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[Q] Casemate Tough GPS issues - Where is my antenna situated

Hi Guys,
Got myself a Casemate Tough. Brilliant case & I love the feel of it. Makes holding the phone so much more easier. I always felt without the case I was going to let the HD slip
Anyways, as with some people I have noticed a real drop in GPS signal with the silicone part on. The hard back makes no difference. Without case I have maybe 20ft error, with the case this can rise to over 200ft error & it maybe loses half the sats.
I have read the reviews on the Tough & Pop, but must say I prefer my Tough.
My question is, does anyone know where the GPS antenna is situated in the phone. I am just going to take a stanley blade & trim some silicone out around the affected area. It appears to be mid to low down, but I want to remove as little as possible from my case.
Any gurus out there had one of these in pieces yet.
Cheers guys, Shane

I don't know where the GPS part is located but I have also a case-mate case and I have no problems to get GPS signal.
But I read that some people have the same problem with the metalic case.

Hi lilil
It is strange.
How long have you had your case. I wonder if it is a manufacturing date change or something equally weird.
Cheers, Shane

I have a case mate pop on my DHD since 3 months and no problems with gps signal strong and fast as ever...really weird problem!

Hi Guys,
I have just ordered a case mate Pop tonight, so I will see what that is like when it arrives.
Cheers, Shane

my casemate pop doesnt seem to have issues though.. I read that the gps is at the top of the phone too!

Glad you like the Tough case its my favourite case also.
Can't say I have noticed any issues with location, its dead on where I am and the case mate Tough is always on my phone.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

I was using this case before switching to the Otterbox commuter. As far as I remember I did not have any GPS problems with the Tough. I read that the GPS receiver is behind the rubbery part around the flash LED.

This is very weird. I have the Tough and I also have a great drop in signal with it on. Is it possible that the firmware version of the phone might have something to do with it?

Removing my case increases a faster gps fix.
Although the newest leaked radio does a great job too.
The gps antenna is situated at the bottom, I read somewhere

Doctor.Who said:
Although the newest leaked radio does a great job too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you be a bit more specific, please - a link would be even better Also, how's the battery life on that radio? Any difference?

el_commandante said:
Could you be a bit more specific, please - a link would be even better Also, how's the battery life on that radio? Any difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
04th April 2011: Radio_12.48.60.23U_26.08.04.07_M3
http://www.multiupload.com/LMGHQ26L1R
batterylife is a bit better in my experience

For info......
The GPS antenna is on the back of the SIM/Sdcard cover, remove the cover and you'll see it.
As for the radio, I agree with the above, Radio 12.48.60.23U_26.08.04.07_M3 is for me the best radio I've tested both for signal and battery life. Be aware though that different radios perform differently for different people and is dependant on location (country), carrier, etc. Try different radios to see which works best for you.

Hello,
just for infomration a solve doubts the GPS is in the backside of the Flash Leds.
Look this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfatoeWbMRk
Thanks

Gps antenna is under the flash cover.

I have a tough case, and yeah i realise that in certain places, my positioning is way off. But here in Trinidad GPS has no real functionality (sucky EDGE network), so not a big deal for me.

What is the small circle on the back?

Hey all,
What is the function of the small indented circle below the kickstand on the back of the TB?

It covers a screw to open the phone.

It's a rubber plug. Probably covering a screw.

Does this cover a screw?! I always thought it covered one of those external antenna ports (like you used to see back in the 90s)...
If you stick a safety pin into the rubber cover then you should be able to easily pop it off and see for yourself.

I'm pretty sure its for an external antenna as a lot of cases have a hole for it.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt

Larry from droidforums.net said:
Dear Larry,
I understand you would like to know what the gray circle is on the back of the Thunderbolt. If you are referring to a piece that is rubber like, this is a cover for a screw that is holding the back speaker under the kickstand into place.
To send a reply to this message or let me know I have successfully answered your question log in to our ContactUs site using your email address and your ticket number 11USCW17ENA000078.
Sincerely,
Lisa
HTC
Want to see what others are saying? Have a question to ask other HTC fans?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
**10 chars**

Its like a miniature coax plug for an external cell phone antenna
The plug isn't easy to get out & can be pushed through the hole when reinstalling it so be careful if you get curious & check it out

I was wondering the same thing
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

I read somewhere that it covers the 2nd Mic used for noise cancelling on calls.
From my mobile power unit.

I like how everybody keeps coming up with wacky ideas when they could just take a pin, remove the cap, and take a picture.
Sent from my Thunderstrike using XTC Preminium App

Blacksheep427 said:
I read somewhere that it covers the 2nd Mic used for noise cancelling on calls.
From my mobile power unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Second Mic is Actually right Next to the 3.5mm Headphone Jack!
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

WeaselWeaz said:
I like how everybody keeps coming up with wacky ideas when they could just take a pin, remove the cap, and take a picture.
Sent from my Thunderstrike using XTC Preminium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then do it. Otherwise you are just being useless like the rest of us in this thread. At least sidekick provided an email response from HTC.

