Is anyone any good at soldering on connections to add an external antenna to a wifi dongle? I found instructions online for doing it to mine and I had a go. But the signal strength stays the same whether the external antenna is plugged in or not. I don't think my soldering skills are fine enough.

Anyone do this sort of thing? I'd be glad to pay.

(I know you can get dongles with external antenna but I need this specific one)

Is this the mod for the Huwai 3G modem?

No, for a Linksys WUSB54G, the one with the RT73 chipset so I can use it in Linux in VM.

you got a link to the guide then.

Linksys WUSB54GC External Antenna Modification

I've cut the antenna and soldered but it made no difference to the signal, either plugged into a 12dB aerial or not. I'm using a gold plated SMA connector.

My first thoughts would be have you properly cut the tracks and if so did you accidently rejoin them again with the solder?

Quite possibly and my grounding is probably cack as well. I don't think my iron is fine enough to do it properly.

If you want to send it down mate I'll give it a go for you but obviously can't make any promises. Hopefully you've not already cooked something.

I think I'd better start with a new dongle and all new tails and bits. The only problem is I can't find the parts. I know Maplin sells the coax but not the correct ends.

What ends do you need?

Amazon seem to have the dongle -

Linksys Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter WUSB54GC: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Linksys COMPACT WIRELESS-G USB ADAPTER WUSB54GC - NETWORK ADAPTER review cheap prices COMPACT WIRELESS-G USB ADAPTER WUSB54GC - NETWORK ADAPTER Linksys best buy discount online uk shop

RG 174 A/U 50Ω > Maplin - The wire

Reverse Polarity SMA Female > Maplin - The end

Found them eventually

So are you tring to make it self contained with the screw connector on the case or are you making a flying lead?

A flying lead as my aerial has only got a short lead.

Yeah makes sense.

So I'll see if anyone can take me shopping. I can't drive for 2 weeks (doctors orders) which makes getting around a PITA. Once I've got the bit's I'll let you know. Let me know how much you want for doing this, it's most appreciated.

Don't want anything for doing it mate, looks an interesting little project.

So I'll see if anyone can take me shopping. I can't drive for 2 weeks (doctors orders) which makes getting around a PITA. Once I've got the bit's I'll let you know. Let me know how much you want for doing this, it's most appreciated.

HI both Dave And Stu

I am into Amateur radio, and you need to be very carefull with these boards, as the antenna's are what they call a tuned circuit and form part of the circuit, as soon as

you cut or add wires then it can affect the output in a number of ways.

Also adding cable can reduce signal, so by the time it gets to the antenna, you might be

back to how it was at the start.

We did some experimenting some time ago with a parabolic dish(like a metal culinder) you use for draining your salads etc, and extending the USB cable, I think we managed about 3 mts, and fixing the dongle inside the dish, and fixing it up in the air

Radiotwo

I've just seen these in my local Staples for just under £20 if that's any cheaper for you.

I agree about the tuned circuit however as it seems to have been tested as working but the person writing the guide it may well be ok.

HI both Dave And Stu

I am into Amateur radio, and you need to be very carefull with these boards, as the antenna's are what they call a tuned circuit and form part of the circuit, as soon as

you cut or add wires then it can affect the output in a number of ways.

Also adding cable can reduce signal, so by the time it gets to the antenna, you might be

back to how it was at the start.

We did some experimenting some time ago with a parabolic dish(like a metal culinder) you use for draining your salads etc, and extending the USB cable, I think we managed about 3 mts, and fixing the dongle inside the dish, and fixing it up in the air

Radiotwo

Hey there. I was actually using a home made mesh antenna with the dongle cable tied into it. I got quite good results. I think these cards are pretty tough, I mean my heavy handed soldering didn't even upset it.

My little brother took me Maplin earlier so I've got 1m of coax and the connector. Although I have no idea how the connector goes together, looking at my aerial it looks like it is heatshrunk to keep it together.

Been away for the weekend Dave but the package was here when I got home this afternoon.

This connector is a crimp type one - http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=44018

I'll have to see if I can do anything with it. I've got crimping tools but not for this type of connector.

That's ace! Even if you can't do the connector the soldering end alone would be fab. I'm sure if it came to it, I could 'make' the connector fit.

Thanks again.

Well I've done it mate, maybe not the neatest job in the world but I don't think it'll come off. I managed to solder the centre pin of the SMA and then crimp the outer sleeve. I've put a good long length of heatshrink on to strengthen it. The opening has been left quite tight so that the lip on the lid will clamp the sheath of the cable.

I've dremeled the tracks so I'm fairly confident they are broken

I'll get it in the post tomorrow.

WOW! That looks so neat. Makes mine look like I did it with my eyes shut. Can't wait to fire it up.

I owe you one, you ever need anything just let me know.

Can't wait to fire it up.

Ahh but I didn't say it worked