[Q] External GSM antenna for SG S2 ? - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi everybody,
all is in the title. I'm more and more using my lovely SG S2 as mobile hotspot/heavy browsing for professional use, but in 99% of the time, I'm working in areas with VERY bad GSM coverage - 4 bars in GPRS is the best I can expect.
Pretty bad as I'm also webmaster, and need to upload/download files often... It is VERY VERY boring to be that slow, as I lose lots of time...
The main area I work in IS covered with kinda weak 3G/H signal, and can't get it inside buildings, so I'm looking for a way to connect an external GSM antenna to get the 3G signal.
I know places where I can buy a wall-mount GSM antenna (real antenna, not a cheap low-end stuff as you can get with (ie) mobile TV tuners) and mount it with full view, but I don't know if there's a way to connect it to Galaxy. I know there's a micro connector closed to the battery, but I'm not sure of the use (hard reset phone button ?).
Thanks for info !
PS : moving the mobile hotspot/phone is NOT a solution. It will only work if the phone is outside the building, ie on the roof. No way for me to work like that.

Hi, did you ever find a solution?

Hi, no, absolutely nothing.... No help, no info

Yeah, I too would like to know of any solution...

Related

[Q] Losing signal through call

I am losing a signal half way through a conversation and i get cut off ,i have checked it a few times today by calling mates when the phone strength is 2-3 bars ,after a few minutes i get cut off and the phone has lost signal .
Any help with this please ?
I have looked at radio codes and flashing roms but unsure as to what they mean or do ,i am on O2 and the signal is ok where i live and worked ok on my last phone SE k800i ,just seems as though the hd2 is constantly losing the signal and trying to find it but them comes up with 2-3 bars
I am new to all this stuff so please explain it to an idiot in simple terms
If you are having signal issues, flashing a new radio could do a lot of good. The radio ROM is the software that controls how your phone connects to the various network signals. You may have to experiment with several different radios before you find one that works well in your area. Read THIS thread for more information on it.
Another possibility is if you are only experiencing signal problems during calls, it may be that you are holding the phone in a way which degrades the reception of your antenna. Some users have reported that holding the phone tightly at the bottom (where the antenna is located) causes a slow loss of signal. If this is the case, try gripping your phone nearer to the camera at the top.
Cheers for the link ,will have a read through
+1 faelock. if you hold the phone with the bottom pressed flat into your palm it can make a difference of as much as 2-3 bars.
Does anyone know if these make a difference ,as i have trouble with signal around the house but full signal while outside
http://www.chargerstore.co.uk/Froogle/samsung-dvf-mobile-sig.html
jasext said:
Does anyone know if these make a difference ,as i have trouble with signal around the house but full signal while outside
http://www.chargerstore.co.uk/Froogle/samsung-dvf-mobile-sig.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen those sold for years, but I really don't know if the boost signal. I used 1 once that came with a combo thing I bought on ebay, but didn't have signal problems to begin with.
You could look for signal repeaters that can be purchased that boost signal in the house. Over here in the usa, I know that sprint and at&t have them and you can get them free if you complain about signal strength in your house.
Those "signal boosters" are about as effective as kinoki foot pads and ionic bracelets. I had the same problem when I frist bought my phone. No signal or 1 bar in my bedroom but walk outside the door and I got 2-3 bars. After flashing a new radio I now have full bars everywhere in my house; so that would be my suggestion. If you're nervous about flashing and would rather go with a signal booster than check out THESE ones that apparently work.
Thanks for the reply guys
Faelok said:
Those "signal boosters" are about as effective as kinoki foot pads and ionic bracelets. I had the same problem when I frist bought my phone. No signal or 1 bar in my bedroom but walk outside the door and I got 2-3 bars. After flashing a new radio I now have full bars everywhere in my house; so that would be my suggestion. If you're nervous about flashing and would rather go with a signal booster than check out THESE ones that apparently work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not nervous about flashing a radio just a bit unsure as there seem to be so many to chose from ,are there any specific ones i should be looking at ?
Checked the prices on the signal boosters you mentioned and over here in the uk they are a lot more expensive than in the usa
jasext said:
Thanks for the reply guys
Not nervous about flashing a radio just a bit unsure as there seem to be so many to chose from ,are there any specific ones i should be looking at ?
Checked the prices on the signal boosters you mentioned and over here in the uk they are a lot more expensive than in the usa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the best way is to just test them out. What works for me, might not work for you. Since you have the Euro HD2, I'm pretty sure you can use any of the radios out, .50 and .51 radios.

