seen me mention that my cell signal suddenly became awful after a few days of use, and at first I thought it might be related to flashing CSCs or a 950F ROM but ruled that out since Odining back to full stock didn't have any effect.
I became convinced that something must be loose with the internal antenna wires, and also observed that the signal seemed to be a little better on hot days and a little worse on cold days.
Well after watching a couple YouTube videos of how to pull the back off this thing I fired up the microwave oven with a rice-filled sock for heat and..... it didn't help. BUT! a hair dryer worked wonders, and very quickly. I only had to heat up a small section and use a little blue plastic prying tool in my ifixit kit to really easily get the back of the phone off.
Next, I pulled the plastic pieces off the circuit boards to get to the antenna connectors, fully expecting something to be loose. Sadly I was mistaken. both wires ends were securely snapped down, but I disconnected and reconnected "just in case". I decided to do a real battery pull discharge while I was in here since it couldn't hurt.
-------
Not to be foiled, I decided to fire the phone up naked and just fiddle with the connectors to see if somehow they were still involved.
I was right - sort of. If I apply pressure in certain angles on this connector, the LTE strength will go up to about -82 dBa from bouncing between -98 to -125 dBa - and as a reference point my Note 5 in the same position sits at -82 or -83 dBa
Now I just need to decide on the best way to fix it, I think it might just be bad solder joints on the socket on the circuit board since it appears to be temperature-dependent (on hot days everything expands to make slightly better connections, cold days the parts contract and the connection gap becomes worse). Any other 950N owners experienced this?
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I commend you for doing what you are doing. Kudo's as they as say here in America.
Just out of interest, I am aware that Samsung doesn't support foreign devices for warranty. But would they support a foreign device for out of warranty work?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
I commend you for doing what you are doing. Kudo's as they as say here in America.
Just out of interest, I am aware that Samsung doesn't support foreign devices for warranty. But would they support a foreign device for out of warranty work?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
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Why would they not? They will be charging you.
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
vadimo said:
Why would they not? They will be charging you.
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
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I don't know that's why I asked the question.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
vadimo said:
Why would they not? They will be charging you.
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
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Limeybastard said:
I don't know that's why I asked the question.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
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My best guess is that they might not because they would claim that they don't have the parts or training to service a foreign variant. On the plus side, it's nice to see that the internal layout is identical to the Snapdragon version so I didn't have to do any guess work.
No experience myself but I have seen online numerous times that they will not even if you pay. Lots of manufacturer's do this, it not just with phones. Like Seiko watches for example, you purchase a Seiko say for the Japanese market, Seiko USA will not touch it.
shouren04 said:
No experience myself but I have seen online numerous times that they will not even if you pay. Lots of manufacturer's do this, it not just with phones. Like Seiko watches for example, you purchase a Seiko say for the Japanese market, Seiko USA will not touch it.
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Yeah it's unfortunate since you know they have access to the schematics, repair data etc but refuse to take your money.
As far as my phone goes, I tried reflowing the solder on that antenna connector but it didn't seem to make any difference, and now I can't get the signal to improve back to normal at all (even applying pressure as I did originally).
Funny thing is that my 3G HSPA and HSPA+ (that T-Mobile calls 4g) signals are just fine. If I turn off LTE, it drops to "4G" and aside from being slower than functioning LTE everything works fine. My guess is either something is faulty with that bottom circuit board, LTE modem which is on the main circuit board, or the LTE radio amplifier chip (also on the main circuit board). Once I can get a new replacement USB board I'll swap it out and see if that helps. If not, I'm kind of SOL because if it's something on the main board I would likely just need to get a new phone (can't imagine how expensive a 256gb internal storage board would be brand new but for the price I would feel safer just buying an entire phone).
Really wish there was some way to get Samsung Korea to repair it for me but I don't speak Korean well enough to have that kind of discussion yet, and who knows if they would even agree to it.
Kalm_Traveler said:
Yeah it's unfortunate since you know they have access to the schematics, repair data etc but refuse to take your money.
As far as my phone goes, I tried reflowing the solder on that antenna connector but it didn't seem to make any difference, and now I can't get the signal to improve back to normal at all (even applying pressure as I did originally).
Funny thing is that my 3G HSPA and HSPA+ (that T-Mobile calls 4g) signals are just fine. If I turn off LTE, it drops to "4G" and aside from being slower than functioning LTE everything works fine. My guess is either something is faulty with that bottom circuit board, LTE modem which is on the main circuit board, or the LTE radio amplifier chip (also on the main circuit board). Once I can get a new replacement USB board I'll swap it out and see if that helps. If not, I'm kind of SOL because if it's something on the main board I would likely just need to get a new phone (can't imagine how expensive a 256gb internal storage board would be brand new but for the price I would feel safer just buying an entire phone).
