yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] oremy:
after playing a bit i had again 0 reception ... i cleaned the connectors a bit (grease from fingers) and i gained dramaticly (still the carton mod .. now also some carton behind other the main board and not only antenna, small improvements ...

sometimes i have 8 or 9 sats in view at 20-30 strenght, but none locked, how come, if you see a good signal it should lock, no?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] sdunathan:
Sorry, may not be the right thread, but there's a firmware upgrade that might help a little. Still checking it out here....
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Tyco antenna on the way. Ordered two pair, just for the heck of it (never know when you'll need extra), especially since it seems I could use three of them for all three of my antenna.

Will get back once they're in and I've got some results. Will also be watching for updates from Erusman and the others
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] wgr73:
Thanks for the update. I do believe this is a hardware issue and not a firmware/software issue. :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] HuskerWebhead:
OK, so where the heck does someone find a piece of plastic/cardboard that is 1.5-ish mm thick? Would a piece of a dry screen protector be about the right size?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Skullmonkey:
Lots of people, myself included, are reporting better WiFi. It might be a combination.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ClevaTreva:
Hi

Noob here. Just got my TP. I spoke to the warehouse (I know a guy in the RMA department there who can track it back) who said it came out of the factory a couple of days ago and left China on 2 February). The serial on the box is C1OKAS129***.

No obvious faults that others have described. I have yet to add ICS (will do this weekend). The Wi-fi is WAYYYY better than my acer laptop. I can easily lock into points 200-300 metres away, and I can see loads of access points, that even my workstation can only see the house one and one other. Really strong signals too. Doesn't seem to change if I spin it around so that the back (if it did) doesn't seem to mask the signals. Bluetooth works fine. Inside I can't get a GPS lock, but I can't with my Desire HD nor my Garmin GPSMap62sc either (stone house). Outside it locks to at least 10 birds and about 40 feet, but low signal strength (20-40 ish) on each. Takes about a minute to find them all. It is really hilly where I live though and reception is never great. One funny thing I noted is that the weather widget spells the town name wrong! It uses the medieval name instead. D'oh! as usual it gets the weather wrong as it uses a town 20 miles away and nearly 1000 feet below us.

Really cold right now (-8C), whereas the widget says it is -2C. Time for bed. PS, what is the point of glowball?

Trev
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr108:
Welcome to the Forum!

Sounds like you have a very good Prime. Congratulations. Most of us early adopters have a weaker wi-fi (and poor to no GPS), but overall nice machines.

Never understood the point of Glowball myself. Found Riptide more fun! Anyway, enjoy your new toy!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Chemas:
Is't this (C1) January 2012?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] janaha_:
I went ahead and ordered one of each too.

Will probably get them next week.

Sure hope it works
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Screwedupsmitty:
http://bit.ly/zHMQj9

try the 4th or 5th heading by android police
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ride525:
Yes it is. BB is Nov 2011, BC is December 2011, C1 is January 2012.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] QBall16:
I think you are right about the pogo pins

Nevermind. Didn't look at page length before I hit reply
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Chemas:
so...what is/will be February? C2?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ClevaTreva:
Mine must have been made right at the end of January then, and shipped a couple of days later. Chinese New Year public holidays shut most factories for 5 days from 23 January. Either that or it was made right before the Chinese New Year?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
***Update***

I finally got my Tyco Antenna the other day and tried them out. Unfortunately they did not work out. I soldered them to where pogo pins use to be and tried placing them all over in the tablet. I couldn't get any good WIFI results. The only area I had OK results was where the original WIFI PCB where at. (50% of wifi I am now getting from just some external wire antenna.) I then positioned the Tyco Antenna to the back of the prime. The aluminum back of the prime is the problem. It just block/interferes with everything. Whenever you have something even close to the back of the prime it interferes with it. I got fustrated, but maybe someone will have better results.

***Update***

Ok, after all the mods in last week+ I found a little method that work best for external wire antenna. Its called the "Caprisun straw method." lol.

Whenever you place anything close enough behind or back of prime. The aluminum backplate interferes with the signal. Even with external wires when I tucked them behind the prime the signal would degrade some. So what is the "Caprisun straw method." Well my kids drink alot of Caprisun's from COSTCO. While my 8yr old left an empty one out I had an idea with the straw. (see pic).

I decided to place my wires in the straw. As I pulled the straw up and down my WIFI Increased considerable! Why? because I was getting signal away from that darn aluminum backplate. You can use whatever straw or color you want. But the whole idea is now it is pretty quick and easy to adjust your WIFI range with the straw. When I am done playing with my tablet I simply tuck the straw back behind the tablet in case. GPS you can have a straw on as well and just push it up out of case. (GPS results are amazing with this little fake wifi antenna).
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] snakeybidder:
Ok thats great but I would seriously rather have no gps.......the wire was one thing but a straw hanging out :(
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Sadly yes. That aluminum backplate is the killer for the prime. Especially GPS.

