Hey, Thank You for sharing Your knowledge and experiences! I like wild ideas

You can be sure that I'll make use of those connectors. I can't guarantee success of my approach, but I'll surely check what can be done. Even with FM TX - it's antenna connector seems surprisingly reachable.

As for backcover modification, it' already started - check my signature. I've already implemented fully functional camera lens cover, now I'm working on including standard tripod mount (the main problem is space limitation, cause I use self-made dual-scud battery), stand "leg", and other ideas

As for attaching digital compass to N900, one guy already successfully connected one via Arduino and bluetooth, but of course, i2c approach is much more sane.

For sure I won't attach tv-style antenna - i prefer modularity via connectors. The craziest idea - not requiring mugen cover - would be to attach every antenna test connector to jack, and use such plugs to attach every antenna - one existing port, to connect them all (but not at once ). Ho ever, with dedicated "bulkhead" connectors, there is more chance for less gain loss and more noise reduction - I prefer that, while also I don't main another connector in my (Mugen) backcover.

What wonder me now, is point, where the antenna connectors actually connect = do we need to apply own impedance correction - after external antenna, but before N900 internal connector -, or not, cause impedance correction is still ahead of connector. Even if so, our antenna will most likely have different impedance, so to not loose almost all gain, we may need to perform impedance matching, anyway. Maybe "they" already standardized expected cable impedance (it's logical, that micro connector will join antenna via cable), to 75 OHM. Worth checking and determining - if not available in schematics - via experimenting.

Thanks again for photos and interesting info, about "struggle"

Hi,
I got an external Wlan antenna now on my N900. I will post a how to if someone is interested. Got a SMA connector now, so you can connect any antenna you want. This is also possible for GPS, for 3G i'm not sure, have to read about it.
Regards Marc

photos and tutorials ar e welcome and does it help with extending coverage.

How did you check the return loss of the combination of the connector and the strip line antenna?
Did you calculate the matching pads of it with spice or something or actually tune it while measuring the SWR?

Estel

Did you manage to attach the RP-SMA external antenna, if so did it boost the signal much?

I have a motorhome and will find this very usefull if it works.

however i have noticed that a simple signal booster and reamplification boxes are available for £60 which is powered and should increase signals.

Regards,

Garvin Timmann

So here are the first pics. But i have to say this N900 is just for testing mods, because it doesn't read SIM-cards any more. So i took the place from the audio jack for the SMA connector. Should be possible to find another place, i just wanted to know if it is possible. But there is not much place left in the housing. I now have better coverage, signal strenght etc. It depends on what antenna you use. But with a SMA connector on your phone you have many options, like a car roof antenna for GPS and Wlan for better signal. I orderd one and will test it out. I work a lot, but i will try to answer all your questions and post more photos if you want.

Yes, more photos, vey close ones from different angles and how did it really end. How much longer reach does it have with wifi? If you are still around.

Woops! Made here a post ment as PM. That's why deleted.