Add external antenna port to modern cell phone - General Questions and Answers

Hey guys, have a hardware puzzle I need to solve. I want an external antenna jack for a modern phone for the purpose of moving the rf away from user and improve signal. For years we have happily used our Samsung S4's for this but verizon just notified us the infrastructure they used will go off in 22.
Pictured below is the the ports on S4 and wilson adapter to external antenna.
The S4 will use its own antenna then switch to the external when plugged in.
I read somewhere that these ports were for testing, any of you know if this circuit still exists in new phones?
I am hoping that these "test" ports still exist in new phones and can be spliced into or plugged into and pig tailed out of the case.
Can any of you hardware engineers point me in a direction? Have not found much promise with custom builders yet if you know any.
Yes I have seen the passive patch leads/cradles, my mission is mainly to move the signal away from the user. This needs to be an option for rural customers anyway to just plug in external antenna as you lower DB's much more than the boosters ect.
thank you much for your expertise and time.
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Never knew that was there. Cool. Looks like my old S4+ is DOA too.
Why not just use a wireless booster?
They use them a lot in W Texas
Guess you're in for some future shock... I went from the S4+ to the Note 10+. Lol, that took some readjustment and a bit of a learning curve.
However I'm less than enthusiastic about the Samsung flagships since the N10+ as well Android 11 and up. Scoped storage* and forced encryption* are fully active on 11 and 12.
I have a N10+ running on Android 10 (as well as this which is running on 9) they both run well, fast and stable. The one running on Android 10 has dozens of new Samsung system apps in order to retain its functionality. Both look and run nearly identically. I want that level of functionality... I won't upgrade past 10.
With 11 maybe, with 12 you're in for a rough ride.
*both use more cpu cycles, resources and make using the phone much more convoluted. Most older apps will not run on 12, and maybe not 11.
Some overlay apps don't run on 10 and up, however in 10 scoped storage is not fully enabled.

Thank you blackhawk, I was wondering what the newer operating systems would permit, not all progress is forward. I see most have gone away from a headphone jack! I hope someone can point me in a direction to add an antenna jack.

pictured is the S4's external antenna ports L1 and R1 the smaller connectors are the phones internal antenna. The phone is able to shift back and forth between external and internal antennas. Anybody familiar with this circuit? What was the manufacturers intent with L1 and R1? I have heard they were used for testiing.

Here is google pixel 3a with black and white antenna coaxial circled and two other connectors squared. What are the connectors in the boxes for? How does this circuit work? Anybody work on this stuff or know someone who would?

Related

SDXC memory

Does anyone have any information on the release date of the new SDXC memory cards? And maybe a possible pricing structure? They are supposedly being produced in capacities from 32gb up to 2tb in the same size format as the sd and microsd cards we all know and use regularly in our devices.
I've searched these forums using the keyword "SDXC" and I was amazed that there was 0 results.
At the las vegas CES it was announced that they were to be available at the end of 2009/start of 2010.
Along with my question on a more accurate release date, I was also wondering if these newer devices can be put into a raid configuration, or even be used as large capacity long term storage solutions? Because if they are mass produced for consumers then surely using 3.5" hard drives will be ridiculous when you can perhaps string several together in a raid making the combined size no larger than a stick of chewing gum. And with the right adapter make them excellent portable storage drives.
Is there a reason they couldn't be put in some form of raid?
Link here to the SD association website:
http://www.sdcard.org/developers/tech/sdxc
Probably so, but there is a big chance that you will only see that coming out of someone;s garage than from a PC manufacturer. Think of it as lobbying... You have monster sized companies such as Seagate and Maxtor, which make these 3.5, 2.5, 1.8 in hard drives. They will do everything in their power to keep this new technology out of this possible solution. Potentially, you can save on:
*size of the PC unit as you already mentioned
*Power supply capability (since SD cards do not consume nearly as much power since they do not have moving parts).
*ease of repair.
*possibly price too, but that is somewhat far down the road at this point. Look at SSD
For our devices, you may not see it as it is likely not backwards compatible (think about when the SDHC came out)
Forget about using SD or any other non-classic SSD's in a RAID as a technology for data holding for three reasons:
1) Price. Look at current prices of 32GB SDHC cards
2) Quality. When you keep overwritting SDHC card all the time, it dies really quick
3) RAID and quality. With ^ only 1 card is enough to die and you lost all your data.
I still prefer classic 3.5" WD GreenPower for data and Black for system.
Yes i realise they will be extremely expensive. Thats the same with anything until the demand increases and it becomes cheaper to make them.
When they come out, they are mainly going to be packaged with HD video camcorders apparently. I guess that makes sense.
I'm still hoping someone can quote some rough figures and give an estimate on when they may be available to consumers.
For anyone who cares here's a bit of an update on the release timetable for certain size cards:
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http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/panasonic-sdxc-cards-roadmap-and-lumix-camera-lineup-at-ces-2010/