Possible solution for 3g with GPS ?

I personally own a 3g WCDMA version of zpad, which i believe it is the same as g tablet from hardware aspect. except with more memory and internal 3g card.
i opened up the zpad and found inside is a mini-pci of Ericsson F3307 WCDMA 3g card for the 3G connection. I knew the linux driver F3307 and F3507g (with built-in GPS) share the same driver source code file, It will be nice to have built-in GPS and therefore I decided to give it a try.
I bought a second hand F3507g and plug into the zpad to replace the original F3307. It looks really good at beginning, the cellphone antenna indicator show full signal strength, When I look into wireless & network setting -> Mobile network -> Access Point Name. I was able to see a full list of provider that available, which means it is working. The SMS works, I even received few message while i was play around with F3507g.
Unfortunately, for unknow reason, i wasn't able to get connect with 3G network, I am not a hardware expert, so not exactly sure why APN is available but just can't get connected.
and as for GPS, nothing show in the setting menu to indicate the availability of GPS.
nothing really got work actaully, but it seems if some know system better can get both 3G and GPS work relatively easy!
anyway, for these who want a 3G on their g tablet, Ericsson F3307 maybe a way to go! the 3g WCDMA firmwares are available here in China.
Tony
I belive we are missing the connector for the module which would rquire delicate soldering
insight3fl said:
I belive we are missing the connector for the module which would rquire delicate soldering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The connector is not soldered on, but the soldering isn't that bad since the connector is a through-hole component and the pads are quite large.
That's true, it didn't seems too difficult to solder these. With little patient and some skill, it shall not too difficult to put Ericsson F3307 into the g tablet and get a 3G connection. The 3G firmware is also available in Chinese z-pad forum, and i believe that TNT lite also use 3G firmware.
What really bother me is why F3507g doesn't work in 3G while I was able to receive SMS and get a full list of APN. and I have no idea how to enable the GPS which make this modification all senseless to me.
Tony
ROM
What ROM are you currently running?

*Method to IMPROVE Vibrant reception?