Soon as you pull the signal away from that aluminum backplate you have the best working GPS you have seen in a tablet. I tried the Tyco antenna inside the tablet. Just didn't work. I tried the Tyco antenna taped to the back of the tablet and aluminum backplate kills the signal. Personally I don't care to use GPS in my tablet. I am just playing around to see what the problem is.

My phone is my main GPS device. But, whenever I need GPS in the tablet. I just pull the straw out.

The aluminum backplate was a bad idea by Asus. Thats is why WIFI/GPS is weak in the prime. But, it looks like Asus has learned from their mistakes. The T700 has a plastic strip across the backplate. Exactly where the WIFI/GPS antenna are placed.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tedr108:
I'm officially bummed ... was really hoping the Tycos would work out.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ride525:
Yes, February 2012 would be C2.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Awesome! I just had those antenna shipped :D

Hmmm. I wonder, what about a telescopic antenna? The collapsible kind, get some of the smallest ones you could.

And use those with an internal wire long enough to handle the stretch or just solder to the entire antenna (always ignorant about this stuff) or something? Would look funny, like a modern '90s phone or something lol but that would hit closest to home.

Since the Tyco's are already shipped I'm still going to play around with them. Could I possibly hook up more than one antenna per pogo (or to replace pogo)?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
The Tycos didnt work for me inside the tablet. OR if you place them by that aluminum backplate. Pull them away from the backplate and they work great. That backplate is a MAJOR killer for signals. I wish ASUS didn't have so much crap attached to the backplate. Because I would have used an Exacto blade to cut it off. :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
What do you think about the collapsible antenna idea?

Also, could some kind of antistatic shield or paste or something be placed only between the tablet and antenna to possibly rectify the interference?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Sorry bud. Yes, I dunno you might find an area In the tablet that I didn't. I would say no harm.

Oh I imagine you could put some SMA female WIFI adapters in there. (drill holes and bolt in... probably be pretty solid) Exact same that come out of a router. Then attach yourself some plastic adjustable WIFI antenna. That would be an Extreme mod. You could call your tablet "OPTIMUS PRIME";)

Only reason I did my mod is because my tablet stays in a case. The straws add easy adjustablity for me. Just going to paint them black and well hidden.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Right right, and I understand the simplicity, it works for what you need.

But I operate on wants, as destructive as it is lol so I'll be taking my mod rather far regardless. I'm pretty sure I'm just going to wait, and if they actually release something that looks as decent and works as well (hopefully better launch at least!) then this would become the true SteamPunk FrankenPrime. Maybe even some little little weighted dials that turn when the tablet does, and a window into some previously unexposed pieces of innards *falls over drooling*

Sorry, just dreaming. Time will tell.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
I think the collapsible antenna is an awesome idea! Heck you could have the antenna in a case or in the prime. I think it would work! You know if you never did use that headphone jack that could be your plug for your collapsible antenna.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] snakeybidder:
Ye I know, opened mine and plyed around by looping a wire and your right gps shot through roof.

I personally think the case is shorting something. I know its been mentioned but i feel really uncomfortable feeling the resonance on metal body when plugged in to mains. Feels so wrong.

I have 25 days more with this second prime to go. I will send it back on the last day and wait for the new fixed prime. I feel for people who dont have that option though.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] RipplingHurst:
Not me. Did the update, wifi is still 30% off all my other devices.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
I've only been able to make mine create that resonance once. I never change where my plug is, but one night it just up and started, haven't been able to make it do it since. But I feel the same way, something is absolutely not right about the amount that you can feel coursing through it. In my mind, something surely isn't properly grounded. But my mind is not one knowledgeable of these things...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] opentoe:
Antenna idea...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Right! Only, even less conspicuous. Like, super small, just to keep the end like two inches from the Prime. Should be able to build a little track inside so you don't go poking your screen or anything crazy, nothing too complicated. And I'd imagine it'd still need a rubber grommet or something insulating the base from the ill effects of the back as well.

It'd definitely be on an edge where it can run along bezel, and stick out from drilled holes on the tapered edges so they're not overly obtrusive, and you could sacrifice signal and store them to move the tablet freely about

*EDIT:

And what I'm really hoping is that I can keep the pogopins on there so that the original antenna are also used.

