External
Antenna Connector for UTStarcom F1000G
Boost
Your WiFi Range with a High Gain Antenna
 UTStarcom
F1000G works pretty well with the built in antenna. Adding
an external antenna will allow you to connect to a wider range
of distant access points with your WiFi SIP VoIP phone.
I connected
a biquad antenna [Fig.1] to this WiFi phone and noticed that
it picks up more access points. I have not done any measurements
of the signal gain yet. You'll have to wait for that report
or let me know what you find out if you decide to do it yourself.
First
we need to open the phone by following these
instructions.
Fig. 1 Testing
The phone
has a miniature external antenna connector already mounted
on the PCB [Fig.2]. If you have a matching connector use it.
If not you can solder into the PCB.
Fig. 2 Mounted external antenna
connector
I initially
wanted to replace the headset jack with external antenna connector
but decided against it due to space constraints. Instead drill
a hole on the backside of the phone. Start with a small drill
bit and go bigger or use a conical drill bit if you have one.
Don't over drill so your connector can fit is snuggly [Fig.
3]. I used a SMA connector. It protrudes out of the phone
which is not very elegant [Fig. 4] but it's the only way because
a coupling SMA connector on a pigtal has to screw on over
the barrel.
Fig. 3 Hole location |
Fig. 4 SMA connector |
I suppose
that it's better to use a coaxial cable between the connector
and the PCB but since the run is so short I just used regular
straight cable [Fig. 5]. Your soldering iron tip has to be
very pointy. The connections are really small. Use a magnifying
glass to verify that solder didn't jump connections.
 
Fig. 7 Ready
Fig. 6 Solder points
 
Fig. 9 SMA connector close up
Fig. 8 Pigtail Attached
When
done assemble the phone as described in these instructions.
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