Hi everyone, I've had my Vibrant since mid-December and I love it except I get VERY spotty reception in my house.
I know it's not a carrier issue, as my mom and friends have the same carrier (Wind Mobile) and they seem to have decent/good reception at my place. My reception drops consistently in my main floor and is non-existent in my basement.
I'm running TW Bionix V with KA7.
Is anyone aware of a hardware fix (similar to the GPS fix) that might be do-able and works?
Thanks
Have you tried flashing different modems to see if any of them make a difference?
You may also be experiencing bad reception due to the fact that the antenna is located at the bottom of the phone so our hands block it when we hold the phone in portrait orientation. Why Samsung chose to be it there is beyond me.
I know what u r going thrugh, my 2 brothers have vibrants aswell and for some ****ing reason my vibrant has significantly worss signal then their vibrant. I already tryed opening it and puting an external antenna but it only helps if the antenna is going straight ought of the phone, as soon as I try to close the cover it losses its usfulness.
I've tried different modems in the past.
KA7 so far has been the best, but that isn't saying too much.
I have actually just opened up my phone and located the 2 copper connectors at the bottom right (when my phone is turned back-up). I read in the Correct GPS Fix thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=878970) that these are the cell reception connections.
I put a small piece of rubber underneath the connection and SO far it actually seems to have improved it.
I will report back throughout the day. Typically I lose reception while walking through my house so I'll see if that happens as well.
*Sigh*
I think it may have been a placebo effect. The reception is still dropping off on my phone while in the house.
Doesn't seem like bending the copper connection does very much.
I'd just try different modems. For me, KA6 < KA7 < KA5/JL5 and KB1 has been great for download speeds.
You're holding it wrong! Hold it the correct way (at the top).
Just kidding, but yeah, try different modems. KA5 and KB1 gave me the best reception. Or maybe Tmobile has poor coverage in your area.
Why dont you use wifi calling feature at home. Then you shouldnt have a problem unless you dont have internet at home.
I wish I could use wifi calling!
I'm actually in Canada using Wind Mobile (not T-Mobile), and it doesn't work unless you're on the T-Mobile network/using their SIM if I'm not mistaken.
The coverage in my area is decent (my mom and friends get steady reception, while I do not).
It seems to be specifically for my Vibrant.
I will try changing the modem to maybe KA6 (I can just flash with CW?) and see if that fixes anything.
My phone have a hardware defect when i'm holding the phone on it's bottom left.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
mattchew008 said:
I wish I could use wifi calling!
I'm actually in Canada using Wind Mobile (not T-Mobile), and it doesn't work unless you're on the T-Mobile network/using their SIM if I'm not mistaken.
The coverage in my area is decent (my mom and friends get steady reception, while I do not).
It seems to be specifically for my Vibrant.
I will try changing the modem to maybe KA6 (I can just flash with CW?) and see if that fixes anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say your mom and her friends have great reception, just curious, are they using Smartphone?
Because if they are using feature phone then the phone might be displaying 2g network strength oppose to 3g which your phone by default tries to get on.
PaiPiePia said:
When you say your mom and her friends have great reception, just curious, are they using Smartphone?
Because if they are using feature phone then the phone might be displaying 2g network strength oppose to 3g which your phone by default tries to get on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are on the same network (Wind), my mom is using a Blackberry Pearl 9100 and my friend is using a Moto XT720. Both are set to only use the WCDMA network. So it wouldn't be a problem with them on 2G.
I just find it odd, some people are reporting great reception with the phone, but my reception has been half a$$.
Moved of: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant General
To: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant Q&A
Please put your questions to: Vibrant Q&A
**** I wish I knew what makes my vibrant reception worse then other vibrants. if it is the internal antenna then I might work something out but if it is a defective motherboard then I'll be waisting my time.
nuke777 said:
**** I wish I knew what makes my vibrant reception worse then other vibrants. if it is the internal antenna then I might work something out but if it is a defective motherboard then I'll be waisting my time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have noticed that my reception has improved when I started using a ruber/plastic case... somehow direct contact with my skin affected reception. I have an Otterbox Commuter.
muchelaguito said:
I have noticed that my reception has improved when I started using a ruber/plastic case... somehow direct contact with my skin affected reception. I have an Otterbox Commuter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I have noticed this also with my otterbox. Use to get 1 or 2 bars in parts of my house now i keep 3 or 4.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
The otter box lowers reception? What reception would you get with the back phone cover off?
rangercaptain said:
The otter box lowers reception? What reception would you get with the back phone cover off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, actually, the other way around. I have BETTER reception with the Otterbox, as weird as it may sound.
mattchew008 said:
I wish I could use wifi calling!
I'm actually in Canada using Wind Mobile (not T-Mobile), and it doesn't work unless you're on the T-Mobile network/using their SIM if I'm not mistaken.
The coverage in my area is decent (my mom and friends get steady reception, while I do not).
It seems to be specifically for my Vibrant.
I will try changing the modem to maybe KA6 (I can just flash with CW?) and see if that fixes anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I normally just load the modem into the internal sd card, then reboot into recovery and then install by "choose which to install> select it and say YES
That never has problems sometime CWM can hang it it is a hassle.
Also, there is a patch that allows to use wfi calling doesn't matter that carrier doesn't like it it works........
oka1 said:
Also, there is a patch that allows to use wfi calling doesn't matter that carrier doesn't like it it works........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you happen to know where to get this patch?
I'd love to give it a try, it would definitely make my life much easier