Like this...?

WeaselWeaz said:
I like how everybody keeps coming up with wacky ideas when they could just take a pin, remove the cap, and take a picture.
Sent from my Thunderstrike using XTC Preminium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So....what did you find?
Just asking.

PlankLongBeard said:
The Second Mic is Actually right Next to the 3.5mm Headphone Jack!
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, copy that. Thanks for correcting me. Any points for being close?
Captain Obvious observation: the spot in question, the hole next to the 3.5 jack and the twin holes to the left of the rear camera must "do" something. My gel skin has cut-outs for each.

Coax, it is, then. Good, because I've been looking at LTE-compatible antennas.

Blacksheep427 said:
the twin holes to the left of the rear camera must "do" something. My gel skin has cut-outs for each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The twin holes are for the antenna which is on the outside of the battery cover. Inside, you'll see some gold plating, that carries through the holes, and there's more plating on the outside (which is painted over), which forms an antenna. The holes just connect the inside and outside together. There's no reason for a case to have openings there.

Copy. Personally I hardly notice them. I obviously did take notice due to this post. Despite the "bugs" in the TB, it works and that is all that matters. I am just looking forward to it getting better when 4G is active for my home area and the update to Android 2.3.

I heard its its butt hole.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Happy 12th birthday.

Wifi death grip fix....... Lmaoooo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGxctvyhl0U&feature=related
I came across this.. lol Im gonna try it. Maybe some how line the inside of the cover from the top to the side so when in landscape the top of the foil is on the side of the cover/phone but still getting access to the wifi signal.. lol
I think this issue can be fixed if htc just redesignes the cover. It cant be that expensive. I bet if the some how do the same with metal, from the copper all the way to say both sides, no matter how you hold it should get signal. I think this could be fixed with a redesigned cover.
I know this is a funny thread, but seriously I havent tried it yet, but if it helps that just means they could design a new cover to work.

smashpunks said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGxctvyhl0U&feature=related
I came across this.. lol Im gonna try it. Maybe some how line the inside of the cover from the top to the side so when in landscape the top of the foil is on the side of the cover/phone but still getting access to the wifi signal.. lol
I think this issue can be fixed if htc just redesignes the cover. It cant be that expensive. I bet if the some how do the same with metal, from the copper all the way to say both sides, no matter how you hold it should get signal. I think this could be fixed with a redesigned cover.
I know this is a funny thread, but seriously I havent tried it yet, but if it helps that just means they could design a new cover to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if you could somehow attach a piece of foil to the inside of the cover touching the gold antenna.

graffixnyc said:
I wonder if you could somehow attach a piece of foil to the inside of the cover touching the gold antenna.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be more scared of the foil paper touching the other component.
Sent from my dualcore monster using xda premium app.

Maybe just little bit less foil on the gold prong. Would enhance the signal. While still being small enough to fit in the phone without effecting anything.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

FYI he already made a post about this when he first put up that video

EDIT: Ok yall gonna think im crazy. But I held the phone with a towel reaaaaally tight over the wifi area, whole back, and etc. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO wifi drop. Yea ok, conductor right? IPHONE issue? Well a case dont fix it? how come? so I decided to line my case (silicone I got from tmobile) with paper towel. LOL. I got two layers in it. Anyways, I wish my wife was here with Vibrina (my vibrant) to take a video for proof, but it works. Its muuuuch better. I could still probably kill the signal by covering completely or trying, but now I dont have to keep my hands in a certain spot.
TRY it.. LOL IT works for me. Ill post a video in about 4 hours of it. Before, while during and after to show its working. So Maybe a new case with some extra something will help? I dont know but if just a towel (one layer, the corner) can stop the issue completely, something has to be able to be done.

With my body glove on, I've never had any problems with wifi dropping.
Connecting? Sometimes. Weak gps signal? Oh yeah.

[email protected] said:
With my body glove on, I've never had any problems with wifi dropping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto here. I have the soft rubbery case, no clip, and I never lose the WiFi signal, no matter how tightly I hold the phone, or where I hold it.

carlsontheflyer said:
Ditto here. I have the soft rubbery case, no clip, and I never lose the WiFi signal, no matter how tightly I hold the phone, or where I hold it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 16.99 gel one from T-Mobile? Mine always loses signal with that. I'm going to exchange it and try another one.

smashpunks said:
The 16.99 gel one from T-Mobile? Mine always loses signal with that. I'm going to exchange it and try another one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the case from the TMO store where I bought the phone. It's the one made from soft black rubber, and the rubber is textured, feels almost like finger prints, so it's not slippery at all. It cost me $9.

