Any way to boost NFC signal? - Sprint Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm using an Element Recon Carbon Fiber case and while I really like it, the carbon fiber seems to weaken nfc. I had a couple tags in my car and room that I can't seem to use anymore. Do things like these external antennas (http://www.amazon.com/ipartstore-Antenna-Sensor-Sticker-Samsung/dp/B00DE76XNY) or similar ones work at all? Its not really a dealbreaker since I still like the case, but I was just looking around if there was a cheap fix available.
Edit: Thanks for putting this in the right place mr. moderator.

Related

A very cool mod to an Alu XDAii case

I gave up using my Alu case because of drop in power. I had seen another post from someone that changed their case but this one is really nice.
If there are any of the case makers that look at this forum then take this as a wish list of what I (we?) would like to see in the future.
http://www.pda4thai.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=22
This looks really cool! Thumbs up!
The only drawback seems to be the gap between the custom case and the hardware buttons, it seems you have to put your finger (or thumb ) deep into the holes of the case to reach the buttons...
This is the first time I heard of casemodding a PocketPC I am curious if there are any other contributions!
but that case is not really going to protect the screen also i doubt it would inc the signal strength all that much more then the std alu one
As the XDAII has no antenna, are there signal problem with this case ?
Drop in Power with XDAII and alloy case
I would have to confirm that there is most definitely a drop in signal strength when using an alloy case and the XDAII. This will be usually at least one bar on the signal meter, and can be verified by just inserting the thing and watching.
Given the lack of an external antenna, this is not surprising. I just wish I'd thought about it before lashing out 50 bucks!!!
The Thai casemod would help with the caller ID problem, but unless someone has delved inside the case of one of these to find the antenna then I would say that an alloy case is near useless unless you live next to a base station.
I would have thought that a well designed alloy case could include a connection to the external aerial socket on the back of the XDA with a flip up aerial on the case.....
Cheers
Funny, I don't seem to have the same problem. Full signal, and still full bars after putting it in the case. But i'll try checking with Phone Dashboard as it has a percentage of the signal displayed.
In the event that there's no loss, either the new radio-stack COULD actually affect the signal performance, or you were just in a borderline signal area when you put the jacket on.
In any case, i think it's still worth it as it really protects the PDA. I mean take the free the leather case: it falls on any of it's corners, and you'll have cosmetic issues immediately.
The Alu case however, i only spotted one weak angle of falling, and its like a 1/100 chance to fall exactly like that (assuming you drop it in flat surfaces) that would have to be TOP first, and a little tilted to the back (where the SD card /antenna cover is exposed)
So overall, I think dropping a bar is worth it (if you are one of those who actually suffer from this) as you can always take out the XDAII when in critical need of signal.
Guys,
I am in the market for an alu case for the XDAII. Are you talking about this one ?
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=109749
Thanks,
Rob.
yes, that's excactly it :wink:
Other ally case issues
The modification looks good - where can I get a Cover Pack for iPAQ 3870 ?
Another thing that would help would be to use voice dialling - because the modification still doesn't help for making a call, unless you have dialled it before closing the case. However, I can't seem to find a voice dialling setting. Is there one?
The other problem with the case is it taking two hands to open. Please let me know if you find one that has a nice swish press-catch that can be operated with one hand... Also one that you can put in the cradle while in its case
There is also a strand about the case in 'Using it'. W were talking about how slippery the case is, and raises the likelihood of dropping it in the first place. Someone suggests something from Egrips.com that will help...
Incidentally, I don't lose any signal bars with it in the case.
cathy
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=249707-B21
you mean this one ?
if not or you want to get it more local then expansys
look for yourself
http://www.google.dk/search?q=+Cover+Pack+for+iPAQ+3870&hl=da&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&start=10&sa=N
Alu Case
I Have got the alu case for my XDAII there id definatley a signal drop when i put it into the case but it still looks good i guess
It not only cut radio signal, it kills the bluetooth connections too. Good looking but not too functional.