Really wish there was some way to get Samsung Korea to repair it for me but I don't speak Korean well enough to have that kind of discussion yet, and who knows if they would even agree to it.
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I hear but unfortunately sometimes they really don't have access to repair info & techs that are trained for non domestic market models. Samsung USA may actually not have easy access to Samsung Korea info & parts although I'm sure someone high up on the ladder could get it.
I used to work in electronic depot repair. One of our customers was Sony VAIO, we were one of their authorized repair centers. Not easy to get that kind of relationship as Sony is very secretive, well all OEMs are very protective about internal engineering info. We could get most info for all their laptops & worked with their engineering team. However when we started working on Sony Playstations, Sony Entertainment would not give us the time of day even though we were an authorized provider for Sony VAIO.
I know the case is a bit different but big corporations have regions or different divisions that won't or can not easily work with each other other than on a corporate level even though they are all part of the same parent company.
I'm sure there are lots of people at Samsung Korea that speak english. Whether or not they will help you or if you can get in contact with the right people is the issue. Worth a try. I'm sure parts will be available on ebay someday but probably not for a while.
shouren04 said:
I hear but unfortunately sometimes they really don't have access to repair info & techs that are trained for non domestic market models. Samsung USA may actually not have easy access to Samsung Korea info & parts although I'm sure someone high up on the ladder could get it.
I used to work in electronic depot repair. One of our customers was Sony VAIO, we were one of their authorized repair centers. Not easy to get that kind of relationship as Sony is very secretive, well all OEMs are very protective about internal engineering info. We could get most info for all their laptops & worked with their engineering team. However when we started working on Sony Playstations, Sony Entertainment would not give us the time of day even though we were an authorized provider for Sony VAIO.
I know the case is a bit different but big corporations have regions or different divisions that won't or can not easily work with each other other than on a corporate level even though they are all part of the same parent company.
I'm sure there are lots of people at Samsung Korea that speak english. Whether or not they will help you or if you can get in contact with the right people is the issue. Worth a try. I'm sure parts will be available on ebay someday but probably not for a while.
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Very good points. I'm even more sure it is just something faulty with that board. Heated it up for a few minutes with a blow dryer before reassembling the phone again and now my LTE signal is just stable low instead of jumping between low and unusable. Also comparing it to the one from ifixit's USA model Note 8 teardown, they revised it a few days after mine was made, possibly to address whatever caused mine to go bad after a few days of use. The only change I can see is the placement of two chips on the antenna connector side.
Since I can't find parts yet I may just keep trying to fix this one but it's good to know that the usb boards are dirt cheap, for other Samsung models it looks like they go for $5 to $10 on eBay new. Of course if the problem is a break in one of the circuits inside the pcb i can't really fix that (assuming I could even see it, everything on this board is so tiny I need a magnifying glass to work on it).
Kalm_Traveler said:
Very good points. I'm even more sure it is just something faulty with that board. Heated it up for a few minutes with a blow dryer before reassembling the phone again and now my LTE signal is just stable low instead of jumping between low and unusable. Also comparing it to the one from ifixit's USA model Note 8 teardown, they revised it a few days after mine was made, possibly to address whatever caused mine to go bad after a few days of use. The only change I can see is the placement of two chips on the antenna connector side.
Since I can't find parts yet I may just keep trying to fix this one but it's good to know that the usb boards are dirt cheap, for other Samsung models it looks like they go for $5 to $10 on eBay new. Of course if the problem is a break in one of the circuits inside the pcb i can't really fix that (assuming I could even see it, everything on this board is so tiny I need a magnifying glass to work on it).
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Yeah, it's incredible how small they are able to make things these days. I can relate as I have worked on stuff that small also.
Oh so it it looks like they revised the board? Maybe they just added better filtering? Hopefully it'll be available soon. It could very well be a bad solder joint or defective PCB. The PCB is so thin & can easily get damage by flexing. And all that crap lead free solder they use these days.
I wonder if the parts they sell on ebay are OEM parts? Whatever, as long as they work. They sure do look OEM though. On my N5 the USB port stopped working. It doesn't have any notice physical damage but it doesn't work. Sometimes if I plug in a cable a gear vr screen will pop up. Won't ever fast charge, sometimes it will cahrge normal, & can't transfer data.
I bought a replacement USB port for $5 on ebay along with a replacement back cover in case I broke it. But the damn board also has the front touch screen buttons by the home button. So to install I basically have to disassemble the entire phone, front screen and all. Ah I don't feel like doing all that. Maybe someday but for what, I have this N8 now.
shouren04 said:
Yeah, it's incredible how small they are able to make things these days. I can relate as I have worked on stuff that small also.