LEGO Controller Mount

Hi all,
This is my homemade controller mount for the Galaxy Note 8.0 entirely made of LEGOs that I used to play with... Some years ago :crying:
I did not have a lot of pieces and I only used the ones I found in the basement, that's why it looks like... That. It looks like that.
Here it is:
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Ingredients:
- Random Lego pieces looted around
- OTG cable
- Random controller
- A drill
Back view: the grey parts are there just to make it more solid, they're not essential.
Top view:
In the next pic you can see the feature that makes me the most proud: the whole thing is removable and I can use the controller as a normal one. The only part that it takes a long time to remove are two Lego pieces sticking out of its bottom, but they are not in the way while using it. Moreover, no Lego piece was harmed or glued in the whole process: they can all be re-used.
The next one is the "hook" that actually bears the weight of the tablet. As you know, this tablet is really heavy, so it was hard to find a stable and safe way to hold it up. I was lucky the hook worked: it actually keeps it in place even if you shake it a little bit (I haven't done any crash testing, I'm not rich enough for a new tablet ).
A view of the bottom:
The bottom once the mount is removed:
The two pieces are kept in place by other pieces on the inside of the controller assembled in a "U" shape. The only forces that act on them are towards the bottom, so there's no way it's coming off. I was lucky that the pieces I had to put on the inside do not get in the way of the board, but instead they make it work a little bit better, since they keep the board slightly pushed upwards, so the buttons are more sensitive (without, however, pushing too much).
The hardest part of the whole build was drilling the two holes, but it wasn't so bad. However, I would never have used an expensive controller to do such thing.
Overall, the buttons on the Note are accessible (that's the reason why it's not symmetrical) and it provides a decent, but heavy, gaming experience. It's far better for playing anywhere that's not a chair+desk setup than having to rely on the case to keep it vertical.
That's all, I hope you like it and that it inspires some madness in other people
Well, I guess I'm going to buy some Lego today...
Pretty cool.
Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
Fleischmann said:
Well, I guess I'm going to buy some Lego today...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's always a good decision
kstephens98 said:
Pretty cool.
Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!

I think I want a usb Female to Felame - but not sure.

Hi all,
got a bit of an odd one for you all to ponder over. I recently purchased a magnetic charging cable. One of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201496892947?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
It has a very small adapter that plugs in and lives in the micro usb slot on my note 3. The cable end then attaches magnetically and away we go - charge and data - pull and it drops off. Pure magic.
The pondererance is how do I connect OTG devices? This adapter is a snug fit and designed to stay put. For socket damage I would also prefer it stay that way. The lead goes to a normal USB male. So to connect I think I need a usb Female to Female - such a thing does exist here
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-USB-2...515514?hash=item20cfdff93a:g:~9kAAOxy4t1Sf0rr
but I am unsure what is wired to what - and indeed what should be wired to what... So
1) is this the right thing - plug the magnetic lead into it then plug a USB pen in to the other end and away we go?
2) if not how should a female to female be wired? I have plenty of usb extension leads and am willing to cut a pair of them to make the appropriate adapter?
3) if there are no definitive answers how safe do you think it will be to try? I am thinking get the one from e-bay and then plug in a usb pen. Best case it just works, bad is the power is wrong and it kills the pen (upsetting but I can live with it). Worst case it blows up the phone. What chances do people think for just working or damaging stuff?
Open to any and all thoughts and suggestions...
Keverso
Personally, I would give it a try - learning by doing. But I think the chances are not quite high that it will actually work.
Here is a scheme of the difference between OTG and regular USB.
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Sounds good. Looking forward to it.
alphatact1cs said:
Personally, I would give it a try - learning by doing. But I think the chances are not quite high that it will actually work.
Here is a scheme of the difference between OTG and regular USB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So - if I am reading this correct I take two extension leads - cut the female ends and join each colour to the same on the other lead (assuming both leads have the same colour code) and that should (with a little luck) work? That sounds easy enough. I am obviously worried about killing something but I have got an old galaxy 1 phone kicking about somewhere as well as a usb pen I would not be too upset to lose. I may well give it a shot this weekend and see what happens... I will report back if I do.
Thanks for the help.
Keverso