[Q] UK GS2 - rubbish without WIFI

Hi there..
I am generally very happy with my S2, which i purchased from Phones 4 U in England, and is using Vodafone sim.
I am a noob unfortunately, but i do know what Wifi is, and i know that when i am connected to my home wireless network, i can browse online (stock or dolphin browser) use the FB app, and marketplace etc all nice and smooth.
The problem appears to be when i am not connected to a Wifi network, it is usually very very slow do display data, and more often than not, it will say "unable to connect", or "there was a problem".
Also, how important is the fact that i bought in the UK? my phone says..
GT-I9100
2.3.3
I9100xxKE7 (baseband v.)
(kernel v.) 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF3-CL276555 [email protected] #2
Build number GINGERBREAD.XWKF3
It is a great phone apart from when i'm out and about data is rubbish! I am on a £36 a month contract.
Google maps/navigation also slow to find me. maybe cause i'm in the countryside at the start of my journey?
many thanks for any help from geniuses and sorry if this answer is well known/ already there... it's just that many questions seem to relate to korean/US/non UK versions. regards
You mentioned you are in the countryside, chances are the signal is bad it's always usually city's who have the best signal i highly doubt it's anything to do with your SGSII.
ps - i purchased my SGSII in the UK and have never had any major issues with it.
Wow, back to basics eh? Well, the speed of your mobile network depends on the coverage in your area. Generally if you're in the UK countryside, you're probably looking at GPRS, which is painfully slow.
Go to http://www.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone-uk/personal-coverage/ enter your postcode and choose "Internet and email", if it's "Slow speed", that's where your problem lies.
It's not a problem with the Samsung Galaxy S II, or with Android, it's probably a problem with your network operator.
im on the london/kent borders, can only really get 2g in my flat but outside the signal is fine. like others have said it will be because you are in a rubbish signal area, or you have put the phone into 2g only mode. Also you cant compare your wifi speed with normal signal speed. Until we start getting 4g rolled out it will always be slower
well many thanks for quick replies. The vodafone signal map thing states that i have yeah either variable or rubbish signal. I knew this would be the case around here... just well... thought my Galaxy was some kind of nex gen super phone. Just what kind of network do Voda think they're running here man?
Cheers guys
Luckylewie said:
just well... thought my Galaxy was some kind of nex gen super phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is but it cant magic up a signal that isnt there
a ferrari could cost you £200,000 but still needs petrol to run

Mobile network signal issue

So almost after 3 weeks of getting the TS I decided to put in my AT&T SIM. I was reluctant to use that tiny bastard screw driver but I did it anyways. I have noticed that the network signal strength of my watch is almost non-existant. It will get cellphone signal at only certain place. With the same sim card on my phone (Nexus 5), I get good cell reception.
How are others doing in this department? How's the cellphone signal? Is there anything I can do to improve the mobile network signal. Currently I am on stock with Loki's security patch.
I am not sure if this is a hardware issue or software issue. I remember someone opening the TS and checking the antenna. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.
Some information on my TS -
North American 1/8
Stock ROM with Loki's patch.
Ok here is my observation:
I could not get signal inside my office, home and costco
I did get signal once I get out of my office - full signal bars with H+. I made a short trip from office to costco and home and back to office. It was able to get signals when I was driving but in some areas where I used to get 2-3 bars in my phone, TS did not pick at any signal at all. So mobile network signal is working but it is pretty weak compared to my phone.
May be it needs some tune up 
i have the same problem,the signal is low and TS really has a hard time to find one,if its lost
can we do something about this ?
I opened mine just to have a look and found one of the connectors lose, took a bit of fiddling to get it back on but my network signal seems as good as my note3.
I don't know why, but after installing this app.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.misonicon.signalbooster3g4g
The signal works perfectly, I didn't believe in this apps but now I don't know what to say
At least it works
Mobile frequency fluctuates on my end too, made sure APN settings are listed exactly like they say here on the forums, maybe I should change to another GSM 3G SIM card?

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