[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.

Wallet/Card Cases?

Hi all,
Was wondering if there are any decent cases I can get for my N4. It's getting a lot more difficult to get a case now, I've got a plain TPU one but I'd love to store some cards and maybe a bit of money with my phone.
Does anyone know where I can get a Nexus 4 Fancy Diary case in Navy/Lime? I found one in Pink and frankly that's not really my colour haha. Plus all the other wallet style cases are really ugly (I searched eBay). Fancy Diary case looks like this.
Alternatively I wouldn't mind a case with some card slots in the back. Does anyone know if this affects NFC capability? I would put one card in my TPU case, but I hear that it always sets off the NFC chip. I use Beam semi-frequently (~once a week). Examples of the card slot case are: this one, another one and this one. I don't mind the extra bulk if it means I don't have to carry my wallet with me all the time! I particularly like the look of that third one, although I'm not sure how stable it is with keeping the partition closed.
I'm based in Australia, so online retailers will have to ship here!
Thanks all.
Quolli said:
Hi all,
Was wondering if there are any decent cases I can get for my N4. It's getting a lot more difficult to get a case now, I've got a plain TPU one but I'd love to store some cards and maybe a bit of money with my phone.
Does anyone know where I can get a Nexus 4 Fancy Diary case in Navy/Lime? I found one in Pink and frankly that's not really my colour haha. Plus all the other wallet style cases are really ugly (I searched eBay). Fancy Diary case looks like this.
Alternatively I wouldn't mind a case with some card slots in the back. Does anyone know if this affects NFC capability? I would put one card in my TPU case, but I hear that it always sets off the NFC chip. I use Beam semi-frequently (~once a week). Examples of the card slot case are: this one, another one and this one. I don't mind the extra bulk if it means I don't have to carry my wallet with me all the time! I particularly like the look of that third one, although I'm not sure how stable it is with keeping the partition closed.
I'm based in Australia, so online retailers will have to ship here!
Thanks all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was looking for the same thing as well. There is this if you are ready to spend $30: http://www.shapeways.com/model/914960/nexus-4-credit-card-case.html
To me, I took the inspiration from CardNinja and decided to DIY and the end result looks like attachment.
It's part from my failing Poetic case, I retained the hard case and cut out the pouch. Super glue it and voila.
The hole you see at the bottom left is no accident. I cut it out for back speaker only for credit cards to block it...
Sadly, I don't think it's going to last very long. But while it works I can report that it feels immensely better than having to flip open the Poetic cover for every usage. The portability is excellent and the phone gets protected.
I have to concede that this is one of the advantages of iPhone. Nexus 5 doesn't have a case like we want either.

Metal Hybrid case with NO signal loss, I have pics & proof!

