internal WiFi antenna X24 - OK to run past video data cable?

X2/X3/X4x series specific matters only
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popjoe
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internal WiFi antenna X24 - OK to run past video data cable?

#1 Post by popjoe » Fri Mar 30, 2007 8:25 am

Well, the laptop is cruising, however I think i should choose a better location for the antenna. Currently under the keyboard is good, but I need to extend the range just a little bit more.

The problem with under the keyboard is that I had to essentially loop it around in a trace. It is good for 5-10 metres but after that the signal deteriorates very rapidly, yet using a USB adapter the signal strength is very good, even if i walk 30 metres. Even if it only helps receive signal for 5-6Mbps it would be good.

Has anyone performed this? Is the X24 designed to accommodate an internal WiFi antenna inside the LCD structure?

Or has anyone just installed it in the LCD by themselves?

I have to run the antenna past the video power data cable to get it through the hinge. Has anyone done this? Will it affect the video signal? Do other laptops do this?

Thanks!
Last edited by popjoe on Fri Mar 30, 2007 2:17 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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SoftWar
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#2 Post by SoftWar » Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:15 am

what kind of antena do you have?(into the laptop)
IBM X31(2672 C8G): CPU: 1.4G(Centrino); HDD: 80GB(Western Digital), RAM: 768MB(Kingston); Wi-Fi; Win XP SP2

popjoe
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#3 Post by popjoe » Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:28 am

I'm not sure how to answer. It came with the mini PCI wireless card i bought. It is about 30-35 cm long? There are no numbers on it. The small connector on one end, to connect to the MAIN/AUX termination on the WLAN card, the other end has a small block with what appears to be foam.

Does this help?

I have googled around and this looks very similar, but not the same. Same shape, rectangular end, but not the paperclip appearance of the following: http://www.rf-connection.dk/shop/Shop-S ... -PID-18540
I.B.M. = Intelligently Built Machines

popjoe
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Mar 19, 2007 12:18 pm
Location: Melbourne, Australia

#4 Post by popjoe » Fri Mar 30, 2007 2:14 pm

Well, I've begun installing it into the side of the LCD. It looks very promising, may just need to sort out the top of the antenna. it may push against the LCD bezel, however there's quite a bit of room i should be able to work out something snug.

The cable runs down, however, to get it out of the hinge without putting pressure on any other elements, I have to run it past the video power/data cable.
Can anyone see any problem with doing this?

After the above, it leaves a nice 7-10cm length of cable to connect directly to the miniPCI card.

Before I worj out a solution to the top of the antenna, can anyone confirm running it past (I mean right next to) data cable would be no problem?


Thanks!!
I.B.M. = Intelligently Built Machines

The Spirit of X21
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#5 Post by The Spirit of X21 » Fri Mar 30, 2007 3:49 pm

I had to do the same thing today to install antennas in my X23. I'll let you know if I have any bad experiences as a result. So far, though, so good.
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popjoe
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#6 Post by popjoe » Fri Mar 30, 2007 9:09 pm

Thanks spirit.
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popjoe
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#7 Post by popjoe » Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:17 pm

Well, i took a gamble about the being next to the video card cable, and so far, no problems. Now get around 8Mbps from where i want, which is very good! Before it would get 10kbps then drop out.

Cable length was justttt right, enough to reach the top on the LCD and snake its way through the hinge, and onto the wireless card.

Very happy, recommend to anyone thinking about doing it. Just be vary thorough in thought before doing something if this is your first time like me. Don't force anything that doesn't appear to come out, and to make it easier in the future, use a drop of oil on the screws you reinsert. I used a very tiny drop of triflow teflon bike lubricant.
I.B.M. = Intelligently Built Machines

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