Thanks very much...
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App

smashpunks said:
EDIT: Ok yall gonna think im crazy. But I held the phone with a towel reaaaaally tight over the wife area, whole back, and etc. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO wifi drop. Yea ok, conductor right? IPHONE issue? Well a case dont fix it? how come? so I decided to line my case (silicone I got from tmobile) with paper towel. LOL. I got two layers in it. Anyways, I wish my wife was here with Vibrina (my vibrant) to take a video for proof, but it works. Its muuuuch better. I could still probably kill the signal by covering completely or trying, but now I dont have to keep my hands in a certain spot.
TRY it.. LOL IT works for me. Ill post a video in about 4 hours of it. Before, while during and after to show its working. So Maybe a new case with some extra something will help? I dont know but if just a towel (one layer, the corner) can stop the issue completely, something has to be able to be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried what you suggested but without the case. I put the paper towel between my hand and phone ota only dropped to 1 bar. Without the paper towel I would lose connection.
Sent from my dualcore monster using xda premium app.

ridikolous said:
I tried what you suggested but without the case. I put the paper towel between my hand and phone ota only dropped to 1 bar. Without the paper towel I would lose connection.
Sent from my dualcore monster using xda premium app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crazy huh. Pt really works.

smashpunks said:
EDIT: Ok yall gonna think im crazy. But I held the phone with a towel reaaaaally tight over the wife area, whole back, and etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was anybody else picturing what the "wife area" could mean? Hope she was okay with the whole towel thing.

zukа said:
Was anybody else picturing what the "wife area" could mean? Hope she was okay with the whole towel thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lmfaooooo she wants a divorce now
Damn kinky ****.

I'm headed out now to test this on as many "wife areas" as I can find. BRB unless I get arrested...

LF back cover

Hi,
I'm wondering if anyone has an extra back cover for their HTC Sensastion 4G they would kindly send me. Maybe you've upgraded to the "Beats" back cover or something.
I'm having reception issues with mine, especially when holding the phone in my hand. So bad that I'm dropping calls in my house when I've never had reception issues with any other phone. I'm hoping another back cover (contains the antennas) will help.
I tried lightly sanding the GSM contacts on mine and that may have made matters even worse (hard to tell).
Cheers

cover the contacts in aluminium foil.
Works for me and its cheap

azzledazzle said:
cover the contacts in aluminium foil.
Works for me and its cheap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I have a whole thread on that, and didn't really seem to work. Pics of your setup?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1530203

Yeah, Or at least i think it seems to work... maybe a placebo effect lol.
Just rip of a little bit of foil and mould it over the contacts on the back casing, Gently put the phone back in not to move the foil off the contacts and job done !!
try it. Its not ideal and its not perfect but it seems to give me that extra 1-2 bars

Flyview said:
Hi,
I'm wondering if anyone has an extra back cover for their HTC Sensastion 4G they would kindly send me. Maybe you've upgraded to the "Beats" back cover or something.
I'm having reception issues with mine, especially when holding the phone in my hand. So bad that I'm dropping calls in my house when I've never had reception issues with any other phone. I'm hoping another back cover (contains the antennas) will help.
I tried lightly sanding the GSM contacts on mine and that may have made matters even worse (hard to tell).
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's unlikely someone will just give you a back cover. These things go for ~$40. I think they're about $20-30 now, so check those out if you'd like on ebay

I just tried it (with either side of the aluminum foil contacting). It makes reception worse for me. Oh, didn't realize they're worth so much.

Call HTC! Seems like a warranty issue to me, they'll send you one right away.

cdstewart said:
Call HTC! Seems like a warranty issue to me, they'll send you one right away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I'll have to try that tomorrow.
Sent from my Sensation using XDA

Maybe someone who's buttons fell out and received a new one can send me their old one?
I called HTC and they were about to send me a new cover. When they realized I am in Canada they suddenly said they don't have that part and that I need to go buy one :|

On sale now for 17.98
http://www.all4cellular.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=htc+sensation&cat=&x=0&y=0

[Q] Note3 N9005 - is the Plastic Rim Around the Phone Replaceble?

I recently bought a Note 3 N9005. The Phone is awesome and have been functioning very well, except the Battery drain when playing games on it but I can live with that.
Couple of days back the phone accidentally slipped from my Hand and fell on the Ground . When i picked it up the upper right corner of the phone was chipped and i saw that the Metallic Looking rim for Note 3 is not actually metal but Metal like looking plastic . Now i am left with a Amazing phone with a very sore look. Every time i look at the phone i first look at that chip which makes me very upset
Can anyone please let me know is there any way I can replace the Metal Rim? Is the Metal Rim attached to the LCD Screen? Will I be able to purchase the Metal Rim and replace it with mine?
Pleaseee let me know as that chipped part on my phone is bothering me very much and I have searched the Internet for answers but did not find any. I hope to find them here.
Thanks in Advance.