Found this case on Aliexpress.com that promises no signal loss because slots are cut out where each antennae strips are on the phone. Looks amazing. Also says it has a liner on the inside to cushion the phone if dropped.
S6 Edge
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/For-...e-Case-For-Samsung-Galaxy-S6/32328021917.html
S6
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/S6-2...inum-Bumper-Case-For-Samsung/32328655797.html
I am ordering one but does anyone ordered have any reviews of this case?
Unfortunately that isn't how it works. Those plastic slots aren't really there for the antenna to radiate through. Either they are merely aesthetic, or they are there to break up the metal sides so that they are the right length to actually be part of the antenna themselves. So this case really is going to do nothing to stop any signal degradation.
Oh No, it's our friend Lucky Garden again pushing more China junk.
I do plan to order something like this one, as I was searching for it yesterday. Please give us review, when you get it.
Aww crap, I was hoping it would be a great case. Well I bought one but the good thing is it was only $2.99. When it gets here I will let you know what I think.
It came!!
So the case came today, took about 2 weeks to get it. Not bad I guess with the free shipping.
Things I like about it:
Fits snug, no movement or jiggling in the case
No signal loss, no wifi interference at all
Looks pretty slick, doesn't add bulk, can see the phones beauty
Buttons are very responsive and clicky. Metal buttons, not plastic.
Most cut outs are cut perfectly.
Things I don't like about it:
Minimal lay on the table protection on the front
Back of case presses against glass of phone creating an oil slick effect as seen in my pic below (nothing a matte screen protector can't fix)
Makes phone kind of slippery, feels almost like there isn't a case on the phone.
Headphone jack cutout it very narrow so anything other than original earphones probably won't fit.
All in all I like the case and will use it for work, not bad for a $3.00 case! I am really glad it isn't causing any problems with cell signal or wifi signal. I will probably order other colors in a few days!
BlessedTalent said:
So the case came today, took about 2 weeks to get it. Not bad I guess with the free shipping.
Things I like about it:
Fits snug, no movement or jiggling in the case
No signal loss, no wifi interference at all
Looks pretty slick, doesn't add bulk, can see the phones beauty
Buttons are very responsive and clicky. Metal buttons, not plastic.
Most cut outs are cut perfectly.
Things I don't like about it:
Minimal lay on the table protection on the front
Back of case presses against glass of phone creating an oil slick effect as seen in my pic below (nothing a matte screen protector can't fix)
Makes phone kind of slippery, feels almost like there isn't a case on the phone.
Headphone jack cutout it very narrow so anything other than original earphones probably won't fit.
All in all I like the case and will use it for work, not bad for a $3.00 case! I am really glad it isn't causing any problems with cell signal or wifi signal. I will probably order other colors in a few days!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered one I think a day or two after you did. So it should be here soon. what about the GPS? Is the signal on that affected much?
---------- Post added at 11:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:53 PM ----------
Oh, and as far as the slipperiness goes. I did this with my clear case and it worked pretty well. Most of the time that slipperiness is a combination of the slick plastic and the release agent they used. I started with 2000 grit sandpaper. Then I wet sanded it with 2000 grit. Then I 5000 grits sanded it. Then I used mothers plastic polish. Same thing you use on headlights. And it's much more comfortable to hold without getting that greasy slippery feeling and remaining crystal clear
Nice, I'll do that to help with the feel. My GPS seems to be unaffected as well. Seems like a win on this one to me.
One thing I will say is that the back cover is a pain to get off, doesn't slide off as easy as it goes on. Not a deal breaker but if you like to change your cases often this might be a problem for you.
looks similar to this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Luxury-Alum...Domain_0&var=470724516067&hash=item27feab9f65
I tried to find it on ali website but couldn't
[email protected] said:
looks similar to this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Luxury-Alum...Domain_0&var=470724516067&hash=item27feab9f65
I tried to find it on ali website but couldn't
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found it for the S6 Edge http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Luxu...e-For-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-Edge/32340065184.html
It actually looks way better than that one I bought. I might have to look for it for the regular S6.
BlessedTalent said:
I found it for the S6 Edge http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Luxu...e-For-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-Edge/32340065184.html
It actually looks way better than that one I bought. I might have to look for it for the regular S6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please post if you find it for us.
[email protected] said:
please post if you find it for us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here it is for the S6
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...For-Samsung-Galaxy-S6/419092_32334833286.html
I might have to order this one!! I wonder how this acts with the cell signal and reception because the one I bought doesnt cause any problems.
BlessedTalent said:
Here it is for the S6
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...For-Samsung-Galaxy-S6/419092_32334833286.html
I might have to order this one!! I wonder how this acts with the cell signal and reception because the one I bought doesnt cause any problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want me to guineepig I will lol. I have no experience with this website is it better/more reliaable than ebay?
That's cool, yeah I don't want to put out $20 to find out it doesn't work as well as planned. I have purchased 5 cases over the past 6 years and have never had a problem. The money goes in escrow until you confirm you got your order in satisfactory condition and time. If not the money goes back to you. I pay with my credit card but others use Paypal. I hate Paypal so I don't use them. I thinks it's safe and will continue to order from Aliexpress. Others on this forum have also ordered, they may have some reviews on their experiences.
Ill buy it tonight. I am debating on black on black or back and silver
I just installed a after s reel protector on he back of my phone and the removal of the back of the case is super easy to remove now. I guess that moisture between the glass and the plastic was creating a suction keeping the back of the case stuck to the phone. Not a problem now though.
Really liking how this case feels and looks, most people don't even notice that a case is in my phone which is the whole point of me buying it.
I got this case via eBay and I am very pleased with it. Just what I wanted. I'll make a thread and take pictures later.