I mean, how many antenna can you kind of daisy-chain together off just those two original connections?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] snakeybidder:
Sign this petition to CEO

Hi people, im sure most of you have crap gps signal and weaker then expected wifi. Im not ranting or raving but please sign this petition, share it with your facebook. They need 5000 and have 2000 already!!

http://www.change.org/petitions/jonn...e-model-tf201#
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] opentoe:
page not found
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
lol, non-working link

And I think most definitely the wrong thread to be throwing it in.

But float that boat baby, whatever keeps it up for ya ;)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] snakeybidder:
this is link sorry, that was my share page link

http://www.change.org/petitions/jon...-fix-or-replace-transformer-prime-model-tf201

---------- Post added at 01:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:01 AM ----------

Sorry,

http://www.change.org/petitions/jon...-fix-or-replace-transformer-prime-model-tf201

---------- Post added at 01:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 AM ----------

Sorry mate try this,

http://www.change.org/petitions/jon...-fix-or-replace-transformer-prime-model-tf201

Take the piss people but this is seriously valid. Take care and read progress. This site wins petitions. Look at their history!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] kemoschwabbie:
Ideas for handling the physics obstacles

I returned my TP today on an RMA to ASUS to see what kind of 'magic' they believe they are going to accomplish. Sounds like basic physics in the electromagnetic arena will prevent simple module updates inside the case from working. I don't believe there is enough room along the edge of the case for a retractable antenna like the replacement antennas for cell phones from a few years ago. I was contemplating running wires through grommets like Erusman did. Then I was thinking of making a couple of flat 'flip up / swing up' antennas that pivot on a rivet set into the backside of the metal case. I would use material that is flexible and non-conductive and wrap the wires around these and then shrinkwrap the wires around the flat blade type swing up antennas. Then when I need them I can just flip them up for usage and down for storage.

The big issue here though is the metal case. If the casing were made of plastic, glass, or some other non-conductive material you could place a parasitic antenna coupling on the outside back of the case-but the TF201 series has that beautiful metal back that will prevent proper propagation of the RF signal. We use parasitic antenna mounts for vehicle radios and they are pretty finicky - even metallic window tint or embedded metal based screening along the glass plane's edging can cause the whole antenna to not work.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
I disagree I think. Especially some of the ultra-compact antenna I've seen over the years, very flexible ones as well in case a little leeway is needed in it's route down into the Prime. The striped part would be mostly or completely drilled out, with I guess some kind of insulating paint or paste, don't think I'll find a grommet to do the job.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] scooper:
Lucky you. Mine is also C1 but got Wi-Fi and GPS problem like some others. Wi-Fi got much weaker than other devices the more I move away from the router. GPS is almost non-existent. I think it's just hit and miss as well.

Other than that, everything worked fine. No other issue.

---------- Post added at 12:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 AM ----------

I see posts about the case being the problem and shouldn't have the back facing the router, or else Wi-Fi would be worse. Mine is total opposite. Been testing for some time and I can tell you that I always get about 2Mbps more consistently with the back facing the router E3000 directly than with the front for download speed. Download and upload speeds are always much better. Same places, just flip over to test both sides.

Just to throw it out there.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jcw1234:
9.4.2.13 update is available

ASUS just released a firmware update, 9.4.2.13. It bumps up the wifi and bluetooth driver versions.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jupppo:
Yes, but aside from a different version number, no one really observed a change in reception quality.

---------- Post added at 01:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:01 PM ----------

But I also have a different problem. While experimenting with antenna configurations for wifi, my croc clip with cable and antenna fell down and cut the pogo loose and teared down the wire from the PCB :eek:

I have now two options, I either solder the (new) antenna (whatever it will be) directly to the solderpoint next to the little capacitor or I get and male MMCX and hope that the test point works as an antenna.

Given the trickyness on soldering something directly on a multiylayer board, I put my bets on that little connector.

If there is any other advice I would be happy to hear it ;)

J.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] e.mote:
>I don't believe there is enough room along the edge of the case for a retractable antenna

Why not use a stubby antenna?

http://google.com/search?q=2.4+ghz+stubby+antenna

http://www.saelig.com/ANT24/ANT003.htm

BT-Stubby 2.4GHz with Right Angled SMA Male Connector (FBTS35024-SM-RA) $4.78

http://www.saelig.com/ANT24/ANT002.htm

BT-Stubby 2.4GHz with Straight Male Connector (FBTS35024-SM-ST) $3.82
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] snakeybidder:
You would hear me howling to sleep everynight if i had to have one of these sticking out this streamlined device.