I don't know about replacing the original part, but a surely cheaper and easier way would be to buy and use a metal bumper. Cheap, easy to install, real metal. There were some threads about it in the Note 3 Accessories subforum.

The plasic metal looking rim is part of the screen's frame, you can only replace it if you replace the whole screen.
So i think it's best if you leave it like that or you must have a pretty big wallet you want to empt, new screen is like $250 a least.

I dont know how hardcore technicians live in ur part of the world but there in Poland replacing S4 frame is pretty much doable so its possible also with note3. Price should be under $100.

Thanks for the response guys...I was hoping to hear a different answer guess i just have to live with that or change to another phone. Thanks for the help. btw i am from India.

What timing! I've only just chipped the frame aswell?. I've maybe dropped my phone 5 times(3 on tile & 2 on lino) and luckly each time, it has fallen screen up.
TBH replacing the whole frame was my last consideration. At first I wanted to paint it, but now I'm just going to get a cover. I'll post a pic of the chip when I get the time. Mine's on the Faux metal rim and not the glass. How bad is yours? Maybe post a pic?
In the end it doesn't matter how little it is, it still drives you nuts?. Take a look at the accessories thread and you'll see most, if not all, of the cases cover the rim around the front. This is would be the easiest solution in my mind.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

denski101 said:
What timing! I've only just chipped the frame aswell?. I've maybe dropped my phone 5 times(3 on tile & 2 on lino) and luckly each time, it has fallen screen up.
TBH replacing the whole frame was my last consideration. At first I wanted to paint it, but now I'm just going to get a cover. I'll post a pic of the chip when I get the time. Mine's on the Faux metal rim and not the glass. How bad is yours? Maybe post a pic?
In the end it doesn't matter how little it is, it still drives you nuts?. Take a look at the accessories thread and you'll see most, if not all, of the cases cover the rim around the front. This is would be the easiest solution in my mind.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, i think i will have to consider the Metal bumper for now to cover up that Chip. its driving me crazy every time i look at my phone. yes, I have used iPhone 4 in the past and i have dropped it several times but had no visible scratches on the phone. But I dropped my Note3 once and Boom!! Scar for life :crying: attaching the picture...

In your situation I would mask the screen very accurately at that corner use epoxy glue to build the missing area up (as epoxy dries it can be shaped & cut to shape with a razor blade) finalise the shape BEFORE its fully cured then allow to cure for a day then paint with cosmetic nail paint close to chrome as you can.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

I would just do what Pat. said.

NazzyJ said:
Yeah, i think i will have to consider the Metal bumper for now to cover up that Chip. its driving me crazy every time i look at my phone. yes, I have used iPhone 4 in the past and i have dropped it several times but had no visible scratches on the phone. But I dropped my Note3 once and Boom!! Scar for life :crying: attaching the picture...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Arghhhh!!? Not to add insult to injury, but that is a shocker. You need a case ASAP! I feel embarrassed complaining about mine. Here's my damage report:
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

denski101 said:
Arghhhh!!? Not to add insult to injury, but that is a shocker. You need a case ASAP! I feel embarrassed complaining about mine. Here's my damage report:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using a S-View Cover when the phone fell...I thought my phone should be safe but when i picked it up I saw the top right end of the phone was chipped. Threw the S-View Cover away, Will be buying some nice Cases/ bumpers for the phone this weekend.

Pat. said:
In your situation I would mask the screen very accurately at that corner use epoxy glue to build the missing area up (as epoxy dries it can be shaped & cut to shape with a razor blade) finalise the shape BEFORE its fully cured then allow to cure for a day then paint with cosmetic nail paint close to chrome as you can.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Pat, I will try it this weekend and will update it here. Hopefully everything goes well maybe i'll attach some pictures as well.

Don't forget to mask the rest of the phone while doing it as Epoxy can easily get on things I've noticed & is very hard to remove.
I put a larger than needed blob on & then don't start cutting to shape until it's the consistency of toffee.
Use the the blade in a sawing action.
Good luck.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

Pat. said:
Don't forget to mask the rest of the phone while doing it as Epoxy can easily get on things I've noticed & is very hard to remove.
I put a larger than needed blob on & then don't start cutting to shape until it's the consistency of toffee.
Use the the blade in a sawing action.
Good luck.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much time should I give it until i cut it into shape? Thanks Again.

It is an expensive device so because different makes/types of glue dry at different speeds the trick is to do a test run with the glue in the same environment as you will be doing the repair & monitor/time the glue to see how long the "window" for manipulation of it.
Araldite is good & for a rough idea it may be from about 20mins after applying to an hour. But do a test run. (Buy good glue, i tried some pound shop epoxy last year & it was worse than useless).
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app