Android Stick for Car PC - Recommendations

Hi all,
I'm building a car PC of sorts using an Android stick and a 6.5" resistive touchscreen. I was using an MK908ii running the standard ROM and although there was plenty of bloatware, it worked quite well. Unfortunately I've managed to brick it and it won't turn on or connect to my laptop. I originally was going to use a nexus 7 because of all the support but the tablet is too big to fit in the centre console of my Mini. The 6.5" touchscreen is a straight swap for the standard sat nav.
So I need a replacement. The MK908ii was the first stick I bought and originally I was just going to use it as a TV input so I thought I'd ask for recommendations from people who know better than I do.
Basic needs:
Android - mainly for the apps - using co-pilot for GPS, Google play for music, YouTube, and emulators for games
Quick start up
Fast loading in general
Custom start up animation would be nice
Ability to permanently mount USB inputs rather than reload on each startup (GPS dongle, USB storage etc)
It uses a custom background with desktop Visualizer to open the apps and tasker controlled what apps were visible/openable depending on WiFi state. The system was controlled by touchscreen until I killed the stick yesterday
Any help in regards to what stick to buy and what ROM to run would be much appreciated!
When I get to 10 posts or whenever then I'll whack up some pics and a video but at the moment I can't!
Adam
Why not one of the newer Android touch screen head units? They seem to be better than the first versions. It would save lots of work. Just load your ROM and install the head unit.
Spoo76 said:
Why not one of the newer Android touch screen head units? They seem to be better than the first versions. It would save lots of work. Just load your ROM and install the head unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's going in a 2004 Mini replacing the sat nav screen which is where the giant centre speedo in normal cars are. The space there isn't big enough for a double din unit or even a nexus 7 tablet.
It's also not possible to replace the single din unit with a double din unit unless you have auto climate control which I don't.
I would post up pics to make it all more obvious but apparently I need 10 posts first
Bump!
Anyone? Would like to order a new stick asap
Hey Adam,
Welcome to XDA! If looking to use an Android HDMI Stick would recommend the MK903v for performance and reliability. Mine boots in under 20 seconds and works very well with my touchscreen Pioneer. Take a look at this thread for more info and ideas as there are many options available: http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...oid-sticks-t2833303/post61520159#post61520159
Thanks for this! I'll give it a read.
The MK903v is only £40 on gearbest. Is there much bloatware on it? Is there a ROM that works best for it?
Think I finally have enough posts for some pics and a video!
Standard nav unit
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New touch screen replacement
It uses a custom background with desktop Visualizer to open the apps and tasker controlled what apps were visible/openable depending on WiFi state. The system was controlled by touchscreen until I killed the stick
Background when connected to WiFi
Background when not connected to WiFi
And a quick video when I was testing this indoors before the touchscreen adapter turned up
Hey Adam that's screen replacement looks great no regarding the MK903v there isn't much bloatware on it at all. Mine came with an older version of XBMC preinstalled but that app and a few others were easy to replace

Question ANT+ ?

Reading on a few forums they say the Flip3 has ANT+ but when I tried the AntTester app it shows I don't. And it wont connect to any ANT+ devices.
Is this correct? we dont have ANT+
I found this:
samsung s21 ultra ant+ not supported
Just spent over an hour of wasted time on support chat Just trying to check on ant+ and why not working on the phone. Never got a straight answer. Why can't people just be clear and honest does it support or not. I mind me annoyed as doesn't but not as much as not getting straight answer. My...
eu.community.samsung.com
ANT+ support missing?!
Hello, I just received my new S21+ and transferred all data and applications to it. All good, but when I tried to start ANT+ connectivity... to my dismalness, I noticed that support seems to be missing: ANT Tester reports that built-in ANT was...
forum.xda-developers.com
Not sure if it's true or not. Samsung can be a squirrelly lot...
Some are saying it's Android 11 not supporting it anymore. Security, so secure nothing works right.
I never used it, but you got me curious.
Now you know why I got second N10+... not at all happy with the latest Samsung devices or Android 11
I found this, a site that has all the devices compatible with ANT+, not sure how current it is :
Directory - THIS IS ANT
ANT is a Wireless Personal Network protocol, by Garmin Canada, with small size, reasonable cost and very low power requirements.
www.thisisant.com
There's also an app in the Google Play Store to detect it on a device:
ANTtester - Apps on Google Play
Test your device for ANT+™ capabilities
play.google.com
There's various official ANT apps in the store as well, not sure if they will provide the functionality you're looking for.
@senergy
I know nada about ANT, your post piqued my interest.......
It's listed here https://www.thisisant.com/directory/galaxy-z-flip/
but doesn't look like it has the required firmware.
How it comes originally.
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After I installed the following
ANT USB Service
ANT Radio Service
ANT+ Plugins Service
And this is what it looks like my Tablet S4, where ANT+ works fine.
Interesting. On my N10+ Pie variant all of those are preinstalled except the Ant USB service.
I plugged a USB Ant+ stick and now it looks to be work. So after installing the extra services it can work with with usb-on the go.
@senergy
Does the USB ANT+ stick need to be plugged in to your phone at all times to achieve the connectivity you're looking for?
Also, is there a mfg's app that needs to be installed (ex:FitBit app)?
Just curious,as all my wireless accessories only need Bluetooth for functionality. I'd heard of ANT+, but, never had the necessity for it.
THX.
Yes the USB Stick needs to be plugged in for connectivity.
I have lots of equipment that uses ANT+, Heart Rate strap. Bicycle Lights, Bicycle Power Pedals, wheel pressure.. etc..
Depending on what your trying to do you need the apps.
My particular use case is I use Zwift on the phone connected to my indoor trainer or treadmil and wanted the HR monitor.
I got it working now, but without HDMI output it's kinda half arsed.. so back to the S9+ in the gym.
Not good. It's like others described.
Who dropped the ball, Google Android or Samsung?
Pretty slimy...

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