To be honest my primes perfect at the moment even with out newest update. Only thing suffering is gps which even though i wouldnt ever navigate or really even use it, it still bothers me every day.....
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] aznmode:
Whoa...Good job bro. I've taken apart lots of phones and a few tablets but this one scared me so I never tried it. Specially when someone mentioned glue and heat gun?!?!? Once I see your how to I'm gonna go at it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
You know it..lol. I'm ready to rub this info in alot of peoples faces up here that swear up n down backplate is the sole or major cause of wireless issues. :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] micaman:
You Sir are my HERO!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
Might be a good idea to change title of thread to something like Prime Cracked open and testing. Or something like that. Sure to Grab alot of attention.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] aznmode:
How bout a sticky!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nattylite:
]

Agreed. Your THANKS meter is about to blow up.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 1SiK1500:
Subscribed for updates:D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mrokeefe:
Damn...this thread has progressed very well!

Modded by MBOK
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ride525:
This IS exciting news...

Thanks,

and keep us posted...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pyro6128:
Pretty badass. If the pins end up being the real problem I may need to brush up on my soldering skills
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] thomslik:
Without pictures it didn't happen! We had a guy in December claim he "removed the back" and proved that was the problem to the Asus engineers! He claimed GPS worked great with the back off. He just forgot to take pictures and after seeing other teardowns, we all know it was BS.

Please make believers out of us!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dagrim1:
And apart from disassembling, is it simple to assemble again? I mean... is it still solid without the glue and after being taken apart and then put back together again? :P

But yeah, pics would be great!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Thanks guys. Its been awhile since i even played with electronics. Was a

hobby when i was a kid. Now that I am 38 mostly its all about work and

taking care of kids. I pulled out my old box of gadgets. Going to have to

make run to radioshack here later. I need solder and some alligator clips.

All i know is the pogo connection to the front antenna suck! what a crap

design. I imagine mine wasn't even making contact. I did speedtest with

bare pogos. Normal tablets I have get 32mbs and 5mbs in my house.

This thing had 1.2mbs and 500k in speedtest with bare pogos. Sounds

alot like the pogos never making contact is why people are getting crap

wifi.

Touching pogo wifi with wire I had 32mb and 5mbs in speedtest.

Touching pogo gps with wire I had amazing gps in 5 seconds.

Now its all about what to do as mod. Concept in my mind atm is drill

hole through back of prime to meet pogos. Solder on some antenna.

My prime is always in leather case so that would be cool.

Or play around and solder connection to factory wifi antenna. Bypass the

pogos. (this of course would test theory if aluminum back is what interferes

with gps.)

Wow playing around with electronics has SPARKED the kid back in me. lol
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ilostmypistons:
Wow if this guy can figure out how to fix the Primes wifi and GPS on his kitchen table WTF are the repair shops doing when people send them in to be fixed. :confused:

Keep up the good work Erusman we are all counting on you:D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
I know exactly who you talking about..lmfao won't say no names though. Plus I never believed him in the first place. He told too many tall tales. This guy seems believable though. I have faith in this thread. Pictures, videos, several tests will be greatly appreciated by everyone. Maybe even send this to Asus to show them what they need to do..lol.

This will be the biggest Prime news once done and things are confirmed. I'm sure several tech sites would pick this up on a heartbeat. Then op will get calls from Asus engineers asking for tips..lol. this is all crazy! Very anxious for pix, vids, n results. Plus a how to video would be golden. He could even make money and mod others's Primes if he wanted.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] killermojo:
You need to post a picture
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ilostmypistons:
Yup this could be real bad for Asus

I cant even image how big your grin will be if the pogos turn out to be the weak link.... I hope your pogo theory is correct and Asus can rectify the WiFi/GPS problems.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] micaman:
Screw the solder... at least give us a teaser photo to wet our lips.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
I would think if you soldered the connections bypassing the pogo pins, you would be able to keep the aesthetic look n quality of original device. It won't even look modded. Especially if it pulls those results you saw when you tapped the connections.

As far as test theory, if you do that n close prime up to test and it still gets poor results then we know its backplate. But you already kind of disapproved backplate theory when you said you had device cracked open n still was pulling same results as before. By it being cracked open, that should've gave signals more than enough of a window to perform better.

Anyways I'm more concerned for an ultimate solution for everyone. Especially for those who GPS iS very important to and those that might be experiencing weak wifi. This would definitely extend our wifi range which ever route you go. I'm curious as to how you would do an external antennae. With that, you trying to pick up your home signal from several football fields or yards away..lol. wonder how it would perform with a router antennae attached like on my netgear router. did you mean more of a straight wire antennae or plastic or rubber one like on routers or something?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] flub:
No to truely test back plate theory pogo pins need bypassing & prime closed up , because if my understanding of teardown pics corrrect once cracked open you are breaking contacts with pogo pins/antenna. So getting same signal with prime open ( contacts to antenna broken) then it could be argued that it proves just as much that back of case is indeed the problem