Bumper Case that is Mod Friendly?

I have searched high and low and I can't seem to find a Bumper style case that will let me use Mods. The clear one that comes with the Moto Z is perfect, but it's ugly. Am I missing something, am I the only one that desperately needs this?
Judging from what's available, and some reviews I've read, the popular perspective is that you either use Mods or use a case, but not both.
I have a tendency to put my phone down on it's screen, so I just need something that elevates it from the surface. I also have a tendency to drop my phone and the bumper cases I've had in the past have saved me from that pesky insurance deductible.
Will we ever see a Bumper case that protects the screen and edges while allowing us to swap out Mods? Is there already something available hiding in the dark corners of the interwebs?
https://www.incipio.com/cases/smart...roid-cases/moto-z-droid-co-molded-bumper.html
As good as it gets. You put it on from the back. High edges around the screen. But also a edge around the back preventing fast and quick swap of mod without removing bumper too.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
swejuggalo said:
https://www.incipio.com/cases/smart...roid-cases/moto-z-droid-co-molded-bumper.html
As good as it gets. You put it on from the back. High edges around the screen. But also a edge around the back preventing fast and quick swap of mod without removing bumper too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you own this? Is it difficult to press the volume and power buttons because they are covered by the bumper?
I'm going to miss being able to fast swap Mods but if this will fit with any Mod attached then this is definitely what I need.
Edit: The only review I've found states that the charging port does not line up correctly and it constantly slips off. Honestly it sounds like they bought it for the wrong phone but I'd love to hear if anyone has something good to say about this bumper...
thefatalepic said:
Do you own this? Is it difficult to press the volume and power buttons because they are covered by the bumper?
I'm going to miss being able to fast swap Mods but if this will fit with any Mod attached then this is definitely what I need.
Edit: The only review I've found states that the charging port does not line up correctly and it constantly slips off. Honestly it sounds like they bought it for the wrong phone but I'd love to hear if anyone has something good to say about this bumper...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this. The buttons on the bumper feel like metal to me and make excellent contact with the normal buttons. They are a little stiffer to push, but that makes accidental off button pushes less likely to happen.
The oem cord easily fits in the hole for the charger. I am not sure if this is the same case as the verizon one. The incipio case is very good, if not a bit expensive.
edit: It is also a very sniff case, does not shift or move at all.
You two convinced me, thank you!
No real problems with it. Haven't had it in a pocket pulling it up and down with any force though.
I had it in perfect fit around the charging port first time I mounted it. Then I wanted to check something and removed it and now it's slightly to the side. That seems to be a mounting issue rather than a bad fit.
Nice bumper but not perfect. Still... The best thing to use with mods so far.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
The Verizon bumper works fine for me. Some type c cables are a bit wide and need to be seated properly, but otherwise exactly what you described that you needed. I swap between the Incipio wireless off grid and the JBL sound mod often and don't have to remove the bumper to do so.
I'm just using the included plastic bumper in the unlocked US version of the Z.
Glad to hear that there's a proper one from Incipio aside from the VZW bumper.
The included plastic one works great but is ugly IMO. I wish it were a flat black. I'm considering spraying it with Plasti Dip.

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