Oh so it it looks like they revised the board? Maybe they just added better filtering? Hopefully it'll be available soon. It could very well be a bad solder joint or defective PCB. The PCB is so thin & can easily get damage by flexing. And all that crap lead free solder they use these days.
I wonder if the parts they sell on ebay are OEM parts? Whatever, as long as they work. They sure do look OEM though. On my N5 the USB port stopped working. It doesn't have any notice physical damage but it doesn't work. Sometimes if I plug in a cable a gear vr screen will pop up. Won't ever fast charge, sometimes it will cahrge normal, & can't transfer data.
I bought a replacement USB port for $5 on ebay along with a replacement back cover in case I broke it. But the damn board also has the front touch screen buttons by the home button. So to install I basically have to disassemble the entire phone, front screen and all. Ah I don't feel like doing all that. Maybe someday but for what, I have this N8 now.
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Oddly my Note 5 still works just fine... The main reason I wanted to upgrade is that the battery life is definitely not what it used to be.
Fortunately with the Note 8 most of the goodies are accessible once you remove the pain in the butt rear glass but i figured out that a hair dryer, suction cup and thin plastic pry tool makes the job relatively easy. For the time being I'm just keeping the case on so I don't have to pull the glass off again (granted this means not being able to use the fingerprint sensor)
Kalm_Traveler said:
Oddly my Note 5 still works just fine... The main reason I wanted to upgrade is that the battery life is definitely not what it used to be.
Fortunately with the Note 8 most of the goodies are accessible once you remove the pain in the butt rear glass but i figured out that a hair dryer, suction cup and thin plastic pry tool makes the job relatively easy. For the time being I'm just keeping the case on so I don't have to pull the glass off again (granted this means not being able to use the fingerprint sensor)
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Click to collapse
I see, I also purchased a replacement battery for my N5 at the same time. I didn'tbget an aftermarket one though, I got one from a teardown. It was cheap too, under $10. I've been using wireless to charge it. At one point I thought the battery was going bad. It wouldnxt charge past 86%. For a week or so. Then mysteriously it started charging to 100% fine & still does.
I still use it at home for browsing when my N8 is charging wireless. I'm trying to avoid using the USB whenever I can now since my N5 USB port crapped out on me. Odd, this is the first phone I've ever had to have tbe USB port go bad on me. I'm pretty good with taking care of my phones. Hopefully when I open it up it might just be a loose flex cable or something.
Kalm_Traveler said:
Yeah it's unfortunate since you know they have access to the schematics, repair data etc but refuse to take your money.
As far as my phone goes, I tried reflowing the solder on that antenna connector but it didn't seem to make any difference, and now I can't get the signal to improve back to normal at all (even applying pressure as I did originally).
Funny thing is that my 3G HSPA and HSPA+ (that T-Mobile calls 4g) signals are just fine. If I turn off LTE, it drops to "4G" and aside from being slower than functioning LTE everything works fine. My guess is either something is faulty with that bottom circuit board, LTE modem which is on the main circuit board, or the LTE radio amplifier chip (also on the main circuit board). Once I can get a new replacement USB board I'll swap it out and see if that helps. If not, I'm kind of SOL because if it's something on the main board I would likely just need to get a new phone (can't imagine how expensive a 256gb internal storage board would be brand new but for the price I would feel safer just buying an entire phone).
Really wish there was some way to get Samsung Korea to repair it for me but I don't speak Korean well enough to have that kind of discussion yet, and who knows if they would even agree to it.
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Click to collapse
I have same problem my 4g 3g works fine but no 2g signal at all my operator 2g frequency is pgsm 900mhz.. I checked with other operators 2g working fine on 1800mhz... It's dual sim phone. Changing slot doesn't help either... So what's the possible cause...? My phone is in warranty but service center is 250 kms away.
there is a possibility you touching the connections could be amplifying the signal. Did you insulate yourself to disprove this?
bonerp said:
there is a possibility you touching the connections could be amplifying the signal. Did you insulate yourself to disprove this?
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Possibly, but since it was affecting only when I applied pressure in a specific angle I don't think I was acting as an antenna. Also, since heating up half of it with a hair dryer seems to have stabilized the connection a bit (it sits around -90 dBA where it was bouncing between that and -130 prior) it seems very likely that something with the board itself is flawed. I'm going to put just the usb / antenna board in the oven tonight to try and reflow all the solder and see if that will fix the connection issue since I can't yet buy a new replacement piece.